Welcome to
Val Thorens
Discover and book everything Val Thorens, with local insiders in the know
Welcome to Val Thorens
Val Thorens is a compact, purpose built resort at an altitude of 2300m, the highest ski resort in Europe. It offers an extended season when compared to most other resorts, opening nearly two months longer, from the last week in November until the first week in May. Situated at the top of the Three Valleys, its high altitude makes it snow sure, and the modern ski lift system makes it easy to access the linked resorts of Meribel and Courchevel. Despite being purpose built, Val Thorens is not the 1960’s concrete eyesore that you might expect.
It has been developed to fit its surroundings, and has benefited from investment during the last 10 years. Those few drab monoliths that were put up during the 60s are being replaced by more attractive buildings, along with state of the art lifts and snow making equipment. Val Thorens is well known as a lively resort, popular with from student and families alike. There are fewer catered chalets in Val Thorens than in neighbouring Meribel, and the majority of accommodation is in hotels or self-catered apartments.
The Val Thorens valley is made up of the three separate villages of Les Menuires, Val Thorens, and Saint Martin De Belleville. With its own glacier and a peak elevation of 3200m, one thing you’re guaranteed is amazing snow sure conditions throughout the season and well into late spring. With several beginner areas, some more advanced skiing on the glacier, 319 pistes totalling 600km in length, 200 lifts, and a great snowpark, this is a resort that suits all ages and abilities.
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Discover
Latest news, reviews & events in Val Thorens
News
Find out all about what is happening in the Val Thorens area, and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the region. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.
Events
A number of events take place over the winter and summer months in Val Thorens and the Belleville valley in which it sits. From Ski cross championships to a mountain bike race that takes place across the whole of the 3 valleys, you'll find something to keep you entertained during your stay.
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Visit
What to see & do in Meribel
Do
Not only is the Val Thorens valley a haven for snow lovers in the winter, bringing thousands of families and visitors from across the world to enjoy its varied ski terrain, but it is also home to incredible opportunities for summer holidays too, with a broad network of hiking trails, road cycling, and mountain biking.
See
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the entire Tarentaise region. A haven for all sorts of wildlife as well as a magnet for outdoor sports enthusiasts, it is well worth a visit at any time of year. All of the creatures most commonly associated with the Alps are well represented, such as chamois, marmots, ibex and even and eagles.
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Plan your Stay
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The ski slopes cover a massive area, ranging from an altitude of 3230m to 1450m. As 99% of Val Thorens’ runs are found above 2000m, great snow conditions are pretty much guaranteed for the entire winter season.
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Away from the slopes you can relax in the sports centre with swimming pool and spa or if you are feeling energetic there is a fitness area. You also have 15 other spas to choose from in Val Thorens.
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Val Thorens has a great selection of restaurants to choose from, with everything from Michelin star restaurants along with traditional local cuisine to pizza or take away. You can also opt for eating at a mountain restaurant in the evening, you just have to walk there first!
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The highest après ski in Europe is also one of the liveliest! Live bands, DJs and karaoke nights are all popular and there are plenty of places to grab a beer and something to refuel the system after a day on the slopes. Val Thorens has a plethora of French, Irish, English and Dutch bars to choose from, Le Saloon and the Frog and Roastbeef being two of the most lively venues. If partying in Les Menuires you should head to the Croisette for bars and nightlife, whereas St Martin has the Dahlia and the Pourquoi-Pas to name but two.
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You can choose to stay in the main part of Val Thorens at the very top of the valley, or Les Menuires (about one third of the way down) or all the way at the bottom in St Martin de Belleville. All parts are connected by lifts in summer and winter, so it's easy to make your way around and into the neighbouring resorts of the 3 valleys. If you are looking for French charm, quaint hotels and luxury chalets then St Martin de Belleville may be for you. Les Menuires offers some great ski in/ski out accommodation in a high altitude, family friendly resort without breaking the bank. Val Thorens is the liveliest of the resorts and offers snow-sure skiing and a varied choice of accommodation, from a youth hostel to ski in/ski out self-catered apartments and luxury hotels.
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The most convenient airport for the Three Valleys is Chambery, situated 109 kms (1 1/4hrs) away. From here, you have a number of different methods of transport to choose from to get you up to resort. If you can’t get a flight to Chambéry, the next best options are Grenoble (2 hours), Lyon (2 hours) or Geneva (3 hours) - all of these airports are serviced by a number of the major airlines.