Valloire ski resort, situated at the border of the northern and southern Alps, near to the Vanoise and Ecrins national parks, is the largest in the Maurienne Valley. Valloire stemmed from a small farming community of the 1930s, and is now an internationally recognised ski and snowboard resort.

A traditional Alpine village oozing plenty of rustic charm, Valloire is one of the more reasonably priced resort villages and is very friendly. There are dozens of shops in every category, as well as five kindergartens for small children, and the Adventure Park for energetic teenagers.

Accommodation ranges from top hotels and traditional chalets to more affordable apartments, and there are thousands of beds available. Non-ski activities are numerous and there is a good choice of restaurants and a selection of bars and discos for a lively, but not excessive, après-ski.

There is 150kms of superb ski and snowboard terrain at Valloire ski resort, stretching across 78 pistes in three areas: Le Sétaz, Le Crey du Quart and Valmeinier. Thirty-four lifts have an hourly capacity for 39,000 people and serve all pistes over a 1,170m vertical. Some challenging off-piste is also available for thrill-seekers.

For alternative skiing and snowboarding, the Three Valleys ski region is just north of Valloire and has hundreds of kilometres of pistes over some fantastic terrain, featuring the likes of Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Meribel and Courchevel resorts.

The ski season at Valloire ski resort runs from November to April, with cheap rates offered until mid-December and towards the end of the season. The most convenient means for getting here is to fly to Geneva or Lyon and hire a car or take the Skibus.