Published: 14.02.2024
Last Updated: 14.02.2024
With its immaculate slopes and a vibrant après scene, Val Thorens is certainly up there on our choice of favourite ski resorts. For starters, it’s part of the legendary Three Valleys ski area, complete with 600km of glorious slopes that reach up to a whopping 3,230 metres.
If you’re looking to improve your skills, Val Thorens offers a roster of ski schools and lessons. The gentle nursery slopes are perfect for beginners, while the more challenging black runs are bound to satisfy even the most experienced skiers. Alternatively, if you’d like to experience a restorative mountain break beyond the slopes, then you’ve come to the right place. Val Thorens is vast, offering a range of gorgeous winter walks, world-class restaurants and an assortment of outdoorsy activities that don’t have to involve skis or a snowboard.
Whether you’re after an exhilarating ski holiday or an excuse to eat endless fondue, Val Thorens will not disappoint.
1. Where is Val Thorens and how do I get there?
Val Thorens is ideally located in the heart of a vast natural cirque in the French Alps, within the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Getting to Val Thorens is super easy and scenic, whether you’re travelling by train, plane, bus, shuttle or taxi. There are several airports less than a three-hour drive to the resort, including Chambéry, Geneva, Lyon, and Grenoble.
If you decide to make your way there by train, Brides-les-Bains is the nearest train station to the resort. Unless you already have a lift or car hire sorted, transfers to and from the resort can be arranged in advance.
2. How High is Val Thorens?
Val Thorens boasts the mighty title of being the highest resort in Europe, standing at a whopping altitude of 2,300m! The resort’s state-of-the-art ski lifts are spread across six districts: the Soleil district (yellow), the Grande Rue district (red), the Balcons district (blue), the Plein Sud district (white), the Slalom district (green) and the Lombarde district (purple). Depending on your level, you’re free to go as high as you see fit with a Ski Lift pass.
Better yet, you’ll also have access to the Orelle ski area, the highest skiable peak in the Three Valleys. This ski area offers superb conditions for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, covering 150km of runs to enjoy.
3. Best time to ski in Val Thorens
November/December: Christmas and New Year are very popular in Val Thorens, so prices tend to be higher and the resorts can get booked up in advance. The snowy landscape and general festive cheer add up to a truly wonderful Christmas experience. If you’ve got a chalet in mind, feel free to reach out to the Ski Vertigo team ahead of the season to secure your spot.
January: This is the perfect time to ski to avoid the crowds. The slopes are fairly quiet with no lift queues this time of year, so you’re bound to have an incredible time. The cold weather makes for excellent snow conditions, plus there’s likely to be clear blue skies in Val Thorens in January.
February: This time of year is likely to be extra busy in Val Thorens with the school holidays. Come February, families flock to the slopes to make the most of some time off. If you’re booking ski school and lift passes, make sure to plan ahead and book when you can.
March: Let the long lunches and sunny days commence! March is the start of spring, meaning that the days are getting longer and temperatures are on the rise in Val Thorens. The snow quality may start to decline around this time.
April: You’ll benefit from beautiful sunny days and longer lift opening times in Val Thorens in April. This is also the month to bag some major ski deals!
At the end of the day, it’s completely a matter of preference. Though we can’t promise sunshine and powdered slopes at all times, there’s a Val Thorens Weather Forecast worth checking out for snowfall updates and a detailed report of the weather conditions, including predictions for the day ahead. It’s also worth checking out the Val Thorens live webcam a day or two before you hit the slopes in case it’s extra snowy or you need to layer up.
4. Is Val Thorens Good for Beginners?
The great thing about skiing in Val Thorens is the variation of slopes on offer. Even if you’re completely new to skiing or snowboarding, there are excellent group lessons and gentle nursery slopes for getting the hang of things.
At Ski School, you’ll learn the absolute basics to begin with, like clipping in and out of your skis, before moving on to a few exercises on the gentlest of slopes.
From there, it’s all about practicing your technique, building confidence and getting used to the slopes. And if you’re not a complete beginner but would like a refresher, you can opt for a private ski lesson that’s tailored to your experience.
5. Things to do in Val Thorens
Sledging: Sledging is always a fun way to get out and about on the slopes. The exhilaration of sliding down a snowy slope at full speed never gets old, making it a great alternative to skiing or snowboarding.
If you’re travelling with children, it’s a great way to get children used to the snow and involved with snow sports from a young age. In Val Thorens, sledging is a hugely popular winter activity, so it’s worth booking at least 48 hours in advance to secure your slope.
Snowshoeing: If the weather’s not so great or you’re keen to mix things up on your ski holiday, snowshoeing is a fantastic way to get immersed in the wilderness. ESF Val Thorens provides a whole programme of guided hikes through enchanting forests and snowy valleys.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there are 11 designated routes mapped out for all levels. Remember to check the Val Thorens Forecast or webcam beforehand to keep an eye on the weather conditions.
Mountain villages: A trip to one of the surrounding mountain villages is a great way to soak up the local culture in Val Thorens. Free shuttles run from the main resort to the Vallée des Belleville and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville between Sunday to Friday. In the summer months, the villages come alive with weekly markets, selling everything from artisanal cheeses to fresh produce.
6. Bars and Nightlife
If you’re on the hunt for an unforgettable party experience, La Folie Douce is sure to impress. This lively spot opens its doors from 2pm onwards, offering a great lineup of DJ sessions, happy hours, and non-stop dancing. Get ready to let loose and dance into the early hours!
If live music is more your thing, The Frog is a British-owned pub with a jovial atmosphere. Whether you’re a rum enthusiast or just looking to unwind with a cocktail or two, Rhum Box has got you covered. This is the spot for singing along to your favourite tunes and enjoying a night filled with laughter and great music.
To find out more about the best après ski and nightlife in Val Thorens, give our ski experts a call.
Book Now and Make Val Thorens Your Next Ski Destination
It’s safe to say that Val Thorens ticks all the boxes for an incredible ski holiday, whether you’re an advanced skier or a beginner. To top it off, you can choose from a selection of catered ski chalets when you book your mountain getaway with Ski Vertigo.
Wake up to a sprawling breakfast every morning and return from the slopes to a selection of freshly baked cakes and an exquisite three-course dinner throughout the duration of your stay.
For more information on Val Thorens and to book your all-inclusive ski holiday, contact us now via email, our socials, or via telephone on 01252 365490.
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