Val Thorens, the resort that has it all (except for trees). The highest resort in Europe, lively apres ski, huge ski area (largest linked ski area in the world), ski in, ski out accommodation in abundance. It ticks a lot of boxes.
Get to know Val Thorens
Val Thorens (or VT as it's also known) is the famous Three Valleys' highest resort. If you're looking for skiing with ample snow from November through to May, VT is the place for you. This purpose-built resort offers a hub of bars, restaurants and amenities, with a cluster of lifts close by to disperse the crowds in the morning.
If you're precious about snow, VT is worth the extra drive. If you're looking for a chocolate box town with culture, you might be disappointed. A Three Valley pass will open up 600km of skiable terrain, enough even if you're an accomplished skier! There are spas in some of the more superior hotels if you're looking for relaxation, while ice-driving will up the adrenaline if you're that way inclined.
Why you might love it
High Altitude
Ski In Ski Out
Apres Ski
Restaurant Choice
Glacier Skiing
At a glance
Ski area
Three Valleys
Resort altitude
2200m
Piste range
600–3230m
Lifts
156
Green runs
48
Blue runs
135
Red runs
119
Black runs
33
More about Val Thorens
Why We Love Val Thorens
Val Thorens is an excellent choice if you want to guarantee plenty of that precious snow, especially if you're planning a trip early or late season. Skiing in May, who knew!? Make sure you pack your thermals, even if the sun is shining, at 3200m (the highest point) you'll be grateful for the extra layers as you admire the breathtaking views. Mountains for days, literally.
There are some excellent mountain restaurants in VT, so fuel up on the slopes to make the most of every minute. Once your legs have had enough, check out the Folie Douce (there's always juice left in the tank for table dancing) or into town to the Frog & Roastbeef where après will not disappoint.
Skiing in Val Thorens
Being the highest resort in Europe gives Val Thorens a certain level of snowsure. The snow is in fact the least of your worries as it lasts long after the lifts have closed.
The resort is at the top of the Belleville valley linking with Les Menuires and St Martin as well as Orelle or over to Meribel and onto Courchevel. It’s a massive 600km of piste in total with enough skiing for any ability and more than you could possibly cover in a week.
The slopes right in front of the resort have magic carpets that you don’t need a lift pass to use to perfect if you’re learning or just want to hit the slopes when you arrive in the afternoon but can’t stomach paying for a full lift pass. (Though it is really a nursery slope).
Après ski in Val Thorens
Val Thorens has always been a young and lively resort. But it has come a long way since it’s uni bus loads and young farmer party days. With plenty of upmarket hotels, bars and restaurants and an overall better class of apres ski.
Folie Douce is the highest apres hot spot, with the Ibiza-style open air party performances. Just watch out for the ski back come closing time as everyone bottle necks into the rutted bridge into town. You have the highest pub in Europe at the Frog and Roast Beef, Rhum Box is run by an old pro with every home flavoured rum imaginable.
The party continues late into the night with clubs such as the underground cavern of Malaysia you enter through what is not much more than a portaloo on the piste.
Where to ski in Val Thorens
The whole resort is ski in, ski out or very close to the slopes that run right through the middle of the resort. So it really is a resort with no walking in your ski boots.
If you’re looking for some of the best ski routes then you could do a lot worse than the long run down into Orelle - particularly good before it gets cut up in the afternoons.
Looking for a couple of powder turns after fresh snowfall? Then head down the boardercross and jump off about half way down, there’s a few log stores and cabins to jump over as well.
Hidden gems
Best Bite
Chalet des 2 Lacs gives you great food with great views up on the slopes. You may even be able to do a little sunbathing if it’s warm enough. You may even get a post meal Genepi if you’re lucky.
Best Piste
Head up the Cime de Caron for a choice of blacks and challenging reds in every direction. Combe de Rosaël heads down to Orelle whilst Combe de Caron will take you down the bowls towards Val Thorens.
Apres Ski
The Folie Douce is great here, whether you’re dancing on the tables or sitting on the slope above admiring the views and laughing at the revelry. The chairlift goes overhead for a bird's eye view.
Getting here
Geneva Airport
2 hrs 40 min
Moutiers Train Station
40 min
Chambery Airport
2 hrs 15 min
Val Thorens map
What we like
- Whole ski resort is pretty much ski in, ski out or very close to the slopes
- High altitude - it's highest ski resort in Europe in fact
- Lively apres ski scene, from the slopeside Folie Douce to the highest Pub in Europe
- Part of the largest linked ski area in the world with a whopping 600km of piste
Worth knowing
- It has a young reputation but there are some amazing luxury options as well
- Great mix of restaurants from fly by noodles to Michelin Starred restaurants
- Being high-altitude it's above the tree line, so on a snowy day it can be difficult to see - time to hit the spa!
