Children skating on the ice skating rink in Val Thorens

Spring half-term activities in Val Thorens

The best things to do with kids in Val Thorens this half-term

Imprint: By Tracy Wise, Updated 4 August 2026

Val Thorens caters really well for everyone from little tots to energetic teenagers.

Half-term is the perfect excuse to swap screens for snowy adventures, and Val Thorens is one of the best alpine resorts for family holidays in the French Alps. Set high in the Belleville Valley and surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Alps, this world-class resort offers far more than exceptional skiing, with activities to suit toddlers, teens and adults alike. From thrilling winter adventures and panoramic viewpoints to ice skating, sledging and unforgettable family days out, Val Thorens makes it easy to keep everyone entertained. Here’s our guide to the best ways to make the most of your February half-term holiday in the mountains.

Evenings out in Val Thorens

The bars in Val Thorens are generally very family friendly, especially during the early evening when it’s common to see families enjoying a relaxed drink together after a day on the slopes. Many venues welcome children with cosy seating, games and a laid-back atmosphere, while those serving food often offer children’s menus and casual dining options if your après drinks turn into dinner time. From hot chocolates by the fire to early evening live music, après-ski in Val Thorens can be enjoyed by the whole family before the later nightlife begins.

See our Nightlife Guide

Igloo de Thorens

Igloo de Thorens Bar offers one of Val Thorens’ most memorable mountain experiences, combining alpine scenery with a truly quirky setting. Built entirely from snow and ice over the course of ten days, the igloo is crafted by hand, day and night, to create a magical winter hideaway high on the slopes.
Downunder Sports Bar

Location
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.
Café Snesko Bar

Location
Val Thorens

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.
Favela Bar and Restaurant

Location
Val Thorens

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.
Klub Summit Nightclub

Location
Val Thorens

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.
The Frog Bar

Location
Val Thorens

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.

Fun on the snow

Val Thorens has plenty of dedicated spaces and activities designed to keep younger visitors entertained away from the ski slopes. Head to family-friendly areas such as the Kids Park and beginner zones around the resort, where children can enjoy playful snow features, gentle slopes and fun learning areas designed to help them build confidence while having fun in the mountains.

You’ll find that local sports shops sell and rent plastic sledges, so pick up your own and head to one of Val Thorens’ dedicated sledging areas for some classic winter fun. The Cosmojet toboggan run is a firm favourite with families, offering a thrilling 6km descent through the snowy landscape, whilst shorter sledging areas around the resort provide a perfect introduction for younger children. Whether it’s a gentle first ride or a race to the bottom, sledging is a simple way to create unforgettable memories in the mountains.

Goitschel Sport 3

Location
Val Thorens

You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, we’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Val Thorens!
Goitschel Sport II

Location
Val Thorens

You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, we’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Val Thorens!
Les Balcons

Location
Val Thorens

Intersport Les Balcons in Val Thorens offers high-quality ski and snowboard equipment, clothing and accessories for all levels. Their expert team ensures comfort, safety and performance, whether you’re hiring or buying gear for your holiday.
Peclet

Location
Val Thorens

Ski and snowboard hire located place Péclet, on the upper part of Val Thorens, near the competition slalom piste. 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!
Val Loc 2400

Location
Val Thorens

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.
Skiloc 2300

Location
Val Thorens

This ski and snowboard hire shop is situated just a short distance from the main lift hub on the Rue du Soleil. Pierre and his team will welcome you and assist you in the store.

Action packed days

Young adventurers will find plenty of ways to add some excitement to their Val Thorens holiday beyond a typical ski day. Speak to your ski school about the extra experiences they offer, from freestyle coaching and snow games to guided adventures that introduce children to new challenges in a safe environment.

For older or more confident skiers, there are opportunities to explore freeride terrain, try freestyle tricks or spend time in the snowpark. With its high-altitude setting, varied terrain and excellent coaching options, Val Thorens is the perfect place for young skiers to improve their technique, gain confidence and discover a more adventurous side of the mountains.

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.
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

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 company offer private ski and snowboard lessons throughout the winter season for all ages and abilities.
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.

Out and about in Val Thorens

If you’ve invested in the 3 Valleys lift pass, Val Thorens opens up a whole world of family adventures beyond simply skiing from piste to piste. Take the Funitel de Péclet towards the glacier for breathtaking views from one of the highest points in the resort, ride up to Cime de Caron for panoramic views across the Alps, or explore the neighbouring resorts of Les Menuires, Méribel and Courchevel within the vast 3 Valleys area.

A mountain day doesn’t have to involve skis; hop on a lift just to admire the scenery, follow one of the resort’s winter walking routes, discover snowy trails through the valley, or settle in at a mountain restaurant for a warming hot chocolate with a view. With its dramatic landscapes and easy access to high-altitude experiences, Val Thorens makes exploring the mountains a memorable adventure for the whole family.

Vanoise National Park

Location
Champagny-en-Vanoise

The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.

Family activities for everyone

Val Thorens offers plenty of family-friendly activities beyond skiing, making it easy to fill your holiday with memorable winter experiences. Families can enjoy ice skating at the outdoor rink in the centre of resort, take a swim at the Sports Centre, or race down the mountain on the Cosmojet toboggan run, the longest toboggan run in France, with over 6km of twists, turns and snowy fun.

Families can also enjoy husky sledding through the alpine landscape, snowshoeing adventures, bowling, cinema trips and scenic winter walks with spectacular mountain views. For something truly memorable, try a torchlit snowshoe outing, take a paragliding flight above the valley or enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the resort. With so many activities beyond skiing, Val Thorens makes it easy to keep the whole family entertained throughout the half-term holidays.

See our Activity Guide

Village Igloo aperitif and dinner

Location
Val Thorens

A dining experience like no other! A spectacular and unique 180m2 ice grotto, bar, restaurant and mini hotel in Val Thorens, where you'll enjoy a typical Savoyard cheese fondue or aperitif in a unique setting.
Hydrospeeding

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

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.
Rafting In The Alps

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

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.
Helicopter tours

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
Heliskiing/boarding

For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
Raquette Nature

Location
Val Thorens

Discover the beauty of the untouched natural mountains on snow shoes.