Val Thorens overview
Situated at 2300m, Val Thorens, France is the highest ski resort in Europe. Subsequently, it enjoys an enviable snow record especially late in the season making Val Thorens a great choice for spring skiing. Forming part of the Three Valleys ski area, there is plenty of terrain to suit all abilities.
As a purpose-built resort, all amenities are conveniently located and a large proportion of the accommodation offers ski in, ski out or doorstep skiing. The resort centre is compact and car restricted giving it a village feel with a cosmopolitan buzz and dynamic nightlife.
Skiing in Val Thorens
Ski weekends in Val Thorens are wonderful for beginners due to the excellent nursery slopes at the foot of the resort with moving carpet lifts (you don't need a lift pass to use). There are enough greens and plenty of easy blues to progress to and a gentle descent allows you to ski back to resort.
The fourth valley of Orelle also has good intermediate runs. Advanced skiers may find the number of truly challenging blacks a little limited but the Cime de Caron offers some of the most difficult terrain in the area. Off-piste opportunities are excellent and the high altitude ensures good powder conditions for longer than elsewhere.
The majority of Val Thorens’ local slopes are made up of intermediate terrain. Excellent blues and reds can be found from the Peclet glacier and lead down to the resort of Les Menuires. A fast and efficient lift system links Val Thorens to neighbouring Three Valley’s resorts including Meribel and Courchevel, so the skiing opportunities really are endless.
Après ski
Apres-ski in Val Thorens is energetic, getting started in the afternoon at a number of lively mountain venues such as the famous Folie Douce. By night, the resort centre comes alive with plenty of restaurants, bars and nightclubs remaining open until the early hours. For a more relaxed drink try the Rhum Box a cosy little bar full of flavoured rums tucked away off the road so most pass it by without even realising it’s there!
The resort boasts an excellent selection of restaurants with something to suit all tastes from traditional French restaurants serving fondue to Michelin starred establishments.
Short Ski Breaks In Val Thorens
Although Val Thorens is a 3 hour journey from the airport, it's lofty position as the highest ski resort in the Alps means snow is guaranteed. With plenty of accommodation options, good restaurants, and access to the biggest ski area in Europe, there is a lot to be said for choosing Val Thorens for a short ski break.
