Standing proud as Europe’s highest winter sports resort, Val Thorens is a top destination among French ski resorts, beckoning ski, snowboard, and adventure enthusiasts with its impressive array of slopes and consistent snow record. Located at an altitude of 2,300 m, with slopes reaching up to 3,230 m, Val Thorens forms a pivotal part of the illustrious Three Valleys, offering a staggering 600 km of interconnected slopes.
We've put this guide together to make planning your Val Thorens ski holiday a breeze. You'll learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best spots to grab a bite or relax after a day on the slopes. At the end, you’ll also find downloadable maps of the resort and pistes, along with some handy contact numbers and links.
Ready? Let's get started!
Val Thorens is located in the Tarentaise Valley, in the department of Savoie in the northern French Alps.
For a detailed view of Val Thorens's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.
Nearest airport
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| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reliable snow conditions | In bad weather it can seem gloomy as there is no trees around |
| Easily accessed and very good beginners' slopes right in the heart of the village | Some of the village is still unattractive to walk through |
| Huge ski area for all skill levels | The pistes can get very crowded during peak weeks |
| Val Thorens accommodation is mostly is ski-in, ski-out or both | Very little to do when off the slopes |
Val Thorens is a key part of the immense Three Valleys ski area, which includes other world-renowned ski resorts such as Courchevel, Les Menuires, and Méribel, collectively offering over 600 km of pistes. Within this vast network, Val Thorens itself boasts 150 km of ski runs covering 83 pistes (11 greens, 37 blues, 28 reds, and 7 blacks) spread across three main sectors, including:
Beginners can take advantage of a selection of gentle nursery slopes and free lifts just at the heart of the resort before progressing onto the plentiful green runs within the main ski area.
Intermediate skiers will find Val Thorens a haven, with wide, cruising blue and red runs across the Moraine and Peclet sectors.
Advanced skiers have plenty of opportunities with challenging moguls, steep black runs, couloirs, and remarkable off-piste opportunities. Noteworthy runs include the daunting Combe de Caron and the challenging mogul fields of Plan de l'Eau.
The best off-piste areas include the Glacier de Thorens, the Orelle Valley, and Cime Caron, presenting an array of demanding trails with diverse and exciting terrain.
Val Thorens snowpark, spanns over a 90,000 m² area, and it's ingeniously divided into four distinct zones, tailored for beginners, intermediates, and experts, as well as a Jump'Air zone equipped with a shock-absorbing stunt mattress. These zones offer an array of modules including whoops, wall rides, tables, and handrails for an unparalleled snowboarding experience. Adding to its snowboarding credentials, Val Thorens boasts an engaging snowboard cross located in the 2 Lacs sector.
Val Thorens is home to the stunning Glacier de Péclet, that stands at an awe-inspiring altitude of 3,561 m. This extraordinary glacier is highly celebrated for its off-piste opportunities, offering an irresistible playground for adventure-seeking skiers and snowboarders.
The ski season in Val d'Isère for 2024/25 is expected to start on November 23rd and run until May 4th. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Val Thorens this season, be sure to explore our Val Thorens ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Val Thorens offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 35 cm and 33 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.9 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 27 cm but occurs more frequently, averaging 3.1 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of December, traditionally the snowiest week in Val Thorens, with an impressive 50 cm of snow over 3.2 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 23 cm of snow over 3.9 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 35 cm | 3.0 days |
| January | 33 cm | 2.9 days |
| February | 27 cm | 3.1 days |
| March | 29 cm | 3.4 days |
| April | 23 cm | 3.9 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
La Fruitère, a part of the renowned après-ski venue La Folie Douce, serves gourmet dishes inspired by regional recipes and locally-sourced ingredients.
Located at 2500 m altitude, the Chalet de la Marine is a traditional restaurant serving a refined and creative French cuisine.
Nestled at an altitude of 2445 m, the Chalet des 2 Lacs offers revisited Savoyard specialities.
A gem in the culinary scene of Val Thorens, Le Diamant Noir holds a Michelin star, ensuring you an exceptional and intimate dining experience.
A proud bearer of a Michelin star, L’Épicurien offers an exquisite fusion of traditional Savoyard cuisine and modern gastronomy.
La Chaumière, with its stunning mountain vistas and sumptuous grilled meats, is a crowd-favorite for mid-ski meals.
Resting at the highest peak of Val Thorens, Le Panoramic offers breath-taking views and a diverse menu that incorporates traditional alpine dishes and globally-inspired creations.
One of the highlights in Val Thorens is the renowned La Folie Douce, a well-known après-ski venue that can be accessed by the Plein Sud chairlift. This hotspot offers a unique blend of high-altitude partying with live DJs, singers, dancers, and its signature Champagne showers.
Another notable location is the Bar 360, situated at the foot of the Moraine chairlift. Known for its high-energy après-ski parties, it features live music performances every day, followed by a DJ spinning popular tracks to keep the crowd energized.
In the heart of Val Thorens, you'll find the Saloon Bar, a popular meeting spot that frequently hosts live music and DJs. Its cozy and rustic atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
For those looking for a more relaxed yet vibrant ambiance, the Snesko, a Danish bar known for its wild parties and traditional Scandinavian 'glogg', is definitely worth a visit.
Download Val Thorens town map PDF here
