Val Thorens ski resort guide by Snowjet.co.uk

Val Thorens Overview

These impressive stats make Val Thorens not only the highest resort in Europe but also part of the largest ski area in the world, the Three Valleys. Far less British than Meribel and way cheaper than Courchevel, VT is the place to be to access some of those hundreds of kilometres of piste. ‘Some’ because, despite the area’s ultramodern high-speed lift network, in a week you can only hope to scratch the snow’s surface. And what outstanding snow! With the resort itself at 2300m of altitude and with no fewer than 5 lift-accessed peaks over 3000m, VT boasts exceptional snow conditions for six months of the year.

Getting To Val Thorens

Check out the ViaMichelin site for route planning.

The winter sports playground that is Val Thorens is a relatively short 75mile (120km) transfer from Chambery airport and route finding is a piece of cake. You’ll have to ditch the car on arrival though as traffic is restricted and parking strictly controlled in resort. You are allowed to park for a short time to unload luggage but you will then have to drive to one of the out-of-town car parks. Parking can be inside or out, but both come at a premium so it’s best to leave your car at home. The resort itself is very compact and is served by a free shuttle bus so you won’t miss your wheels. If you do drive, be sure to reserve your parking spot to ensure your motor doesn’t get left out in the cold.

Who needs a car anyway when you can ski to pretty much any door in resort? But ski-in ski-out convenience does come at the expense of aesthetics. It’s not the prettiest, but it is far less of an eyesore than its lower altitude neighbour, Les Menuires, which used to rival Milton Keynes in the ugliness stakes. ‘Used to’ because the resort has been given a much-needed facelift in recent years and thankfully these days there’s more timber and stone than concrete in the Valley.

What's on in Val Thorens

13th - 20th December 2008 – Ski & Boarder Week
A huge snowsports and music festival featuring ski and snowboard freestyle competitions and demos, free equipment tests, live music and more.

24th December 2008 – Christmas Eve
Val Thorens is transformed into a Christmas wonderland on the 24th when Santa Claus comes to town. As well as presents for the kids there’ll be a festive firework display and a torchlight descent.

8th April 2009 – Luge Cup
The fun-for-all-the-family event is held on the resort’s 6km toboggan track. The event was a great success when it was first held last winter drawing over 150 competitors. Entrants will be rewarded for their efforts with a giant on-snow raclette party.

13th April 2009 – Three Valleys XWing Rally
Open to everyone who’s game for a laugh, the Three Valleys X-Wing Rally sees teams of three battle it out on the slopes. There are three categories: Pros, Sporting Amateurs and Families. Teams compete across a variety of fun-filled, action-packed disciplines.

The Mountain

View Val Thorens piste map

View Three Valleys piste map

View Val Thorens lift pass rates.

If it is views you’re after catch the Cime de Caron cable car up to 3200m and take in the incredible 360º Alpine panorama. From this vantage point you can absorb the seemingly unending sea of peaks stretching out in all directions. And from here you can also access some of the finest off-piste in the Alps. If powder is not your thing, take advantage of the high speed links and perfectly-groomed motorway-pistes across the Three Valleys to rack up the mileage.

But if you are prepared to admit that you’re unlikely to ski 600km in your lifetime, let alone in a week, it might be worth considering the other lift pass options. The Vallee de Belleville pass which covers St Martin, Les Menuires and VT allows access to some 330km of pistes. And your basic Val Thorens – Orelle pass offers 140km of pistes including a snowpark, half pipe, boardercross, kidszone and slalom course. To be honest, there is enough variety here to keep all but the most demanding skier busy for six days - including a heli ski session. Although, there is definitely something to be said for being able to nip over to Courchevel for lunch and be back in VT in time for après ski.

Bars & Clubs in Val Thorens

View an interactive Val Thorens resort map.

Val Thorens bars are clustered at the top end of town so make your last run of the day Plein Sud. From here take the left hand traverse, step out of your skis and into the pub. For après it’s hard to beat The Frog and Roastbeef, the British embassy and the highest pub in Europe. This old favourite for no frills pub grub, football fixtures and dancing on the tables will not disappoint. Next-door-but-one is O’Connell’s ‘genuine’ Irish pub, owned by a Frenchman, run by a Dane and more often than not staffed by Swedes. It’s a quieter alternative to the Frog. The Viking, despite the name, is not particularly popular with the Scandinavians. Run by a leading UK tour operator, usually it is more of a Brit affair. It’s a good bar though with internet access and dangerously drinkable toffee vodka available by the bottle. Tango is the bar of a Swedish club hotel. ‘Ski in Dance out’, the sign reads, and you do. Tuesday nights are Boogie nights, a Scandi fandango of sexy Swedes dressed as porn queens. The Rhum Box is a little secret, hidden behind El Gringos Tex Mex. Flavoured rums are the mainstay, usually good music is played, it’s popular with the French, but everyone is welcomed.

There are only two nightclubs, but since you can only ever be in one that seems to be enough. The Underground is dirty, dingy and brilliant, almost always the locals’ late drinking destination of choice. The other option, Beach Mountain is pricey even by French nightclub standards. It mainly attracts those in their glad rags and those really into out of date Euro-dance.

Val Thorens Après Ski

‘Après’ in the traditional sense when the word just meant ‘after’ and not mid afternoon binge drinking. There’s more to VT than just skiing and boozing after all. When you’re not on the slopes or in the pub why not try your hand at ice climbing or ice driving or snowmobiling or throw yourself down the mighty 6km long toboggan run which is also the highest in Europe? Alternatively, relax after a hard day on the hill with a swim, sauna and Jacuzzi at the Aquaclub or work up a sweat in the gym. The newly revamped sports centre has something for everyone: tennis; squash; football; badminton; table tennis; roller-skating; bowling; pool tables; an arcade; a sports bar; an Asian fast food restaurant and a kids’ activity room complete with trampolines and ball pools.

Something for the Kids

View family pass rates.

VT is increasingly geared up for children and families. Lift passes are free for the under fives and families of 4 or more are entitled to preferential tariffs. There is a crèche for babies over 3months and you can get them on skis at 3years. There’s an area reserved for your kids to toboggan in the Place de Peclet and children over 8 can join mum and dad on the 6km giant. For the over 12s there is a kilometre long trail where your offspring can learn a thing or two about mountain wildlife. Children’s entertainment is organised on a weekly basis and during the holidays your kids can participate in a torch-lit decent. One thing’s for sure, after a week in Val Thorens you won’t hear a peep out of your little angels the entire journey home.