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"If you’re looking for a first-class ski resort, you will love Val Thorens. There are lots of cruising wide pistes which are incredibly well groomed. Its high altitude means it has a great snow record with excellent off-piste opportunities. Isn’t this pretty much all a skier needs?"

Aodhan Boylan

Senior Ski Specialist

Val Thorens Ski Holidays

Famous for its lofty 2,300m altitude, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe – with a snow record to match. Sitting at the head of the Belleville valley, you can expect dazzling views, a well-designed resort and doorstep access to those velvety Three Valleys slopes.

A purpose-built paradise

Val Thorens is an excellent example of just how well France does purpose-built resorts. With the slopes on your doorstep, it’s a convenient resort with breath-taking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Val Thorens makes a fantastic base for exploring the entire Three Valleys, although with a myriad 150km of local pistes, there’s plenty to explore without having to venture further afield.

There’s as much to enjoy off the slopes as on in this energetic village. Get the adrenaline pumping when you try out the longest toboggan run in France – a whopping 6km! Or speed along the La Tyrolienne zip line for a daredevil descent with amazing views. Then recover from all that excitement with a spot of relaxation in our carefully selected accommodation options. 

Skiing in Val Thorens

Val Thorens is the highest resort in the Alps sitting at a snow sure 2300m, so is a great choice for early or late season trips. It sits at the head of the Belleville valley, which also includes Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville, and offers a huge amount of skiing for all abilities of skier and snowboarder.

Beginner or expert, skier or snowboarder, cross-country, freestyle or off-piste – whatever your passion, you’ll find some fantastic ski school options in Val Thorens, offering expert tuition for all ages.

There are several ski and snowboard schools ready to show you the ropes. Choose a well-known British school such as Supreme, or a local school like Oxygène, Ski Cool or the ESF. You can join a group or treat yourself to private tuition for invaluable one-to-one instruction. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ll be happy to find the right option for you.

Image: T. Loubère

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"If you’re looking for a first-class ski resort, you will love Val Thorens. There are lots of cruising wide pistes which are incredibly well groomed. Its high altitude means it has a great snow record with excellent off-piste opportunities. Isn’t this pretty much all a skier needs?"

Aodhan Boylan

Senior Ski Specialist

Val Thorens Stats

Ski Area

Three Valleys: 600km

Ski Range

1350-3230m

Green Runs

58

Blue Runs

132

Red Runs

112

Black Runs

37

Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr

Airport distances

Geneva

2hr55mins

Lyon

2hr45mins

Hotel Altapura

Offers in Val Thorens

Kids Rent Free in France

Fantastic Savings with Skiset
Exclusive Ski Independence Offer - rent children's equipment free for every qualifying adult booking rentals.

Val Thorens Accommodation

Hotel Altapura

The Hotel Altapura is a stylish and modern property offering excellent...

Hotel Koh-I Nor

The Hotel Koh-I Nor is Europe’s highest 5-star hotel. Perched...

Hotel Le Fitz Roy

Part of the Beaumier collection, Hotel Le Fitz Roy sits...

Hotel Le Val Thorens

Part of the Beaumier collection, Hotel Le Val Thorens is...

Hotel Marielle

The delightful 4-star Hotel Marielle enjoys a spectacular ski-in/ski-out location...

Hotel Le Hameau du Kashmir

Occupying a sunny position at the entrance of Val Thorens,...

Hotel Fahrenheit Seven

Hotel Fahrenheit Seven offers a unique and laid back vibe...

Residence Le Hameau du Kashmir

Located in a sunny position at the entrance of Val...

Residence Montana Plein Sud

Residence Montana Plein Sud enjoys an excellent ski-in/ski-out location in...

Residence Koh-I Nor

Residence Koh-I Nor offers modern, functional apartments with a good...

Residence Chalet Val 2400

Residence Chalet Val 2400 is conveniently located just 300m from the...

Residence Chalet Altitude

Residence Chalet Altitude offers spacious apartments only 300m from the nearest...

Après-Ski in Val Thorens

If you're looking for a resort with lively après ski then Val Thorens will tick the box. With a good selection of bars on offer, the hardest choice will be where to start.

The most popular choice on the slopes is La Folie Douce. There really is no better place to finish a day's skiing than on their terrace, dancing on tables and enjoying the shows they regularly put on. 

Hotel Fahrenheit Seven's bar offers a lively atmosphere with live music and DJs until late. If you're staying at the Hotel Altapura, the bar does some excellent cocktails too.

If you've still got some energy left, you can head to Malaysia for a spot of dancing into the early hours.

Dining in Val Thorens

Le Blanchot is a good local restaurant in Val Thorens with a bumper wine cellar, specialising in local Savoy wines. La Face Ouest is in a central location and has a varied menu including pizza and pasta dishes. Le Rendez-Vous also does great pizzas either for dinner or on the south-facing terrace for lunch. John's American is a Danish-owned Tex Mex restaurant and also reputedly serves the best burgers in town.

Val Thorens' luxury 5-star hotels also offer an array of gastronomic restaurants to choose from including the Hotel Pashmina's Michelin-starred Les Explorateurs. The Fitz Roy at the Hotel Le Fitz Roy is also highly recommended.

On the slopes, La Folie Douce is better known for its wild après ski but it also offers gourmet cuisine with spectacular views on the terrace of La Fruitière. Tucked away between Val Thorens and Les Menuires Chez Pépé Nicolas is a must visit - bookings are vital!

Activities in Val Thorens

There is as much available off the slopes as on the slopes in Val Thorens, making it an ideal choice for families or groups who are looking for lots of activities as well as for any parties with non-skiers.

If you're still looking for some outdoor thrills when you're done skiing then you can have a go at ice driving or to get breathtaking views of the Three Valleys, why not take to the skies with a paragliding trip?

Or how about taking a trip down the longest toboggan run in France - a superb 6km descent! For young children, there are other toboggan runs in the centre of the resort near Place Caron.

For those with a head for heights and a need for speed, a go on La Tyrolienne zip line is a must: from the top of the Bouchet chairlift at an altitude of 3230m, strap your skis to your back and descend the 1300m long wire. At 250m above the piste at its highest point and maximum speeds of 105 km/h this certainly is not for the faint hearted!

For those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, head to the centre of Val Thorens where you will find a fantastic new sports centre. Due to open its doors in December 2022 the sports centre will offer a renovated swimming pool, wellness facilities and sports activities. The resort also has a cinema, a bowling alley and even an escape room.

 

Reviews of Val Thorens

Alison Gilchrist

10/01/2024

We have just returned from our trip to Val Thorens and I wanted to thank you for all your assistance. We had a fabulous time.

The booking process was so easy, your help in changing flights was really appreciated, our hotel was lovey and it was great to have our restaurants booked in advance. Ski Lifts were fab when we were delayed on the way out (Ross and Gareth were great too) and on the way back they had us at the airport in plenty of time, accounting for weather and traffic.

Your service from start to finish has been excellent and I certainly would recommend Ski Independence to friends! Thank you once again.

 

Iain Allan

02/04/2022

Very happy with the service received throughout the process from booking to departure.