Val Thorens - introduction

Val Thorens is a big resort at the top of the Three Valleys, one of the greatest ski areas in the world. With the village situated at 2,300m, Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe. Great snow is guaranteed from Christmas until May 1.   

The resort has glaciers and off-piste tricky enough to stretch the most advanced skier. It is a very good bet for early season skiing because of its height.  

When the wind whistles through the mountains in deep mid-winter you’ll need a good hat. Many of the slopes are exposed. The runs are severe and fairly serious on the whole, rather than full of alpine charm. The bowl behind Val Thorens – Orelle – is an extra treat. 

As well as all this, Val Thorens offers excellent access to the whole of the Three Valleys. Other resorts you might explore during a day out skiing are Les Menuires and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville (lower down in the same valley), Méribel-Mottaret (in the next valley over), and Courchevel and La Tania (in the furthest valley away. It is well worth also skiing the fourth valley, Orelle. This can be added to a Three Valleys pass and is included in a VT ski pass.  

There are miles and miles (600km) to ski in the Three Valleys – a truly awesome range of mountains. 

Val Thorens is a purpose-built village. Some newer developments are pretty chalets. Some older buildings don’t have quite the same charm. Much of the accommodation in the resort is ski-in, ski-out.  

Once the lifts close for the day, Val Thorens also knows how to party. 

Highlights

• Very high resort, excellent snow conditions
• The high altitude provides guaranteed skiing
• Good for early and late season skiing
• Part of the Three Valleys, the biggest ski area in the world
• Ski-in, ski-out
• Good nightlife

Lowlights

• Can be cold due to the height of the resort
• Purpose-built so lacks alpine charm
• Busy skiing back into resort