What's new this winter in Val Thorens

On the slopes

Head for Everest at 3,200m

Fancy a Himalayan adventure without leaving the French Alps? At Caron 3200, a new virtual reality experience called EVEREST: Territoire Inconnu takes you on an immersive journey towards the summit of the world’s highest mountain. Created by Eclipso, it offers a fresh way to experience the challenges and landscapes of an Everest ascent, right at the top of Cime Caron.

It’s an unusual addition to your ski day and a good option if you fancy a break from the pistes without missing out on the high-mountain scenery.

A new mountain artwork with an astronaut connection

There’s another reason to look around when you reach Cime Caron this winter. Belgian artist Tom Brikx is creating a monumental portrait of French astronaut Thomas Pesquet using LEGO® bricks. Billed as Europe’s highest street-art artwork, it brings an unexpected cultural attraction to the mountain summit.

Swap your skis for a Mountain Kart

If you fancy a different kind of downhill adventure, try the new Mountain Kart Xperience. You’ll ride up on the Funitel Péclet before setting off on a guided descent in a specially designed three-wheeled kart.

With sweeping bends and the opportunity to test your drifting skills, it’s a fun alternative to skiing and an experience to consider if you’re travelling with friends or family who enjoy a little adrenaline.

In the resort

Discover a new coffee stop at Zig Zag Café

Looking for somewhere new to grab a coffee before the lifts open or refuel between runs? Zig Zag Café is opening Val Thorens’ first dedicated coffee shop.

Already established in Les Menuires, it serves speciality coffees, indulgent lattes, matcha and chai, alongside homemade cookies, cakes and Liège waffles. You’ll also find bagels, toasted sandwiches and soup of the day, making it a handy new stop for breakfast or a casual lunch.

Try something different at Le Bouchon Alpin

If you enjoy discovering new restaurants, add Le Bouchon Alpin to your list. Taking over from La Ferme de Rosalie following a complete refurbishment, the restaurant draws inspiration from Lyon’s traditional bouchons, combining their convivial atmosphere with the flavours of the Savoyard mountains.

Expect generous regional cooking, including Savoyard fondues, with Jérémy at the helm. He brings plenty of local experience, having spent 13 years at Chalet de la Marine.

Contemporary French cooking at Le Neva

Another new restaurant to look out for is Le Neva, taking the place of Le Mazot. The focus here is contemporary French cuisine inspired by seasonal produce, giving you another option when you’re choosing somewhere to eat after a day on the mountain.

Get hands-on with a Michelin-starred chef

For a more unusual foodie experience, look out for the new culinary masterclasses at Les Explorateurs, the Michelin-starred restaurant at Hôtel Pashmina. Chef Camille Vallet will lead five sessions exploring his cooking and signature dishes, including Péla du Piémont.

With small groups of around five or six people, these sessions offer a more personal insight into the kitchen than a conventional restaurant visit. Check directly with the hotel for availability and booking details.

A new Kids Club at Hôtel Koh-I Nor

Travelling with younger skiers? Hôtel Koh-I Nor is introducing a new Kids Club, supervised by two professional activity leaders, with activities adapted to different ages.

It’s a useful addition for families looking to balance time together on the mountain with a little flexibility during their stay. Contact the hotel for details of the programme and arrangements.

New features on the slopes

New technology for mountain safety

Not every new development is something you’ll book or visit. This winter, a second next-generation autonomous drone is being deployed in the Belleville Valley to support mountain safety operations.

The technology helps patrol teams monitor sensitive off-piste areas and assess conditions more efficiently, showing how Val Thorens is using new tools to support the people working to keep the mountains safe.

Travel

Snow Train

This direct Eurostar rail service between London and the Tarentaise Valley will be running again this winter from December to March. The service will hopefully encourage British skiers to travel in an eco-friendly way, departing from London on a Saturday morning and returning Sunday morning. It’s only a 45 minute ride to Val Thorens from Moutiers and there are shuttles linking the resort and bus station. Or you can get a transfer or taxi up to the resort. 

Events

Val Thorens is scheduled to open for winter on 21 November 2026, with the season running until 2 May 2027. The winter will be packed with events, so take a look at our events calendar for what's on.