Galibier-Thabor is a linked ski area in the Maurienne Valley of the French Alps, connecting the traditional village of Valloire with the purpose-built resort of Valmeinier. Sitting at the foot of the Col du Galibier - one of the most famous climbs in the Tour de France - the area has a distinctly authentic Savoyard character that feels a world away from the larger, more commercial French mega-resorts. With 160km of pistes spread across 90 runs and a summit altitude of 2,750m, there's proper skiing here for all levels, backed by a season that typically runs from early December through to mid-April.

The terrain is well balanced, with wide cruising runs above the treeline, challenging steeps on the higher faces, and gentle learning areas close to both villages. A vertical drop of 1,320m provides genuinely long descents, and the north-facing upper slopes hold snow well into spring. Thirty lifts - including high-speed quads, six-packs, and two gondolas - keep the system moving, and because Galibier-Thabor flies under the radar of many UK skiers, queue times are refreshingly short even during French school holidays.

Valloire is the heart of the area - a proper working village with stone-built chalets, a Baroque church, and a good selection of restaurants and shops lining its pedestrianised centre. Valmeinier, higher up at 1,500m, is more modern and compact, with direct slope access and a quieter, family-oriented feel. Together, they offer a complete ski holiday without the crowds or price tags of the better-known Tarentaise resorts. Check out Galibier-Thabor ski deals to start planning your trip.