If there’s one thing that warmer weather in the Alps has taught us skiers and snowboarders, it’s that if we want to be sure of snow cover, we need to aim high.
And you can’t get higher than Val Thorens. Located up at 2,300m it’s the highest ski resort in Europe, and 99% of its slopes are located above 2,000m altitude. In short, quality snow conditions areguaranteed from mid-November to May.
Val Thorens is so sure of its great conditions – in fact, it stays open right through to mid-May and is one of the last to end its season in France. It all ends with a big party weekend, “La Grande Dernière”, this year from 6 to 8 May 2023.
Fabulous Spring Skiing
Val Thorens is located in a natural bowl which offers sunny and open skiing and has great connections to Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest ski area with 600km of slopes. Fast, modern lifts mean you can spend more time skiing, less going back up.
Much of the skiing takes place well above 2,000 metres and climbs all the way to the summit of Cime Caron at around 3,200 metres. Reached by cable car, the peak offers one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Alps, with panoramic views stretching across more than a thousand surrounding summits in France, Switzerland and Italy.
One of the things visitors appreciate most about Val Thorens is its simplicity. The resort was designed from the beginning as a true ski-in, ski-out destination, meaning accommodation sits directly on or beside the slopes. Even late in the season, when snow begins to retreat from lower resorts elsewhere in the Alps, skiing here often remains accessible straight from the village.
The scale of the lift system also makes a difference. Fast, modern gondolas and chairlifts allow skiers to move quickly around the mountain, spending more time on the slopes and less time travelling uphill.
Because of its altitude and extensive high-mountain terrain, Val Thorens frequently appears among the most reliable destinations for spring skiing in Europe. It is also regularly highlighted for skiing in April when many lower resorts begin to wind down.
Over the years Val Thorens has grown into one of the Alps’ most dynamic resorts, offering accommodation for every type of visitor. Options range from luxury five-star hotels and spa retreats to affordable apartments popular with groups and families.
Springtime often brings particularly good value as the season draws to a close, making it an appealing time to visit.
The resort is also well known for its lively atmosphere after the lifts close. Après-ski is part of the Val Thorens experience, with venues such as La Folie Douce and Le 360 hosting music and celebrations high on the mountain before the evening continues in the village.
Dining is another highlight. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditional Savoyard favourites like fondue, raclette and tartiflette to more refined gourmet restaurants. Many mountain restaurants open large sun terraces in spring, creating perfect places to pause for lunch while enjoying views across the surrounding peaks.
Away from the slopes there are plenty of other activities. The modern Le Board sports centre offers swimming pools, spa facilities and indoor sports, while outdoor attractions include zip lines that glide above the ski area and snow tubing experiences for families and groups.
It is easy to see why Val Thorens has collected numerous international accolades over the years, including multiple titles as France’s Best Ski Resort and World’s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards.
For the latest snow forecast and updates on where is best to ski now, as well as ski news, gear reviews and resort spotlights, you can check out our regular podcast here Apple | Spotify | Podcasts or search The White Out on your chosen podcast directory.
