Experience the ultimate winter holiday skiing Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe located in the stunning French Alps. After a thrilling day on the slopes, enjoy the famous apres-ski scene at La Folie Douce where you can dance and sip on delicious cocktails while taking in breathtaking mountain views. With endless skiing opportunities and lively nightlife options, Val Thorens is your perfect destination for an unforgettable ski vacation.
Quick Trip Overview
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Is Val Thorens good for skiing? Val Thorens is an exceptional ski destination with high altitude slopes that guarantee superb skiing conditions throughout the season. It’s also part of the 3 Vallees, offering access to over 600km of varied terrain suitable for skiers of all levels. Top-notch infrastructure, modern lifts and numerous on-slope amenities ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
- Location: Val Thorens, France
- Where do you fly to for Val Thorens?: Chamberys Airport is the closest, while Geneva Airport is the largest.
- What’s the altitude of Val Thorens?: Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe, sitting at an impressive altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level.
- Price: $$$
- Amount of runs: 140km of piste, 84 runs, 28 lifts
- Skiing Val Thorens is Best Known for: Intermediate skiers and those interested in off-piste; there is large interest from beginners as the beginner nursery is right in the center of the village, and there are plenty of nightlife to keep you busy in the evenings.
- What time do lifts open in Val Thorens?: 0900-0930
- When does Val Thorens Open?: November
- When does Val Thorens Close?: May
- Does Val Thorens have night skiing?: Yes, scroll down to read more about the night skiing offered at Val Thorens.
Good to Know Information for Skiing Val Thorens
Learn some quick information to make the most of your ski trip to Val Thorens.
Is Val Thorens good for beginners? Val Thorens offers a variety of beginner slopes perfect for those just starting out. Take in the stunning mountain views while gaining confidence on the slopes. From gentle green runs to free beginner areas complete with magic carpets and friendly ski instructors, you’ll be cruising down the mountain in no time.
Are you ready to hit the slopes in Val Thorens but don’t have ski equipment? Look no further than rental services. Rental services at Val Thorens offer top-quality skis, snowboards, boots and poles for all levels of skiing. With their gear, you can enjoy your time on the mountain without any worries. The friendly staff will help fit you with the right equipment and provide expert advice.
Are you ready to hit the slopes this winter? If skiing has always been on your bucket list, it’s never too late to start. Sign up for ski lessons and let expert instructors guide you through the fundamentals of skiing. Instructors will teach you everything from basic techniques like stopping and turning, to more advanced maneuvers like carving and mogul skiing. The lessons are tailored for all skill levels, so whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier looking to refine your skills, they’ve got you covered.
Check out these popular ski schools at Val Thorens:
Looking for the perfect après-ski destination? Val Thorens boasts one of the most legendary spots in the Alps: La Folie Douce. Known for its live music, DJs, and dancers, this outdoor party starts at 2 p.m. and continues until sunset. With breathtaking mountain views and a festive vibe, La Folie Douce is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to celebrate their ski day with friends or family. Whether you’re a skier or not, this experience is not to be missed.
You may have seen on Instagram videos of the parties at Val Thorens La Folie Douce, so swing by one of your afternoons at Val Thoren to experience the French apres ski party scene.
How to get to La Folie Douce Val Thorens: the popular apres ski location is at the top of Vt3 Plein Sud. Taking this lift up will have you pass right over La Folie Douce, so it’ll be easy to see where you need to ski downhill to reach the entrance.
Experience the thrill of Val Thorens’ nightlife scene. Whether you’re seeking après ski, live music or party till dawn, this winter destination will keep you entertained. With a variety of bars, clubs and restaurants to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere with your favorite cocktail or dance to the beat of international DJs.
People travel worldwide to participate in the nightlife at Val Thorens. Enjoy the party late into the night.
Experience the ultimate winter adventure in Val Thorens! With over 600km of slopes and an average snowfall of 7m, you’ll never run out of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding or hiking. But your fun doesn’t stop there- try ice skating, tobogganing, ice driving or even paragliding.
- Indoor Activities: Spa treatments and swimming
- Outdoor Activities: Snow Shoeing and Hiking, Ice Climbing, Dog Sledding, Tobogganing, Ice Diving
Of ski resorts in Europe, this is the only one that I have seen ice diving. If you are looking for a truly unique experience on a ski holiday, then check out this additional activity.
Snow Forecast at Val Thorens
On average annually Val Thorens will receive 600cm of snow.
Is Val Thorens snow sure? Look no further than Val Thorens for snow, as the highest ski resort in Europe at 2300m it’s as snow sure as you can get. With over 150km of slopes and fantastic snow coverage, you’re sure to have an unforgettable ski trip here. This is a true snow-sure destination, with guaranteed great skiing conditions from November through May.
With its high altitude and north-facing slopes, this resort is known worldwide for its exceptional powder conditions all winter long. Whether you’re an expert skier or just starting out, the soft and fluffy snow here will leave you feeling like you’re flying down the mountain.
Historically Val Thorens experiences 3 powder days a week.
Take your skiing experience to the next level with a bluebird day in Val Thorens. With over 2,300m of vertical descent, this ski resort offers breathtaking panoramic views and endless slopes. When the sun shines bright against the crisp mountain air, it’s impossible not to feel grateful for such a stunning ski day ahead.
On average, Val Thorens will have 3 bluebird days a week.
If you are new to off piste then check out the ski schools as they offer guiding as well. If you are experienced at off piste you will find it easy to spot plenty of easy to access areas from the lift systems.
Les 3 Vallées Resort
Experience the ultimate ski destination at Les 3 Vallées Resort. With over 600km of ski slopes, this French resort offers adventures for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The vast terrain includes breathtaking views, challenging runs, and convenient connections between seven ski resorts:
- Courchevel
- Meribel
- Bridges-les-Bains
- Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
- Val Thorens
- Les Menuires
- Orelle
With the Les 3 Vallees resort pass you will be able to ski all the above areas, from Val Thorens. While getting across to all the resorts will be an effort, it is possible. It’s worth the extra money to get the entire resort pass versus a Val Thorens pass, as you will quickly find out that you can easily pass over into the other resorts at the top of the mountain tops surrounding the village.
How much is a ski pass in Val Thorens? For one day: €72,00, six days runs at €360,00
Night Skiing at Val Thorens
Experience the thrill of skiing under the stars with night skiing. Ski resorts across the world offer this unique experience, where you can carve down snow-covered slopes surrounded by a peaceful, snow-capped landscape. With well-lit trails and fewer crowds, night skiing is a must-try for seasoned ski enthusiasts as well as beginners. Enjoy the adventure of exploring another side of Val Thorens after sunset.
Val Thorens is one of the few ski resorts that offers the unique experience of night skiing. With illuminated slopes, you can carve through fresh powder under muted moonlight and twinkling stars. This exhilarating activity extends your day on the mountain, allowing for a completely different perspective and atmosphere than daytime skiing.
Night skiing at Val Thorens is offered from February onward Péclet Funitel stays open until 1830 on Friday evenings. As long as you have a valid ski pass during that time you will be able to access the late evening skiing.
How do you get to Val Thorens ski resort?
- By Plane: If you fly into the nearest airport, Chambery, it is a 1hr45 minute transfer. There are transfer services available from the airport to the resort.
- By Train: You can arrive to Moûtiers and either transfer through a private car service, taxi, or by a shuttle bus. Taxi will be faster as it’ll only take about 45mins, whereas the shuttle bus can take upwards of 2hr30mins
- By Car: If you prefer to drive yourself, there is the option of arriving by car. Val Thorens has several garages making it easy to find parking in whichever part of the village you decide to stay in. Just make sure to book your parking spot prior to arrival.
Where to Stay in Val Thorens
With so many accommodation options available, it can be daunting trying to decide where to stay. Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget-friendly options, Val Thorens has something for everyone. From 5-star hotels to self-catered apartments and everything in between, there are plenty of choices when it comes to finding your perfect ski-base. Keep an eye out for properties located near lifts and slopes for easy access to the mountain or opt for Après ski-focused accommodations with amenities such as bars and saunas.
- Val Thorens Apartments
- 4 Star – Hotel Le Val Thorens
- 5 Star – Altapura
- 3 Star – Le Sherpa
- 3 Star – Le Portillo
Val Thorens ski in ski out hotels offer the ultimate ski-in/ski-out convenience. With direct access to the slopes, you will be able to make the most of your skiing holiday. The accommodation options range from luxurious five-star hotels to affordable apartments catering to all budgets. Most of these hotels feature onsite restaurants, bars, and spas where you can relax after a long day on-piste. The ability to ski in and ski out is one of the bonuses of visiting Val Thorens and one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much. When researching hotels, look to see if this is an option available – there were many hotels that did offer it so it’s an advantage to not be missed.
Price for a Ski Trip to Val Thorens
The price can vary depending on your choices such as the type of accommodation, transportation, ski equipment, and lift passes. However, on average a one-week trip for two people can cost around €1500-€2000 including lodging in a hotel or apartment and dining. Additionally, lift passes are around €300 per person for 6 days while ski equipment rental costs around €100 per person.
Visiting Val Thorens and wondering about the drink prices? The good news is that prices for alcoholic beverages are similar to other French resorts. A pint of beer averages around €6-€8, a glass of wine starts at €5, and cocktails range from €8-€15 depending on the ingredients. Non-alcoholic drinks like soft drinks and coffee cost between €2-€5. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on where you choose to enjoy your drink – bars in prime locations tend to be pricier than those off the beaten path.
When comparing to other French resorts, Val Thorens falls comfortably in the middle. It is not as inexpensive as Les Arcs, but seems to have more accessible affordable stays than Courchevel.
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