Quick Tour Of The Modern Resort Of Valmeinier, France

Believed to have been inhabited as early as the 1100s, Valmierier existed in relative obscurity for hundreds of years, until the presence of the mineral coal anthracite was uncovered in the vicinity in the late 1600s. After the discovery of the high quality resource, the entire surrounding valley saw the mining industry join agriculture as the most imortant economic activities in the area. In the last century when the mining industry was losing steam, the inhabitants of Valmeinier, who numbered just some 80 people in the 1960s, had to shift to other ways to bring revenue to their town.rnrnAs ski resorts were springing up all over the French Alps at the time, Valmeinier joined in and underwent a change from mining town to international ski resort. Opened officially in the year 1986 with a large, newly-built network of ski lifts, Valmeinier has since been continually expanding and raising its already high standard. In addition to its famous snow park, the resort today boasts an impressive 150 kilometers of slopes.rnrnSkiing, however, is but one of the many winter activities that make up a wide assortment of fun things to do in Valmeinier. Ice-skating, paragliding, dog sledding and microlight flying are all on offer, as well as the always popular nighttime skiing. Intermediate skiers will not be bored in Valmeinier as there are plenty of slopes to fit their level of experience: 34 green runs, 25 black runs, 31 red runs, and 6 black runs. Experts will find a thrill with the tree-lined slopes, moguls, and steep runs, and beginners will be able to practice at the ski center before hitting the slopes proper.rnrnIf you are not the winter sports type, there is still plenty to keep you busy in Valmeinier. The new resort is divided into two parts: the traditional mountain village at 1,500 meters and the modern center located at 1,800 meters. The village is home to a cinema, a pub and three bar-restaurants. Local produce is also presented by the locals in food displays and there is a caf-theater and cabaret where information about the local history and culture is on hand for tourists. Modern Valmeinier, meanwhile, has three pubs, two cinemas, one disco, one pizzeria and eleven bar-restaurants. While the older village of Valmeinier at 1,500 meters suits the all-around holidaymaker, the more modern part of Valmeinier at 1,800 meters is where the hard-core skiers head.rnrnThe most popular places to stay in Valmeinier are the Residence Le Thabor, the Residence Les Lodges des Pierres, and the Residence l\'Ecrin des Neiges. From the town visitors will enjoy breathtakingmountain views and scenery. There is certainly no lack of snow in Valmeinier, since it is situated near the northern Alps, and children will be able to enjoy the plentiful snow in the sledding and hiking areas, which are only two of the many activities and amenities for children. All of this is why families planning to take a vacation in the French Alps should look no further than the modern ski resort of Valmeinier.rn