Val Thorens

Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort at 2,300 m, and one of the most snow-sure destinations in the world. Set at the top of the Belleville Valley, it is part of the Three Valleys — the world’s largest linked ski area with 600 km of pistes — and offers direct access to some of the finest skiing on the planet.

Built in the 1970s, Val Thorens was originally known more for altitude and convenience than charm. But extensive investment in recent decades has transformed it into a modern, attractive, and award-winning resort. Its architecture has been softened with wood and stone, its infrastructure is cutting-edge, and its facilities are first class. In fact, it has been voted the World’s Best Ski Resort multiple times at the World Ski Awards.

Val Thorens is unapologetically about the skiing: high, vast, and reliable. But it also delivers lively après-ski, a wide range of accommodation from budget apartments to five-star hotels, and a youthful, international atmosphere.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Val Thorens is at the heart of the Three Valleys, but even its local slopes — 150 km of pistes — are enough for a week’s holiday.

• Beginners: Dedicated nursery areas and gentle greens close to the resort centre make Val Thorens a surprisingly good option for learners. Its compact layout means beginners can progress without getting lost.

• Intermediates: This is paradise. Wide, rolling blues and reds dominate, perfect for carving at altitude with guaranteed snow. Runs like Plein Sud and Christine are firm favourites, and the links to Méribel, Les Menuires, and Courchevel open up endless cruising.

• Experts: There’s plenty to test advanced skiers. Steep blacks such as Combe de Caron and Goitschel challenge technique, while off-piste routes around Cime de Caron and Pointe de Thorens deliver some of the best freeride terrain in the Alps. Powder often lingers here thanks to altitude and aspect.

• Freestylers: Val Thorens has a world-class snowpark, boardercross, and fun zones, and with Méribel and Courchevel close by, the wider Three Valleys offers multiple freestyle hubs.

The hallmark of Val Thorens skiing is reliability: you can ski here from November to May, with slopes reaching up to 3,230 m.

Ski Lift Passes

Val Thorens passes are integrated into the Three Valleys system.

• Val Thorens–Orelle local pass (150 km): ~€66/day | ~€330 for 6 days
• Three Valleys full area pass (600 km): ~€74/day | ~€370 for 6 days
• Child (5–12): ~25% reduction
• Under 5s: Free

Deals:

• Family passes available.
• Reduced beginner passes for nursery lifts.

Details at the Les 3 Vallées ski pass page.

Resort & Infrastructure

Val Thorens is compact, high, and incredibly functional, with almost all accommodation offering ski-in/ski-out convenience. The resort is arranged around a pedestrian-friendly centre, with lifts radiating out in every direction.

• The Cime Caron cable car rises to 3,200 m, unlocking long descents and dramatic views.

• The Orelle link opens up the Maurienne Valley and quieter slopes.

• High-speed gondolas and chairs ensure smooth movement across the area, while snowmaking guarantees coverage on lower links to Les Menuires and Méribel.

Despite its altitude, Val Thorens is well designed for families, with easy access to ski schools and beginner zones right in the centre of the village.

Accommodation

Val Thorens offers a huge variety of accommodation, much of it ski-in/ski-out.

• Budget: Self-catered apartments and residences, particularly popular with students and groups.
• Mid-Range: 3★ and 4★ hotels and chalet-residences across the resort.
• Luxury: High-end options such as the Hotel Pashmina Le Refuge, Altapura, and Hotel Koh-I Nor bring five-star comfort, spas, and fine dining.

Browse via the Val Thorens accommodation search.

Dining & Après

Val Thorens’ dining scene has improved dramatically. On the mountain, La Fruitière and Chez Pépé Nicolas are standouts for atmosphere and food, while in town you’ll find everything from pizza and burgers to gourmet dining.

Après-ski here is legendary. The slope-side La Folie Douce is the epicentre, with DJs, live performers, and dancing on the tables. Bar 360 and Malaysia (the largest nightclub in the Alps) keep the party going well into the night. The vibe is youthful, international, and high-energy, though there are also cosy pubs and wine bars for those who prefer a quieter evening.

Non-Skiing Activities

Val Thorens has plenty to keep non-skiers entertained:

• The Cosmojet toboggan run, Europe’s longest at 6 km.
• Ice driving, ice karting, and snow biking.
• The Le Board sports and wellness complex with pools, spa, and gym.
• Snowshoeing and walking trails.
• Bowling alley, cinema, and regular live events.

It’s one of the better high-altitude resorts for non-skiing activities, thanks to its modern facilities.

Village Character & Access

Val Thorens is unapologetically modern and purpose-built, but recent redevelopment has given it more architectural warmth with wood and stone. Its compact, pedestrian-friendly layout, ski-in/ski-out access, and lively centre give it strong appeal.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry, and Grenoble (2.5–3 hrs).
• By train: Eurostar/TGV to Moutiers, then 1 hr transfer.
• By car: Around 9 hrs from Calais.

InTheSnow Verdict

Val Thorens offers high-altitude, snow-sure skiing at its best. With slopes from 2,300 m to 3,200 m, ski-in/ski-out convenience, and a lively après scene, it’s one of the most complete modern ski resorts in the Alps. Families benefit from its compact design and accessible beginner areas, while experts enjoy off-piste and big vertical descents.

It may lack the traditional charm of lower-altitude villages, but for reliability, scale, and energy, Val Thorens is unbeatable.

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