Valmeinier

The resort stands at between 1500m-1800m and there is a total of 30 lifts. There are 22% green runs, 31% blue, 36% red and 10% black. Overall this resort is pretty snow sure but there are also 400 snow cannons just in case. Valmeinier shares the larger GalibierThabor ski area with neighbouring Valloire. GalibierThabor provides 150km pistes divided into 85 runs over an altitude range of 1500m – 2600m.

Almost half of the ski area is designated as easy, so there is plenty of terrain for beginners to get some practice. The ski schools cover all three levels of the area and so this ensures the slopes do not get too busy.

With 150km of pistes, most of which are blues and reds, there is a lot to keep the intermediate skier more than happy. And if you still want more after a long day on the slopes, you can get your fix with night skiing, although this is mainly available in holiday periods.

This ski area has never claimed to be the ideal destination for advanced skiers, however there is still plenty to do both on and off piste. There are a total of nine black runs and a considerable amount of lift-served off-piste, especially on the Valmeinier side. Off-pistes routes tend not to get tracked-out as quickly as in better-known resorts and therefore sometimes you can often get first tracks if you're lucky with the conditions.

The snowpark is in the Crey du Quart sector of the Valloire side of the ski area. The park is professionally groomed every day and features a half pipe and boarder cross rails and big air jumps. Throughout the year other features are installed to keep the crowds feeling challenged.

Cross-country skiers might be disappointed to discover that there are no cross country tracks in Valmeinier, however there is a small circuit in neighbouring Valloire, which is a 20 minute drive or ski away!

If you need some downtime away from the slopes, this resort offers a range of activities. Choose from sledging, ice skating and dog sledding. The resort also takes snowshoeing seriously. There are a number of guided walks which all the family can enjoy. There are even some gourmet snowshoeing tours with the walk ending up at a fabulous restaurant for dinner.

And if you are in search of something away from the snow, the resort offers bowling, a cinema and for the more adventurous, paragliding. Whilst the resort lacks a public spa, Madame Vacances Residence Le Vermont has its own sauna and Jacuzzi and there are a couple of establishments offering beauty treatments and massages.

As you would expect from any ski resort, there are a whole range of ski shops situated in the village. There are a few souvenir and gift shops and a hairdressers. Other than that there is no major shopping to be done, although you will find a good supply of grocery stores which sell a wide range of local products.

When it comes to eating out, you certainly won't be limited. The resort has plenty of eateries to choose from, from local specialities to pizzerias and even a pub. Le Brezain Restaurant is a popular choice for those in the know, serving traditional French food. CreperieValtudy is popular for snacks and there are several pizzerias offering a range of reasonably priced dishes.

If you feel a little peckish while you are mountainside, there are three restaurants perfectly located on the Valmienier slopes to combat rumbling tummies. L'Amera is located at 1750m, climbing a little higher you will find Le Cros Crey and Le Panoramic. The latter is aptly named, offering amazing views over the whole resort and ski area. The restaurants are fairly low key, providing self-service meals. However our favourite mountain restaurant is over on the Valloire side, a traditional chalet just off the Selles pistes serving savoyarde specialities and popular amongst the locals.

This resort is not the ideal place for the 24 hour party people, but the tourist office provides information on good family entertainment with many live shows. For drinks and a livelier atmosphere try the No Comment Pub or head to the nightclub, Brasilia.

The season in Valmeinier starts in mid-December and goes right through to mid-April.

Typically a six day pass for adults starts at 190 euros and 161 euros for a child. Unlike other resorts, senior citizens do not go free until age 74, and a six day pass costs 161 euros. Book your lift pass with Madame Vacances to get your exclusive 5% discount.

As mentioned earlier, there are a vast number of ski shops in this resort and so access to ski equipment is easy. Book in advance with Madame Vacances and get an exclusive 30% discount.

The French National Ski School, the ESF provides instruction to people of all ages and ability. The online booking system takes reservations up to 10 days before you want your lessons to commence.

The skiing in the area is ideal for children, as the gentle pistes give them a good place to start. The entertainment will appeal to the younger members of the audience with clowns, juggling and torch-lit parades through the snow.

Children aged between 3 months to 10 years old can be taken care of at the Garderie La Galipette. At the age of 3 your child can also combine this care with ski lessons and at 10 years old they can start to snowboard.

It is advisable to pre-book all childcare before arriving in the resort, particularly in the busier periods.

If you decide to drive to the area, it would be advisable to take snow chains with you and keep a close eye on the forecast before you leave. Outdoor parking is relatively easy and best of all it is free. Indoor parking is advisable, to avoid a frozen car but comes at a cost.