Things To Do in Val Thorens — 15 of Our Favourites

Venturing down a river on a raft does not require any particular technical skills, nor do you have to be extremely fit. However, you do have to be in good health, know how to swim, and not be afraid of going under water.

Rafting involves, above all, a team spirit - the fearless in front, the more relaxed in the middle and the more technically able at the back. Rafting allows each person to experience an adrenaline rush as they glide down the rapids, while at the same time discovering some amazing scenery.

There are introductory rafting sessions (on a grade three river) and more difficult sessions for those looking for a bit more of a challenge.

Their excursions take place on the Haute Isere river, which is easily accessible from Les Arcs, La Plagne, Tignes and Val d'Isere resorts, and the Doron de Bozel, which can be easily reached from the 3 Valleys resorts.

Half day excursions

• rafting course for children - from Bourg-Saint Maurice to Gothard - eight years and above.
• two descents on the Doron of Bozel - one of the fastest rivers in the Northern Alps, the course is 6 km long, takes about 1h15 to paddle down with quick sequences, tight bends, small jumps, navigation under tree cover, all leaving you with some unforgettable memories - 12yrs and above. The river is at the base of the 3 Valleys so is ideal for people on holiday in the the areas of Courchevel, Meribel, and Val Thorens.
• Bourg-Saint Maurice to Centron - a demanding expedition down the magnificent Haute Isere river covering 18 km in all for 2h15 non-stop paddling. First of all, you glide down the easier section of the course Bourg-Saint-Maurice/Bellentre, giving you a gentle introduction to the techniques and sensations of rafting. You then move on to a more demanding section of the Isere river with the famous rapids of Aime and then the magnificent canyon of Centron. The minimum age limit for this descent is 12 years old. The river is ideally located for those on holiday in the Haute Tarentaise resorts of La Plagne, Les Arcs, Tignes and Val d'Isere.

Full day excursions

• On the full day excursion, you will get to experience both rivers as described above with lunch on the riverbank.

The activity consists of swimming down the river with the aid of a foam float, using and playing with the currents. This activity is a little more demanding physically than the others so you do have to be in good health, know how to swim and not be afraid of going under water. This allows you to discover the unique sensation of surfing down white water rivers. What fun!

The Isere is a perfect river for this activity, providing many possibilities and easily accessible from a number of the main resorts. The trip usually departs from Bourg Saint Maurice to Gothard/Aime, however, the team will choose the best courses according to water levels and capabilities of the participants. 

Once the lifts have stopped and the sun has set, you can prolong your day on the slopes with a visit to the Village Igloo - an outing that is suitable for all the family, skiers and non-skiers alike.

At 19:00 you will begin the evening with a snowshoe walk under the stars from the base of the cable car Cabriolet up to the Village Igloo. You can choose from a traditional fondue dinner, or an aperitif (drinks and nibbles).

Dinner at the Village Igloo will includes the following:

• A welcome drink
• A charcuturie board with local meat
• A three cheese fondue
• A dessert
• Drinks (water, 1/3 of a bottle of wine per person or a soft drink, a hot drink and a digestif)

Aperitif at the Village Igloo includes the following:

• an assortment of cheeses and meats
• two glasses of your choice per person

Reservation in advance is essential. Children under ten get a discounted rate. This activity is not recommended for children under five yrs and pregnant women.

Experience the beauty of the mountains by taking an amazing tour in a helicopter to view stunning, remote locations. Get a birdseye view of the Espace Killy and Three Valleys ski domains and their nature reserves as well as the Mont Blanc Valley.

You can choose a 10 minute, 30 minute or 60 minute flight

• 10 minute heli scenic tour – Depart from your resort and circle the parameter of the nature reserve, with views around your resort and surrounding mountains.
• 30 minute heli scenic tour – Departing from your local resort and adventuring further afield to surrounding glaciers, resorts and national parks.
• 60 minute heli scenic tour – Not only is this a fantastic experience giving you time to really take in the moment and the scenery, it allows us to fly low over some simply stunning glaciers and down to the base of Mont Blanc for a tour of this awe inspiring mountain range before completing a loop of Italy and heading back into France.

You can choose to have one, two or three drops depending on your budget, fitness ability and experience!

• One drop heliski – For those skiers and snowboarders who are looking to try heliskiing for the first time or those who are looking for a quick heliski hit away from the crowds without breaking the bank.
• Two drop heliski – Two drops for those that have a little more fitness, off piste experience and money to spend.
• Three drop heliski – Three longer flights allow you to get higher and further into the backcountry to find THE best snow and best terrain far away from lifts, roads and other people.

You can check out the possible ski areas and drop-zones HERE

There is no limit in place for the number of people that can book, however, generally there are four clients per helicopter plus a guide. Their guides are happy to supply you with any of the equipment needed to make sure you have the perfect experience. They also provide you with transceivers, shovels and probes.

To book you can just go to Tourist Office in St Martin de Belleville or in Les Menuires once you are in resort. It's not possible to make a booking in advance.

Taking you out on a snow shoe tour at a slow and gentle pace you can explore the wonderful woodlands, snow fields and calm of the mountains. An excellent way to experience the beauty of the Alps and Val Thorens.

One of the highly qualified and knowledgeable guides will take you out on your snow shoeing tour. With various outings to choose from such as a nature walk around a small valley, a high altitude descent, a tour of Lac du Lou and more there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Send them a message or call to book.

Alpamayo offer guides for off piste adventure, ice climbing and heli-skiing tours in the winter months. And in the summer months the guide glacier hikes, mountaineering and climbing courses, ascents of Mont Blanc and other high mountains in Switzerland and Italy.

On the beautiful slopes of Val Thorens and with 100 km labelled mountain bike trails in the Three Valleys, the girls will quickly learn how to ride like champions!

Courses run with Fast Riding People

Located in the heart of the resort, the bowling area combines fun activities with a social space. The Sport’s Bar, La Bicicleta, features eight large screens, including one up to 120 inches, broadcasting all the major live sporting events. Whether you’re a football fan, rugby enthusiast, or just love catching the action, it’s easy to stay up to date while enjoying a drink with friends.

For those looking for a bit more activity, the venue also includes a large games room in the basement, offering plenty of opportunities for friendly competition and fun. From bowling lanes to arcade games, there’s something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for families, groups, or anyone wanting a lively evening out.

With its combination of sports, games, and a welcoming bar atmosphere, La Bicicleta Bar provides a relaxed yet entertaining experience in Val Thorens. Whether you’re enjoying live sport, challenging friends to a game, or simply soaking up the après-ski vibes, it’s a must-visit in the resort.

• Aqua-spa including two swimming pools, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, relaxation area, river showers.
• Funpark for children with Bouncy Castles, Trampolines, Ball pools, children areas, over 600m2 of safe fun for children.
• Spa area with body and face treatments
• Gym with weights, cardio equipment
• Sports : Three multi-sports grounds (tennis, football, volley ball, hand ball), two squash courts, 30 ping-pong tables, six badminton courts, basket ball court
• Multi-usage halls : concerts, sporting meetings (wrestling galas, boxing, roller-skating), meals (+ than 1000 people), gala evenings, diner dances/shows, prize giving.

• Nine tennis courts.

Catch the latest films and releases in Val Thorens on your winter or summer holiday. Look out for VOST films which are shown in English, with French subtitles. Open every day apart from Saturdays.

Check website to confirm what's on, timings and costs.

Certain parts of the complex are reserved for adults only, for example the wellness area, although there are children specific areas in the pool and other parts of the centre.

Take a sunset ride and enjoy the wonderful views with Val Tho Motoneige.

Their trips start from 17:30. Call to book.

The pool in Les Menuires opens at 11:30 and closes at 20:00. 

There is also an outdoor swimming pool at Les Bruyères in Les Menuires. It is open every day from 2.30pm to 7.30pm, except on Saturdays. The Les Bruyères swimming pool is heated to a toasty 29°, so it is welcoming even on a chilly day - just have a big towel handy for when you get out!