Val Thorens
Val Thorens needs no introduction: it’s the ideal playground for skiing enthusiasts and anyone who loves the mountains. Located at 2,300m at the summit of the Vallée des Belleville, it is the highest resort in Europe and forms part of the 3 Vallées ski area, which is the largest in the world with 600 km of linked-up slopes. And an added bonus? The entire resort is ski-in/ski-out which means the slopes are easy to reach from your door.
Val Tho’, as it’s known, is a feast for the eyes, with the majestic Péclet glacier dominating the resort and the 3,195m Cime Caron offering “the most beautiful view in the Alps” according to the Michelin Green Guide. Well, it does have a 360° view of more than 1,000 summits across the French, Swiss and Italian Alps.
Famous for its top-quality snow and increasingly efficient ski lifts, Val Thorens offers unbeatable skiing: carving, off-piste, cross-country, snow park, fun slopes, boardercross and telemark skiing, there’s something to suit every taste. Want real-time information about skier numbers on the slopes? The new Ski Flux system, unique in France, measures the flow of skiers via sensors located on the slopes and allows users to choose their itinerary accordingly. No wonder then that it won Best Ski Resort in the World at the World Ski Awards for the eighth time in 2023.
Aside from skiing, there’s plenty else to entertain too. Try the Cosmojet Experience on the longest sledging slope in France, an intense 45-minute, 6km run from 3,000m altitude at the foot of the Péclet glacier. Snowtubing promises fun for all the family as you slide down an undulating slope on a giant inflatable tube! Want something more thrilling? The Tyrolienne du Bouchet (the highest zipline in Europe) lets you glide through the air like an eagle for 1,300m, offering a bird’s eye view of the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys. There’s also exploring by fatbike or freediving below the ice… the treats are endless!
Eat, Sleep, Relax
For an extra dose of relaxation, head to Le Board’s wellbeing centre for a massage, sauna, cold plunge pool and more. Or indulge in the new Oxalys Spa or relieve any aches and pains at the 5-star Altapura hotel’s Codage Spa.
Wondering where to lay your head? With a wealth of accommodation ranging from traditional to luxurious, visitors can pick and choose to suit their needs. And like all good ski resorts, Val Thorens offers a mouthwatering choice of eateries. Beef & Lobster is a family restaurant at the Hameau du Kashmir hotel with a sunny terrace right by the slopes and a cosy interior with a North American, Boston-style atmosphere. Meanwhile, Le Val Thorens Hotel has added carvery meals to this winter’s lunch menu, and a buffet option in the evenings. And, of course, there are plenty of terrace restaurants to choose from for a sunny lunch break from the slopes.
Environment
Boasting the Flocon Vert, Val Thorens has always been focused on protecting the environment, from smart heating and insulation to careful snow and water management to green fuels for its vehicles.
Events in 2024
Mar 19-21: Festival ’Tho – the popular electric music festival will take up residence for three days in the heart of the ski area at Les Chalets du Thorens and the 360° Bar.
Mar 31: 3 Vallées Enduro – teams of three in various categories can enjoy a day of skiing filled with fun challenges, followed by a well-earnt barbecue.
May 4 & 5: La Grande Dernière – a programme of entertainment to close the season, plus a derby-type race with participants competing 4 x 4 from the start line at the top of Pécleton a 3 km descent with a drop of 675m. An amusing way to close the season!
At a glance
Ski until May 5
600km of runs at 2,300m-3,200m
