What's new this winter in Val Thorens

On the slopes

Cime Caron gets a makeover
The highest point of the Val Thorens ski area with ongoing investment in recent years, Cime Caron will feature a new building this year, called Caron 3200 opening for the winter 24/25 season. This high-altitude building was designed to blend harmoniously with the landscape using sustainable raw materials, renewable energies and innovative water resource management.
This state of the art facility developed by SETAM, (the Val thorens ski lift company) will offer new services at the summit to improve the visitor experience with places to relax, meet and dine. There will be a 130 seater restaurant, a wine bar, a rooftop bar and terrace with a panoramic view. In addition there will be a multi purpose space for events, exhibitions, events and seminars. 

New 2 Lacs gondola
The 2 Lacs chairlift is being replaced by a fast, comfortable and modern 61 cabin, 10 seat gondola that will have the capacity to move 3500 people per hour. This new gondola uses ESO technology, operator free operation and the ascent will take 4 minutes. 
The gondola will have a higher arrival altitude of 2507m enabling more skiing for beginners. The gondola goes up to the starting point of the La Bee zip line and Moutière chairlift arrival. The departure area offers a specially designed entrance to help children aboard.

New ski touring trails
Salomon and Val Thorens have partnered to develop the accessibility of ski touring to everyone. Two new ski touring trails will open and connect the Petite Sud and the Grande Sud.

New blue run
The KL blue run will open this season and starts from the Funitel de Thorens.

New link from Orelle
For the first time last winter, the top of Cime Caron at an altitude of 3,200 metres was made directly accessible from Orelle and La Maurienne due to two new cable cars, the Orelle and Orelle-Caron that can both take 150 people. Travel time is under 45 minutes and you can take luggage. This new link is accessible for those on skis and on foot and allows visitors to reach Val Thorens via the Maurienne valley without skis.

In the resort

Drone surveillance
The first drone ski area surveillance in Europe. Using a drone fitted with two cameras, one that uses thermal imaging and the other with a 180x zoom lens. This allows rapid detection of avalanches or other search zones where a situation needs assessing in order to deploy the correct operational or rescue strategy.

Optimised water management
This is an expert software solution that enables optimised water resource management in the mountains, allowing more efficient water distribution.

New features on the slopes

Hit the slopes without wearing skis
Oxygène launch ‘ski transfer’, a new and innovative way to experience the slopes even if you can't ski. The idea is that you sit on a chair on skis which is piloted by an Oxygène ski instructor who will take you out on the slopes to enjoy the snowy landscapes, meet friends or just explore areas that would not be accessible to you without skis. 

Hotels

Altapura Hotel earns a Michelin clef in 2024. This is prestigious recognition from Michelin that rewards establishments offering exceptional stay experiences. 

L'Oxalys the four star residence has had a complete renovation and remodelling of all 36 of its apartments blending modern and traditional styles. This reflects the Montagnettes commitment to offering quality and comfort to all guests. This work follows last year's complete renovation of the spa and relaxation area.

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. Watch out for package offers including rail travel.
Check out our guide on travelling to resort for more info.

Restaurants and bars

Altayaki
Opening this winter is a new restaurant at the five star hotel Altapura. Altayaki will be offering bold fusion cuisine where European and Asian flavours combine. Using Asian culinary techniques and local ingredients, this promises to be a unique taste experience.

Free meals on a four star terrace!
No more picnics on the slopes, now you can come and cook your own lunch on the terrace at Hotel Marielle at their “Bring your own sausage” events. You can bring your own food and enjoy the atmosphere, views and terrace. Hotel Mariells will even provide free bread, sauces and cutlery with checkered tablecloths. music and a petanque pitch!

Après ski at a new vinyl bar
Hotel Marielle is launching a new vinyl bar open every day for après ski from 18:00 - 20:00. The idea is that a DJ will play only vinyl records chosen by customers. Over 1000 records to choose from.

Spas

The spa at Residence Village Montana Plein Sud has had a makeover this season, redesigning the space with new decor using natural materials and clean lines. Adding new furnishings with a soft colour palette to enhance the relaxation experience. The pool has been equipped with a light therapy system.

Events

This winter sees three new international sporting events in Val Thorens. Ice Cross World championships, extreme ice skating, the Ski Cross World Cup and Val Thorens hosts a stage of The Freeride World Tour.

There’s a diverse range of events to suit everyone in Val Thorens,  FIS Ski Cross World cup, Freeride Junior qualifying, carnival, Enduro competition, electronic music festival and more all on our events calendar.