Val Thorens Ski Holidays

Why choose Val Thorens

Europe’s highest resort

At 2,300 m altitude, Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort.  Its purpose-built village sits in a vast high-alpine bowl, guaranteeing excellent snow conditions from December to April.

Ski-in/ski-out convenience

Most accommodation is ski-in/ski-out, meaning you can step out of your door and onto the slopes. Part of highly popular The Three Valleys ski area, it offers endless terrain variety and seamless access to Méribel, Courchevel, and more. Most of Ski Line’s clients opt for the full area lift pass to fully explore the vast terrain.

Lively après-ski and modern infrastructure

The village has a youthful, international vibe with lively après-ski and modern infrastructure (fast lifts and a brand-new sports center “Le Board”). Val Thorens was once known mainly for hardcore skiers and party-goers, but in recent years it has expanded its family amenities and beginner areas, becoming a well-rounded resort for all.

Skiing in Val Thorens

Beginners skiing

The nursery slopes in Val Thorens offer an excellent learning environment for beginners, particularly children, with the added convenience of a moving carpet lift.

These gentle slopes provide an ideal setting to master the basics of skiing. Once the fundamentals are confidently grasped, beginners can progress to the blue slopes located above the resort, which continue to offer a gentle terrain for skill advancement.

It’s worth noting that due to the resort’s elevated position during peak winter, the temperatures on the slopes can be cold, and families with young children should take this into consideration when planning their skiing activities.

For beginners, there is the option to purchase a beginner’s lift package, which includes access to three lifts and provides opportunities to explore some fantastic runs.

Intermediate skiing

Intermediate skiers in the expansive Three Valleys ski area have an abundance of options to explore. With a vast range of slopes available, including the far reaches of the ski area at Courchevel 1650, it’s important to note that reaching these distant points can take approximately 90 minutes. However, the efficient lift system ensures swift transportation, and long queues are typically not a concern.

For intermediate skiers who prefer blue runs, the runs in the 4th Valley, known as the Maurienne area, offer a delightful experience. These runs provide enjoyment and excitement, particularly on days when the sun isn’t shining too brightly.

Advanced skiing

Val Thorens boasts a remarkable collection of black runs that rival the difficulty of red runs found in other resorts.

Advanced skiers will be enticed by the opportunity to explore the entirety of the Three Valleys, as well as the incredible off-piste skiing options available. These challenging descents can feature impressive vertical drops of up to 1400 meters.

However, it is crucial to emphasize that tackling these runs should only be done with the guidance of an experienced ski guide, as they may contain hidden drops and crevasses that require expertise to navigate safely.

Ski passes and lessons in Val Thorens

Ski passes

Choose between the local Val Thorens–Orelle pass (150 km of pistes) or the full 3 Vallées pass with 600 km of runs across Méribel, Courchevel and Les Menuires. Kids under 5 ski free, families get child rates for everyone, and you can save up to 20% on Saturday passes booked online.

Read our full guide or ask our sales team to arrange your ski passes when you book.

Ski lessons

From beginners to off-piste adventures, Val Thorens’ English-speaking schools have you covered such as Maison Sports. Book group lessons for adults and kids, private coaching for tailored tips, or hire a guide to explore the best powder. Tiny tots can start at 3, and snowboarders are fully catered for too.

Explore our full guide to ski and snowboard lessons or ask a sales advisor to add lessons to your Val Thorens package.

Ski accommodation in Val Thorens

Val Thorens is famous for its purpose-built ski-in, ski out accommodation.

Après ski in Val Thorens

Après kicks off slope-side at Val Thorens, and La Folie Douce is the undisputed star, blending open-air concert and alpine cabaret. Prefer something more chilled? Head to the 360 Bar for a slightly more laid-back vibe, and for panoramic views as the sun sets.

Clubs

When the après-ski winds down, Val Thorens’ nightlife scene is just getting started. Dance into the early hours at Malaysia, the Alps’ largest nightclub, or Klub Summit which draws a younger crowd.

Bars

The resort isn’t all about partying. For something more refined, you can unwind with a fine wine or expertly crafted cocktail in a more relaxed, upscale setting – try Koh-I-Nor Hotel Bar or Le Roy Bar At Le Fitz Roy.

Want to know more? Read our ultimate guide to Val Thorens Nightlife for the best Val Thorens après-ski, nightlife, bars and music venues.

Activities off the slopes in Val Thorens

Leisure Centre

Val Thorens boasts an impressive sports centre complete with a pool, saunas, and hot tubs, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Additionally, the leisure centre offers amenities such as pool tables and bowling, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Tobogganing

Families with children will delight in the longest toboggan run in France, a perennial favourite among young ones.

Zip-Lining

Fly side-by-side on La Bee, a thrilling 1,800-metre zip-line reaching 65 meters above the slopes. Open daily from 9:45 AM to 4:30 PM, it departs from the top of the Moutière chairlift and is open to anyone aged 14+ and over 1.40m tall.

Ice Karting

Race along a 300-metre ice track at the Alain Prost circuit. Perfect for groups and first-time ice drivers. Free shuttles run from the P3 car park, with sessions available throughout the week.

Ice Driving

Test your control on Europe’s highest ice-driving track at 2,200 meters. This 760-metre-long circuit lets you learn expert techniques like counter-steering and ice braking, guided by trained professionals.

Snow MTB

Join a guided twilight descent from 3,000 meters on a snow-covered slope. Running every Wednesday to Friday evening, this 6 km ride is led by instructor Gérald Bigot and ends with mulled wine.

Paragliding

Soar from 3,000 meters with panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the Belleville Valley. No experience is needed. Just take off with a certified instructor for a 650-meter descent you’ll never forget.

Ice Diving

Dive under the frozen surface of Lac du Lou after a 40-minute snowshoe trek. The 20 minute session is fully guided and open to anyone aged 16 and over, no prior diving experience required.