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Val Thorens - 3 Valleys, France
Val Thorens - The Highest Ski Resort in Europe
At 2300m, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe and forms part of the Three Valleys (the largest linked skiing area in the world). It is purpose-built, in the midst of barren landscape. The modern architecture sprawls over a large area. Accommodation in Val Thorens is of good quality. An indoor complex in the centre houses many of the shops and après ski activities.
Despite being an unattractive resort lacking in alpine charm Val Thorens is not completely lacking in appeal. The mixed nationality of the visitors brings a cosmopolitan atmosphere to the resort and there is plenty of lively nightlife in the form of restaurants and bars. You'll find Mexican, French, English and Scandinavian bars and restaurants alongside one another. Aside from the nightlife the après ski activities are fairly limited.
The altitude can make Val Thorens unsuitable for very small children and even adults may find it difficult to sleep the first night. As a town Val Thorens can seem a little isolated. However, it forms part of the largest ski terrain in the world, the Three Valleys. Méribel is just one lift away and Courchevel is two.
99 % of the skiing area in Val Thorens is over 2000m allowing you to ski 8 months of the year.
There are three types of passes available:
Val Thorens-Orelle pass giving access to 140 km of slopes and some fabulous off-piste routes
The Valley of Belleville pass giving access to 300 km of slopes
Les 3 Valley pass giving access to 600 km of slopes.
A few years ago, a new gondola was built connecting Val Thorens to the Maurienne Valley; and the '4th Valley' has some of the best off-piste in the area . Due to Val Thorens' high altitude the weather conditions can be harsh and changeable, which can limit the areas available for skiing. So, in poor weather conditions the lifts to the Three Valleys may not be accessible. There are however extensive and varied terrains with what is considered to be the best snow in France to suit every level of skier within the immediate vicinity.
The lifts start in the centre of the resort. The slopes for beginners are directly accessible from the village. The runs to challenge experienced skiers are higher up including the off piste routes from the Cime de Caron and the Peclet glacier. Val Thorens is very popular with snowboarders and holds a boarder week every year around the second week in December, with competitions, concerts, pro-riders and master classes. If you do make use of the Three Valley Pass, check the lift opening times and make sure you are on the correct side of the valley before the lifts shut.
Winter season
Last week of November to first week of May
Highest/lowest lift
3200m- 1820m
Altitude of village
2300m
Resort map
Total length of pistes
140km
Number of lifts
30
Number of runs
(off piste in the vicinity or 37 black runs in the Three Valley area)
- Val Thorens-Orelle: 6 day Adult pass= Approx 175€
- Valley de Belleville: 6 day Adult pass = Approx 190€
- 25% reduction 5-12 yr olds
- 20% reduction for 65-69 yr olds,
- 50% reduction for 70-74 yr olds
- Free passes: for those under 4 and over 75
- Family Passes: 2 Adults and 2 or more children.
- Multivalley passes available = Three Valleys, 6 day Adult pass = Approx 220€
Snow Board facilities
1 park, 1 halfpipe
Leisure
Night Life
25 Bars, 3 Night clubs, 22 Restaurants, Cinemas
Snow activities
5km of Cross Country trils, Glacier skiing, Squash, Paragliding/Parapente, Snow-mobiling, Tennis
Events
December: Boarder week
May: trophée des professions
For Children
Official child-friendly resort
- Ski School: ESF Mini Club, 2½-12 yrs
- L'Espace Goitschel: for children from 3 yrs
- Nursery: ESF 3 mths-2½ yrs.
- Languages spoken English, German, Dutch
Access to resort
By train:
Moûtiers 37km coach service to resort.
By air:
Lyon St Exupéry 193km (formerly known as Lyon Satolas) - 3hr 30min transfer time
Geneva Cointrin 170km - 3hr 30min transfer time
Chambery-Aix 112km - 2hr 30min transfer time
By Car:
A43 exit Albertville, N90 direction Moûtiers/Tarentaise. At Moutiers take the D117 for 37km to Val Thorens. Essentially a traffic free resort. Covered parking approximate cost for 7 nights - Approx 55€. Uncovered cost for 7 nights - Approx 40€
