Europe’s highest, and one of its youngest resorts, Val Thorens, is 40-years-old this winter.
Back in 1971, an enthusiastic, pioneering team began the project of creating an all new resort at a staggering altitude of 2300m, at the top of what was shortly to become the world’s largest ski area, Les 3 Vallées. Critics at the time argued “too high and too much snow!” but keen developers countered “that gives us carte blanche to do as we please and overcome challenges!”
Since then Val Thorens has gone from strength to strength, with a ski area open from November to May, guaranteed snow cover, and an evermore varied choice of accommodation, restaurants and activities.
This winter, along with new 4 star and 5 star accommodation, the resort unveils its fourth funitel, which will climb from the summit of the Portette chairlift (2795m) to the Col du Bouchet at an altitude of 3000m in less than 2 minutes. From here, skiers and boarders can take either the new “Asters” red run or the new “Chocard” blue run.
With these two new slopes accessible from the Funitel Thorens, another new slope in the Plein Sud area, and further improvements to existing runs, the Val Thorens/Orelle ski area will be significantly increased, and 150km of runs will be available from the resort.
