Val Thorens ski resort information
STOP PRESS...... New in Val Thorens for next season...A new Jumbo cable twin car is opening up in Val Thorens, this is not replacing an old lift, but is completely new and opens up two new virgin mountain sides previously not available, we understand from the resort that will give access to the slopes below the new lift and offers new off piste skiing over the other side of the ridge... We hope other resorts will follow the lead set by Val Thorens
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe and in the most popular ski area of the 3 valleys which includes other resorts including Meribel and Courchevel. Its height means that the snow is normally in good condition from early until late in the season.
Val Thorens is located at 2300m with a ski range of between 1260m and 3220m and covers 650 km of piste in the full area. In the valley below are Reberty, Les Menuires and the attractive village of St Martin de Belleville. Most of Ski Lines clients prefer to take the full area lift pass.
Most of the buildings are mid rise apartment style and its often possible to ski from very close by and a selected few offer ski in ski out. Ski Line offers catered ski chalets, self catered apartments and hotels of all levels in Val Thorens.
Many guests always request Val Thorens for early season holidays but its worth noting that in poor weather and high winds the resort can be closed, so we would always prefer to stay a little lower, if the sun is shining you can always head up to Val Thorens and if the weather is poor you can head for the runs in the tree line for better visability. There is a bus that connects Les Menuires to Val Thorens but it’s not free!
Val Thorens offers great skiing for all levels of skiers with plenty to do both on and off piste.
Après ski in the ski resort of Val Thorens
Val Thorens has a good mix of night life. New to Val Thorens is the Chalet de La Marine on the Dalles piste which is similar to the famous Folie Douce in Val d’Isere and it should be the place to start your après ski. Later on bars like the Red Fox are always popular. Dicks Tea Bar is busy later on at night and stays open until late.
Activities off the slopes in the ski resort of Val Thorens
Val Thorens has a good sports centre with pool, saunas and hot tubs, the leisure centre has pool tables and bowling. For Children the toboggan run is the longest in France and always popular. Some of the restaurants have a good reputation and have had good feed back about both food and 360º views at the top of the Cime de Caron cable car.
Beginners skiing in the ski resort of Val Thorens
The excellent nursery slopes have a moving carpet lift making it ideal for children, the slope is gentle and ideal for beginners to master the basics on, once mastered, head for the blues above the resort which are gentle and ideal for progression. Because of its height in peak winter the slopes can be cold and families with young children should bear this in mind. It’s possible to buy a beginners lift package that includes 3 lifts with some great runs.
Intermediates skiing in the ski resort of Val Thorens
The choice for intermediate skiers is massive in the 3 valleys and reaching the far end of the ski area at Courchevel 1650 can take 90 minutes. The lifts are fast and queues not normally an issue. Blue run skiers will enjoy the runs over in the 4th valley (Maurienne area) which is fun when the sun hasn’t been shining too much.
Advanced skiing in the ski resort of Val Thorens
Many of the black runs around Val Thorens could easily be Reds in other resorts but the appeal for advanced skiers will be the access to the full area of the 3 valleys and the tremendous off piste skiing available. Some drop 1400m vertical but with many hidden drops and crevasses its essential that this is only tackled with an experienced guide.
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