Valmeinier, Skiing in a Mining Village

Valmeinier is one of the two new ski resorts that share an expansive ski area, known today as the Galibier-Thabor. Compared to many ski resorts in France, Valmeinier is relatively new. Its first ski lift was constructed in 1973, and the decades before that, Valmeinier was not considered a ski resort. It was first a mining village. The name "Valmeinier" literally translates into the "valley of the mines."

For many centuries, the small village of Valmeinier rested relatively unknown at the base of the Mont Thabor. Historians estimated that the area was occupied as early as the 12th century. At the close of the 17th century, high quality anthracite was discovered. The next decades witnessed the industrialization of the whole valley, making mining as economically important as agriculture. But in the 20th century, the mining trickled down to a halt and many people in Valmeinier decided to seek out greener pastures. In the 1960s, roughly 80 people lived in the village.

A few years later, Valmeinier joined the other villages in France in transforming their wintry environments into international ski resorts. The Valmeinier transformed from a mining village into a holiday skiing resort. The new ski resort of Valmeinier was officially launched in 1986 and an extensive ski lift system was built. The Valmeinier ski resort steadily expanded and improved. Today, the 1,600-hectare ski area includes 150 kilometers of slopes and an increasingly famous snow park.

The Valmeinier caters mainly to intermediate skiers. There are 34 green runs, 25 blue runs, 31 red runs, and 6 black runs. Aside from skiing, the other winter holiday activities include ice-skating, paragliding, and dog sledding. Nighttime skiing is allowed, as well as microlight flying. The beginners may polish their skills at the resort center before attempting the ski runs. The mogul field, the steep bumps, and the tree-lined runs will not disappoint the experts.

For those who simply wanted to explore Valmeinier without wearing skis or pumping adrenaline, there are excursions and trips around the village. There are food exhibits in which the locals present the native produce. And there is a cafe-theater and cabaret where visitors can learn more about the culture of Valmeinier and its mining history.

The new ski resort of Valmeinier is estimated to be at 1,500 and 1,800 meters high. The traditional village setting is at 1,500 meters while the more modern venue is at 1,800 meters. The apr�s ski in the traditional Valmeinier village includes one cinema, one pub, and three bar restaurants. At the more modern Valmeinier, there are two cinemas, three pubs, one discotheque, one pizzeria, and eleven bar-restaurants. Valmeinier at 1,800 feet is obviously for the serious skiers. The Valmeinier at 1,500 feet is for the all-around vacationer. The most recommended accommodations are the Residence Le Thabor, the Residence Les Lodges des Pierres, and the Residence l'Ecrin des Neiges.

In between, the landscapes and the view of the mountains are spectacular. The snow is more than enough due to the proximity to the northern Alps. There are various activities and child-friendly amenities, including sledging and hiking areas. This is why the new ski resort of Valmeinier is becoming a favorite choice of families who are planning a winter holiday vacation in the French Alps.