On 6 and 7 December 2025, the Savoyard resort opens the ball with a pre-opening weekend that is as eagerly awaited as it is friendly. It's the perfect warm-up for the gradual build-up of the ski area from 13 to 19 December, followed by the full opening of the Galibier Thabor area on 20 December.
And as good news never comes alone, December will be marked by two major events: the arrival of the Grand Parcours, a not-to-be-missed ski touring event, and the eagerly-awaited return of the Men's Alpine Skiing European Cup.
First turns from 06 December
The first weekend in December is a dress rehearsal. On the Crey du Quart massif, skiers will be able to unblock their legs gently thanks to the opening of the Brive gondola lift, the Brive 2 chairlift and the Séa ski lift. If the snow is generous, the Grand Plateau ski lift and its more technical runs will complete the experience.
In the mountain restaurants - Château de Ripaille, Alp de Zélie, Edelweiss - diners rediscover winter dishes, while the snow front comes alive. Children's shows, gourmet snacks, ice sculpture demonstrations by Hugues Grammont and the illumination of a huge Christmas tree punctuate the weekend, which ends with a fireworks display.
From 13 to 19 December, things get serious. Valloire opens 80km of pistes on the Sétaz and Crey du Quart massifs before the big switch to 160km of linked skiing with Valmeinier from 20 December.
The Grand Parcours: ski touring in majesty
For the first time, Valloire is hosting the Grand Parcours, a true initiation ritual for all ski touring enthusiasts. Two days to explore the activity, learn, progress and understand the terrain, conversions, steep slopes and capricious snow.
On the programme: a discovery trail, an advanced trail, themed workshops on Saturday, and practice rides on Sunday.
The brand village completes the experience, ideal for finding your equipment, getting fitted out or indulging in the latest novelties. Weekend price: 150 euros, including Saturday evening.
The return of the Men's European Cup
Valloire is reconnecting with its history. Twenty-nine years after hosting its last World Cup, the resort is returning to the flavour of international competition.
On 16 and 17 December, the Sétaz track will be transformed into a theatre of high-flying with two men's giant events counting towards the European Cup, the only French leg of the discipline.
A vibrant tribute to the 90s, when Valloire played host to seventeen European Cups and two World Cups.
For youngsters, it's a rare opportunity to see the new generation of champions up close. For the old-timers, it's a return to the thrills of yesteryear, when the Maurienne vibrated to the rhythm of slaloms and blue peaks.