Val Thorens
Part of the Three Valleys ski area and the highest ski resort in Europe
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.
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 |
Jump to
- Ski Hire in Val Thorens
- Ski School in Val Thorens
- History & Culture in Val Thorens
- Sights & Attractions in Val Thorens
- Dining in Val Thorens
- Events in Val Thorens
- Things to do in Val Thorens
- Cycling in Val Thorens
- Watersports in Val Thorens
- Families in Val Thorens
- Nightlife in Val Thorens
- Chalets in Val Thorens
- Villas in Val Thorens
- Holidays Rentals in Val Thorens
- Hotels in Val Thorens
- Campsites in Val Thorens
- How to get to Val Thorens
Ski Hire in Val Thorens
Ski Hire in Val Thorens
See all Ski Hire in Val Thorens-
Les Balcons
Hire Skis & Snowboards at the beginning of the street Les Balcons, 50 m to the residence Altitude, Val 2400 et Chalets du Soleil. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
-
Ride & Style
In the centre of Val Thorens, this shop brings together top snowboarding brands like Vans, The Dudes, Airblaster, ThirtyTwo, Candide, Capita, Volcom, Planks, Salomon, Deeluxe and more.
-
Oh Shop
Pierre and team welcome you to Europe's highest ski resort in the world's largest ski area. Ski hire shop in Val Thorens: right in the centre of the resort, at the foot of the slopes!!
-
Peclet
Val Thorens shop can be found in the ‘Place Peclet’ at the foot of the slalom piste. The free shuttle bus stops right by the front door to the shop and everything a skier needs can be found nearby (lift pass office, ski school office, ski lifts, restaurants, bars…) and within walking distance.
-
Snowberry
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Val Thorens? Just visit the Skiset Snowberry store!
-
Top Sports
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your 1st skiing day.
Ski School in Val Thorens
Ski School Lessons in Val Thorens
See all Ski School Lessons in Val Thorens-
Group ski lessons
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
-
Group ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
-
Private ski lessons
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
-
Group ski lessons
Their children group lessons are based on making learning to ski fun and are limited to six children per group for the best learning experience.
-
Private ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
-
Group ski lessons
Discover the Val Thorens and the Three Valleys ski domain with one of the most renowned ski school in the world.
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-
Favela Bar and Restaurant
Located on the Val Thorens famous bar street you will find Favela. A venue not to be missed.
-
La Brasserie du Val Thorens Restaurant
This Alpine style restaurant serves its carefully prepared traditional French fare with views of the slopes and an expansive south-facing terrace.
-
L'Olympiski Restaurant
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...
-
Le Bistrot Gourmand Restaurant
At this restaurant you will find a warm, welcoming atmosphere and fine Savoyard cuisine using local ingredients and traditional recipes.
-
La Laiterie Restaurant
Truffle fondue with champagne, anyone? You can choose from a few different flavours of fondue in this restaurant, each of which harks back to a different region.
-
Il Gusto Restaurant
This Italian restaurant offers gourmet Italian cuisine in the heart of Val Thorens.
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-
European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Val Thorens, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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-
Val Tho Motoneige Activity Company
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.
-
Bowling
Val Thorens Bowling offers a range of activities right in the heart of the resort.
-
Raquette Nature
Discover the beauty of the untouched natural mountains on snow shoes.
-
Le Lac Blanc Cinema
This cinema has two daily screenings and an afternoon screening on bad weather days.
Cycling in Val Thorens
Cycling Routes in Val Thorens
See all Cycling Routes in Val Thorens-
Col de Tougnète
The Col de Tougnète, often considered the little brother of the Col de la Loze (2304m), has a slightly higher summit at 2405m.
-
Ferme de Pralong to Col de la Loze
Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens offer a variety of challenging and scenic rides. Whether you’re after high-altitude thrills or leisurely panoramic routes, there’s something here for every level of cyclist.
Watersports in Val Thorens
Watersports in Val Thorens
See all Watersports in Val Thorens-
Rafting In The Alps
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.
-
Hydrospeeding
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.
Families in Val Thorens
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-
Favela Bar and Restaurant
Located on the Val Thorens famous bar street you will find Favela. A venue not to be missed.
-
Saloon Bar
Saloon bar is ideally located in the heart of the Val Thorens famous bar street. It's the place to be for fun, music and dancing.
-
The Frog Bar
The Frog, Europe’s highest pub, has been a staple in Val Thorens since 2007. Renowned for serving the best British pub food in town, they take pride in hearty dishes that hit the spot, from juicy burgers to loaded nachos.
-
Klub Summit Nightclub
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.
-
Café Snesko Bar
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.
-
Downunder Sports Bar
Downunder Sports bar is ideally located on the Val Thorens famous bar street. It's the place to be for live sports, drinks and non-stop fun.
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-
Sabot 9 Chalet-Apartment
Ski-in, ski-out catered chalet-apartment with a central location in Val Thorens.
-
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.
-
Sabot 1 Chalet-Apartment
Ski-in, ski-out catered chalet-apartment in central Val Thorens with direct piste access.
-
Sabot Chalet-Apartment
Charming catered chalet-apartment with five bedrooms and piste access in the heart of Val Thorens.
-
Petit Sabot Chalet-Apartment
Cosy ski-in/ski-out chalet-apartment for up to six guests, right on the piste in central Val Thorens.
-
Bonhomme Chalet
Spacious chalet in Val Thorens with panoramic views, ensuite rooms and shared wellness facilities.
Price: £19,579
Villas in Val Thorens
Villas in Val Thorens
See all Villas in Val Thorens-
Sabot Penthouse
Spacious ski-in, ski-out catered penthouse in the heart of Val Thorens.
Holidays 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-
Les Temples du Soleil Residence - 1 Bedroom Apartment
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.
Price: €980
-
Le Machu Pichu Residence - 1 Bedroom Apartment
Residence Le Machu Pichu is a newly refurbished 4* residence at the heart of the 3 Valleys, the highest ski resort in Europe.
Price: €2,260
-
Sabot 9 Chalet-Apartment
Ski-in, ski-out catered chalet-apartment with a central location in Val Thorens.
-
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.
-
Le Tikal Residence - 2 Bedroom Apartment
The 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.
Price: €1,163
-
Bonhomme Chalet
Spacious chalet in Val Thorens with panoramic views, ensuite rooms and shared wellness facilities.
Price: £19,579
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-
Le Machu Pichu Apartment Residence
Residence Le Machu Pichu is a newly refurbished 4* residence at the heart of the 3 Valleys, the highest ski resort in Europe.
-
Les Temples du Soleil Apartment Residence
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.
-
Le Tikal Apartment Residence
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.
-
Le Gypaète Apartment Residence
Your residence in the centre of 300 km of marked trails.
-
Altapura Hotel
This hotel opened in November 2012. Situated at 2300m, it has been inspired by Nordic design and offers 88 contemporary rooms, all with spectacular views.
-
Pashmina Hotel
This luxury hotel is located at 2,350m altitude in Val Thorens and gives you access to the 3 Valleys ski area, the largest in the world.
Campsites in Val Thorens
How to get to Val Thorens
Transfers for Val Thorens
See all Transfers for Val Thorens-
Private airport transfers
The Loyal Transfers team has been organising airport transfers to ski resorts around France since 2012. Their aim has always been to make independent travel to ski resorts cheaper and easier for everyone.
-
Private and shared airport transfers
This company offers private and shared transfers from Geneva Airport to Val Thorens, nearby areas, and resorts across the Alps. With great value fares on all journeys, it’s an easy way to save money.
-
Shared bus airport transfers
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.
-
Shared airport transfers
Direct, shared ski transfers to Val Thorens at competitive prices.
-
Private and shared airport transfers
Snowlinx has been helping holidaymakers enjoy seamless airport transfers since 2008. From prompt and professional drivers, to stylish and well-maintained vehicles. A Snowlinx journey is more than just a transfer. Their aim is to ensure all their customers travel in comfort and with confidence.
-
Private and shared airport transfers
This company offers a great value shuttle service as well as private transfers from Geneva Airport to Val Thorens. Established and efficient - you can rely on them.