Valmeinier (France)

At an altitude of 1430 meters, this modern ski resort was created on the drawing table - a process in which functionality triumphed over charm. However, the advantage of this fact, is that the resort has every modern convenience you could ask for and great après-ski.

The French ski resort of Valmeinier comprises two parts, Valmeinier 1500 and 1800, names which obviously correspond to the altitude of both resorts. Valloire and Valmeinier together form the largest ski area in Maurienne, with more than 150 kilometres of slopes. There is also a 40-kilometre network of trails in the area for cross-country skiers. The 10 kilometres of walking routes may sound somewhat meagre by comparison, but bigfoot tours are organised - and then paths are the last thing on people's minds!