Skiing & Snowboarding in Val Thorens

Val Thorens Ski & Snowboard Guide

Val Thorens is a modern ski resort in the northern French Alps, about a 1 hr 30 min transfer from Chambéry airport. Situated at an altitude of 2300 m and with lifts up to 3,230 m, it bills itself as the highest resort in Europe. If you’re booking in advance and concerned about snow cover, Val Thorens is a great option and snow sure throughout the season. The scenery is spectacular too – from the resort’s position at the head of the Belleville Valley, the mountain backdrop is breathtaking. There’s plenty of skiing for all levels from beginners to experts, with some epic red runs for confident intermediates. Do bear in mind if you’re skiing with kids, that because it’s so high it can be very cold in January and February. But there’s skiing here from late November to early May, so it’s an ideal resort if you can take advantage of shoulder season prices. Val Thorens may not be as glitzy as other 3 Valleys resorts, but it’s friendly and relaxed, and the skiing is outstanding.

The skiing and snowboarding

Val Thorens offers you an unforgettable skiing and snowboarding experience. There is 150 km of piste area and an endless stretch of off-piste to indulge yourselves. For freestylers, there is the renowned Val Thorens Snowpark serviced by a lift. Freestylers will be interested in the Val Thorens board week held in early December. For beginners, the gentle slopes around the Rond Point des Pistes are ideal, as it’s a largely flat terrain. Once you are more confident on the flat slopes, you can progress on to marginally trickier green runs, Traversée des Deux Lacs and Deux Combes. If you want lessons or instructions, contact one of the independent ski schools there.

Val Thorens Snowpark

If you’re in the Three Valleys and you’re into freestyle snowboarding make sure you check out the Val Thorens Snowpark. In recent years things have improved massively on the park front. As Val Thorens is so high, the mounds never fully melt in the summer, so the park is rideable right through the season. Located on the Plateaux sector, the park offers you the possibility to progress your skills freestyle course with features for all abilities.

Built on about 70,000m², the Val Thorens Snowpark has some awesome table-top jumps, jibbing features that will test your mettle whether you’re a beginner or expert boarder. There are also quarter-pipe hip jumps and an air-bag. If you’re competitive of spirit, several freestyle competitions are held throughout the season.

Where to stay

If you want a superior upper-class accommodation, the recommended choice is Fahrenheit Seven Val Thorens, a cutting-edge, four-star hotel, complete with a great signature spa, an elegant bar and three restaurants. The hotel is at 2300 m and it goes without saying there’s ski-in-ski-out access.

For truly excellent service, it’s hard to look past Altapura. Featuring a pool and a spa, 3 on-site restaurants and a buffet breakfast to set you up for a day on the slopes. The accommodation has one of the best locations in Val Thorens.

Le Sherpa is an excellent three-star hotel with some amazing food, a great service and comfortable rooms. Le Fitz Roy and Langley Hôtel Tango are also popular choices as they are near the nursery slopes which are ideal for beginners.

If you prefer to keep costs down and go self catering, try Residence Machu Pichu, a Pierre & Vacances property offering apartment accommodation in a good location.

Where to eat

In Val Thorens, you have a wide choice when it comes to food. Les Chalets du Thorens offers self-service snacks and meals ranging from pizza and pasta to hot dogs and crepes. La Ferme de Rosalie is a charming, traditional place where you can enjoy the Savoyard classics. Another great spot for a Savoyard meal is the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Chalet de la Marine. Chef Jean Sulpice who has earned two Michelin stars serves a sumptuous gourmet cuisine at the Jean Sulpice Restaurant and even holds cooking classes on Sundays. For more traditional dining, head to La Fondue where you can sit in an open-air terrace while enjoying your food. For a more fun and affordable setting, try Le Scapin, a popular pizza joint. Another pizzeria is the Red Fox Pub where you can enjoy wholesome meals of pizzas and burgers.

Après shred

Val Thorens has a very active social life with more than 40 bars and three nightclubs. The ultimate partying spot is La Folie Douce, where there are live music and DJ sessions every afternoon. Surrounded by mountains, it has a wild, noisy, club-style vibe. Another great place is Bar 360, which is smaller and more intimate but there’s just as much of a buzz and blaring party music as La Folie. Café Snesko is a popular attraction for young crowds with its live music and a wild, electric atmosphere. Check out the Frog and Roast Beef, which brags the title of “The highest Pub in Europe”. You can also head over to Klub Summit and enjoy its music mixes and late-night partying.