When it comes to legendary ski resorts, Val Thorens is in a league of its own.
Every snowsports enthusiast worth their salt has heard of France’s Val Thorens ski resort.
As one of the largest ski areas in the world, and the highest in Europe, Val Thorens rightly claims its place as the King of the Alps. With 99% of its slopes soaring over 2,000m into the clouds, Val Thorens guaranteed snow coverage ensures a skier’s paradise throughout the winter seasons.
Val Thorens Resort
Carved into a natural ski bowl beneath soaring peaks and glaciers, Val Thorens is one part of the sprawling Three Valleys’ whose 600 km of piste are accessible by free shuttle bus or ski lifts.
At its heart, Val Thorens glows with a sophisticated, urban buzz, thanks to its cluster of restaurants, cafes and bars. Get a feel of this chic, snow wonderland through the Val Thorens webcam.
Resort Statistics
| Base: | 2300 meters |
| Summit: | 3229 meters |
| No. of Pistes: | 327 |
| Total Piste: | 600 km |
| Cross Country: | 4 km |
| Total Lifts: | 33 |
| Gondolas/ Cable Cars: | 11 |
| Chairlifts: | 17 |
| Drag Lifts: | 5 |
Piste Map
Val Thorens Ski Areas & Slopes
With such a vast area to explore, be sure to familiarise yourself with the Val Thorens ski map before jetting off on your ski holiday.
Cime Coren
Panoramic skiing above the clouds for well-versed skiers ready to take on their next technical challenge.
Intermediate-Advanced: Two steep, black runs for maximum speed and bird’s eye views across the summits, with reds curving beautifully alongside.
Col de Rosael
Descend from the soaring summit of the Three Valleys, the highest skiable point in Europe.
Intermediate-Advanced: Zing down some of Val Thorens steepest reds and best powder-skiing spots.
Beginners: The highest blue in France, taking more confident beginners to the Alps’ ceiling.
Glacier de Peclet
For skiers looking to take it up a notch at the foot of Val Thorens’ glaciers.
Intermediate-Advanced: A steep black surrounded by off-piste routes as well as long and looping reds
Beginners: A fun blue with loose, open curves, great for beginners ready to pick up speed.
Rond Point des Pistes
A gentle introduction to skiing around the base of the mountains.
Beginners: Get into gear with magic carpet lifts, nursery slopes and Val Thorens ski lessons, before taking on the greens at Deux Lacs.
Ski Holidays in Val Thorens
Val Thorens Ski Passes
Ski pass prices in Val Thorens vary throughout the year, with reduced ‘early season’ prices.
Val Thorens – Orelle Ski Pass gives you access to the 150 km of runs at the heart of the Val Thorens resort, available from a 1/2 day (£49.50) to 14 consecutive days (£560).
Val Thorens Family Pass offers 2 adults + 2 or more children (aged 5-17 years) all at a reduced rate (from £44 per day).
3 Vallées Ski Pass gives you unlimited access to the entire Three Valleys ski area and its full 600 km of runs (from £300 per adult for 6 days).
Ski Schools
There are eight main ski schools in Val Thorens, including the world-famous Ecole du Ski Francais (ESF) as well as Ski Cool, one of the highest-rated ski schools on Trip Advisor. All Val Thorens ski schools offer group ski lessons and private coaching, beginner’s walk-throughs to advanced glacial treks. You can guarantee that Val Thorens ski schools will boost your confidence on the slopes and push your personal boundaries.
Equipment Hire
As one of the world’s biggest ski areas, you’ll never be short for ski hire in Val Thorens. You’ll always find some discounts on premium brand ski equipment, too. Skip the queues and book your Val Thorens ski hire online before you arrive so that all you have to worry about is finding the nearest ski lift.
Family Fun in Meribel
There’s something for every family member, both on and off the slopes, in Val Thorens. Its gentle green slopes are perfect for young family members or beginners. And with the Toboggan Comojet slope, speeding Zip Line and Ice Track karting, what more could a family ski holiday in Val Thorens possibly need? Get ski insurance for the whole family online and set off on your holiday with peace of mind.
Val Thorens Winter Sports
Val Thorens is a true winter snow sports haven and there’s something to suit everyone, including a world-class World Cup ski cross course to boot.
Snowboarding Holidays in Val Thorens
The soaring Val Thorens altitude means that ultimate snowboarding lies right outside your chalet door. The resort’s terrain park is world-class, its multitude of courses, jumps and obstacles hosting a number of renowned international competitions. Make sure you’ve got your snowboarding insurance sorted ahead of time.
Val Thorens Cross-Country
The 4km of prepared cross-country trails in Val Thorens are completely free to use. Venture a little further across the Three Valleys, and you’ll find a staggering total of 90km of trails to explore.
Off Piste Skiing in Val Thorens
Val Thorens offers a huge choice of off-piste skiing. The crowning glory is the Lac du Lou off-piste section, with exhilarating drops past stunning Alpine lakes. For off-piste novices, the soaring Chaviere Glacier fans out into some gentle and wide routes.
When to Go?
The Val Thorens resort usually opens in the last week of November right up until the final week of May.
Snow Report
As the highest ski resort in France, Val Thorens has enjoyed a full-coverage of snow from the end of November through to May for the last decade. You can view the latest Val Thorens snow report here.