Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Val Thorens, one of France’s most popular ski destinations.
With over 20 years of experience organising ski holidays in Val Thorens, the team at Ski Beat have assembled a helpful guide which includes everything you need to know about this stunning ski resort. Learn about the best times to visit Val Thorens for skiing, why it’s such a fantastic place to ski, other activities to explore at the resort, and much more! Our comprehensive guide aims to answer all of your questions, so make sure to read on below.
What makes Val Thorens such a popular destination for ski trips?
Located in the French Alps and the renowned Three Valleys ski area, Val Thorens provides access to over 600 kilometres of interconnected slopes. As the highest altitude ski resort in Europe at 2,300m, ski Chalet holidays in Val Thorens pretty much guarantees excellent snowfall throughout the peak ski season, making it an ideal spot for beginners and expert skiers alike. Beyond skiing, Val Thorens offers a wealth of restaurants, bars, and other entertainment offerings that make it a perfect holiday destination for families and groups.
How to Get to Val Thorens
Val Thorens is located in the Tarentaise Valley in the Savoie region of the French Alps. The resort is easily accessible from a number of European cities. For Ski Beat Guests, direct flights to Lyon are available from London Gatwick and from Manchester during the ski season.
Average Transfer Times
Val Thorens Terrain Overview and Statistics
Val Thorens resorts boast an impressive and varied terrain, making it a paradise for skiers of all levels. As 99% of the ski resort sits above 2,000 meters, Val Thorens enjoys reliable snowfall throughout the season from November all the way through to May.
With a total of 84 Pistes spanning a total of 600km, Val Thorens can cater to skiers from all experience levels, including beginners, novices, intermediate skiers and snowboarders. So whether you’re on your first family ski holiday or with friends looking for a challenge, Val Thorens has it all.
Val Thorens Piste Map
Skiing in Val Thorens
Skiing for Beginners
Val Thorens has plenty of beginner-friendly areas for novice skiers and families looking to begin their skiing journey. The Rond Point des Pistes provides an introduction to the slopes and the "Expérience Spatiale" snowpark provides a fun experience for families. There are also a number of multi-lingual ski schools providing an expert introduction to skiing. Overall, Val Thorens offers a safe and welcoming environment for anyone new to skiing.
Intermediate Skiing in Val Thorens
For the intermediate skier, there are a number of blue runs to explore that provide a challenging yet rewarding experience without having to repeat the same routes. With an efficient and fast lift system, you’ll be able to spend more time skiing and improving your skills.
Advanced Skiers
Advanced skiers are able to benefit from the vast Three Valleys ski area, which combines over 600km of pistes with some of the highest slopes in Europe to provide a unique and challenging environment. Val Thorens has a mixture of red and black pistes to choose from, but make sure to check out the view from the summit of La Combe de Caron with its stunning 360-degree views of the Alps.
Snowboarding in Val Thorens
Snowboarders are well catered for in Val Thorens with the Snowpark offering a range of features including boxes, rails, tables, and jumps to test your skills. In addition, the wide-open slopes offer a nice freeride terrain to enjoy as well as rolling bumps, and banked corners, making it a truly perfect place for those looking to challenge themselves.
Snow Conditions and Snowfall in Val Thorens
Val Thorens enjoys one of Europe's longest and most reliable ski seasons, thanks to its record-high altitude. The resort boasts over 2,000 snow cannons, ensuring consistent coverage across key pistes. With typically the highest amounts of snowfall being between February and March, Val Thorens ski season is typically best visited between mid-December to mid-April.
| Month | Average Snowfall (cm) | Snow Days | Average Base Depth (cm) | Average Summit Depth (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 80-100 | 12-14 | 70-100 | 120-150 |
| January | 90-120 | 14-16 | 100-140 | 180-230 |
| February | 100-130 | 13-15 | 100-140 | 180-230 |
| March | 80-110 | 10-12 | 90-130 | 160-210 |
| April | 60-90 | 8-10 | 80-110 | 140-180 |
Resort Suitability
Resort Factfile
Ski Chalets in Val Thorens
Val Thorens is fortunate to have some of the most stunning accommodation choices across its entire resort allowing you to relax in style. At Ski Beat, we can help find you the perfect catered chalet holidays allowing you to enjoy true Alpine hospitality. Our acommodation options in Val Thorens are suitable for groups of friends, families, couples and even solo travellers.
Be warned though, our selection of catered chalets are incredibly popular, so early booking is recommended during peak season and for premium locations!
Pick one of our chalets below for dates and prices, or get in touch to plan your stay.
Val Thorens, France
Chalet Caribou
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Val Thorens, France
Chalet Ibex
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Val Thorens, France
Chalet Loup Blanc
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Non-Skiing Activities in Val Thorens
Val Thorens is a fantastic place for skiing, but don’t overlook all the other activities that will add to your enjoyment. Val Thorens resort boasts a range of non-skiing activities including serene snowshoeing treks and tobogganing for those seeking adventure in addition to wellness facilities and spas for those looking for something a little more relaxed.
Restaurants & Fine Dining
Val Thorens has a lively food culture, with several spots to enjoy fantastic culinary creations whilst enjoying the splendour of amazing alpine views. Highlights include La Maison Val Thorens, known for its cosy alpine atmosphere and hearty Savoyard specialities. Alternatively, experience fine dining at Le Diamant Noir, a Michelin star restaurant with an innovative menu which uses locally sourced ingredients.
Après-Ski and Nightlife in Val Thorens
Val Thorens has a vibrant après-ski scene and nightlife, with plenty of chances to experience live music, have chilled drinks with friends, or dance the night away. La Folie Douce is known for its lively open-air parties and DJ sets or visit Le Malaysia the largest nightclub in the Alps with a large dancefloor to enjoy.
Planning Your Trip to Val Thorens
For the best possible Val Thorens ski experience, it is recommended that you book your trip well in advance especially during peak periods such as Christmas, New Year, and February half-term. Our friendly and knowledgeable team at Ski Beat will help you with all aspects of the booking process including booking activities, equipment and travel arrangements. Explore the section below to find out more:
Practical Information and Bookings
Ski Passes
Val Thorens has flexible ski passes available to purchase that suit a varying range of needs. Local passes are available to explore the Val Thorens valley. If you need help obtaining your skip pass, speak to a member of our friendly team and we’ll be able to find the right ski pass for you.
Ski Schools & Rentals
If it’s your first time skiing or you’re need of a bit of practice, Val Thorens has a range of ski schools with multilingual instructors to help you build your confidence. At Ski Beat, we can also help with equpiment rentals for beginner and intermediate skiers, ensuring you’re fully equipped for a day out on the slopes.
Val Thorens Ski Resort FAQs
Is Val Thorens family friendly?
Yes, Val Thorens is an excellent choice for families with activities available for the family to enjoy of all ages including non-skiing activities.
Is Val Thorens suitable for beginners?
Yes, Val Thorens has a range of beginners ski courses making it a suitable for new skiers and those looking to improve their skills. Val Thorens also has a number of ski-schools that include English speaking instructors to help new skiers learn the ropes.
Where is Val Thorens?
Val Thorens is located in France in the French Alps. It is the highest resort in all of Europe standing at over 2,300 metres. Direct flights from Gatwick and Manchester to Lyon Airport makes it an easy destination to reach.
Why Ski Beat?
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Over 35 Years
ExperienceSki Beat has provided great value catered ski chalet holidays in France for over 35 years and has gained a reputation for listening and responding to guests' needs.
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The Perfect
WelcomeOur friendly and highly capable chalet hosts will ensure your holiday is the perfect balance of high quality service and great food in a relaxed, homely environment.
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Food
With AltitudeHigh up in the French Alps, nestled snuggly in the Vanoise National Park, lies our high altitude headquarters for all things food. Find out what's on the menu this season.
