Introducing Valmeinier! Our Newest French Ski Resort
Read all about the newest ski resort in the Energy Travel lineup - Valmeinier!
Here at Energy Travel we’re always searching for new and exciting resorts for our groups to enjoy on their school ski trips, and we have an excellent new addition to our roster for the 2026/27 season!
Introducing Valmeinier; where students can explore an expansive ski area with snowsure slopes and super-convenient accommodation! Read on to find out more…
The Slopes
Valmeinier combines with neighbouring Valloire, another Energy Travel favourite, to offer 160km of varied ski runs, ranging from 1,430m to 2,750m altitude, known as the Galibier Thabor ski area. From winding tree-lined adventures on the lower slopes to a range of high altitude runs with expansive views of the French Alps and the area’s namesake, Mont Thabor.
The stats paint a exciting picture, but does Valmeinier work for school ski trips? We certainly think so! Our groups will stay in Valmeinier 1800, which has multiple nursery slopes for absolute beginners to find their snow legs, and a series of steady green & blue runs allowing beginners to quickly progress up the mountain and return to the resort on suitable slopes. For those with a few more kilometres in the legs, Valmeinier itself has a network of blue & red runs at all altitudes to explore, including a 12km long monster run stretching all the way from the top of the mountain back to the resort.
We also recommend that advanced skiers get out and explore neighbouring Valloire, accessable via a choice of blue & red runs, a ski away day into Valloire makes for a memorable day out exploring new runs, where we can arrange a hot lunch on the slopes to maximise time on the slopes.
The Town
Though it dates all the way back to the 12th century, Valmeinier's agricultural past is a far cry from the modern day ski resort. The town grew through the 18th century into a mining hub for slate and anthracite, and this is when the town’s buildings developed their characterful appearance through the use of local materials.
Fast forward to the 1970s, when the local authorities realised that the area would make an excellent winter resort. Many of the original buildings were transformed into hotels and gites, and ski slopes were built over the next 2 decades, including the links to neighbouring Valloire.
These days, Valmeinier boasts a combination of traditional buildings and modern constructions, all with a view of offering convenient access to world class ski slopes. Groups can explore the historic village of stone houses and slate roofs.
We like to host groups in Valmeinier 1800, taking advantage of the higher altitude & snow surety and fantastic provisions for beginners.
Getting There
A blessing of skiing in the French Alps is the convenience of travel; groups travelling by coach will have a shorter drive to resort than to many other European resorts, with the drive from Calais taking 12 hours by coach, including breaks.
If you’re flying, there are multiple airports to choose from, with major airlines flying into Chambery (1.5 hour transfer) Lyon and Grenoble (2.5 hour transfer) and Geneva 3 hour transfer). Any regular skiers will have experienced monster 4 hour transfers through winding mountain passes at some point, so these shorter transfers with a range of flight routes to choose from will certainly be appreciated!
Pricing
While prices can vary widely depending on how you travel, when you travel, and how long you stay for, prices for skiing in Valmeinier are incredibly competitive against resorts of a similar stature. If traveling by coach during the Easter holidays in 2027, prices start from £965pp for a group of 45 students!
As with all of our trips & tours, each ski trip is tailored to you, so get in touch to discuss your requirements for your next trip and we’d be happy to prepare a bespoke quotation, just for you.
Ready to start planning your next trip? email us at info@energy-travel.com or call 01332 418790 today