What's new in Val Thorens winter 2018/19

Val Thorens boasts an already impressive 150km of pistes made up of 86 runs in total. With the increasing number of visitors each year, the news of the expansion of this already fantastic ski area is certainly welcomed. The first notable addition is a new blue run at the top of Cime Caron. The new piste descends over a distance of 3.2.km with a total vertical drop of 570 metres. This has been really well thought out by identifying an area in need of a new beginner slope where previously the only option was a red run down to resort.

As the second highest point in Val Thorens at 3195m (with Orelle just tipping the post at 3230m) it is great that skiers of all levels will now be able to access this area. The only potential downside will mean that during peak weeks the already extensive queues that tail out of the Cime Caron terminal will be added to - although in our opinion it is well worth the wait. The second addition to the Val Thorens ski area is on a much shorter scale, at less than 1km, although graded as a black you may well be pleased for the quick descent. This new black run “Armoise” has been added to the Boismint sector where previously there was just a selection of red and blue pistes. So once again another great addition.

Val Thorens is a resort which offers a 'snow guarantee' and whilst their high altitude certainly aids in terms of snowfall, they also place a heavy emphasis on artificial snow makers. This is something we have seen across the Three Valleys as a whole in recent years with each resort investing more and more in terms of artificial snow canons. This year we have seen Val Thorens investing a further €450,000 adding new snow makers and also improving their current artificial snow system in place. Following this investment the resort now boasts around 440 snow canons - which we have already seen being tested for the up and coming season. With snow forecast from this coming weekend hopefully though Val Thorens will be opening in a few weeks with the real stuff.

Val Thorens is already the location for the highest zipline in the world which was installed in 2014 descending from Orelle and was only accessible to those on skis/snowboard. This winter Val Thorens have added a second zipline at a lower altitude and which will be accessible to all. Now from the top of the “Moutiers” chairlift you can 'zip' back to the resort centre arriving in Place Caron. By choosing the Moutiers chairlift as the location this means that walkers can also now enjoy the experience, flying 65m above the pistes over a distance of 1600m. This new zipwire also has two lines so you can go side by side and race your friends and family with average speeds of up to 75km an hour. The new attraction will be open daily and is able to take up to 60 people per hour for the cost of 35€ per person.

In previous seasons Val Thorens have already introduced the innovative 'PistenBully 600+' a hybrid diesel-electric snow groomer in an attempt to reduce their environmental impact. This year they have added three more piste bashers to their fleet. If you are looking for the stats, the benefits of this type of machine allows a reduction of around 20% of CO2 and nitrogen oxide emissions. A particle filter also guarantees a 99% reduction in soot particles emitted into the environment and high pressure hydraulics eliminates the risk of soil pollution. Finally the engines constant low-speed rotation means the vehicle runs very quietly.

You don't need to bring your heavy ski clothes to Val Thorens this winter. Free up space in your bags to bring back some locally made cheese and saucisson by renting your clothing in resort. Oxygene Ski School are offering a brand new ski clothes rental service this season in Val Thorens. Their silver and gold ranges boast the latest technologies and design so that you don't have to splash the cash for just one week per year. They also have children's clothes, perfect if your kids keep outgrowing last winter's salopettes.

Huski began to deliver high-quality, ready-made meals to chalets and apartments last year and they've already become the go-to service for many visitors when organising their self-catered Val Thorens holidays. Much more affordable than a private chef but equally as easy and delicious, Huski's ready meals will now be delivered all over the French Alps. They've also enlarged their range on offer to include fresh Savoyard-inspired meals made daily at their HQ in Bourg St Maurice, plus new brands, expanding their vegan and free-from options, as well as their choices for kids and babies. The ordering process could not be easier, just choose whatever you want for your ski week online and they'll deliver to your accommodation, ready to be heated up in the oven or the microwave.

Founded by David Robertson and Mark Gillis in 2004, Action Outdoors will celebrate their 15th anniversary in 2019. Originally inspired by UCPA, a French non-profit organisation providing affordable, all-inclusive adventure sports holidays, they actually became UCPA's official UK partner in 2017. Action Outdoors offers great value ski holidays for everyone, with packages that include everything, from accommodation to lift passes, meals, gear hire and lessons, making it the cheapest way to come skiing to Val Thorens.Founded by David Robertson and Mark Gillis in 2004, Action Outdoors will celebrate their 15th anniversary in 2019. Originally inspired by UCPA, a French non-profit organisation providing affordable, all-inclusive adventure sports holidays, they actually became UCPA's official UK partner in 2017. Action Outdoors offers great value ski holidays for everyone, with packages that include everything, from accommodation to lift passes, meals, gear hire and lessons, making it the cheapest way to come skiing to Val Thorens.

That's all for this years updates and the good news is that you won't have to wait long to try out all these new features in resort. With the opening day for Val Thorens just weeks away on 17th November and the grand opening a week later on 25th November. With the resort open until 5th May you have certainly got plenty of time to get yourselves out onto the slopes to enjoy this fantastic ski area.