Where is Val Thorens?

How to get to Val Thorens? 

Val Thorens is a compact purpose-built ski resort, which sits at 2300 meters is accessible with just 2.30 hours from Geneva Airport, the very top of the three valleys.

Transports /Transfers

The neighboring airports to Val Thorens are Chambery (113km Via N90), Geneva (200 km if going through A43/A430/N90), and Lyon (218km Via A43/A430/N90) And with transfer times of 1.45 hours, 2 hours and 30 minutes and 2 hours and 40 minutes respectively. But do be aware, French Ski Holiday season kicks in on the Saturday of the 2nd week of February and 2nd week of March, and massive traffic jams may cause transfer times to extend to as long as eight hours, so planning ahead is vital!

If you’re coming on the train, the nearest train stop is in the town of Moutier, from where you’ll need to take a 1-hour bus journey to Val Thorens.

Also, Private jets and Helicopter Flight to/from Val Thorens are available.

Ski area & Runs in Val Thorens

Important ski resorts stats for Val Thorens 

• Piste Guide: There are 11 green runs, 9 black runs, 35 blue runs, 30 red runs
• Pistes: 600km, On its own Val Thorens, offers 150 km of pistes and runs.
• Resort Altitude: 2300m, Skiing Altitude: 3,220 m (Highest Lift)
• Region: Three Valleys
• Country: France

Val Thorens Ski Guide – Skiing in Val Thorens

Ski area & Runs

The resort forms part of the 3 Vallées linked ski area which, with over 600 km of piste, is one of the largest linked ski areas in the world. Val Thorens itself 150 kilometers of Ski runs which spread over the upper Belleville Valley and the town of Orelle, which actually makes it a fourth secret valley. The Runs of Orelle are south-facing and the runs in Belleville valley face North, North-west direction providing excellent snow conditions. Overall, there are 9 black runs, 30 red runs, 35 blue runs, and 11 green runs in the ski area of Val Thorens. Ski schools in Val Thorens need early reservations in the High/Peak seasons and private instructors are hard to find. For intermediate to advanced skiers, we recommend buying the 3 Valley ski pass which cost 300 euros for 6 days and are worth every penny.

Val Thorens is part of the enormous three valleys, and the resort is part of the superlatives. Val Thorens has the longest season and the highest ski resort in western Europe. Although it has fewer piste and lifts than nearby Courchevel (1850 is 1 h 12 min (53.3 km) via D117 ) and Meribel (1 h 4 min (47.1 km) via D117 and D96) by Car. There is more terrain in this area, and with Glacier and 4 peaks, over 3000 meters, snow is guaranteed. The resort is Ski in Ski out (almost), wherever you are staying you can ski to the lifts by approaching the main hub of the resort base. You’ll begin your skiing day one of the small runs inside the village, which will eventually lead you to the green-rated rock, which has beginner’s facility and ski school meeting points. The rock run is used as the main artery Val Thorens and from there you can take ski lifts to everywhere in the resort. You could join the boulevard cumin ski run to all the way to Les Menuires ski resort.

The most important lifts to know are: Péclet, will take you to Péclet glacier, the beginning of the longest toboggan course in France and to some good ski runs.  Plein Sud, which will take you to La Folie Douce après ski bar and Three valleys lift that will take you to the 3 valleys. Moutiers will take you to the Val Thorens Snow Park and Caron that will take you to Cime Caron, of the largest ski lifts in the world, which can carry more than 150 passengers. Cime Caron will lift you to Cime de Caron peak at an altitude of 3,195 metres above sea level giving you access to one of the most breathtaking views in the Alps.

Val Thorens for different levels – Beginners, Intermediates, Advanced/Experienced, Off-piste. 

Val Thorens has always had quite a good offer for beginners simply because its high altitude means that all season long it’s very convenient for first-timers to get on the nursery slopes without the hassle that can be the case at older, lower altitude resorts. Although there is Fee now for beginners due to the fact of investment for the lifts and the special ski area for the Beginners, being a snow-sure destination on this altitude it’s highly recommended.

Intermediates just look at the numbers, with access to three valleys and with the number of easy blues it’s a resort it favours the intermediate skiers.  Make sure you are carrying the correct pass if you leaving towards Les Menuires or Meribel. Simplest is the Val Thorens-Orelle Pass which covers 150 km of piste, for a bigger area Val Thorens-Belleville Valley Pass grants access to 300 Kms of piste and finally, the three valleys pass which gives access to 600 kms piste and runs, including the resorts of Meribel and Courchevel ski areas. if you are a little more confident skiers Moraine piste, a blue run, and Tête Ronde is another good run from the top of Péclet is not too difficult and favourite among the for intermediates. The sunny slopes around Boismant have intermediate runs take the Red run Boismant or the Blue run Blanchot, if you try this best take it early in the mornings, the conditions are pretty good.

Val Thorens is also a place for those who like steep challenging piste, Most runs here are red and best collection of them is on the southern slopes. Cime de Caron (All the runs down are pretty challenging (but you can go back down in the cable car if you wish, and it’s open to pedestrians). The main red is Col de l’Audzin.) and Grand Fond (north-facing slopes).

Here are our ratings for Val Thorens

• For snowboarders: 9. Together with the 3 Valleys, there are endless possibilities for snowboarders. The fact that along the snow park there is a drug lift, damages the otherwise amazing 10 scores.
• For skiers for all levels: 9. The fact that the runs in Val Thorens itself are above the tree line makes the view a little boring.
• For freestylers: 9, again just because of the drag lift in the snow park.
• For free riders: 10. Together with the 3 valleys, there is indeed the largest area of off-piste than anywhere else in the world.
• For nightlife: 10. Many packed bars for every taste, where you can party in a packed place with energy from 4 pm ‘til 4 am, every night.
• Après ski: 10. The Foley Douce is the best après ski bar in the world today
• Resort Charm: 7.5. The absence of trees makes it a little bit boring, but the many chairlifts and little ski runs crossing the village, gives it a unique charm all of its own.

TOTAL OVERALL SCORE FOR VAL THORENS: 9. For young people and party lovers, it is probably the best ski resort in the world today.

Ski seasons: What is the best time to ski in Val Thorens? 

Val Thorens has the longest and most snow-sure season in the whole of France. So, if you are wondering what is the best time to go skiing in Val Thorens? The needless to think too much, from late November to early May, there’s plenty of snow in Val Thorens – Due it’s Position and altitude (highest ski village in Europe) almost 100% is above 2,000m

What are the snow conditions in the ski season? 

Val Thorens is astonishingly sunny with slopes typically facing North, However, the village mostly faces South and West. And it’s very convenient: almost all the accommodation is ski-in/ski-out. Average monthly snow in 2019 in Val Thorens was;

• December is 27cm (week) with 2.9 snow days(week),
• January 38cm (a week) Snow days 3.1 Snow days (a week),
• February 28cm (week) 3.6 Snow days (week),
• March 29cm (week) 3.7 Snow days (a week) and
• April 23cm (a week) Snow days 4.3 days (a week)

Gives you some idea about the average snow conditions in Val Thorens. – So, KEEP CALM AND TAKE TO THE SLOPES!

Val Thorens Ski Resort for Early Season Skiing – Pre Christmas – Chalet ski deals

We can assure in Val Thorens you will not be disappointed with excellent snow conditions from early December until the seasons come to an end. And the tourist office of Val Thorens thinks they can Guarantee Snow from November until Early may, So If you a looking for Cheap Luxury ski holidays with fresh snow with slopes all to yourself, Prior to Christmas rush, then Pre-Christmas ski break in Val Thorens is worth every penny.

Christmas / New Year Ski season

If you are looking to party for Christmas and with the dawn of New year, Val tho is the place to be, not just for the skiing and chalets holidays. For the New Year’s Eve information about live music, DJ’s, videos, check our Après ski Tab on this page.

With the Best snow conditions in Val Thorens, Christmas and New year ski holidays are for those who wish to spend extravagantly and even stay in a Luxurious Ski in Ski out chalets in Val Thorens. Peak/High-season comes with Christmas & New Year week, though, in the alpine mountains it can be crowded and exclusive – For those families who don’t mind this it’s a great Ski vacation on the magical Alpine setting that can make a memorable ski chalet holiday in the Val Thorens. It’s all about celebration festivities, gathering, firecrackers, lots of wine and champagne in front of a private Fireplace inside your chalet. Enjoy this special enchanted winter wonderland Ski Holiday with family or friends.

January Ski season

Ski slopes are still excellent with great snow conditions! January is cold, the powder is dry and light and with lesser skiers its great time to go skiing in Val Thorens. Val Thorens has plenty of things to do in January, from Non-skiers to Skiers, so if you fancy Noise, energetic crowds and good pistes January should be on your bucket list. Activities that had taken place in January (in the past), The FIS World Cup (together with Downhill, Slalom and Super G and Ski cross), Snowboard Tours targeting the young, so if you have snowboard teenagers it will be fun to witness one of these again.

February / Half terms

It’s the time for Best Off-piste itineraries in Val Thorens, with Plenty of Snow falling in February (Don’t worry if you are coming with your family with little children) The Combe d’Espace Junior is great for kids to have fun!. With half-term holidays it’s one of the best times to go skiing for the British. Hit the slopes, the Air is cold, the sun is out and the skiing is good makes February hugely popular.

March

For confident intermediates, there are plenty of challenging Blue and Red runs and the high-altitude glacier runs that are usually snow sure in March. The Experts should go try the Cime Caron. With slightly warmer temperatures and North facing slopes March is a good time go skiing in Val Thorens. You may have knee-deep snow and can enjoy powder snow with sunshine. At times things could get irregular in the afternoon if there has been a fresh snowfall.  Best is if possible to start early to get the most out of the day and rest yourself into the late afternoon.

April

April too is a month like a march with the resort getting plenty of snowfall, making April a month with Good condition of snow to go on Ski holidays to Val Thorens. So, you won’t be disappointed on the typical April ski season here. Usual Easter season Prices of chalets can rise up, but you can ski later in the month and into May, where the prices of accommodation get cheaper. Remember, Since Val Thorens has many North facing slopes it comes as an advantage late towards the season, as the snow usually remains in excellent condition for longer.

However, before making plans for ski holidays in Val Thorens, we advise you to see the snow condition of Val Thorens.

Live snow forecast in Val Thorens

Click on the map to enlarge and read

Après Ski in Val Thorens 

Cafes, bars, food, drinks, and nightlife 

When you finished enjoying one of the world’s largest ski areas, Val Thorens has après ski for children of all ages, with arguably Europe’s largest sledging run (the other one in the Jungfrau Region claims it is the world’s largest toboggan run called Big Pintenfritz).  Also, there is an Ice diving Circuit and a sports centre with Swimming pool and gym.

After your day of skiing, we recommend skiing to probably the best Après-ski bar in the world, La Folie Douce, just to realise you cannot get ‘’higher’’ HIGHER!! You can continue the Après-Ski after skiing back to the village on Plein Sud run. After the party is over, skiing back after a couple of beers with some drunk ski buddies could be quite a thrill!

By the way, if you stay on the upper East side of Val Thorens, there is a New ski run (2018) that goes directly into this area. If you are that way inclined, you can continue the party in the village at the Dutch Après Ski Bar Le Monde or the Danish Snesko Bar, which has fantastic cover band shows every day. If you fancy some quiet time then, enjoy a drink in the O’Connell’s, a traditional Irish bar or the football game at Frogs. After 10 pm, it is a great time to go to the Dutch club Snow Café and if you still have energy, Try  Rond point or le privilege after 1 am try visiting the ‘’Summit’’ in Val Thorens  (aka ‘The underground’, ‘Dicks T Bar’, Now managed by the Saloon bar), also worth visiting is ‘’ Le Malaysia’’ in Val Thorens, the largest club in any Ski resort in the World, you are sure to see the top live bands and DJs in the Alps here. Music kicks in around 11 pm, then the club goes to sleep by 4 am.

Best Michelin star restaurants in Val Thorens – Where to eat?

Like most ski resorts in France, if you are looking for Traditional Savoyard Mountain Dishes from the French Alps like Tartiflette or Fondue, they are easy to come by in Val Thorens. However, If you are looking for something slightly more adventurous than stale bread and melted cheese, Le Diamant Noir, which includes black truffles as an ingredient on many of the dishes on the seasonal menu, or let yourself be invited into a culinary experience at la-bouitte, Each dish is in itself a culinary journey.

Guide to Val Thorens Luxury chalet accommodation & private apartments

Insider’s guide to exclusive standalone ski chalets in Val Thorens, France

Often known as the highest ski resort in Europe & the longest ski season in the world, Val Thorens belongs to Three Valleys ski area. Val Thorens ski resorts dominating location in the Tarentaise Valley in the French Alps is filled with beautiful All types of Apartments, chalets, architecture, designer shopping, and chic stays.

Where to Stay in Val Thorens?

Val Thorens is the highest purpose-built Luxury ski resort in France. Its altitude can leave visitors a little short of breath at times and means the temperatures drop to the low minus 25’s, but the altitude and the cold temperatures mean that when the snowfall, its often light and dry, and doesn’t start to melt until late in the season.

Val Thorens is not the prettiest of towns in the Alps, like its neighboring Meribel or Courchevel or even “NOT SO FAR”  Val D’Isere ( 1 h 49 min by car (92.5 km) via N90 and D902 )  if you don’t mind driving around in the Alps and taking in some stunning sceneries. Val Thorens offers all the accommodation styles from Luxury Ski chalets, Budget to star class apartments up to luxurious five-star hotels, and some chalets. As Val Thorens is located on a slope, most of the Ski accommodation, hotels and chalets are Ski-in Ski-out or almost Ski-in ski-out. Take a look at our collection of Luxury Ski chalets and other accommodation in Val Thorens below and around and nearby in the Three Valleys. They are among the Best of the best in Europe, Crème de la crème!

You can view our collection of First-class Apartments & Luxury ski chalets in Val Thorens, at the bottom of this page. They are among the Best of the best in Europe.  Our chalets in Europe can be chosen simply by the amenities you wish. Like all our chalets in the Alps, they Include family Friendly Options with amenities like Hot tub, Sauna, steam room & Hammam, Swimming pool, Gym,  Indoor Fireplace chalets, Cinema, with complimentary breakfast or Self-catering chalets. For those who wish to spend more time skiing and less time in the kitchen, they can pick the fully catered chalets with Private chefs, and to add to this you can even book a Luxury Ski-in/Ski-out chalet or check into a VIP Chalet in any part of the Alps.

Val Thorens Chalets sleep two adults to Large groups. And If you are planning to have a Special event Birthday Celebration, White wedding, VIP Luxury Corporate Ski Chalet for Business, and Incentive Trips, we are a Ski company that can arrange all these with you not having to lift one finger. Our In-house concierge is at hand to assist you with anything you wish for during your stay Luxury ski holiday in Val Thorens.

These handpicked traditional Alpine Luxury chalets and Modern apartments in Val Thorens offer a wider selection of options to pick from. The combination of a stay with the charming chalets and some of the finest skiing in Europe makes Val Thorens one of our Top-selling ski resorts.

If you are looking for Ski lodges specifically with certain amenities, it is best you get in touch with us, so we can tailor-make your search. We can suggest or even contact the owners to discuss certain features such as Disabled Friendly Chalets or Pet-Friendly chalets.

Top 3 Luxurious ski chalets in Val Thorens

How much does it cost to rent a luxury chalet in Val Thorens?

Ski-chalet Saint-Martin-de-Belleville in Val Thorens

Sleeps 8-10 Guests – Available as a fully serviced chalet – Price on application by request. *WEEKLY PRICES From EURO – €7,500 – €24,510

200m from the ski lift, which connects effortlessly to the 600km long ski circuit.Catered facilities of the Chalet – indoor pool (Private Pool, Child-Safe Pool & Heated Pool), and a HOT TUB, Wi-Fi, Terrace/Balcony.

Ski chalet 3 | Méribel | 6 bedrooms

Sleeps 12 Guests including children – Available as a fully serviced or self-catered chalet from Saturday to Saturday 

• Fully Serviced: EUR 52,210 to 118,760 per week
• Self-catered: EUR 29,070 to 93,980 per week

600m² Luxury Chalet in Meribel with Pool comes with both fully catered and self-catered options and true privacy and Luxury. This Meribel ski Chalet has 6 Bedrooms. Superb for families and smaller groups. Facilities: Swimming pool, Hot tub, Steam room, Cinema/tv room, Massage Room, Sat/Cable TV, Apple TV, Bar, Games Room, Wi-Fi, Terrace/Balcony, Garden, Fireplace, Integrated sound system, and a Ski Room.

Ski chalet 1 | Méribel | 6 bedrooms

Sleeps 12 + 2 children, Guests – Available as a fully serviced chalet only from Sunday to Sunday

• Fully Serviced: EUR 52,630 to 78,090 per week

A luxury chalet in Méribel comes with wonderful views. This Meribel ski Chalet 1 has 6 Bedrooms, and is ideal for families and small groups. Facilities: Swimming pool. Sauna. Hot tub. Steam room. Cinema/tv room. Gym, Games Room, Bar, Apple TV, Integrated sound system, Wi-Fi, Garage, Massage Room, Wine Cellar, Laundry Room, Fireplace and Terrace/Balcony.

Val Thorens Ski Chalets FAQ’s 

What is a ski chalet holiday in Val Thorens?

Basically, a ski chalet holiday is booking your own private home – most times with staff, housekeepers and chef included and at other times as a self-catered option. Ski chalets are freestanding properties, which in most cases are made out of Stone and/or Wood and has homelier look from outside, the interior however is very luxurious with Alpine charm. However please check at the time of booking, as things have changed and not all chalets stand alone, so it may be called a ‘chalet’ as there could more than 2 ‘chalet apartment’ style properties in large building construction.

What is a Fully serviced or catered chalet? And how does it work?

Catered luxury ski chalets are a great choice for those who wish to spend less time in the kitchen and more time on the slopes.

In Val Thorens, Catered can mean either part of your meals or all your meals is included catered price. However, you should not have this confused with some chalets that say Accommodation only or included Breakfast. It’s Wise to check this at the time of enquiry or prior to your booking.

When you book a ski chalet in Val Thorens on a catered basis, upon arrival the chalet host will welcome you and make sure to take full charge of your accommodation, this means from keeping the chalet neat to arranging your meals. Catered ski chalets usually if not always have a chef to prepare meals, a chalet host who will provide housekeeping services and who will serve your meals. These meals will usually include breakfast, afternoon tea, pre-dinner canapés, and a 4-course dinner, as well as unlimited wine, you will find in each property chalet page all these inclusions.

Depending on the chalet. Either a day or two the host may not be in the chalet, as a day off. During this period, you can help yourself with *breakfast and dine out side, trying the local cuisine available around. From budget to Michelin star restaurants are easy to be found. It is good to take a note, that some chalets may share the dining area with others. When booking a catered ski chalet holiday, you can book the chalet just for your group. Nevertheless, some chalets are available to book by the room during less busy times, this can be great for those seeking a holiday for a smaller group or a couple. Remember to always book ahead of your restaurant table, best when you arrive to book this (especially if you are a larger group), during the season restaurants are usually full.  The Chalet staff is always available to lend you a hand during your ski holiday stay in Val Thorens; it is always wise to get first-hand information of the town.

Usually, chalet menus have Menus for Children and you can also have early dinner arranged for children, please check at the time of booking.

for Adults Breakfast Served between 8-9 am. Croissants & pain Chocolat, traditional French bread, cereals, fresh fruit, yoghurts. A cooked option (except staff day off) and Fresh coffee & tea, fruit juices.

* Staff day off service- your chalet hosts will leave breakfast and afternoon tea for you to help yourselves to. Fresh bread & croissants will be delivered to your chalet in the morning. Please check if your chalet includes this service.

Hosts Day/s Off afternoon tea and dinner won’t be served, giving you the chance to explore the local restaurants

Afternoon Tea: depending on the chalet 5 or 6 days of a seven-night stay, afternoon tea is provided when you come in from the slopes (often things like cake, cookies, toast, soup, and hot drinks like Hot chocolate, tea & coffee).

Pre-dinner & Dinner: Home-made canapes served with pre-dinner drinks ( See each chalet page for more information). For Dinner with Selected red & white wines to complement the meal or champagne: Meals are served in the evenings, usually many courses and, in most catered chalets, free-flowing wine/champagne, pudding and then coffee is served. The ‘free wine/champagne’ component is not universal, so check before you book if this is a significant part of your holiday.

We have more than 50 Top Notch catered luxury ski chalets and apartments in European ski resorts.