Val Thorens is a purpose built resort created over 40 years ago, the original idea thought up by Pierre Schnebelen. The resort began its first season in December 1971 with just three draglifts.
Val Thorens
Part of the Three Valleys ski area and the highest ski resort in Europe
Part of the vast Three Valleys ski area and the highest ski resort in Europe, Val Thorens is a purpose-built resort that has been welcoming skiers for over 40 years. Opening its first season in 1971 with just three drag lifts, it quickly grew in popularity, especially after the Cime Caron lift was installed in 1981. Since then, the resort has gone from strength to strength, attracting everyone from students on group trips to couples and families. Today, you’ll find a huge choice of places to stay, from luxury hotels to ski-in ski-out apartments, cosy chalets and even a youth hostel.
Life in Val Thorens revolves around the slopes, and wherever you stay, you’re never far from the pistes. The resort centre is perfect if you want to be in the thick of it, close to ski schools, bars, restaurants and nightlife. There’s a great mix of places to eat, from casual mountain fare to fine dining, plus a bowling alley and nightclub for when après ski carries on into the early hours.
The resort continues to develop with new hotels opening each season and a good spread of shops and services, including an indoor shopping centre and sports complex at its heart. Cars are kept to a minimum with several large car parks on the edge of town and shuttle buses running day and night. Whether you’re here for first lifts and fresh tracks or for dancing long after the last run of the day, Val Thorens offers everything you need for a full mountain holiday.
| Location | Km from Val Thorens | Best for |
| Val Thorens | 0 | Being in the heart of the largest ski area |
| St. Martin de Belleville | 12 | Charming alpine village with quaint hotels and luxury chalets |
| Les Menuires | 5 | affordable ski-in, ski-out accommodation |
Events in Val Thorens
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 three valleys, you'll find something to keep you entertained during your stay.
Events in Val Thorens
See all Events in Val Thorens-
Visit website 
Val Thorens winter season opening
La Grande Première is the celebration of the opening of the winter season in Val Thorens
The opening weekend celebrations of the official winter season in Val Thorens. The lifts are set to whirl into action signalling the start of what we hope will be an epic ski season in the Three Valleys.
-
Visit website 
The FIS Ski Cross World Cup
Watch the world's best ski cross racers battle it out on the course
Skiers compete simultaneously in groups of four and hurtle down the specially prepared track as quickly as possible. Only the first two of each run are qualified for the next stage until the grand finale.
-
Visit website 
Ski and Boarder Week
Parties, live music, demos, ski and snowboard competitions
Enjoy kit tests, professional coaching, live music and parties, on and off the hill.
-
Visit website 
Christmas in Val Thorens
Celebrate Christmas in style at altitude with Father Christmas
A magical week of festivities in Val Thorens including a sound and light show, winter concert, craft workshops and children's shows.
-
Visit website 
New Year in Val Thorens
See in the new year with a bang!
Celebrate the end of the year in style with a colourful programme of entertainment and activities throughout the new year week.
-
Visit website 
Val Tho Night Trail
Trail running through the night in the snow
A 10k race with 500 D+ elevation gain in the snow... sound like the kind of thing to get in shape for?
History & Culture in Val Thorens
Val Thorens is a purpose built resort stemming from an original idea of Pierre Schnebelen. The resort began its first season in December 1971 with just three draglifts, gradually developing its offering over the next 10 years putting in the Cime Caron lift in 1981.
Sights & Attractions in Val Thorens
Being the highest resort in Europe, Val Thorens offers some of the most stunning views in the Three Valleys. At the top of the Cime Caron lift you are offered a fantastic 360 degree panoramic viewing platform with views over to Italy. The Orelle Valley, often known as the Fourth Valley, also offers great views with the highest altitude point at 3,230m. As the third resort in the Belleville area you also have views right down the valley of Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville.
Dining in Val Thorens
Val Thorens has a huge choice of restaurants with everything from Michelin starred to the traditional local cuisine, pizza or take away. Face West offers a nice variety for families, provides a great service and is located right in the centre of the resort. You can opt for eating at a mountain restaurant in the evening, you just have to walk there first! Steak Club has a really refreshing interior for a mountain restaurant and is located next to the main area of bars for post meal entertainment.
Restaurants in Val Thorens
See all Restaurants in Val Thorens-
Visit website 
Favela Bar and Restaurant
Welcome to Favela – Val Thorens' Latin American street food and party spot
Favela is Val Thorens’ go-to destination for Latin American street food and lively après-ski fun. Situated on the resort’s famous bar street, it’s the perfect spot to relax, eat, drink, and soak up the vibrant mountain atmosphere.
-
Enquire 
Les Explorateurs restaurant
Michelin starred restaurant for award winning cuisine at the Pashmina Hotel
One of Val Thorens' newest five star hotels has an incredible Michelin starred restaurant within.
-
Enquire 
Le Diamant Noir Restaurant
Refined Michelin quality dining with incredible mountain views
Gourmet restaurant in a fabulous location with a Michelin starred chef.Â
-
Enquire 
Beca Restaurant
A fine dining restaurant set in elegant surroundings serving reworked and imaginative classic dishes
Well known throughout the resort, this restaurant offers fine dining, and is recognised as one of the leading restaurants of the Alps.
-
Enquire 
Il Gusto Restaurant
Gourmet Italian restaurant in the centrally located Oxalys residence
This Italian restaurant offers gourmet Italian cuisine in the heart of Val Thorens.
-
Enquire 
L'Olympiski Restaurant
Delicious food at the foot of the slopes in a refined and elegant setting
There is nothing like spending a day in the mountains to work up an appetite! Give in to the tempting flavours of traditional Alpine cuisine - melted cheese, cured meats, hearty mountain food to satisfy your senses...
Nightlife in Val Thorens
Val Thorens has a really varied nightlife with everything on offer from on the piste après ski venues such as La Folie Douce and Bar 360 to live jazz music or classical concerts in the church. Children's après is not overlooked in Val Thorens, with a weekly events programme of activities and entertainment. The main area of bars is located at the top of the resort including Snesko, Rhum Box and Snow Café. The main nightclub is Malaysia, which is open until around 04:00. If you want alternative entertainment there is also a large bowling complex and cinema.
Bars & Clubs in Val Thorens
See all Bars & Clubs in Val Thorens-
Visit website 
The Frog Bar
The highest pub in Europe! Popular bar with a great après-ski atmosphere
The Frog Bar in Val Thorens, Europe’s highest pub, has been a favourite since 2007, offering a lively mix of great food, drinks, and entertainment. Famous for serving the best British pub food in the resort, it’s the place to enjoy hearty favourites that hit the spot, from juicy burgers to loaded nachos, all made to satisfy even the hungriest skiers.
-
Visit website
Favela Bar and Restaurant
Welcome to Favela – Val Thorens' Latin American street food and party spot
Favela is Val Thorens’ go-to destination for Latin American street food and lively après-ski fun. Situated on the resort’s famous bar street, it’s the perfect spot to relax, eat, drink, and soak up the vibrant mountain atmosphere.
-
Visit website 
Saloon Bar
Welcome to Saloon Bar - The Ultimate Après-Ski and Party Spot in Val Thorens!
Saloon Bar is right at the heart of Val Thorens, nestled on the famous bar street, and is the ultimate spot for fun, music, and dancing. From the moment you step inside, the energy is electric, with top DJs spinning the latest hits that keep the crowd moving well into the night.
-
Visit website 
Klub Summit Nightclub
The highest nightclub in Europe, two bars and a VIP lounge, open every night in the winter
Klub Summit in Val Thorens is where the party never stops. Located on the famous bar street, they’re open nightly from 23:00 until 05:00 AM, with DJs spinning the best commercial music - from house to pop to disco - all night long.
-
Visit website 
Café Snesko Bar
Popular Danish bar in the party hub of Val Thorens with a reputation for being the best après bar around
A Val Thorens institution going from strength to strength with each season. Although a Danish bar through and through, its reputation has steadily grown with all nationalities and it has gained recognition as one of the very best après-ski bars outside Austria.
-
Visit website 
Downunder Sports Bar
Welcome to Downunder Sports Bar – The Ultimate Sports and Party Spot in Val Thorens!
Downunder Sports Bar sits right in the heart of Val Thorens and is a go-to spot for live sport, cold drinks, and a buzzing social atmosphere. Open day and night, it’s the kind of place where ski boots are welcome, the screens are always on, and there’s something happening from the moment you walk in.
Things to do in Val Thorens
As the highest ski resort in Europe VT offers a longer season than most other resorts, being open nearly two months more, from the last week in November until the first week in May. Being part of the Three Valleys, Val Thorens gives you access to the largest ski area in the world with 600km of piste. In Val Thorens itself there are snow parks, ski cross and big air bags, the quality so good that world events are often held here. 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 rseort.
Back on the snow there are numerous activities including snowmobile outings, paragliding and if you're brave enough you can take part in ice diving. Val Thorens has many claims to fame and boasts the longest toboggan run in the world, at 6km with a 700m vertical drop from an altitude of 3,000m; the highest zip wire in the world taking a descent from 3,200m; and the highest ice racing track in Europe. Once the snow melts in the summer months the pistes turn into walking trails with the lifts open for hikers and mountain biking with graded routes for both in July and August. You can also play squash, badminton, tennis, basketball and table tennis with a varied weekly events programme for both adults and children.
Things To Do in Val Thorens
See all Things To Do in Val Thorens-
Enquire 
La Bicicleta Bar
Indoor bowling alley with eight lanes, games room and sports bar
Bowling Bar in Val Thorens is a lively and welcoming spot, perfect for meeting friends after a day on the slopes. With a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, it offers a mix of entertainment, food, and drinks that make it a popular choice for skiers and snowboarders looking to unwind.
-
Val Tho Motoneige Activity Company 
Val Tho Motoneige Activity Company
Snowmobiling in and around the Val Thorens area
Head out on a snowmobile with a guide and experience the mountains at night time when the lifts have closed and the pistes are quiet.
-
Raquette Nature 
Raquette Nature
Explore the natural surroundings of Val Thorens on snow shoes
Discover the beauty of the untouched natural mountains on snow shoes.
-
Visit website 
Le Lac Blanc Cinema
Cinema in Val Thorens centre, with two screenings per day and more on bad weather days
This cinema has two daily screenings and an afternoon screening on bad weather days.
Watersports in Val Thorens
Watersports in Val Thorens
See all Watersports in Val Thorens-
Visit website 
Rafting In The Alps
Half and full day white water rafting for all abilities from eight years-old
White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
-
Visit website 
Hydrospeeding
Half-day white water swimming/hydrospeeding. This is fast, fun and unforgettable
This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
Chalets in Val Thorens
You'll find a relatively small selection of chalets in the main resort in Val Thorens, as there tends to be more hotels and apartment buildings, however the choice is pretty good.
Chalets in Val Thorens
See all Chalets in Val Thorens-
Visit website 
Sabot Chalet-Apartment
Charming catered chalet-apartment with five bedrooms and piste access in the heart of Val Thorens.
-
Visit website 
Lumiere de Soleil Chalet
This chalet is in a great location, just 120 from a green run leading to the lifts and just a 2 minute walk from the centre of town where you will find plenty of bars, restaurants and shops.Â
-
Visit website 
Sabot Penthouse
Spacious ski-in, ski-out catered penthouse in the heart of Val Thorens.
-
Visit website 
Petit Sabot Chalet-Apartment
Cosy ski-in/ski-out chalet-apartment for up to six guests, right on the piste in central Val Thorens.
-
Visit website 
Bonhomme Chalet
Spacious chalet in Val Thorens with panoramic views, ensuite rooms and shared wellness facilities.
-
Visit website 
Sabot 1 Chalet-Apartment
Ski-in, ski-out catered chalet-apartment in central Val Thorens with direct piste access.
Holiday Rentals in Val Thorens
There are literally hundreds of apartments to choose from in Val Thorens, from studios to larger apartments sleeping 14 people or more. They tend to be self catered and some come with access to a spa and swimming pool.
Holiday Rentals in Val Thorens
See all Holiday Rentals in Val Thorens-
Visit website
Lumiere de Soleil Chalet
This chalet is in a great location, just 120 from a green run leading to the lifts and just a 2 minute walk from the centre of town where you will find plenty of bars, restaurants and shops.Â
-
Visit website 
Le Gypaète Apartment Residence - Studio Apartment
Le Gypaete Residence is located close to Place du Slalom and within easy reach of the centre of Val Thorens, its shops and resort amenities. Its convenient setting makes it a practical base for enjoying the surrounding Belleville Valley ski area.
Read more about Le Gypaète Apartment Residence - Studio Apartment
-
Visit website
Sabot Penthouse
Spacious ski-in, ski-out catered penthouse in the heart of Val Thorens.
-
Visit website 
Residence Tourotel Sunday-sunday 2 Person Amont Confort Apartment
Book a ski holiday rental in the Residence Tourotel and enjoy a relaxing ski holiday in Val Thorens in the 3 Valleys in the French Alps. Located in the hamlet of Peclet just 300m from the centre of this popular ski resort, your ski holiday rental is close to all amenities and facilities. A must for all serious ski and snowboard fans, Val Thorens offers some of the best skiing in France.
Read more about Residence Tourotel Sunday-sunday 2 Person Amont Confort Apartment
-
Visit website 
Le Machu Pichu Residence - 1 Bedroom + Cabin Apartment
Le Machu Pichu Residence is located close to the centre of Val Thorens, with direct access to the ski slopes and convenient links to the wider Three Valleys ski area. Its central setting makes it a practical base for making the most of the resort.
Read more about Le Machu Pichu Residence - 1 Bedroom + Cabin Apartment
-
Visit website
Petit Sabot Chalet-Apartment
Cosy ski-in/ski-out chalet-apartment for up to six guests, right on the piste in central Val Thorens.
Hotels in Val Thorens
There is a wide variety of accommodation on offer in Val Thorens from a fantastic youth hostel in the bottom of the resort to five star hotels in the centre.
Hotels in Val Thorens
See all Hotels in Val Thorens-
Visit website 
Le Tikal Apartment Residence
A four star aparthotel in Val Thorens
The Pierre & Vacances Le Tikal Residence at Val Thorens has been entirely refurbished, and offers high quality apartments. It lies at the entrance to the resort close to shops and leisure facilities (including a sports centre with tennis courts, a watersports area with swimming pool and a fitness centre with sauna, hammam and jacuzzis). Slopes can be accessed directly on skis.
-
Visit website 
Le Machu Pichu Apartment Residence
A 4 star aparthotel in Val Thorens
Residence Le Machu Pichu is a newly refurbished 4* residence at the heart of the 3 Valleys, the highest ski resort in Europe.
-
Visit website 
Le Gypaète Apartment Residence
Well-equipped self-catered apartments in Val Thorens
Your residence in the centre of 300 km of marked trails.
-
Visit website 
Les Temples du Soleil Apartment Residence
Well-equipped self-catered apartments in Val Thorens
Take a deep breath and let go. The mountain air will fill your lungs. Your eyes will be dazzled by the stunning alpine landscape. As the days go by you'll feel increasingly relaxed.
-
Check Booking.com 
Koh I Nor Hotel
Five-star hotel with an uninterrupted view of Val Thorens
With an imposing diamond-shaped glass structure, the hotel boasts natural light everywhere. They offer luxury suites, rooms and apartments, as well as a large spa and gourmet restaurants.
-
Enquire 
Village Montana Residences
Hotel comforts, chalet charm and freedom of a residence all in one on the slopes
With an excellent location at the foot of the slopes, in a quiet and sunny part of the resort, this Savoyard village comprises seven separate residences, each with a warm and sunny atmosphere.
How to get to Val Thorens
Transfers for Val Thorens
See all Transfers for Val Thorens-
Visit website 
Shared Airport Transfers
Low-cost and professional shuttle bus transfer service to Val Thorens
Booking with them means your holiday won’t involve the stress of public transport, the cost of private transfers, or the hassle of fitting snow chains on a hire car.Â
-
Visit website 
Scheduled/Shuttle Coach Airport Transfers
Quick and secure way to organise transfers from local airports and stations
A key booking portal for local coach and bus transfers in the French ski resorts. Using this service to coordinate your travel means getting to resort could not be easier.
-
Visit website 
Scheduled/Shuttle Coach Airport Transfers
Geneva to Val Thorens from CHF 49.50 per person one-way (weekend rate)
Save money with daily scheduled coach transfers, over 10 convenient resort stops and ski luggage included at no extra cost. With regular departures from Geneva and Lyon Airports, this affordable service makes reaching Val Thorens simple and convenient.
-
Visit website 
Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Val Thorens from €275 per budget minivan one-way (weekend rate)
This is a long-established Alpine transfer specialist that has been operating since 2008, with close to two decades of experience transporting skiers through the Three Valleys. The emphasis is on making the entire journey easy: professional drivers, genuine knowledge of the mountain roads, vehicles prepared for winter conditions and a choice of transfer styles ranging from practical minivans to luxury Mercedes vehicles.
-
Visit website 
Private & Shared Airport Transfers
Great value shared and private transfer shuttle service from Geneva Airport
This company offers a great value shuttle service as well as private transfers from Geneva Airport to Val Thorens. Established, efficient, and reliable transfers with solid reviews and reputation.
-
Visit website 
Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Val Thorens from €369 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
Travel from Geneva Airport to Val Thorens with an experienced Alpine transfer service operating since 2012. Enjoy a private, door-to-door journey with professional drivers who know the mountain roads and flight monitoring to help manage delays. Choose between standard and VIP minibuses, with complimentary child seats available for families. Free onboard Wi-Fi makes the journey more comfortable, while automated pick-up reminders help take the stress out of your return transfer.
Property For Sale in Val Thorens
Property for Sale in Val Thorens
See all Property for Sale in Val Thorens-
Visit website 
Apartment for Sale | 85603775
Spacious apartment on the slopes with private terraces, flexible sleeping for eight, and exclusive wellness facilities.
-
Visit website 
Apartment for Sale | 85603859
Spacious new-build ski-in, ski-out apartment with four bedrooms, bunk room, and sweeping views of both slopes and valley.
![[itemref] living-room](https://cdm0lfbn.cloudimg.io/v7/_images_base_/image_uploader/arkiane/original/inter_00210069.jpg?ua=1767168725&p=listing_summary_middle)
