Val Thorens

Val Thorens Ski Resort

Europe’s highest ski resort forms part of the vast Three Valleys network and has one of the longest and most reliable ski seasons anywhere – making this an early and late season favourite.

VT has access to a varied 140km of local slopes, the Orelle Valley – often considered the ‘fourth valley’ of the Three Valleys area – and via six passes to Méribel and the rest of the 600km of linked pistes that extend to the far end of Courchevel. Constant investment in the lift network also allows it to boast one of the most efficient lift networks in France, making it increasingly easy to get from run to run and valley to valley.

The lively resort sits at the head of the Belleville Valley and completely above the treeline, alongside Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville. These villages provide the perfect option for those looking to escape the bustle of Val Thorens itself, providing a quieter base from which to ski. On clear days, the location lends itself to a truly spectacular panorama, though it sometimes does present a challenge during whiteouts.

There’s no better way to experience the early or late season conditions in Val Thorens than with a Ski Club Freshtracks Holiday – there are four to choose from this season.

Our excellent Instructor-led Guiding Service also returns to the resort and sessions with the New Generation Ski School are available to book between 22nd December and 13th April this winter.

Make sure you join the Ski Club’s Val Thorens Facebook Page for the very latest updates from our active community of over 100+ like-minded skiers and boarders.

What's New for 20/21?

The £170 million project to transform the village that began in 2017 continues and this summer saw the completion of the Refuge de Solaise. It will be the highest hotel in France, situated on the mountainside way above Val d’Isère and will have 16 rooms, three large luxury apartment and a traditional refuge dormitory with 14 beds. Facilities include a 300-seat gourmet restaurant, a cocktail bar and a spa with a 23-metre pool that is open to the public. It’s as impressive as it sounds!

On piste, modernised snow cannons which use less water are being added to the pistes.

Our Val Thorens Resort Ratings

• Beginner ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Intermediate ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
• Advanced ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Snow Reliability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
• Fast Lifts ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
• Resort Activities ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Après ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Value ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Val Thorens Skiing and Snowboarding

High altitude, wide pistes dominate the Val Thorens ski area. This makes it the ideal resort for cruising around on a sunny day, but it can be a challenge when the weather is bad and the cloud is low. The beginner slopes lie right in the heart of the village, whilst the rest of the local slopes are a network of blues and reds – most of which are a blast first thing in the morning when freshly groomed.

• Total Pistes: 150km (600km in Three Valleys)
• Green: 12%
• Blue: 43%
• Red: 35%
• Black: 10%
• Lifts: 33 (186 in Three Valleys)
• Altitude: 1450m – 3230m

For Beginners

The slopes in the heart of the resort are very gentle and provide convenient, snow-sure nursery slopes, with magic carpet lifts and gentle green runs. There are a couple of good greens to progress on to in the 2 Lacs and Cascades sectors and some of the blues immediately above the village are good for progression.

For Intermediates

Val Thorens is a huge intermediate playground – providing possibly the best sector in the entire Three Valleys. The runs are generally wide and often with great snow conditions thanks to their altitude, especially on the Cime Caron side of the valley as many of these face directly north. Adventurous intermediates will want to explore what Méribel and Courchevel have to offer and thanks to a recently added blue run, the Orelle Valley is a great option if you’re looking to escape the busiest areas.

For Advanced/Expert & Off Piste

Very little of the terrain is rated black, but there are some challenging blacks from the Pointe de la Masse and down into the Orelle Valley. Otherwise the main attraction is the off piste. The rocky terrain means this is generally best during the second half of the season, but the north facing slopes hold snow fantastically well and powder days can be enjoyed well into spring. To make the most of the off piste, book a Ski Club Instructor-led Guiding Session with New Generation Ski School.

Val Thorens Piste Map

The Three Valleys piste map can be downloaded here. There is also an impressive 3D interactive piste map for the entire Three Valleys, using technology developed by Fatmap.

Val Thorens Ski Pass Prices

The Val Thorens only option will be more than enough for many skiers, otherwise a Three Valleys pass will give you access to the entire 600km network of pistes. An adult season pass for VT only costs €1014, whilst the Three Valleys pass costs €1300. Note that these prices may change, so check with the resort’s website for the latest or give the Ski Club’s expert info & advice team a call on 020 8410 2009.

Val Thorens Season Dates

• Opening Date: 21st November 2020
• Closing Date: 9th May 2021

For full details see the resort's website and note that these dates are subject to change. The Ski Club’s expert info & advice team are also on hand to help – call 020 8410 2009.

Val Thorens Resort

Seen from the slopes, the resort is undoubtedly more attractive than some other French resorts, and it has a really lively ski resort buzz. Buildings are mainly medium-rise and wood-clad, whilst the snow-covered, mostly traffic-free streets add to the atmosphere.

For Families

The resort is very convenient for families as the nursery slopes are located right in the heart of the village. There is an excellent sports centre for those bad weather days and the toboggan run is one of the most entertaining in the Alps.

For Après

VT has a serious reputation for après and in Bar 360 and the Folie Douce, the resort has two of the Alps’ best on slope bars. The ski down from 360 is much easier – down a green – so bear this in mind if you have a beginner or an unconfident intermediate in your group. Down in town head to the Frog and Roastbeef or Saloon for the liveliest après.

How to get to Val Thorens

Chambéry is the closest airport to Val Thorens and private transfers are the best option – the drive takes around an hour and a half. Geneva is further away, with the drive taking around two and a half hours.

A great option is to travel by train, catching the Eurostar to the town of Moûtiers in the valley before grabbing a quick bus transfer up to the resort. Check out the Ski Club’s Guide to travelling to resort by train.

• Chambéry airport: 1.5 hours (driving)
• Geneva airport: 2.5 hours (driving)
• Snowtrain: 8-10 hours from London
• Calais: approximately 11 hours driving (598 miles)

Val Thorens Contact Details

• Website: www.valthorens.com
• Email: Contact via an online form
• Telephone: +33 04 79 00 08 08
• Facebook: @valthorens.resort
• Instagram: @val_thorens
• Twitter: @Val_Tho