2300m at the top of the Three Valleys ski area, VT is the highest ski resort in Europe and part of the biggest linked ski area on the planet. While it's a place for people who, above all else, love to ski, you'll also find some of the country's best après including the legendary Folie Douce, as well as weird and wonderful activities like the 1300m Tyrolienne zip wire.
Olde worlde gallic charm it isn't, but skiers will wake up to find some of the best snow in the Alps on their doorstep, and the views over the Swiss and Italian borders more than make up for the lack of a baroque church steeple.
Accommodation ranges from cheap apartments to chalets and high-end hotels, mostly housed in a cluster of wood-clad multi-story buildings around Place Caron, on the mountainside. The resort's purpose-built nature also means easy access between the lodgings and the much-loved restaurants, bars, shops and leisure centre, via safe, semi-pedestrianised streets.
This was one of the first resorts to provide free Wi-Fi in its lift system, letting you share skiing updates and photos of the spectacular scenery with the poor souls back in Blighty.
Over 30 speedy lifts serve the 150km of runs in the local area. While this is more than adequate for beginners and early intermediates, it's the perfectly seamless lift-linked nature of the wider 3 Valleys that draws most people to this resort - the whole area pass leaves you free to roam 600km of terrain, covering 7 other resorts including titans Meribel and Courchevel, plus the pretty and more intimate resorts of La Tania and St Martin De Belleville.
Location: France, Alps.
Established: 1971
Open: November - May
Downhill: 140km
View our detailed Val Thorens snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Val Thorens snow history.
Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
Chambéry (CMF) | 112km 1h 30 |
Grenoble (GNB) | 200km, 2h 30 |
Geneva (GVA) | 160km, 2h 30 |
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Top Altitude: | 3200m |
Bottom Altitude: | 1800m |
Resort Altitude: | 2300m |
Longest run: | 5km |
Slope Orientation: | N, NE, NW, S |
Vertical Drop: | 1,430m |
Skiable Vertical: | 1,430m |
Night Skiing: | |
Glacier: | |
Downhill Runs: | 140km |
Beginner slopes: | 51% |
Intermediate: | 38% |
Advanced slopes: | 11% |
Lift Pass Price: | €321 (adult 6 day 3 Valleys ski pass) |
Nearby resorts: Courchevel, Les Menuires, Meribel, La Tania, Saint Martin De Belleville, Brides les Bains |
At the summit of the largest ski area in the world and bordering the Vanoise National Park, this is a spectacular place to ski and board.
Beginners are well catered for on nursery slopes by the Rond Point des Pistes, where the magic carpets often don't require a lift pass. Kids will love the Junior Park, while the Musaraigne and Campagnols runs in the beginner's area and the new Deux Combes green are perfect to practice on. With a bit more confidence, take the Pionniers or Plein Sud chairs for some cruisy long blues back down to the resort. For a lovely bit of cruising, head down to the Belleville Valley via the Boulevard Cumin run.
Intermediates will find fantastic red runs all over the area, including a few great descents from the Péclet and a fantastic trail between the Chaviere and Thorens glaciers, while the north-facing 3km Caron run and the Combe Rosael are two must-ski steeps for experts. The reds, blues and aforementioned Combe Rosael black around Orelle or the 'fourth valley' tend to be delightfully quiet, with most skiers heading in the opposite direction towards Meribel.
On a good snow day, the off-piste is unbelievable, particularly around the Vallon du Lou and from the Cime du Caron. Pierre Lory towards Orelle is fairly forgiving if you've only been off-piste a few times – hire a mountain guide to lead you around or go all out with a heli-drop.
Freestylers from around the 3 valleys visit the awesome 70,000m2 Snowpark here, which has areas specifically designated for different abilities with jumps, rails and boxes of all shapes and sizes, as well as a Jump Airbag to develop your skills.
The après ski here easily rivals other top resorts in the Alps. If you haven't already had the Folie Douce experience, head just under the Plein Sud lift where the "dancefloor on top of the world" is heaving from 3 pm. Another place to party is Bar 360 at the end of the blue Moraine run, which always has live music and cheaper drinks. Back in town, Rue de Gebroulaz is a hub of lively bars where O'Connells is the local Irish pub. The Frog and Roastbeef is a long-time favourite of Brits. L'Eclipse on Galerie Caron has a big screen and live music in the evenings. For a chilled-out hot choc or beer, Le Rendez Vous is perfect. Head to Place Caron where you'll find Le Blanchot, a small wine bar and restaurant, and Malaysia, the biggest night club in the Alps, for late-night partying.
When it comes to hungry stomachs, Burger Bar and the Steak Club both do what they say on the tin and La Pause is lovely and authentic. Chalet de la Marine has a self-service restaurant and a traditional gourmet restaurant, and they usually do a torchlight evening every Wednesday, which is good fun. For something exceptional, book a table in Oxalys for some Michelin star dining accompanied by amazing views of the mountains.
Whether you're a non-skier or just fancy a change of activity, there's a wide range of things to do both indoors and out. On the snow, the longest toboggan run in Europe is worth checking out for 45 minutes of whooping-good fun and snow-mountain-biking is becoming increasingly popular. Snowshoeing, night hikes, paragliding and glacier tours also offer an alternative experience of the mountainside. The Tyrolienne and Bee ziplines (the latter's a double zipline so you can do it in pairs) zoom through the air at bonkers speeds for the ultimate adrenaline hit.
If you've had your fill of the outdoors, there are plenty of indoor sporting facilities including a swimming pool, squash and volleyball courts and a gym. There is also a cinema, bowling alley and amusement arcade, or for that well-deserved pamper-session, a jacuzzi, sauna and various spa treatments are available.
Children are catered for brilliantly, with a children's sledging area, huge Fun Park with bouncy castles, ball pools and trampolines and fun activities at the sports centre's Aquaclub.
Val Thorens' ski season begins in November and, with nearly all slopes well above 2000m altitude, the lifts tend to stay open through to May. With a bevy of mainly north-facing slopes facing N, NE, NW, S, you can plan your route to ride in the sun all day, and avoid icy/slushy slopes depending on the time of year you travel.
With an average snowfall of 6 metres, Val Thorens is the most snow-sure resort in the Three Valleys, and in case any pistes are lacking, nearly 400 snow cannons ensure 40% of the overall piste can be maintained by man, if the snow Gods ever let us down. Confident in their well-conditioned pistes, the tourist office’s ‘Snow Guarantee' challenges you to find another resort in Europe with better conditions.
Pack an extra layer if you're travelling between December and February as it can get quite nippy when you're so high up. For the optimum goggle-tan, come later on in the season for long cruisey days. There's no better place for T-shirt skiing in March and April and Val Thorens is our favourite spot for an Easter ski trip.
Browse all Val Thorens ski deals or read about holidays in December, January, February, March or April.
With recent years seeing fireworks, torch-lit descents and the chance to meet Father Christmas in his cabin, Christmas in Val Thorens is magical. The festive spirit is infectious for adults too: enjoy mulled wine, festive food and carols as well as festive markets and street parades. Val Thorens Christmas ski holidays ‣
Join in the traditional countdown in the town centre when you spend a week skiing over New Year in Val Thorens. Look out for events like live concerts, torch-lit descents, children's activities and of course fireworks and spend the rest of the week on some of the best snow in Europe. Val Thorens New Year ski holidays ‣
Because the snow’s virtually guaranteed, you'll find plenty of British families heading over to spend February half term in Val Thorens. The resort’s usually buzzing, and family entertainment abundant, including tobogganing and organised snowball fights. Val Thorens Half Term ski holidays ‣
We love Easter in Val Thorens. When you’re not skiing some of the best snow around or soaking up the rays, you’ll often find Easter egg hunts and parades followed by torch-lit descents and fireworks in the evening (look out for the giant chocolate fondue!). Val Thorens Easter ski holidays ‣
Some of the best family accommodation provides easy access to the ski school meeting points – this includes Hotel le Val Thorens if you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel and Village Montana Apartments if you’re after a self-catering.
As a resort, Val Thorens caters excellently for families – the ski area offers something for everyone, and there are some brilliant off-slope activities where you can enjoy quality family time. Children will love the activities at the sports centre as well as the impressive Fun Park.
With a range of hotels, apartments and chalets in Val Thorens, you’re sure to find something to suit your brood. Our hotels are a brilliant choice for family holidays, and many offer childcare, babysitting and kids clubs – choose between B&B, half board and all inclusive options. Self-catering apartments can be a brilliant choice for a cheap family holiday – cook easy family favourites in the evening and enjoy quality time in your own space. We love our ski chalets' cosy, intimate feel – book one that matches your group size to enjoy sole occupancy or opt for a big chalet where children can make friends while parents enjoy other adult company.
See our best family accommodation below to find something that suits you. Opt for flights and transfers for a hassle-free journey or select self-drive or accommodation only instead of flights. Our ski specialists know everything that makes a family ski holiday special – get in touch for expert help and advice.
Small groups looking for a cheap ski deal that don’t mind self catering should consider the Altineige Apartments which offer excellent access to the slopes and attractions. If you’re a group of 8-10, book everyone into somewhere like Chalet Rayon de Soleil, which offers ski in-ski out convenience. Our ski hotels are a brilliant option where everyone can have their own rooms and enjoy large communal dining and lounge areas. Two popular hotels are Hotel Le Val Chavière which is ski in-ski out and Hotel Le Sherpa which offers brilliant access to both the slopes and nightlife.
In terms of the resort itself, Val Thorens is one of the best group holiday destinations. All skier and snowboarder levels are spoilt for choice in the local area – even more so with the 3 Valleys pass which lets you loose on a whopping 600km of runs! Any non-skiers tagging along are equally well provided for with a long list of indoor and outdoor activities. Groups looking to party should look no further – the Folie Douce and Malaysia are two legends of the ski world offering some of the best après in the 3 Valleys.
Planning a holiday for a group can seem difficult – but with our group deals, accommodation and expert advice, booking a group holiday with SNO couldn’t be easier.
Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
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Club Med Val Thorens Sensations | 3 | £ 570 |
Résidence Hameau de Kashmir | 7 | £ 959 |
Hotel Les Arolles | 7 | £ 1118 |
Chalet Mathilde | 7 | £ 1144 |
Chalet Noella | 7 | £ 1198 |
Hotel Le Sherpa | 7 | £ 1234 |
Chalet Chloe | 7 | £ 1288 |
Chalet Véga | 7 | £ 1299 |
Chalet Pégase | 7 | £ 1299 |
Hotel Les Trois Vallées | 7 | £ 1348 |