At an altitude of 2300 meters, Val Thorens ski resort France is considered to be the highest in Europe. Due to the altitude this purposely built ski in and ski out Ski Resort, pretty much guarantees snow as early as November (or earlier sometimes) and as late as May. Meaning it has one of the longest ski seasons in Europe.
Val Thorens ski resort provides something for everyone looking to have a fun packed ski holiday in France. It is great for families, for beginners and advanced skiers who are looking to create those fresh lines off piste. Not to mention any avid skiers and boarders chasing that first bit of snow at the start and end of the season.
Table of Contents
- Val Thorens Ski Resort
- Ski Runs & Pass Areas
- Ski for FREE in other Ski Resorts around the world
- Overview of the Val Thorens Ski Resort Area
- Fly over a Glacier like an Eagle
- Take a Thrilling Ride down the Longest Toboggan Run in Europe
- How to get to Val Thorens
- Top Tips for Val Thorens Ski Resort
- Would I recommend Val Thorens
- Other French Ski Resorts

Val Thorens Ski Resort
Val Thorens ski resort forms part of the 3 Vallees (or also known as the 3 Valleys) in France and is considered to be one of the biggest ski areas in the world. The ski area covers over 600klms of slopes that are interlinked across 8 Ski resorts in the French Alps, with some of them being renowned like Courchevel and Meribel ski resorts.
Having already been to the other two main resorts in the 3 Vallees before, it was only a question of time (and money) until I would get to experience Val Thorens Ski Resort and the all-important slopes and apres ski myself. Fast forward a few years and I have now been twice to Val Thorens Ski Resort and it keeps getting better every time I go.

Ski Runs & Pass Areas
Val Thorens Passes
Ski passes are available for Val Thorens – Orelle Area, Belleville Valley Pass (Les Menuires, Val Thorens & Orelle) or for the 3 Vallees Area (Les Menuires, Saint Martin, Meribel, Courchevel, Val Thorens, La Tania, Orelle, Brides Les Bains).
Like with Les Menuires Ski Resort, you can also get different types of group passes Duo (2people), Tribu (3 People & more) and Family Pass ( 2 adults + 2 children (5 to 17 years old)). Both children under 5 years and Seniors over 75 years can ski for free.
Make sure that you have the right travel insurance so your mind can be at ease when you are hitting the ski slopes in the Alps. Compare the best holiday insurance for FREE

Ski for FREE in other Ski Resorts around the world
As of the 2017 season, the ‘3 Vallées SEASON Skipass holders’ have gone into an agreement with other Ski Resorts around the world to offer free lift passes for up to 3 consecutive days in the following Ski Resorts:
- Skiga Kogen (Japan)
- Mount Buller (Australia) (Where I learnt to ski :-))
- La Parva & Valle Nevdo (Chili) &
- Vail Resorts (USA)
For SEASON Skipass holders of the above resorts, they are entitled to 3 consecutive days in one of the 3 Vallées resorts (Courchevel, La Tania, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, Saint Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens, Orelle).
If you are interested in discovering more of the 3 Vallees interlinked ski resorts Les Menuires Ski Resort is a great option. It is located next to Val Thorens Ski Resort and easy to ski to and from either ski resort.

Overview of the Val Thorens Ski Resort Area
- They are long and wide in most parts
- 150kms of Ski Slopes
- 83 (11 green / 34 blue / 29 red / 9 blacks )
- Plenty of on and off-piste skiing, especially after a fresh dump of snow
- Lots of places for kids to ski and there is also a familypark
- Most places are ski-in and ski-out
- 31 Ski Lifts
- 18 Free Wi-Fi Zones (So you can share your trip to VT on Social Media)
Read More – 6 Top Tips for Saving Money for a Ski Weekend
Tip
- If it is a clear day and you are a confident skier, head up to one of the highest points Cime Caron (3200m) and take either the black or red slope back. The views are amazing all the way back to Val Thorens Ski Resort.

Fly over a Glacier like an Eagle
Preparing for take off
I am not going to lie, my heart was pumping when I stepped onto the ledge of the zipline (known as ‘The Tyrolienne’) before take off. Even when I was safely strapped into my harness, I felt like I was going to literally fly off the edge.
My adrenaline didn’t stop there, once I took off I just got faster and faster and then there was a slight drop and that was it, I thought I was gone. I quickly shut my eyes and then remembered this was a once in a lifetime experience, so with hesitation, I opened them again to take in the views.
Fly like an Eagle
They say that the sensation is to be similar to an Eagle, hence the half man half eagle on the ticket. But it was one of the scariest Ziplines l have ever experienced, especially when l looked down & everyone underneath me looked like ants. I certainly didn’t feel like an eagle but a scaredy cat!

When you watch the clip, you can even see me shaking my head saying l don’t want to go. It didn’t help that l am the first person of the day to do it because they had a break in the fog. However, I would definitely do it again in a heartbeat!
You are strapped into a harness, with a section for your skis/snowboard on your back (Don’t worry you can’t even feel them there) by one of the experts at the start hut. Once adjusted and comfortable you head outside to the takeoff point of the Zipline. There you will be in a sitting position ready for takeoff.
You start at an altitude higher than 3200m (10498ft) from the top of the Bouchet chairlift in Orelle, then you zipline over the Glacier du Bouchet at speeds up to 100kms an hour (like an eagle). Finishing at the top of the Funitel de Thorens in Val Thorens which is 3000 (9842ft).

The length is 1300m and the flight will take you around 1 minute 30 seconds to complete, depending on your speed. Depending on conditions, the activity can be stopped in case of high winds or bad snow conditions
Here are some good suggestions for day backpacks for skiing or snowboarding, all are reasonably priced.
Additional Information
- Held Between– 10am and 4.45pm
- Duration – 1min 30sec’s of pure excitement
- Price– 52 € Per Adult
- You purchase the tickets on site at the top of the Bouchet – Orelle chair lift.
- Age Requirement – 8 to 88
- Weight Requirement – Minimum 40 kg / maximum 120 kg
- Max Height – 250 m
- Start and End Point– Top of the Bouchet chairlift in the Orelle resort (3230m) and finishes at the top of the Thorens Funitel (3000m)
- Helmet – If you don’t have a helmet, one will be provided for you.
Take a Thrilling Ride down the Longest Toboggan Run in Europe
Day Run
If ziplining at 3200mts is not for you but still want something exciting and fun to do off the slope, then how about the Luge? A 6km (3.7 miles) Toboggan run from start to finish, it is considered to be the longest toboggan run in Europe. With all the twists and bends down the purposely built run, this activity is not only for the kids but for the adults too.
The Luge is situated at the top of the Peclet Cable Car at the foot of the Peclet glacier at an altitude of 3000mts. You can get to this from the centre of Val Thorens Ski Resort, where the Toboggan run finishes. Don’t worry though if you don’t have a lift pass, as your ticket price includes lift pass and sledge to the top. All you need to do is turn up with warm waterproof clothes.
Tip
- This is a great activity to do before you start skiing for the day.
- It is free for children between the age of 5 and 10 and under 1.25 m tall, riding with an adult (above 18).

Evening Run
If you want to do the Luge but don’t want it to cut into your skiing or snowboarding time, then that is not a problem. The toboggan run is open during the evenings from Monday to Friday at 4.45pm until 6pm.
Be aware that booking is mandatory and tickets will have to be purchased on the day and your toboggan will need to be picked up from the ticket office. Also, you will have to pick up your Toboggan before 5pm, otherwise, you cannot do the run.
Additional Information
- Held Between– Mon to Fri from 12:15 am to 4:00 pm (Day)
- Sat to Sun from 10 am to 4 pm
- Mon to Fri from 4: 00 pm to 6:00 pm (Evening)
- Duration – 45 Minutes
- Price– Day 15.50 € Per Person (Day) and 23.50€ Per Person (Evening)
- What to bring – Helmets and gloves are COMPULSORY for everyone.
- Minimum Age – 5 and Above
- Start Point– Access is via the Péclet funitel.
Tip
- Only children over 10 years old and over 1.25 m tall are allowed to use a sled on their own.
- Another fun option for the family is Family Ice Driving

Accommodation in Val Thorens
With over 260million invested in diversifying the accommodation in Val Thorens Ski Resort over the last 6 years, there is definitely no shortage of different types of accommodation. You can even stay in an Igloo pod with a Finnish hot tub at one of the 5 Star hotels.
The best bit is that because it is a purposely built Ski Resort most of the accommodation is ski-in ski-out, which is definitely a bonus.
Alberta Hotel
Alberta Hotel is a stylish modern ski-in and ski-out hotel, situated right on the main ski slope, near Val Thorens slalom stadium. The hotel has definitely taken advantage of the views with both the bar and restaurant overlooking the ski slopes. It was really nice getting up in the morning, enjoy my continental breakfast, while getting excited about the day ahead with the views.
Most of the main chairlifts, cable chairs are only 100mts -200mts away from the hotel. All you need to do is go out the ski-locker room allocated at the bottom of the Alberta Hotel and ski down.
Our modern room was cosy with a balcony and direct views of the Val Thorens ski slope. It actually felt like we were on the ski slope from the bed, we were that close. I forgot a couple of times to close the blinds when I was getting changed and remember that the skiers outside could see. I did love waking up with the views of the ski slopes and the ice wall that was in the distance.
The room also had good Free-Wifi that worked really well, power outlets and a small desk, this is always a bonus when travelling.
Tip
- I think the best way back to the hotel is to take the Bleuets run and pick up a bit of speed at the end and you can ski straight up to the hotel ski-locker room door. Anyone can do the run, as it is only a blue.
How to get to Val Thorens
Aiport
The closest international airports to Val Thorens Ski Resort are Chambery, Lyon, Geneva and Grenoble. The best way to get to Val Thorens are either via bus, car or transfer, as there are no direct trains. Beware though if you are flying into Geneva Airport, as it has three arrivals areas, two on the Swiss side and one on the French side.
How about these suggestions for ski boot bags that you should be able to use as carry on for your flight.
⇒ If you like to get a FREE, easy and fast comparison of flights, then try out Skyscanner’s flight comparison site.
Catching the Bus
My husband took the local ski bus Altibus which takes around 3 and a half hrs (including the stop over to change) from Geneva Aiport. You can get this bus from both Chambery and Lyon airport as well.
If you do take the Altibus for your return on a Saturday or Sunday, you will need to confirm your return ticket 48 hours in advance via phone or at the ticket counter located in Val Thorens Ski Resort bus station.
Transfer and car hire
Beware it is really expensive to organise private transfer to Val Thorens Ski Resort when you are not in a group. If you have booked a package deal check to make sure the company have organised a transfer for you.
If you are comfortable driving in Europe and the snow, look at hiring a car and splitting the costs. You can get a FREE, easy and fast comparison of hiring a car, then try out Skyscanner’s car comparison site. If you are worried about getting lost it should not be a problem, as most car hire companies hire Sav Nav too.
Top Tips for Val Thorens Ski Resort
- Check out the new blue slope that has been added to the Plein Sud sector, called La Corniche. This would be great for a group of mixed levels or families. It is also a great way to get back from the other resorts in the 3 Vallees.
- Experience the very lively La Folie Douce at the end of the day at least once. Even if you are not into Apres ski, you can stand on the outside and watch, it is a great atmosphere to see.
- Check with the airline that you are travelling with because some of them allow you to check your skis on the plane for free.

- If you can, try to get up for the first lift of the morning and go up to the top and ski on the glaciers. The view is amazing and the runs down are great especially when the snow is fresh. Best spots at the Cime Caron, Col De Rosael or the Col De Thorens
- Head over to Visit the other resorts Les Menuires Ski Resort which can do if you have a Belleville Valley Pass or 3 Vallees ski pass.
- You can never have too much Snow Gear
Would I recommend Val Thorens
Val Thorens Ski Resort France is an amazing place and I would definitely go back in a heartbeat, the atmosphere was relaxed, the skiing was great and there are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from. It is also super easy to get around and it is good for both families and groups.
However, I would not do a long weekend again instead I would do a whole week. To be honest, it is a long way to go for just a weekend especially as it is a 3hr drive from the closest airport Geneva .
There were a lot of areas to ski on and off the piste and you would not have a problem going for a week to ski. They recently added another chairlift to link Les Menuires Ski Resort to give you access to even more runs. Not to mention it is already part of one of the biggest ski area in Europe at 600klms.
As it is the highest resort, there was plenty of snow and the weather was a little unpredictable at times. It snowed heavy for the first two days we were there and one of those days was a total whiteout, so no skiing. But even knowing all of this, I still would not hesitate to go back and ski again

Other French Ski Resorts
If you are interested in discovering other Ski Resorts in France, feel free to read my following ski articles. All are great options for a French ski holiday with either family or friends.
La Clusaz Ski Resort – Annecy is only 30mins away
Val d’Isère Ski Resort – Famous for apres ski and fine dining
Les Gets – Within an hour transfer from Geneva airport
Chatel – You can ski between France and Switzerland as it is on the border
Thank you for reading this article about Val Thorens Ski Resort France. I hope it helped you to decide what to do when you are there for your next ski holiday. Val Thorens Ski Resort is truly a skier’s paradise.
Have you been to Val Thorens Ski Resort France or the 3 Vallees area before? I would love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
If you want to take a break from your Adventures or are staying in Geneva for the day before or after your trip. Then there is plenty to do.
Disclaimer: Even though I was there as a guest of the Val Thorens tourist office. All views are my own and based on my own experience.
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I’ve been to Val Thorens years ago but would love to return as you’re almost guaranteed snow with it being so high up. Thanks for this useful guide!
You are welcome Suze, I would definitely go back again as well. Hope you had a great weekend.
I love skiing but I have never been to Val Thorens. Looks stunning in your pictures. Great post
Thanks Abby and let me know if you want any tips if you ever go. I will be happy to share them with you.
It’s a lovely resort. I worked at a small resort in the Portes du soleil region. It is a while since I have been skiing – I prefer the apres ski now!
I love Portes du soleil region, I have been many times. You are very lucky to have worked it during the season. If we are ever in the same ski resort we will definitely have to met and have some apresski 🙂
Cool read and thanks in regards to the tips. It is always good to know that stuff.
You are welcome and I was glad to have been able to help you out.
A really informative post Mel. Thanks for this – great info and not long now till the season begins 😉
Thanks Alex, I am also looking forward to the ski season. I love the snow and thank you for your comment.
I’m a boarder and have been looking for somewhere to go this season with a mate. I definitely going to look into this resort. Cheers S
I have only ever skied but I saw a lot of boarders there. Looks like a great area for it. Thanks for your comment.
Definitely worth a visit. We went years ago and stayed in Meribel but easy access to the 3 vallees. Would love to go again . Your post has brought back some great memories.
I have stayed in Meribel once before as well and I enjoyed it but it rained a couple of days, so we could not ski. I would definitely love to go back and visit these areas. Thanks for your comment.
We’ve been looking at Val Thorens several times because of the snow certainty. What puts us off a bit is how busy it gets there during school holidays. If it wasn’t for that, France would be my first choice when it comes to skiing because it’s so easy to find good hotels directly on the slopes and the runs are usually nice and wide too.
I was there during the Easter period and it was not too bad but I don’t know how it would be during the school holidays. Maybe it will be a little different now that they have opened up to another resort.
Good tips & post
Thanks for your comment
Very nice article! Val Thorens rocks! I (Cécile) was born in the Alps and love this place! Your article is really informative and full of beautiful pictures! Well done 🙂 You made us want to be there right now! You are right, booking in advance is essential over there! Have you ever been to Annecy? It’s less than 2 hours drive from VT. It’s my hometown! We recently wrote an article about Annecy, feel free to check out our blog! If you end up going one day, let us know! Keep up the great work! Well done!!!!!
Patrick and Cecile
Glad you like my post and wow I would have loved to have grown up in the Alps. Funny you mention Annecy, it has been on my list for a while now as it looks stunning. I skied in La Clusaz last year near there and wanted to go over then but instead I just skied the whole time. I am definitely going to check your post out and I know who I am coming to when I need tips for Annecy 🙂
I’ve never been skiing but it looks like a lot of fun! I know that Val Thorens, Meribel and Courchevel are popular destinations for winter sports. Your pictures make me want to go!
Thank you Frenchie, I appreciate your comment. I love skiing and I can’t wait until the season starts.
Beautiful! I don’t know if I’ll ever be brave enough to take one of those lifts but I’d love to see the views from the top!
A lot of people go there to just use the spas and relax. The lifts are not that far from the ground and you don’t notice too much apart from being on the gondola.
I am not a skier, have only done it one time (in Santa Fe), but Val Thorens looks absolutely gorgeous. If nothing else, I would sit by a roaring fireplace with my hot chocolate and enjoy those amazing views.
It is definitely a place you don’t have to ski but enjoy the many spa options that they have available there to enjoy. Thank you for your comment.
I am not a ski person but ironically enough I am working on a post with the best ski areas for a big platform and now this – I may have to rethink my aversion to being cold I think. Looks absolutely stunning!
I love skiing a lot and I have skied all over the world especially in Europe. That is great about your post, you must let me know when it is up as I would love to read it and your recommendations. I might get some ideas to where to go this season.
Although I’m a Summer person and nothing into Skying or snowboarding, I love the white mountains and the alpine landscape. Your post is great both for the beautiful photos and the useful information.
Thank you very much, Maria. I love the mountains especially when they are covered in snow 🙂 They just look so very pretty..
I’ve skied in the 3 Valleys twice – we stayed in Mottaret just a bit higher up from Meribel. Great skiing both times but agree that a weekend is not long enough. There’s plenty spread over the resorts to keep skiers of all levels happy for a week. Lovely pictures and great information 🙂
I don’t remember Mottaret but I am definitely going to look it up. I stayed in Meribel once for New Years Eve and it rained most of the time so we could not ski. I really wanted to head over to Val Thorens then but never had that chance. Thanks for your comment.
Such a gorgeous location. Almost like a dream place to enjoy a vacation in the snow. I loved the Val Thorens resort. I am definitely keeping this on my list. Loved the post.
It is one of the places you can definitely keep going back again and again. Thanks for the lovely comment.
Well, this looks pretty awesome! How late does the ski season run if it starts in November?
Sometimes it runs up until the end of May the following year. There are some resorts that open over Spring to ski on glaciers.
Those are some great tips and information. I didn’t know about this place until I stumbled upon your blog. Now it is in my radar. Loved the pictures!
Thank you very much and I am very glad that you liked it 🙂
Val Thorens looks great! I love snowboarding, so this would be a perfect place to go!
Val Thorens is definitely a great place to go. They also have great apresski pubs as well if you are into that.
A very exciting prospect. I have never been able to learn skiing but this seems like a good place to start that.
Skiing is amazing and you should definitely try it once in your life. 🙂
I grew up skiing in the U.S., but skiing abroad has always been a dream of mine! Great tips 🙂 Hopefully I will be able to go here one day!
I skied for the first time this year in America at Mammonth mountain and it was so different to skiing in Europe. Glad I done it though and I can’t wait to go back.
I absolutely love France!! I have never been to this area though and would love to explore. My husband would love a vacation like this. I always think of France and picture the Mediterranean but it’s nice to be reminded it can be a good winter sport destination too. The biggest ski area in Europe? Amazing!
Me to especially there cheese and wine in France. The best bit with skiing in France is that you can ski all day and break for cheese and wine and not for guilty for having it. Yes it is the biggest but that is because there is other resorts that join up the area.
Wow, it looks absolutely breathtaking there! Definitely will have to add it to our list once we take our travels to Europe. Looks like you had a fantastic time!
Thank you very much, I think it is such a beautiful place to visit. Definitely let me know when you come over to Europe, happy to help out with tips
i haven’t been skiing in years and this looks like a great place to go! it’s stunning 😀
I love skiing so much, I am already counting down the weeks till the season starts.
We were in Geneva for more than a year but never got a chance to explore Val Thorens probably because we have never tried skiing. The village of Val Thorens looks gorgeous we could have definitely visited for those wonderful views of alps and the pretty quaint village.
You lived in Geneva that is great, I love Switzerland. You don’t have to be a skier to go to Val Thorens, there is lots of spas there and things to do. If you ever come back over, definitely should get yourself up the mountain. Thanks for the comment
I’m not a skier (even though I live in Canada) but I admit the views are breath-taking!
I have always wanted to go to Canada and I understand the views there are just as amazing?
Canadian but can’t ski and truth be told don’t want to ski, would love to hang around the ski lodge though imbibing all that mulled wine and hot toddies. It’s the absolute wonder of the views that gets me, so extraordinarily beautiful and humbling.
I think these days there is so much more to do in the snow than ski. Resorts have more to offer like spas etc. Thanks for your comment
oh yes, good to know since so close for me now! I left my ski’s back in US but will have to retrieve on my next visit! Love skiing!
When I first moved to London, I left my ski’s back in Australia and then realised how easy it is to ski anywhere in Europe. Definitely recommend it and the other resorts in the area.
I love skiing and this place looks like a great place to do it. i would definitely enjoy skiing here with my wife.
I love skiing to and I can’t wait till the season starts in a couple of weeks. This is a great resort and I think it is great for anyone wanting to ski.
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I am scared of Skiing but may be someday I will definitely give a try. The place looks straight out of a page from a magazine. Can’t wait to visit France this year 🙂
This has some of the most stunning views and you don’t a have to ski to go here. I hope you have an amazing trip to France.