With a village height of 2,300m Val Thorens stands as the highest ski resort in all of Europe and thanks to this hefty altitude, it is one of the only resorts that can guarantee snow cover from November throughout the season until May. Val Thorens has around 140km of groomed piste but is also part of the largest ski area in the world, the 3 Valleys. The 3 Valleys make up a total of 600km of piste. With such a large ski area there is something for everyone, ranging from easy greens for beginners to steep blacks
for the more experienced skier, there is also ample of off-piste for the more advanced skiers and boarders.
Val Thorens also has wide range of activities for after skiing or any non-skiers with a bowling alley, several health and well-being spas, leisure centre, child’s play area, snowmobile, 6km toboggan run and so much more. There are plenty of places to eat both on and off the mountain ranging from budget eateries to the increasing gourmet restaurants.
The Slopes:
With such a massive ski area it’s easy to say that it’s possible to ski here for the entire season and not have to do the same run twice. So, for anyone visiting for the week would have a great time exploring and finding their own piece of paradise on the slopes. Beginners are well looked after with a few magic carpet lifts and gentle nursery slopes, form here is also possible to develop their skills further with some easy green and blue runs from the Deux Lacs and Cascades chair lifts. More advanced skiers’ tent to head to the 3,200m Caron peak, which opens them up to 1 red run, 2 black runs and the starting point for some of the best off-piste skiing in the area. The ridge line offers runs into what is known as the 4th Valley, Orelle, from here there is a chair lift back to Val Thorens ski area. Also, in Orelle, there is a zip wire which sends you flying over the piste below at speeds of around 80kph.
Within the main resort of Val Thorens there is something to suit everyone, from some of the finest 5* hotels and apartments in the French Alps to budget 2* apartments for the students. There are several Hotels and Apartment blocks to choose from all spread-out throughout the town and if that’s not good enough why not rent your own personal chalet. Most of the apartments are self-catered with a reasonable sized kitchenette, however most places have catered options, including half-board. No matter where you decide to stay in Val Thorens you will be skiing straight out the door as the ski locker room for each building is linked to the ski slopes below. Its safe to say that there is definitely something to suit everyone.
Apres-Ski:
The nightlife in Val Thorens is one of its own and has this reputation from the numerous university trips. For these students the party starts around 3pm on the slopes at either the Folie Douce or the 360 bar which goes on until 6pm. They will then be heading out to the variety of pubs and clubs before finally ending the night in Malaysia or Klub summit until 4am. Or if that’s not for you, you can go in search for a quieter night in one of the upmarket hotels or classy bars.
Other Activities:
Within the Val Thorens main leisure centre there is a gym, spa with saunas, a steam room and jacuzzi. A child’s fun park with trampolines bouncy castles and ball parks. Sports centre including Tennis, badminton, table tennis, volleyball, football and basketball. Located near the tourist office there is a Bowling Alley which is open until 2am and features 8 lanes for bowling, two pool tables, one games room and a sports bar with live sports showing daily on large screens. Go and catch a movie at the highest Cinema in Europe with 2 showings per day, one at 6pm and the other at 9pm. If you’re looking for something more thrilling why not try the 6km Toboggan – starting at the foot of the Paclet Glacier which
stands at an altitude of 3,000m, the 45-minute journey back to the village is filled with twists, turns and the occasional skier to avoid. If you want a real adventure you can head out on the slopes on a snowmobile and explore the slopes like you have never seen before. As you follow the guide around the mountains with just the light of the moon lighting your way.