Val Thorens is situated at the far end of the Belleville Valley, after the ski resorts of St Martin de Belleville and Les Menuires. The ski resort largely owes its popularity to its altitude. Val Thorens is actually the highest ski resort in Europe - 2300m above sea level - and enjoys some of the best snow conditions in the Alps all season long. As part of the Three Valleys ski area, Val Thorens gives access to more than 600km of slopes that are shared with Les Menuires, Saint Martin De Belleville, Méribel, Courchevel, Orelle, La Tania and Brides Les Bains. Everything in Val Thorens is set up to provide perfect skiing and snowboarding conditions on your ski holidays.

The pedestrianised centre of the unique ski resort of Val Thorens is surrounded by easily accessible ski slopes, making this a popular ski-in, ski-out ski resort for families. As far as facilities are concerned, there is not much to fault with a snow park, a boardercross, an area dedicated to children, a slalom run, a 6km-long toboggan run and a smaller one reserved for the youngest clients. Unlike many other French ski resorts you will not see any large concrete apartment blocks in Val Thorens, just a lot of wood and stone buildings that emphasize the luxurious nature of the resort. Even though the altitude guarantees excellent snow conditions, it does have its drawbacks: there is not a tree in sight and it can sometimes get very cold and a little bleak if the sunshine is being shy in Val Thorens! Nevertheless, the panoramic view of the surrounding mountain peaks from the Cime Caron (3200m) is one of the best in Europe, according to the Michelin Guide. Day- and night-life are plentiful here, with venues such as La Folie Douce starting the après-ski action off as early as 2pm in the afternoon! Again, because of its privileged position in the heart of the Les Trois Vallées ski area, prices are known for being rather high! You won't be disappointed, however, as the overall standards in Val Thorens are exceptional! Val Thorens is a quick drive from Lyon Airport and is easy to access with the Eurostar ski train.

Skiing in the Three Valleys

The Val Thorens-Orelle ski area has 150km of runs for all ability levels. Arranged in a bowl, the slopes have different orientations so you can ski in the sun all day long - start in the Boismint sector and work your way around until you get to La Folie Douce just in time for après-ski! Val Thorens is especially great for intermediate skiers, with plenty of blue and red pistes for carving. Beginners will find a funslope and dedicated beginner's area, and expert skiers can tackle a few black slopes, some of which are ungroomed with challenging moguls. Take the Grand Fond lift and ski down towards Orelle on a lovely run with panoramic views of the Alps behind Val Thorens, or head towards the Col de la Chambre, which will link you up with the rest of the Trois Vallées ski area.

THE highest snowboard spot in Europe is Val Thorens

99% of the ski area surrounding Val Thorens is situated above the altitude of 2000m, ensuring exceptional snow conditions from early until late in the ski season. The ski area Val Thorens is THE snowboarders’ spot in the world-renowned Three Valleys ski area, with its 110m halfpipe, hip-quarters and the Jump Air in its snow park near 2 Lacs. Come and try out the latest equipment and join in the festivities during the Rock On Snowboard Tour weekend in Val Thorens. Val Thorens also offers huge opportunities for freeriders - coast in the deep powder from the Cime de Caron or the Pointe de la Masse, or on the Péclet or the Chavière glaciers.

Val Thorens and the Famille Plus Montagne label

In its "Family Guide", Val Thorens, with its Famille Plus Montagne label, offers a multitude of ideas, advice and services to enable families to "share unique moments" on their ski holidays in Val Thorens. From Christmas to Easter, Val Thorens offers an enticing program of events with different kinds of entertainment for all ages. Val Thorens also offers interesting deals, such as the family ski pass where all members of the family pay the child rate! There are free lifts for the youngest members of the family and a special beginner ski pass at a very attractive price. Families can relax knowing they will spend great ski holidays in Val Thorens.

Never a dull moment at Val Thorens

Each year in the French ski resort of Val Thorens, when the days on the slopes get longer and the sun is already warm, the biggest DJs on the planet land on the pistes of Val Thorens and make the mountain move for three days - FestiVal Tho! This major event in the electro music scene takes place at the Chalets de Thorens in the 360° Bar at 2300 m of altitude and attracts an international audience seduced by the quality of music and the festive, laid-back atmosphere up on the slopes of Val Thorens. Aside from the FestiVal Tho, Val Thorens hosts a wide selection of live concerts and international DJs, not least at La Folie Douce up on the slopes. In more laid-back news, Val Thorens recently implemented a program aimed at relieving stress through various mountain activities. Invigorating baths, deluxe spas and snowshoe tours are just a few of the wellness options organised in partnership with this program, which will help you unplug, unwind and get the most out of your ski holiday in Val Thorens. Finally, Val Thorens offers all the usual non-skiing activities: ziplines, sledging, swimming, paragliding, fatbiking and more.

Committed to protecting the environment

Val Thorens is conscious about protecting the natural habitats that make it possible to ski in such lovely surroundings. In addition to the eco-friendly steps taken by the resort itself, the marmot mascot reminds all skiers and snowboarders to take their own steps to help preserve the environment. For those who love alternative snow sports and outdoor activities, Val Thorens offers walking or snowshoe tours around the resort or up in the ski area itself. Themed walks are organized - for example, observation of wildlife, scenic walks, outings in the forest, etc... And while you're on your ski holidays in Val Thorens, why not try a 100% natural mountain sport: ski touring with seal skins and participate in the Dynafit Snow Leopard Track initiation organised by the Sports Club in Val Thorens!

Apres-ski & entertainment Val Thorens
Restaurants 61	Theatre -
Bars & cafes 32	Casino -
Nightclubs & discos 3	Concert hall
Cinema 1

Ski school and ski lessons Val Thorens
No. of ski schools 9	Private ski lessons € 65
No. of ski instructors 280	Ski lessons6 Days, 30 Hours, € 280
Area for beginners	Snowboarding lessons6 Days, 30 Hours, € 392
Ski lessons in	Cross-country skiing -

Facilities Val Thorens
No. of hotels 14	Supermarkets 8
Total no. of hotel beds 2500	Banks
Total no. of beds 25414

Val Thorens for families and children
Childcare	Magic carpet
Playground	Ski lift for children
Merry-go-round -

Leisure & sports activities Val Thorens
Public sauna	Footpaths 15 km
Fitness centre	Torchlight descentfakkeltochten één keer per week tijdens de Franse schoolvakanties
Public solarium	Indoor ice rink -
Massage	Outdoor ice rink -
Spa & wellness	Curling -
Indoor swimming pool	Snow rafting -
Hot air ballooning -	Dog sledding
Paragliding	Snowmobile tours
Indoor tennis court	Toboggan run
Squash court

Ski blog about Val Thorens

The top 15 ski resorts in France

26 May 2020 by Danielle in 'Destinations''

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Group ski holidays: Best resorts for holidays with friends and family

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(Photo: © Miranda Muller)

Green ski resorts: Eco-friendly options for your ski holidays

11 May 2019 by Danielle in 'Ski areas''

While most resorts are investing in the newest gondolas and bubble chairlifts with heated seats, some ski resorts are quietly turning to renewable energy in a bid to keep our winters white. From Switzerland to Austria to America, these ski resorts have successfully installed eco-friendly solar-powered lifts.... More ›