Valmeinier offers two distinct focuses for planning a trip: winter sports in the Galibier Thabor ski area and hiking in the mountain landscape of Mont Thabor. There is also a pilgrimage site, the village setting of Valmeinier Villages, and summer activities centred on bread, cheese and beer. Which of these you combine depends on whether slopes, multi-day hikes, or culture and food are the main focus of your stay.
Valmeinier at Two Elevations
The resort stretches across two elevations. Valmeinier Villages is at 1,500 m and has an authentic character; Valmeinier 1800 is known for its mountain experience. This distinction can help you find your bearings when planning your trip.
Winter Sports in the Galibier Thabor Ski Area
The Galibier Thabor ski area stretches from Valmeinier to the neighbouring resort of Valloire. It comprises 160 km of pistes and 90 runs. The area also includes a modular snowpark, a ski-cross course, the VALKID area and several Easyparks. Piste and lift information may change from one season to the next, so check the latest details for your travel dates.
Hiking and Nature Around Mont Thabor
From Valmeinier, Mont Thabor can be reached on day hikes or multi-day hikes with overnight stops. Valmeinier also has marked hiking trails that take you through protected, wild natural landscapes, either independently or with a guide. When planning, consider whether you have a single day’s hiking or a route with several stages in mind. Routes and conditions may change and depend on the season.
Mont Thabor is a Natura 2000 site with around 30 lakes at elevations above 2,000 m. Marmots, chamois and ibex live in its protected mountain landscape, but sightings are not guaranteed. Nature watching and choosing a suitable type of hike are different aspects of planning your trip.
Pilgrimage and Village Setting
The Chapelle du Mont Thabor, also called Chapelle Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs, is at an elevation of 3,164 m, about 100 m from the 3,178 m summit of Mont Thabor. It is a pilgrimage site where several pilgrimages are organised each summer. High up on Mont Thabor, the chapel is close to the summit.
In Valmeinier Villages, narrow streets and typical adjoining houses shape the village setting. The houses are built from stone from the valley and have very thick walls. This gives the village a different character from the mountain experience associated with Valmeinier 1800.
Summer Activities and Local Products
In summer, the association for the preservation and promotion of Valmeinier’s heritage works with the tourist office on bread-making workshops and Côques tastings as part of the “Montagnards” activities. These offer a look at local heritage alongside a culinary experience.
During free visits to La Ferme du Mont Thabor, you can watch the goats being milked. The programme also includes goat’s cheese tastings and the option to take cheese home. Visits may be seasonal; check the current arrangements before your visit.
The La Gwape microbrewery is located at Grand Panorama 2 and runs a bar open to the public. Its beers are made with spring water from Valmeinier. The four recipes are blonde (Mountain Pale-Ale), blanche (American wheat beer), ambrée (Amber Atale) and India Pale-ale (bitter beer); recipes may change. Check the bar’s current opening hours before visiting.
Getting There from the North
From the north, take the A43 to exit 29 near Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, then continue for 12 km on a departmental road. As road conditions vary seasonally, check the route for your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Aillon-Le-Jeune, Tresserve, Saint-Christophe, Ugine, Saint-Paul, Le Pré, Bourdeau, Épersy
For the broader travel overview: Savoie.
