When we think of a perfect winter sports destination, Val Thorens immediately comes to mind. This high-altitude ski resort in the French Alps has much to offer, such as an impressive mix of challenging slopes, breathtaking views, and modern facilities. For active winter sports enthusiasts who love to be on the slopes, this is an ideal place with unparalleled possibilities. Val Thorens is connected to the slopes of Les 3 Vallées, the largest interconnected ski area in the world with 600 km of slopes! And when the sun shines abundantly every day, we have a fantastic time in Val Thorens. However, our visit could just as easily have begun in a sports hall…
Good fortune on our journey to Val Thorens
Our taxi driver has bad news: the road near Moûtiers is closed because boulders have fallen, completely blocking the way with no possibility of passing. We’ve been at a standstill in Aigues Blanches, about five kilometres before Moûtiers, for quite some time. The supermarket in the village is doing good business, as are the restaurants. There’s no space left in them, and some establishments have even run out of their entire stock. The recovery service is towing away a car that was hit by a boulder. It’s a write-off; it’s a miracle there were no fatalities.
After three hours of waiting, we can move on. We finally reach our destination around three o’clock. Other travellers are less fortunate. They are stranded in Albertville, forced to spend the night on a camp bed in a sports hall. They undoubtedly had imagined the start of their winter sports holiday differently.
Ski resort Val Thorens, developed from the drawing board
Val Thorens was developed in the 1970s as part of the immense ski area Les 3 Vallées. The goal? To build a high-altitude, snow-sure ski resort that would attract a wide audience. And they succeeded. Situated at 2,300 metres, Val Thorens is the highest ski village in Europe. The combination of modern infrastructure and the charm of a snow-sure mountain village makes it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Although Val Thorens is relatively young compared to some other Alpine destinations, it has built an impressive reputation in a short time. Val Thorens is known as one of the best winter sports destinations in Europe.
On a discovery tour with ski guide Julien
The next morning, we’re ready to discover the ski slopes of Val Thorens. From our apartment, we have a magnificent view of the area. The rising sun colours the mountains purple; it promises to be a beautiful day. We grab our skis, and after a few metres, we’re on the slope. Wonderful, no fuss with a ski bus. Here, it’s ski-in/ski-out everywhere. At the Ski Cool ski school, we meet Julien, a young chap who was born and raised in Val Thorens.
Julien takes us on a discovery tour through the ski area of Val Thorens. When he sees that we can reasonably follow him on the first descent, he shifts up a gear. We whizz down the wide slopes and try to keep up with his pace. At the first stop, I say that he can take it a bit easier. We mainly want to enjoy and take lots of photos.
In the winter season, it’s always busy in Val Thorens. There are nearly 26,000 beds in hotels and apartments. The average occupancy rate in hotels and apartments is almost 90%. These days, almost all accommodations are fully booked. Yet we hardly notice it. On the wide slopes, the crowds are very manageable. And there are so many possibilities that the multitude quickly spreads out over the area. We hardly have to wait at the lifts either. The lifts are modern and very innovative. Julien explains that many new techniques are applied here, which are later adopted by other ski areas.
The most beautiful slopes of Val Thorens
In three days, we get a good picture of the many possibilities in Val Thorens. We’re really impressed. An advanced skier can indulge here because there are many challenging slopes. But beginners are also catered for. There are plenty of blue slopes available.
The ski area of Val Thorens offers 150 kilometres of slopes. Additionally, it’s part of Les 3 Vallées, creating an interconnected ski area of no less than 600 kilometres of ski slopes. There’s something for everyone: wide blue slopes for relaxed descents and steep black slopes for the experienced skier.
These slopes in Val Thorens are our favourites:
- Tête Ronde – a delightful, wide blue slope that starts just above the village. Here you can make beautiful long turns in peace. Thanks to the excellent snow quality, this is a favourite among many skiers.
- Col de l’Audzin – for more experienced skiers, this is a beautiful slope with a fantastic view. The descent offers a mix of technical sections and wide turns, ideal for advanced skiers who like to pick up speed.
- Combe de Caron – a long and varied descent from the top of Cime de Caron. A real classic! The first part can feel a bit steep, but once you get into your rhythm, it’s pure enjoyment.
Pluviomètre – a beautiful and nicely long slope with often fantastic snow conditions. This slope is on a favourable north-facing slope, which means the snow often remains of top quality here.
Ski area Orelle: peace and space
For those who want to escape the crowds around Val Thorens, the Orelle ski area is a nice option. This part of Les 3 Vallées is on the other side of the mountain and is often quieter. With the Val Thorens ski pass, it’s possible to make this crossover. The slopes are wide and well-maintained, and the snow conditions are often excellent. Orelle was our first destination every morning. After a journey with the modern lifts, we entered a completely different world. The wide slopes were almost deserted, and the views of the Alpine massif were unsurpassed. Two descents in Orelle stand out for us:
- Gentiane – a long blue slope that flows smoothly downhill. Here you can ski relaxedly and enjoy the tranquillity.
- Lory – this blue slope offers a beautiful, quiet descent and is ideal for enjoying the view. The rolling hills make it an ideal slope for skiers who want to perfect their technique without the crowds of the main area.
Orelle feels like a hidden gem within this large ski area. It’s a great place to take a break from the crowds. If you’re in Orelle early in the morning, you can even make the first tracks on the neatly prepared slopes.
Cime de Caron: a view to never forget
A visit to Val Thorens is not complete without a trip to the Cime de Caron. This iconic mountain peak is at 3,200 metres. That height provides a panoramic view that extends far into the Alps. We discover Mont Blanc, the Ecrins, and even the Swiss Alps in the distance. With this radiant weather, we can enjoy it endlessly. The fresh mountain air and the absolute silence at this height make it an almost spiritual experience. Even if you don’t ski here, a visit is worth it. Many winter sports enthusiasts take the time here for a cup of hot chocolate while enjoying the vast landscape.
Adrenaline on La Bee: the spectacular zipline
I’m not much of a daredevil myself, so I pass on the La Bee zipline. My wife, on the other hand, enjoys a spectacular activity. She’s quick to jump at the chance when we discover the La Bee zipline. She gets a harness on, and after a thorough instruction, it’s time: she zooms down at express train speed. Via two intermediate stations, she whizzes to the centre of Val Thorens.
Before I reach that point on my skis, she’s long since down and has her long skis back on. Full of enthusiasm, she tells about her journey. The wind whistled past her face as she floated above the slopes. She heard the enthusiastic reactions of skiers below her.
The start is at the top of the Deux Lacs lift and ends almost two kilometres further in the village. The skis are safely attached behind the back so that you can continue skiing immediately upon arrival. This is a unique way to view the ski area from a different perspective!
Cosy mountain restaurants along the slope
After a morning full of descents, it’s time for a break. Fortunately, there are numerous cosy mountain restaurants in and around Val Thorens where you can enjoy a delicious lunch.
- Chalet de la Marine – an atmospheric restaurant with a beautiful terrace and excellent French cuisine. The tartiflette is recommended here.
- Le Caribou – a cosy hut with a friendly atmosphere and tasty Savoyard dishes.
- Le Chalet des 2 Lacs – located right on the slope and offers hearty meals for hungry skiers.
- Chez Pépé Nicolas – an authentic mountain restaurant with a delicious regional cuisine and a beautiful view of the mountains. The cheeses and charcuterie are of top quality here.
- La Folie Douce – especially for the spectacular performances by artists in the afternoon. A unique experience on the slope. Here you can enjoy live music and a great atmosphere with a glass of wine in hand.
Advantages of Val Thorens
Val Thorens has much to offer for the active winter sports enthusiast. The possibilities are unparalleled. In our opinion, these are the trump cards of Val Thorens:
- The altitude ensures a snow-sure ski season that runs from November to May.
- The modern lifts and wide slopes make it a great ski area. The crowds quickly spread out over all slopes.
- Additionally, there are sufficient opportunities to escape the crowds, such as in Orelle or on the quiet slopes in the morning hours.
- The variety in slopes ensures that both beginners and experienced skiers get their money’s worth.
- In total, about 150 km of slopes await the spoiled winter sports enthusiasts.
- And as if that’s not enough: through the connection to Les 3 Vallées, even 600 km of interconnected slopes are accessible. This makes it the largest ski area in the world.
- Ski-in/Ski-out: all accommodations are located directly on the slope. Some slopes even run through the village.
- Après-ski: Val Thorens is the après-ski village of France. There are many cosy bars, and you can stay out as late as you want.
Disadvantages of Val Thorens
No destination is perfect. Neither is Val Thorens. These are the lesser points of the ski area:
- Val Thorens is popular, which means it can be quite busy during peak season. Especially in the morning, the lifts to access the Les 3 Vallées ski area are in demand. However, you almost never have to wait longer than 15 minutes.
- The village has a relatively modern appearance.
- Val Thorens is not a charming farming village with many traditional wooden chalets.
- Val Thorens is above the tree line. Forest descents between snow-covered trees are not possible.
- Many young people. Thanks to cheap package holidays and the ample après-ski opportunities, Val Thorens is a destination that attracts many young people. This sometimes causes noise in the streets. However, you don’t notice anything in the hotels.
- Finally, the prices for accommodations and restaurants are on the high side. However, for the quality and snow certainty you get, it’s certainly worth the price.
Is Val Thorens worth it?
For active winter sports enthusiasts looking for a snow-sure destination, Val Thorens is absolutely a top choice. The possibilities are boundless due to the many beautiful slopes. The view of the surrounding Alpine giants is unparalleled everywhere. It’s a place where skiing is central, without being forced to participate in the vibrant nightlife.
Obviously, there are many young people. Every day at the end of the ski day, we encountered some students who had clearly had one too many. But in our accommodation, it was all peace and quiet. Whether you enjoy a quiet descent, a panoramic view from Cime de Caron, or a delicious lunch in a mountain restaurant, Val Thorens offers it all. Time to strap on the skis and enjoy this beautiful ski area!
FAQs about winter sports in Val Thorens
Val Thorens is located in the French Alps. The ski area is in the Savoie, in the Vallee de Bellevilles. It is the highest ski village in Europe, at an altitude of 2,300 metres. Val Thorens is part of Les 3 Vallées. This ski area with 600 km of interconnected slopes is the largest in the world.
You can reach Val Thorens in three ways:
- By car –drive through France towards Albertville. Then you take the road via Moûtiers and climb the mountain to Val Thorens. In high season, this road is busy on changeover days. In case of snow, you should expect a considerable travel time from Moûtiers.
- By train – travel by TGV to Chambéry or Moûtiers. From there, take a bus or taxi to Val Thorens. You can also rent a car.
- By plane – fly to Geneva, Lyon, or Grenoble. From the airport, continue your journey by rental car, bus, or transfer service.
The ski area of Val Thorens has 150 kilometres of slopes. You'll find blue, red, and black descents, plus various off-piste possibilities. Thanks to its high altitude, it's snow-sure. The ski area is open for almost six months a year.
Val Thorens is part of Les 3 Vallées. This is the largest interconnected ski area in the world. Les 3 Vallées has a total of 600 kilometres of slopes, connected by lifts and descents between the villages of Val Thorens, Méribel, Courchevel, Les Menuires, and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville.
In Val Thorens, you have various options for a ski pass:
- Val Thorens-Orelle ski pass – valid on 150 km of slopes in Val Thorens and Orelle. Suitable if you only want to ski in this part.
- Les 3 Vallées ski pass – gives access to 600 km of slopes in the entire ski area, including Méribel and Courchevel. Perfect for experienced skiers who want to discover a lot.
- Optionally, you can buy a day pass for the ski area of Val Thorens, Les Menuires, and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. This option is not actively offered. When booking your ski pass online, this option only appears at the end.
Beginners can manage with the Val Thorens-Orelle ski pass. Even if you're only staying in Val Thorens for a few days, you have enough possibilities with the local ski pass. Advanced skiers who want to get the most out of their ski holiday take the Les 3 Vallées ski pass. The price difference between these ski passes is not that big, by the way. That makes it certainly worth buying the Les 3 Vallées ski pass.
Yes, absolutely! Val Thorens is a top destination for winter sports. The village is located at an altitude of 2,300 metres, which almost guarantees snow certainty. The area is open for almost six months a year. The ski area has 150 km of slopes and is part of Les 3 Vallées, with a total of 600 km of slopes.
There's something for everyone: wide blue descents, challenging red and black slopes, and many off-piste possibilities. Additionally, Val Thorens has a lively après-ski scene, modern lifts, and good facilities. The views of the Alpine giants, including Mont Blanc, are unsurpassed. That's why Val Thorens is ideal for both beginners and experienced skiers!
Yes, Val Thorens is certainly suitable for couples aged 50+. The ski area is snow-sure and has modern lifts, allowing you to reach the slopes comfortably and quickly. All hotels and apartments offer ski-in/ski-out. That makes the start and end of your winter sports day nice and relaxed. There are wide blue slopes for quiet ski tours and challenging descents for experienced skiers.
Besides skiing, you can enjoy good restaurants and quiet accommodations. Most hotels have wellness facilities. Or you can go to Le Board. This multifunctional sports centre has a large wellness area and swimming pool. The building is not very cosy, rather functional. But the facilities are excellent. Want to avoid the busy après-ski? Then choose a hotel or apartment on the outskirts of the village. Val Thorens offers plenty of possibilities for a relaxed and active winter sports holiday.
In Val Thorens, there are several good restaurants where you can eat deliciously. A few recommendations:
- La Maison – cosy restaurant with French classics such as raclette, fondue, and grilled meat. Perfect for an atmospheric evening. Or for lunch on the large terrace, right on the ski slope.
- Alpen Art – a nice and hip restaurant, with homemade dishes and a good wine list. Ideal for a quiet, intimate meal.
- Chez Pépé Nicolas – an authentic mountain restaurant just outside Val Thorens. Here you eat local specialities in an atmospheric setting. Great place for lunch by the slope. Or in the evening for a cosy dinner in a romantic setting. In a word, fantastic!
Other good options are Il Gusto for Italian dishes and La Laiterie. This restaurant specialises in fondue and raclette.
The nice thing about Val Thorens is that all accommodations are located directly on the slope. You can put on your skis immediately and descend. And in the evening, you ski right up to your hotel door, it doesn't get better than that.
These are some highly rated hotels in Val Thorens:
- Hotel Pashmina Le Refuge
- Fahrenheit Seven Val Thorens
- Altapura Hôtel & Spa Val Thorens
- Residence Montana Plein Sud
In Val Thorens, there are many apartments. Guests are especially positive about these apartments:
This is the complete overview of accommodations in Val Thorens.
We visited the Val Thorens ski area at the invitation of the Val Thorens Tourist Office. We have written the blog independently and objectively based on our own impressions.
Other topics you may be interested in
- Winter sports in Les Menuires: Optimal skiing pleasure
- Winter sports in chic Courchevel
- Méribel, the heavenly heart of Les 3 Vallées
- Ultimate winter sports destination Savoie Mont Blanc
- How to physically prepare for the winter sports
- The top 30 winter sports destinations in Europe
- Winter sports in La Plagne and Les Arcs
