Help solve this mystery
Valloire seems to have everything a British holiday skier or snowboarder could want. So, asks Editor FRANK BALDWIN, why is it not that well known?
The expression ‘hidden gem’ can often be overused when it comes to ski areas. It seems to cover every resort that does not appear in the mainstream holiday brochures.
But the reason not many people from the UK go to these places is because these ‘hidden gems’ are usually quite small with a limited lift system.
There’s nothing wrong with this of course. In fact, at the Skier & Snowboarder magazine, we love trying out these smaller ski areas and they usually all have their own individual charm, but the size of the area will only keep you interested for one or two days at best.
The same cannot be said of Valloire Galibier in the Maureanne Valley. If you are having trouble placing the location, think of a line between Grenoble to the west and Turin to the east and you’ll find it just left of off centre along this line.
CHUTE ON SIGHT: Some of the couloirs for those who fancy a bit of challenging off piste in the Valloire/Valmeinier area
Valloire is linked with the neighbouring resort of Valmeinier and between them they offer 150km of piste – plus plenty of off piste – all served by a modern lift system. A six-day lift pass will set you back around £145 making it one of the most reasonable around.
It really is a mystery why this area is not better known to the UK market as it so well suited to British skiers and snowboarders. It started developing into a ski area in the mid 1930s when the Le Ski club de Paris chose it as a destination for the first time.
In those days skiers would skin up the mountain but within two years of the club’s arrival the first lift was put and in the next decade another four had been added.
Today here are more than 30 lifts and as well as the extensive skiing, Valloire has plenty going for it. It is a traditional and historic Savoie village, the slopes offer stunning views, and there are loads of great on and off mountain bars and restaurants. It has an ice skating rink, a bowling alley and a full winter calendar of interesting events such as the annual ice and snow sculpting contests when entrants from all over the world create gigantic pieces of art.
And if that wasn’t enough, Valloire has its own brewery run by former French junior snowboarding champion Brice Le Guennec where you can enjoy a variety of beers and wines.
FACE TO FACE: Former snowboarding champ Brice Le Guennec (left) can serve you up some great drinks at the Galibier brewery
It is less than an hour and a half transfer from Chambery airport or a ski drive will take you about nine hours from Calais.
There are several comfortable hotels and chalets plus loads of high quality self-catering ski apartments to rent which are tucked away in hamlets around the main village.
A handful of British tour operators have already discovered the attractions of Valloire and include the ski area in their brochures and we asked a couple of them what they think of the place.
Francesca Williams from Peak Retreats said: “Peak Retreats has featured Valloire for over 10 years. The ski resort is a genuine, traditional, French mountain village, which benefits from sharing a very decent sized ski area with Valmeinier.
“Skiers have 150km of slopes to explore, of which 70 % are above 2,000m. Pistes are snow-sure thanks to the high altitude but there are still over 400 snow cannons.
GIANT ART: Some of the entries in Valloire’s International snow sculpture contest which has been going for more than 30 years
“The village combines charm with excellent skiing and plenty of options for après-ski, our clients really love it.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Jane Bolton, managing director of Erna Low. She said: “Valloire is one of those special places that many of our clients love but so many people have never even heard of.
“It actually has a very good snow record but this has not stopped them investing heavily in snow making over the years.
“We think this is a great choice for families as it is a bit off the beaten track, and a very traditional, pretty resort.”
One of the main complaints about larger better known ski areas is the cost of eating and drinking in the resort and on the mountain. But in Valloire prices for lunch, après ski, or a night out are refreshingly reasonable.
So, we are pleased to award Valloire the correct title of ‘hidden gem’ but one that really should be shared with a larger audience.
TRAVEL FACTS
NEEDLE POINT: L’Aiguille Noire (The Black Needle), seen here in the distance, is part of the Massif des Cerces. It is one of the landmark mountains in the area
Frank Baldwin travelled to Valloire in the French Alps as guests of the Valloire Tourist Office.
British companies that offer Valloire include Erna Low, LaGrange UK, Mainstage Travel, Peak Retreats, Zenith Holidays, and Skiline.
In most cases you will have to arrange your own flights and transfers.
For more information and to book lift passes and ski school visit www.resavalloire.net where a variety of discounts and offers are available.
- Lift Pass: 6 day pass in Valloire area from €190 per adult (€161.50 per child 5-12yrs)
- Ski equipment hire (skis, poles, boots): 6 days from €85 per adult (€45.50 per child)
- Ski School: 6 mornings €126 per person; 6 days (morning/afternoon) €190 per person
Access to Valloire:
Fly/drive: Chambéry 1¼ hrs, Grenoble 1½ hrs, Lyon 2 hrs, Geneva 2¼ hrs.
Direct transfers to/from Chambéry and Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airports: www.altibus.com
Train: St Michel Valloire (17km): 7 hrs 20 mins from London via Paris (two changes); 8hrs 20 mins via Lille (two changes).
For connecting bus transfers see www.valloire.net (€12.30 each way)
Categories: France