Valmeinier - village

Despite initial impressions, this place has history – originally a farming community, the present-day name derives from ‘Val Minier’, a reference to the anthracite, copper and lead mining which went on here from the 17th century until the 1920s. The ski area was born in 1973, when the Armera lift opened, to provide a link to the newly-operational Crey du Quart ski terrain (and Valloire) from the present Valmeinier 1500 village. Not surprisingly, it remains the most traditional-looking of the developments (with a real village at its heart), and has probably the best range of services, not least since it also encompasses around twenty hamlets, some of them tiny. There’s a tourist office, two chairlifts (across the valley or up the mountain) and you can ski back via a choice of red or green pistes.

Valmeinier 1800, on the other hand, brings an attractive chalet theme to a high-altitude, purpose-built development of tourism residences. The village itself has a youthful spirit, with much of the architecture sporting bright pastel colours, creating a welcoming, upbeat vibe. Just below the village is a debutante area, just above it a slalom piste and three chairlifts (two of them high-speed) are close at hand. You can also ski in via blue or green pistes.

Between the two villages is La Saussette, home to a development of smaller chalet-style apartments known as Le Grand Panorama. Alongside it is a debutante area, and it’s effectively ski-in/ski-out, thanks to the Epilobes green piste from the 1800 village passing through the heart of the developement (and on down to the 1500 village).

Accommodation

Developed from the mid 1980’s onwards, Valmeinier 1800 is a purpose-built village offering a range of self-catering apartments in residences arranged around the foot of the slopes, local shops and restaurants. Most recent developments are situated at opposite ends of Valmeinier. The 4-star Le Vermont has panoramic views from its situation on the outer edge of Valmeinier 1800 and is just 50m from the slopes. In the Quartier de la Saussette, the 3-star Le Grand Panorama II is built in traditional chalet style with stone and timber facades. It’s a little way out of the main village so guests will need to use the free shuttle bus but the skiing is also just 50m from the residence. 

Specialist ski company Ski Collection offers accommodation-only or self-drive packages  in Le Vermont and Le Grand Panorama II, plus Le Thabor and Les Hauts de Valmeinier, also in Valmeinier 1800. Independent travellers can book direct at the family-friendly Le Thabor through Pierre & Vacances or at Le Grand Panorama II with Privilege Hotels & Resorts. Alternatively, you can book through Valmeinier’s central reservation system, where you can choose from a list of privately-owned apartments, both in Valmeinier 1800 and 1500.

The Chalets de l’Arméra situated between Valloire and Valmeinier, offer basic gite accommodation (not accessible by car) in a privileged mid-mountain position.

Valmeinier 1500 is an authentic mountain village retaining much of its original character and architecture. Quieter than 1800, the village enjoys magnificent views over the surrounding peaks. Apartment accommodation here is contained in two holiday “villages” popular with French families on a budget, and where virtually everything you need is on-site, with bar and restaurant, pool, spa, games etc. The Village Club des Angeliers is run by Renouveau Vacances. The village club Ternélia La Lauza is situated right next to the l’Améra chairlift. Mainly aimed at families, there are plenty of on-site activities, with options to join guided excursions.

Valmeinier 1800 is the better choice if you prefer doorstep skiing and a largely traffic-free village. Restaurants, bars and entertainment are all within walking distance from accommodation. A free ski-bus circulates in and around the villages.

Ski/snowboard equipment hire

Valmeinier Sport has shops in Valmeinier 1500 and 1800, with various hire packages suited to your ability. Otherwise, the French chains are well represented throughout Valmeinier 1800 with six SkiSet shops, a Twinner shop at the top of the village, an Intersport and two Sport 2000 shops at Jacky Sports 1500 near the Roi chairlift and at the foot of the pistes in 1800. Most are located adjacent to residences for the convenience of guests, so check which outlet is nearest to you. All offer pre-booking online, which will generally save you money.

Non-ski activities

Valmeinier offers a range of activities to suit all ages and fitness levels. Snowshoe walks led by qualified and knowledgeable guides offer walkers unforgettable experiences, exploring the mountain in harmony with nature. Aaland Nature runs half day outings or night walks, costing from 25€ with a taste of local Génépi to keep you warm. Les Randos des Bouzandoc offers a friendly, fun approach with group outings for all ages. If you’d rather discover the mountain independently, there are three lifts which can carry pedestrians, with way-marked trails to follow. 

If you’ve always wanted to be in charge of a team of huskies now’s your chance. Run Arctic (+33 6 19 52 11 19 ) will teach would-be mushers how to control the sled and give commands to the dogs.

For more adventurous activities, there’s speed-riding, paragliding, microlite rides, ice-skating, or for down-to-earth fun, the hilarious snakegliss (a kind of linked string of toboggans).

Guided visits are available to discover more about the local heritage such as the local church, farm visits, local artisans, and a little further afield, Baroque art and the Maurienne forts.

In the evenings there are various events and activities, seasonal parties, treasure hunts, torchlight descents and so on. There are two cinemas at Valmeinier 1800 screening different films daily, plus a bowling alley. For further relaxation, the residences offer well-being and beauty treatments, sauna, hammam and Jacuzzis.  

Childcare

There are childcare facilities for children from 3 months to 9 years. For under-3s the Galipette I nursery is equipped with both play and sleeping areas, plus a protected outdoor space. Located in the Roche Malotte sector in Valmeinier 1800, prices start at €51 per half day (meal included).
Based at the central Maison de Valmeinier, Galipette II takes children from 3-9 years and offers Kid’s Club sessions, with outdoor activities combined with indoor play and entertainment. For children who are learning to ski you can purchase an all-inclusive nursery/ski lesson/ski pass package for over-5s. For more details, and to book online, visit the resort website.

The ESF ski school runs  Piou-Piou nursery classes for children from 3-5 years of age, with fun activities within the “jardins des neiges” (two at 1800; one at 1500) designed to get children accustomed to being on skis. There are also group classes for 6-12 years, teens, and snowboarding for children from 8 years upwards. Book in advance on the ESF website.