Val Thorens ski resort

Val Thorens

The 3 Valleys ski area

At 2,300 meters, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe and is set in the 3 Valleys, one of the largest ski areas in the world. Therefore, staying here gives you access to 600km of pistes if you buy the full area lift pass.

Val Thorens Logo

However, the local lift pass allows you to neighbouring Orelle, which has nearly all its terrain above 2,000 meters. You can also ski or snowboard on two glaciers, cementing Val Thoren’s reputation as one of Europe’s most snow-sure ski resorts.

Val Thorens is a purpose-built ski resort with a modern ski lift system that makes visiting the rest of the 3 Valleys very easy. It is made up of three villages, Les Menuires, Val Thorens and Saint Martin de Belleville, that provide 150km of runs serviced by 50 lifts.

Even though Val Thorens is a purpose-built ski resort, it isn’t an eyesore consisting of high-rise concrete buildings. Instead, its designers made it fit in with its surroundings, and the recent investments have improved its aesthetics.

Val Thorens is a lively ski resort, popular with groups of friends, families and students. Most of the accommodation is self-catered apartments and hotels. Some of these are beautiful 4 and 5-star options offering ultimate comfort and luxury.

The groomed slopes around Val Thorens are popular with beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. You’ll love the combination of snow quality, perfect gradients, excellent grooming, and the quality lift system. If you like a long, leg-burning blast, Val Thorens is a great place to go, as some runs are longer than the map suggests.

When your legs can’t do any more, you can choose between many places to eat and drink. The restaurants range from burger bars to fine-dining establishments. Le Malaysia is Val Thoren’s nightclub and has the largest dance floor in the French Alps.

But before you head into town, why not try out the six-kilometre-long toboggan run, go ice driving, fat biking, or paragliding?

VAL THORENS ULTIMATE GUIDE VAL THORENS QUOTE

The Best Val Thorens Accommodation

We have a great range of self-catered apartments & chalets, hotels from 4 to 5-star luxury and the most stunning catered chalets.

Chalets Cocoon - Luxurious Self-Catered Apartments - Val Thorens

Chalets Cocoon
|Val Thorens

Chalets Cocoon, located in Val Thorens, features 10 luxurious ski-in ski-out apartments with Hot Tubs on their balconies while providing stunning views of the French Alps. Chalets Cocoon is ideally situated in the Balcons area of Val Thorens, just 300m from the centre of the resort. Chalets Cocoon opened in December 2018....

22
Mar
Hotel Pashmina - Val Thorens

Hotel Pashmina
|Val Thorens

Hotel Pashmina is a real refuge, inspired by passionate and fascinating mountain people, pioneers and adventurers whose realizations are always beyond conventions. 42 rooms and Suites up to 70 sqm : space and light for an absolute comfort. 9 « Cosy Home » from 60 to 153 sqm : a new concept of one, two, three or four bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms surrounding a living area with kitchen, dining and living room....

06
Mar
5 Star Chalet Golden Jubilee 6 Bedroom Val Thorens 5

Chalet Golden Jubilee
|Val Thorens

6 Bedroom Chalet sleeps 12. The majestic Chalet Golden Jubilee displays authentic Alpine features with its architecture made of stone and wooden beams in harmony with the natural surroundings. Holidaymakers delight in the charm of its refined decor – artfully blending modernity and tradition – and the breathtaking view over the resort – the world-renowned 3 Vallées – graced with guaranteed snow and 600 km of slopes. The standout facilities are located in the large private spa with a heated...

20
Jun
5 Star Chalet Orlov 5 Bedroom Val Thorens 16

Chalet Orlov
|Val Thorens

5 Bedroom Chalet sleeps 10. The wonderful Chalet Orlov, made of wood and stone harmoniously blends in with the mountain scenery, offering an easy start to your day – from the comfort of the spacious private ski lounge. Admire the surrounding Belleville Valley and the snowy peaks directly from the large south-facing balconies on every level. The chalet has 4 suites with en-suite bathrooms and 1 children’s bedroom with bathroom all connected by a lift to ensure a carefree holiday...

21
Jun
5 Star Chalet Cullinam 6 Bedroom Val Thorens 3

Chalet Cullinam
|Val Thorens

6 Bedroom Chalet sleeps 12. The impressive 4-storey Chalet Cullinan with Alpine charm blends traditional wood and stone features, with more modern and creative decorations such as the chandeliers in the lounge, the bedroom lighting or the leather sofas and the vintage games room. This chalet comprises 5 suites and a children’s room to accommodate up to 12 guests, each room coming with top-of-the-range bedding (king-size or double beds), an en-suite bathroom, a flat-screen TV and a balcony. The state-of-the-art...

21
Jun
Hotel Koh-I Nor - Val Thorens

Hotel Koh-I Nor
|Val Thorens

The hotel Koh-I Nor is the highest 5 star hotel in Europe. At the top of the resort, hotel Koh-I Nor enjoys an exceptional location, with ski-in ski-out access and magical view all over the Val Thorens « white circus » and the extraordinary landscape of the largest area world “The 3 Valleys”....

11
Feb
Résidences Koh I Nor Terrasse 1

Residence Koh I Nor
|Val Thorens

1 to 4 bedroom apartments. The Residence Koh I Nor is a 5 star residence and was inaugurated in December 2013. The residence offers 35 apartments, which can accommodate from 2 to 8 people. All the apartments combine elegance, refinement, and a subtle blend of mountain art and interior design....

21
Feb
4 Star Residence L’oxalys Val Thorens 24

Residence l’Oxalys
|Val Thorens

1 to 4 Bedroom apartments. Situated at the entrance to the Val Thorens ski resort, next to the ski slopes, in a quiet, sunny area, the Residence Oxalys welcomes you into a bright, elegant décor and offers two relaxation areas with swimming pools, spas (jacuzzis), sauna, hammam and massage rooms, a lounge bar with fireplace and the new restaurant “IL GUSTO”....

25
Feb
Hotel Le Fitz Roy Val Thorens 2

Hotel Le Fitz Roy
|Val Thorens

Hotel Le Fitz Roy. The view from Le Fitz Roy is astonishing: a panorama of mountains covered with a maze of ski lifts and 600 kilometres of snow-covered pistes. In the heart of Europe’s highest ski resort, Le Fitz Roy is a magnet for lovers of mountains and natural beauty. From the lobby to the rooms, restaurants, wellness spa, and ski shop, the hotel elegantly cultivates the art of refined hospitality and comfort....

01
Apr
Hôtel Marielle Façade (2) Hd

Hotel Marielle
|Val Thorens

Hotel Marielle Val Thorens boasts magnificent views of the mountains with ski-in ski-out access and on the snow front with a beautiful terrace . The Hotel Marielle is full of character and provides guests with great 4-star comfort and amenities so they can make the most of their stay: restaurant with snow-front terrace, bar, NUXE wellness centre, seminar rooms and more....

25
Aug
Hotel Le Val Thorens Outside View 2

Hotel Le Val Thorens
|Val Thorens

Le Val Thorens is the story of a legend reborn. Built in the 1970s and one of the resort’s first hotels, this epic building has been completely renovated in contemporary retro style. Its huge, iconic outdoor terrace and the stunning views of the slopes are still in place, however, and the interior has kept its same thrilling energy....

03
Apr
Residence Montana Plein Sud Val Thorens (6)

Residence Montana Plein Sud
|Val Thorens

2 to 3 bedroom apartments. The Residence Montana Plein Sud has a wonderfully sunny position with breathtaking views over snowy peaks. There’s direct access to the pistes via the Plein Sud chairlift. The residence combines the charm of wood, stone and warm colours in a contemporary style. You’ll feel at home in this charming setting which has been built according to all the latest environmental and climatic standards....

24
Feb
Residences Village Montana - Val Thorens

Residence Village Montana
|Val Thorens

1 to 2 Bedroom + Cabin apartments. All the 4 star hotel residences and apartments have been designed to make you really feel at home. Each Residence Village Montana is situated on the piste with ski in, ski out access. The ski schools and kindergartens are nearby making your ski holiday with your children a really family-friendly one....

13
Feb
Hotel Altapura - Val Thorens

Hotel Altapura
|Val Thorens

Hotel Altapura. tar hotel that offers space and elegance, a reminder of the grand palace hotels. The atmosphere is Nordic-chic with a choice of noble materials such as wood and stone. Altapura has its own distinct style, featuring both subdued, festive, cosmopolitan and high-tech ambiences....

04
Feb
Hotel Fahrenheit Seven Val Thorens

Hotel Fahrenheit Seven Val Thorens
|Val Thorens

Hotel Fahrenheit Seven Val Thorens boasts magnificent views of the mountains with ski-in ski-out access and a short walk from the centre of the resort of Val Thorens. The main Peclet bubble and ski school meeting point are only a short ski away. The stylish rooms, cosy bars, excellent food and friendly service are perfect for those seeking casual luxury. The ski-in, ski-out location right next to the main bubble makes Fahrenheit Seven...

11
Aug
Montagnettes Soleil Val Thorens

Montagnettes Soleil
|Val Thorens

2 Bedroom + Cabin and 4 Bedroom apartments. Situated in the rue du Soleil, right next to the ski slopes, the Montagnettes Soleil residences offer for rental spacious, comfortable and cheerful apartments with fireplaces in the sitting rooms for apartments for 6 to 10 persons only....

30
Jan
Hotel Le Hameau du Kashmir - Val Thorens

Hotel Le Hameau du Kashmir
|Val Thorens

Hotel Le Hameau du Kashmir. Located at the entrance of the resort, at the foot of the ski slopes, "Le Hameau du Kashmir” 4 stars hotel boasts great views and enjoys the best of the sun. The buildings are harmoniously tiered alongside the snow covered slopes in this small, mountain hamlet, which is positioned around a little central square. The interiors are warm, designed with sophistication and in colours from the Kashmir region....

18
Feb
Hotel & Residence Le Hameau du Kashmir - Val Thorens

Residence Le Hameau du Kashmir
|Val Thorens

2 to 3 bedroom apartments. Residence Le Hameau du Kashmir. Located at the entrance of the resort, at the foot of the ski slopes, "Le Hameau du Kashmir” 4 stars hotel boasts great views and enjoys the best of the sun. The buildings are harmoniously tiered alongside the snow covered slopes in this small, mountain hamlet, which is positioned around a little central square. The interiors are warm, designed with sophistication...

18
Feb
Montagnettes Lombarde - Val Thorens

Montagnettes Lombarde
|Val Thorens

2 Bedroom + Cabin and 3 bedroom apartments. Montagnettes Lombarde. The smallest of the Group “Montagnettes” residences, situated ideally in the most peaceful area of the Val Thorens ski resort, immediately next to the slopes. With its direct southern/south-western exposure, it enjoys a maximum of sunshine. Its a perfect residence for families with children, it comprises nine cheerful, spacious apartments with an open fireplace...

31
Jan
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The 3 Valleys ski map

The 3 Valleys Trail Map Large 3 1
The 3 Valleys Trail Map

Ski Information

Season

November 23, 2024 to May 4, 2025

Ski area

Resort altitude: 2,300m

Located in a vast natural cirque surrounded by six glaciers, Val Thorens has 30 lifts and 150 kilometres of trails, including 11 green, 29 blue, 30 red and eight black.

For snowboarders and freestyle skiers, it also has a terrain park featuring jumps, rails and boxes as well as The Fun Slope – a 900 metre obstacle course with snow tunnels, bridges, spirals and banked turns.

Linked ski area

The 3 Valleys (7 resorts): Courchevel, Bride-les-Bains, Meribel, Les Menuires, St Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens, Orelle

  • 600 km – 327 runs (17% greens, 39% blues, 33% reds, 11% blacks)
  • 166 lifts

Transfer time to Val Thorens

  • Moutiers train station (closest): 45min*
  • Chambéry airport: 1hr 45min*
  • Geneva airport: 2hrs 30min*
  • Lyon airport: 2hrs 30min*

*Transfer time is approximate, by private transfer vehicle and subject to traffic, weather and road conditions. Shared shuttle/bus transfers have set departure times, take much longer to travel and don’t offer door to door service which is why we recommend and only book private transfers.

Activities & Location

Après Ski

Val Thorens is a party town, and après starts early. A popular venue is 360 Bar located at the foot of Moraine & Portette chair lifts. Here you can expect DJ’s and bands entertaining the crowds before the bar closes just after the lifts.

A must for any visitor to Val Thorens is La Folie Douce. This is basically a nightclub on the slopes during the day. It attracts party-goers from 2 pm to 5 pm every day and is located under the Plein Sud chairlift. Book a table to be sure to get a good vantage point for all the entertainment. Plan well in advance to get into the VIP area, which will blow your mind.

Non-ski activities

Val Thorens offers everything from burger bars to elegant French bistros, as well as a nightclub with the largest dance floor in the alps, Le Malaysia.

It also has a six kilometre-long toboggan run and activities including ice diving, ice driving, snow mountain biking, off-piste ski touring, snowmobiling and paragliding.

Location

Val Thorens ski season STARTS in…

 
 

Val Thorens Ski Resort Video

Welcome to the highest ski resort in Europe: Val Thorens (2300m), part of the 3 Valleys, the largest linked ski area in the world. With snow guarantee all winter, ski-in ski-out accommodation and undless winter activities on offer, it is no wonder Val Thorens is one of the most popular ski resorts in France, Europe and the world.

Watch this video to find out more…

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Val d’Isere Photo Gallery

Val Thorens ski resort

Val Thorens - © C.cattin / OT Val Thorens
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Val Thorens - © C.cattin / OT Val Thorens
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Fat Bike © C. Cattin / OT Val Thorens

Frequently Asked Questions

Not only is Val Thorens the highest ski resort in Europe (2,300m), it is situated in the largest linked ski area in the world – “The 3 Valleys” which boasts around 600kms of slopes, catering to all skill levels.

Due to its geographical location and reliable snow conditions Val Thorens is the ski resort which opens the earliest and closes the latest in the whole of the French Alps.

Val Thorens also has the longest tobogganing run in France at 6km and the highest zipline in Europe.

Families looking for good-value ski-in ski-out access will find it at over 90% of the accommodation in Val Thorens.

The snow is reliable during the entire winter season, including April spring skiing and Val Thorens offers a much more affordable option to the other nearby 3 Valleys resorts of Meribel and Courchevel, without compromising on the world class ski area and lift system.

Zip Lines- The zip line runs from Orelle to Val Thorens at speeds of over 100km/h and takes around 1 minute 45 seconds to reach the top of the Bouchet chair lift from the highest point in the 3 Valleys at 3,230m. There’s also a zipline right into the centre of Val Thorens village.

Other non-ski activities include: mountain biking; snow mobiles; ice driving; ice diving; paragliding; tobogganing; snowshoeing and a well-equipped sports centre with over 7,500sqm of indoor fun with indoor tennis, squash, badminton, football, a children’s fun park, 2 swimming pools, a gym and a spa area.

Val Thorens is 2hours 20min drive by private transfer from either Lyon or Geneva Airport.
It’s a 45min drive from Moutiers train station, the closest train station in France to Val Thorens.

A shared shuttle transfer from Geneva will take over 4hrs and will only drop you off at the village bus stop, not at your accommodation – not ideal if you are travelling with ski gear and luggage and don’t know your way around. Shared transfers also have set departure times wo you may have to wait a while at the airport before leaving.

Every season, the ski resort of Val Thorens organises sports events, shows and even exceptional music concerts!

  • 21-22 Nov La Grande Première, Val Thorens rolls out the red carpet for the start of the new ski season. Try out all the new models: skiing, snowboarding, accessories and much more – all for free!
  • Dec sees the Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup, Andros Trophy, Ski and Boarder week, Christmas and New Year festivities
  • Mountain United – Introduction to ski touring every Wednesday evening from late November to late April, supervised by the Mountain United members.
  • Ski instructors torchlit descent – every Monday during the school holidays (08/02/2021 – 01/03/2021),

Next winter Val Thorens Ski Resort is scheduled to open from November 25th 2023 to May 5th 2024.

There are 7 ski resorts which are part of the 3 Valleys system which include: Courchevel, Meribel, Bride-les-Bains, Les Menuires, St Martin de Bellevile, Val Thorens and Orelle.

January 4th to Feb 8th 2025 is the cheapest and best time to go (low season), followed by 8th March until mid-April 2025 (the shoulder season).

For Australians travelling to France to ski during our January summer holidays, we benefit from the cheaper rates on offer in the French ski resorts’ low season.  This happens to be when the French and Europeans go back to work and school after the 2 week Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Europeans and the Brits flock to the resorts through February into March (DO NOT TRAVEL from 8th Feb to 8th Mar 2025 as this is the French school holidays). The slopes are extremely busy, the queues at the lifts are long and the price for accommodation is very expensive during that time.  Even all the restaurants are booked out!

Typically, in January, the snow is dry with the largest build up. It is also the coldest time, so you will need to make sure that you dress warmly. It is still wise to choose a high-altitude resort in case mother nature has not been kind earlier in the season. Bear in mind though, that snow-making is used to supplement natural snowfall in high traffic areas.

So, not only is January the cheapest time to go skiing in the French Alps, it is also the best time to go thanks to the weather conditions, the lack of queues, more availability and choice of accommodation and you get to breathe fresh air with your loved ones, rather than with thousands of other people!