At the 2024 World Ski Awards, Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe at 2,300 meters, was recognized as the ‘Best Ski Resort in the World’ for the ninth time in the last eleven years.
Val Thorens won due to its innovative initiatives and modern facilities, combined with high-quality slopes and guaranteed snow, as well as a wide range of nearby accommodations. As part of Les 3 Vallées, the largest interconnected ski area in the world with 600 km of slopes and 162 lifts, the resort has consistently demonstrated its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Skiing in Val Thorens
Val Thorens – Orelle is renowned for its high-quality snow and modern lifts, making it a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. With 99% of its terrain located above 2,000 meters and 150 km of slopes, it offers ideal conditions to enjoy the most of your time on the mountain.
Additionally, skiing in Val Thorens provides access to the Orelle ski area and the opportunity to reach the summit of the 3 Vallées: Pointe du Bouchet, the highest skiable peak at 3,230 meters, 30 meters higher than Cime Caron.
The Val Thorens–Orelle ski area caters to skiers of all levels, from beginners to advanced, with powder fields and perfectly prepared slopes. The resort is located in the heart of Les Trois Vallées, connecting to other resorts like Les Menuires, Méribel, Courchevel, and smaller ones like Saint Martin de Belleville. In total, 600 km of slopes, 328 alpine ski runs, 10,500 hectares of terrain, and 166 lifts are offered.
The Slopes in Val Thorens
The altitude of Europe’s highest ski resort ensures exceptional snow quality every winter, from November to May. The Les Trois Vallées ski area, with 334 slopes between 1,800 and 3,200 meters, offers a vast terrain served by modern lifts, with stunning views of glaciers and the impressive Péclet Polset massif, reaching 3,500 meters.
The area includes a beginner zone called Easy Rider and features slopes of various levels: 183 easy blue runs, 117 medium-level red runs, and 34 black runs for expert skiers. With 205 state-of-the-art lifts, quick ascents are guaranteed, including cable cars, chairlifts, ski lifts, and gondolas. The experience culminates with an exceptional panorama from the Cime de Caron (3,200 m).
The following map provides a complete overview of the resort: from green slopes, perfect for beginners taking their first steps on the snow, to challenging black runs for those seeking thrills. Additionally, you’ll find resting areas, ski lesson meeting points, and cosy mountain restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals.
Lift Passes in Val Thorens
If your main reason for visiting Val Thorens is to ski, here are some helpful tips for choosing your lift pass.
First, you must decide between the Val Thorens – Orelle ski area and the 3 Vallées ski area. If you are a beginner or ski occasionally, the Val Thorens – Orelle area is an excellent option. If you’re looking to explore as many slopes as possible, then the 3 Vallées ski area is the best choice. Additionally, you can select from various packages, such as 4 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 6 days, beginner packages, season passes, and more. You have the flexibility to choose the one that best suits your needs!
If you’re travelling with a family (2 adults and at least 2 children) or in a group (3 or more people), there are family and group passes available that offer reduced rates. These passes are valid for 6-day packages or more. Finally, you have the option to purchase your lift pass online and pick it up on-site, or you can buy it directly upon arrival at the resort. Purchasing online saves time and helps you avoid lines at the lift pass counters.
An additional tip is to consider purchasing the Carré Neige insurance along with your lift pass in Val Thorens, especially if there is a risk of minor injuries. Rescue services in the ski area may incur additional costs, and this insurance can provide helpful coverage in case of need.
For more information on buying lift passes in Val Thorens: https://www.valthorens.com/en/ski/forfaits/
Other Activities in Val Thorens
Val Thorens offers much more than just skiing. Regardless of your age or fitness level, you have the opportunity to enjoy the many activities the resort has to offer. There are activities for adrenaline lovers, nature enthusiasts, those who prefer to relax in a spa, and even for the little ones.
Zip Line “La Bee” – An unmissable experience is flying over the valley on the zip line, with an exciting 1,800-meter ride at a height of 65 meters. The starting point is at the Moutière chairlift. This thrilling activity is available for individuals over 14 years old who are taller than 1.40 meters.
Sledding “Cosmojet” – The longest sledding track in France. After an 8-minute ascent on the Péclet funicular at 3,000 meters above sea level, enjoy a 6 km descent that combines sharp curves and varied slopes, offering nearly 45 minutes of pure adrenaline. Accessible for everyone from 5 years old.
Ice Driving Circuit – Take the chance to explore the highest ice driving circuit in Europe and improve your driving skills in Savoie. They offer individual lessons, courses, open rides, and first-driving experiences with professional instructors.
Sports Complex “Le Board” – Inside, the facility is divided into various areas including a pool, wellness area, sports fields, a Fun Park for kids, and sections dedicated to wellness, bodybuilding, and fitness.
Val Thorens Market – The market is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, all day long, in the Grand Rue. The stalls offer a wide variety of products, from clothing, including affordable fleeces, to handmade goods. You can also find food products such as cheeses, sweets, nougat, and honey from a local producer in the Belleville Valley.
For all the activities Val Thorens has to offer, you can click here.
Leisure and Gastronomy in Val Thorens
Val Thorens offers an impressive culinary diversity, from famous cheese fondues to high-quality gourmet experiences. The Michelin Guide has highlighted the excellence of 25 restaurants in the area, confirming its status as a top-tier culinary destination.
Partying in Val Thorens
If you’re looking for a great party in Val Thorens, you’ve come to the right place. The bars and nightclubs never disappoint, with widespread international recognition. As you’ll see below, there are plenty of options for enjoying a great event in Val Thorens:
La Folie Douce: One of the most iconic après-ski spots in the world.
With an extensive repertoire of Electro, Soul, Funk, House, Deep House, and more, it’s a true live concert held every day… Prepare yourself for high-intensity moments at 2,600 meters altitude, facing the most beautiful peaks of the Alps on a sun-drenched terrace.
Malaysia: The largest dance floor in the Alps.
A must-visit in Val Thorens, this 1,000 m² chalet located in the main square opens its doors every night with a live concert starting at 11:00 PM, followed by a DJ set until 4:00 AM. If you love music, this is the place to be.
Wild and Savage: Located in the heart of the Val Thorens resort, in Galerie Caron.
The venue’s decor is very unique, where you can sit and enjoy a beer or cocktail. If you want to get a tattoo, that’s also possible, as the tattoo salon is located on the second floor of the bar. Wild and Savage also features live concerts and a DJ program that ensures a great atmosphere and excellent acoustics.
Accommodation in Val Thorens
Choosing accommodation in Val Thorens is crucial for most tourists. Proximity to the ski lifts is a key factor, as well as the amenities offered by the hotel.
The 5-star Koh-I Nor Hotel by Les Etincelles is ideally located in the centre of Val Thorens, overlooking the picturesque Belleville Valley. Koh-I Nor features 63 luxurious rooms and suites, as well as restaurants and a bar, all with a warm design and harmonious materials. The Koh-I Nor’s Le Diamant Noir restaurant is also included in the Michelin Guide. Guests can enjoy a wonderful view of the magical surrounding landscape from the sun-drenched panoramic terrace overlooking the 3 Valleys resort.
The wellness facilities include a spacious 800 m² spa to enhance your mountain downtime, featuring two pools, a gym with state-of-the-art equipment, a sauna, hammam, jacuzzis, as well as sensation showers, a salt wall, an ice fountain, an exclusive relaxation area, and a solarium.
How to Get to Val Thorens
The Val Thorens resort is approximately a 2-hour drive from four international airports: Lyon, Chambéry, Geneva, and Grenoble. After landing, you can use the shuttle services that connect these airports to the Val Thorens ski resort if you prefer not to rent a car.
On the Val Thorens website, you’ll find all the real-time options for getting to the resort.
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