What's on in Val Thorens winter 2018/19

Grand opening

Val Thorens launch their grand opening the week commencing November 24th 2018. During this launch week they offer the opportunity for visitors to test the new latest ski equipment. This event is absolutely free and has really picked up pace over the past few years. For 2018, this event will include brands such as Atomic, Burton, Dynafit, Rossignol, Salomon, Smith, 686, Rome SDS, K2, Bataleon, DC Shoes, Ride and Oakley. November might not be your first choice for a ski break in Val Thorens, but with quiet slopes, opening week prices, and the opportunity to test out new equipment, it could be one to add to the holiday list.

Ski cross world cup

Val Thorens is hosting a stage of the Audi FIS SKi Cross World Cup again this year, falling between December 4th and 9th. For those unfamiliar with the event, ski cross is a race through a ski slope course with jumps and turns, starting in groups of four with a knock-out system with the first two finishers qualifying for the next race. The course is pretty easy to spot at the Jean Frederic Chapuis stadium just behind the Peclet ski lift in Val Thorens.

There is always a great atmosphere and some well known names to look out for. This is a free event to attend, accessible to both skiers and pedestrians. Either watch from the seating and big screen area along with the fan clubs, ski next to the course, or take a hike up to see the final big jump if you are on foot. Take a look in resort for specific times for practice runs taking place earlier in the week, and the main racing across the weekend.

Ice driving

The Trophee Andros is once again taking place in Val Thorens this year falling during the weekend December 8th until December 9th. An alternative to watching skiing, this ice driving competition takes place on the Alain Prost ice circuit in Val Thorens which is located opposite the Plein Sud ski lift, and is accessible via bus from resort to the parking area, or by car with roadside parking.

The racing starts early on Saturday with the first circuit at 09:00, and the finals from 18:00 until 19:30. Throughout the weekend there are a variety of races including cars, electric cars and motorbikes. The event is free to attend and can be viewed next to the course if you are on foot, or you can ski next to the track or take the chairlift for a view from above.

12 hour ski day

Les Menuires will be opening the resort this year with a round the clock event starting on December 8th. This is the first year they have launched this event which offers two days where the ski lifts will be open for two 12 hour days from 09:00 until 21:00.

This is to celebrate the start of the winter season there will be facilities available for servicing and waxing skis at La Croisette, as well as refreshment stops and food stands offering raclettes and giant fondues. The weekend is set as a challenge for those that can complete the two 12 hour days to get 24 hours of skiing into those ski legs in one weekend.

Festive period

Finally, as always Val Thorens will not let Christmas and New Year slip by unnoticed with a jam-packed agenda of events and activities in resort for all the family. There will be the ski instructors torchlit descent along with plenty of fireworks and vin chaud. Check in-resort information for exact timings and events during this period.

More inspiration...

For more weekly events taking place in Val Thorens over the winter and beyond, keep an eye on our events calendar here.