February in Val Thorens: What's on and weather

There is still regular snowfall, and like January, the average daily temperatures generally fall between a high of -4ºC and a low of -11ºC. Still very much a time for wearing a thermal under layer, but don’t forget to pack your sunscreen - the sun is very strong up here!

Keen skiers often rate February as their favourite time to visit Val Thorens as it has some of the best skiing conditions of the entire season, with low temperatures keeping the snow in great condition while the slopes are groomed daily for ideal skiing.

February is a popular month for families so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the four week French holidays begin. Fortunately, the Trois Vallées ski area is so vast, that even in high season you can find quiet slopes and minimal lift queues. Here are our insider's top tips for the school holidays:

1. Group lessons are the best option in the busy period, as private lessons are almost impossible to book - unless you got in early. Make sure to get your ski and snowboard lessons booked well in advance to avoid disappointment.
2. If you're not in ski school, be an early bird. Arrive at the lifts before they open so that you get up and away before the ski school classes set out around 09:15.
3. Ski over lunchtime when the slopes are calmer (between 12:00 and 14:00) whilst the French take a leisurely lunch break.
4. Avoid the queues and make the most of your time in the mountains by pre-booking your lunch reservation - some restaurants offer a Click & Collect service.  
5. Seek out the peripheral areas. Take advantage of the lack of queues on the popular Cime Caron cable car and enjoy the magnificent red runs from its 3,200m summit, then venture to the furthest point in the Three Valleys, the hidden fourth valley of Orelle, and enjoy its spectacular scenery and long blue runs.
6. Get off piste. Competent off piste skiers can book a local mountain guide and explore the vast off piste areas in the valley or even go touring to find complete solitude in the backcountry.

If, like most people, you like to follow several hours of exercise with several hours of drinking, you can hit up any of a number of local après-ski sessions. Down at the bottom of the slopes you'll find bars offering great music, delicious food and happy hours.

For late night entertainment, the clubs hold special nights on most days of the week.

From mid-February onwards evening skiing is available, or you can try your hand on the longest toboggan run in Europe. There's also snowmobiling, or ice skating - basically all kinds of winter activities. Just take a look at some of the things the local activity companies offer for your next adventure. 

For those of you wanting some romance this Valentine's Day there will be plenty of great food options for dinner, and if you're after entertainment many places will put on live music.

Aside from the lovers around town, this is also the month of the school holidays, there are weekly torchlit descents by ESF. Once a week there is one especially for the children to join in, entertainment for all the family with raclette, hot chocolate and vin chaud!

Keep an eye on the events calendar for what the resort is putting on this month.

There are plenty of things to do off the pistes in Val Thorens, from soothing those aching muscles at a spa to helicopter tours, husky sledding, snowshoeing or sleeping in an igloo.