Galibier-Thabor Ski Resort France
A massive, interlinked skiing domain, Galibier Thabor ski resort may be better known to most by its previous individual names - Valloire & Valmeinier. It should be known for the quality & diversity of its ski & snowboard terrain. Spanning three major peaks & with a backdrop of the 3,200m+ peaks of Le Grand Galibier & Pic du Thabor (hence the seemingly odd resort name!), the resort holds something for anyone in typical massive, integrated French style.
Skiing & Snowboarding, Lift & Terrain
The Galibier Thabor skiing & snowboarding terrain is expansive. Over 160km of trails, 30 lifts and 1,320m of skiable vertical on predominantly north-aspect slopes is not to be sneezed at! With 90% of the ski trails rated beginner or intermediate, the resort is a paradise for lovers of groomed cruisers. For powder hounds, access to off-piste steeps & backcountry is excellent as well.
Check out the ski trail map for Galibier Thabor (Valmeinier-Valloire) below.
The lift system is continually improving, adding capacity & modernity. The latest is the new Sétaz 10-seater gondola out of Valloire that replaces a 40-year-old 6-seater gondola of the same name. For season 25/26, the old Grand Plateau J-bar, an important access for long, advanced 750m vertical runs, will be replaced by a fixed grip quad chair.
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Where is Galibier Thabor France?
The Galibier Thabor ski resort is on the south side of the Maurienne valley in the Savoie region of the French Alps, 84km south of Albertville and 133km west of Turin Italy.
Best international gateway airports are Lyon (LYS) or Milan Malpensa (MXP), with Turin (TRN) the best for travellers from the UK or Europe.
Public transport to the resort is excellent. Below the ski area, the village of Saint-Michel-Valloire has a railway station served by TGV high speed trains on the Paris-Lyon-Turin-Milan line, making the train the recommended mode of travel to the region. Regular buses head to both base villages on the M8 line. Alternatively, a private transfer from the train station to your accommodation will be relatively inexpensive & more comfortable than a bus.
Search & book here for train tickets to St Michel Valloire. Get bus tickets from the driver.
Driving to Valmeinier or Valloire in a rental car can be incredibly quick when compared to other French ski resorts, but that speed will come at a price. The motorways leading to St Michel-Valloire from both France & Italy are all tolled. From Italy, the Fréjus tunnel at the French border costs around the price of a full day ski lift pass one way; so day-trips to the region from Bardonecchia or the Via Lattea are generally out of the question!
Galibier Thabor Accommodation
Accommodation in the region can be off the mountain in the various Maurienne valley towns, or more appropriately, in either the purpose-built resort village of Valmeinier or the more traditional village of Valloire. A plethora of apartments & a few hotels are available, many ski-in ski-out (particularly in Valmeinier. Both villages are tasteful and avoid the worst excesses of French Alps resort development so prominent in some other ski areas. Either makes a great base to explore the mountains, with a nod to Valmeinier for its ski-in ski-out convenience and quick access to the highest parts of the terrain.
Search & book here for all Galibier Thabor ski accommodation.
Ski Rentals & Equipment
Ski rentals are available throughout the Galibier Thabor villages of Valmeinier & Valloire via our local partners. Receive a discount when you search & book via our Galibier Thabor Ski & Snowboard Rental page.
Nearby Resorts
For anyone visiting the Maurienne valley during winter, we recommend visiting the many Haute Maurienne ski resorts, including Valfréjus, La Norma, Aussois, Val Cenis & Bonneval-sur-Arc. Whilst smaller than Galibier-Thabor, you won’t be disappointed! Nearby Orelle provides superb access to the high altitude and snow-sure Val Thorens & the fabulous 3 Vallees - a place everyone should experience at least once, if not more.
Review
The Powderhounds will review Galibier Thabor next season. More information will come after our visit. Stay tuned for our sparkling repartee, new photos & insights.
See how the French ski resorts compare on the France ski resort ratings page or compare to the rest of Europe on the European ski resort ratings page.
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