Val Thorens Ski Resort

Val Thorens takes the prize as the highest ski resort in Europe and as a result, it often has the best snow in the Three Valleys ski area. The ski resort is at 2,300m and is one of the few ski areas that can almost definitely guarantee snow for both Christmas and Easter.

Whilst Val Thorens is a purpose-built ski resort it has managed to keep its charm and is more architecturally beautiful than its rival resorts. Being in the Three Valleys means that you have easy access to the surrounding resorts such as Méribel and Courchevel.

The skiing in Val Thorens is fantastic with great snow and plenty of runs. As it’s high up most properties are ski-in ski-out. Val Thorens is a suitable ski resort for the beginning and end of the season and for those looking for convenience.

Call our experts today to find out more about Val Thorens ski resort.

Val Thorens Transfer Time
Chambery
Map Marker 1h 35m
Grenoble
Map Marker 3h 0m
Geneva
Map Marker 3h 30m

Best For...

  • All abilities
  • High-altitude skiing
  • Snow-sure conditions
  • Sustainability

Resort Statistics

  • Resort Altitude 2,300m
  • Skiing Altitude 3,230m
  • Total Ski Area 600km
  • Lifts 183
  • Green Runs 96km
  • Blue Runs 240km
  • Red Runs 204km
  • Black Runs 60km
  • Cross Country 120km

Ski Accommodation in Val Thorens, France

Our collection of Val Thorens ski accommodation has been hand-picked by our ski experts. Whether you’re looking for a luxury escape, a boutique hotel or something suitable for the whole family, our experts would be delighted to help you find the perfect accommodation for your ski holiday.

Ski accommodation
Ski Areas in Val Thorens

Ski Areas in Val Thorens

The Three Valleys is one of the largest ski areas in the world, with its three largest ski resorts being Val Thorens, Courchevel and Méribel. The Three Valleys consists of 600km of skiable area with a good mix of runs for every level of skier. Val Thorens is the highest of the ski resorts and has guaranteed snow cover as well as the freshest powder. There are also 120km of cross-country ski routes.

Skiing in Val Thorens

Skiing in Val Thorens

There’s a good mix of skiing in Val Thorens ski resort and you won’t be struggling to find runs to match your ability. There are plenty of sweeping, gentle pistes for beginners and intermediates but the more advanced skiers will really benefit from this area the most with a vast array of challenging reds and blacks and plenty of opportunities to ski some incredible off-piste. We recommend trying the long slopes down into Orelle and the Maurienne Valley as well as the Cascade run.

Snowboarding in Val Thorens

Snowboarding in Val Thorens

Freeriders will find Val Thorens a bit of an off-piste paradise with lots of genuinely challenging powder bowls. Don’t forget your avalanche kit around here. The slopes can get a bit busy during the peak season as the resort is very popular, but fortunately, there are many wide slopes. There is a terrain park by the 2 Lac lift and it has a good half-pipe however the park itself is not as large as some of the others in Les Trois Vallées.

Sustainable Choice

Taking the train is the most environmentally friendly way of travelling to this resort. We work closely with Eurostar and can tailor-make this package with competitive train rates – call for further details.

Ski Schools in Val Thorens

Ski Schools in Val Thorens

With many ski schools and instructors to choose between, there really is something for everybody.

We’ve partnered with New Generation and Oxygène and highly recommend their services. All of our partners offer fantastic lessons for all ability levels.

Book your ski lessons with our recommended suppliers. If you’re travelling during a peak week be sure to book these well in advance.

Val Thorens ski resort

Crèches in Val Thorens

The ESF run two mini clubs – Le Montana for children from three to 17 months and Le Roc aged 18 months and over. The Piou Piou Club section of the ski school takes children from three years upwards. There are also a few private nanny companies in the resort if you don’t want to go through the ESF.

Top Ski Runs

Moraine
A gentle blue run, popular with ski schools.


Col 
Head to this red run for fantastic snow conditions.


Cime de Caron
A fantastic run for adventurous intermediates.

Restaurants in Val Thorens

Restaurants in Val Thorens

Val Thorens ski resort has some good options on the mountain and off. However, if they aren’t to your liking you still have the entire Three Valleys to find somewhere for lunch. Near 360 Bar, one of Val Thorens’ après ski hotspots, there is Les Chalet du Thorens which serves up various choices of food including a great burger aptly named ‘McThorens’ and an Asian restaurant called Wok Ski. A good place to visit in the resort is La Maison, a friendly brasserie that serves hearty fondue, raclette and great pizzas.

Après Ski in Val Thorens

Après Ski in Val Thorens

Your two main après ski bars in Val Thorens are the famous Folie Douce and 360 Bar; both bars are worth a visit. 360 tends to stay open a couple of hours longer than La Folie Douce if you want to spend a bit longer on the slopes. A great place to grab a beer after skiing down to the resort is the Red Fox Pub near Les Balcons. If you’re looking for a nightclub to party until the early hours of the morning, then your best bets are Le Malaysia and Klub Summit.

Best Après Ski in Val Thorens
Dog Sledding

Non-Skiers

For those who are fair weather skiers, or for those who want to breathe the mountain air but not actually ski, there are better places to go than Val Thorens ski resort. That said, the village does boast a swimming pool, indoor tennis and squash courts although these do tend to get crowded at peak times. There are numerous shops and restaurants within the village itself and you can while away a good few hours in the pleasant bars and cafes.

Map of Val Thorens

Val Thorens Ski Holiday FAQs

Val Thorens is one of the resorts that comprises the Three Valleys ski area, which is located in the heart of the French Alps. With over 600km of skiable area in the Three Valleys, and 120km of cross-country ski routes, it’s the largest ski area in the world.

The purpose-built ski resort of Val Thorens sits at 2,300m, with the skiing altitude topping out at 3,230m. This means it has one of the best snow records of any Alpine ski resort.

With a great beginner area and plenty of magic carpet areas around the resort, there’s an abundance of accessible skiing in Val Thorens for all abilities. Beginners will love the sweeping, gentle pistes in the area, many of which come straight back into the resort.

You can also take advantage of the excellent ski schools and skiing lessons with our trusted instructors while skiing in Val Thorens. If this sounds like something you’d like to explore, be sure to book your ski lessons in advance to ensure you secure your space.

Being the highest resort in the surrounding area, Val Thorens is essentially guaranteed great snow conditions throughout the season, right through until Easter – it is one of the few ski resorts in the world where this is true. Due to the excellent snow conditions and altitude, Val Thorens is also an excellent choice at any time of the season for those looking for off-piste and powder skiing opportunities.

Typically, January provides the quietest period with excellent snow conditions and plenty of great ski deals on offer. However, lots of people choose to visit during December for a truly magical experience full of festive cheer.

Val Thorens proves popular with families and groups during the February half-term holidays, so you may find it busier at this time. March and April are also wonderful times for a ski holiday to Val Thorens as you can benefit from sunnier days and longer lift hours.

Val Thorens is an excellent choice for a family ski holiday, offering a range of amenities and activities tailored to families with children. The resort features slopes suitable for all levels, including dedicated beginner areas ideal for children learning to ski. With ten green runs and an ‘easy rider’ zone equipped with magic carpets, beginners can practice comfortably. Val Thorens also boasts excellent ski schools that provide lessons for children, as well as childcare services, ensuring that younger children are well cared for while parents enjoy the slopes.

Beyond skiing, Val Thorens offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including sledding, snowtubing, and pedestrian paths for snowshoeing. The resort’s modern leisure centre provides options like swimming, squash, tennis, and soft play areas, ensuring entertainment for all ages. The accommodation in Val Thorens also offers a wide range of ski-in ski-out options, making it convenient for families to access the slopes. Val Thorens has been awarded the ‘Famille Plus’ label, indicating its commitment to providing a personalised welcome and entertainment suitable for all ages.

Val Thorens offers a wide range of activities to suit all ages and interests. Beyond skiing, families can enjoy sledding, snowtubing, and ice skating, while adventure seekers can try snowmobiling or ziplining over the slopes.

For a more relaxed experience, explore scenic snowshoeing trails or enjoy the resort’s state-of-the-art leisure center, which features swimming, squash, tennis, and soft play areas for kids.

Unique experiences like dog sledding or dining in a mountain-top igloo add extra magic to your stay. With its variety of activities, Val Thorens ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy, on and off the slopes.

If you have your preferred departure date in mind for your Val Thorens ski holiday, you can leave the rest to us. Our experts will be on hand to help you with everything from travel arrangements and accommodation to activities and unique experiences, creating an itinerary that is entirely bespoke based on your wishes.

All you need to do to get started is get in touch with our team today or fill in our online enquiry form and one of our ski experts will contact you at a convenient time to help you plan the skiing adventure you’ve always dreamt of.

The overall cost of your tailor-made ski holiday to Val Thorens will depend on where you’d like to stay, how long you’d like your trip to last, the size of your travelling party, and what sort of activities you’d like to include. We’ll take all of this into account when providing you with a quote, so you can have peace of mind knowing everything is in hand ahead of your departure.

Before embarking on your Val Thorens ski holiday, there are some essentials that you’ll need to make sure you’ve packed for your trip:

  • Ski jacket
  • Ski trousers
  • Ski socks
  • Ski gloves
  • Ski helmet
  • Goggles
  • Neck warmer or balaclava
  • Sunglasses
  • Long-sleeved layers and thermals
  • Comfortable walking boots
  • Casual clothing for evenings or days away from the slopes
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Hat and scarf
  • Toiletries
  • Essential travel documents
  • Phone and charger
  • Cash and debit or credit cards
  • Sun protection
  • SPF lip balm
  • After sun lotion
  • First-aid kit
  • Small rucksack
  • European plug adapter

For more tips on what to pack, check out our ski holiday packing list blog.

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