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What's new this winter in Val Thorens
From the ski area to what's fresh in the resort
As winter begins to take hold we take a look at all that's new in town and on the slopes.
Early signs of snowfall here in The Alps is creating much excitement for the upcoming winter season. The ski industry here is raring to go and this winter looks like being an exceptionally busy one. Val Thorens ski area will open on the 22 November, 2025 with La Grande Premiere and the ski passes are already on sale.
Winter tyres
A reminder that it is now mandatory from 1 November to 31 March to have winter tyres (M&S marking, or all weather (four season) tyres), OR at least two snow chains/socks in the vehicle when driving in the mountain regions in France, following a law introduced from November 2021.
On the slopes
A multi-service complex at the top of Cime Caron
Opened last winter, the Caron 3200 multi-service complex offers a unique experience in the heart of the Alps. A panoramic restaurant, wine bar, rooftop terrace, boutique, and modular space make up this building, which offers exceptional 360° views of more than 1000 peaks.
Reopening of the Cime Caron cable car with new cabins
A true landmark of the Val Thorens ski area, the Cime Caron cable car returns this winter season with two brand-new cabins, ready to welcome skiers and pedestrians from across the Three Valleys. This reopening represents a significant milestone for the resort, restoring direct access to its iconic summit, the Cime Caron, the highest point of the resort at 3,200 metres above sea level. From Val Thorens, visitors can once again enjoy the spectacular ascent to one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the Alps, right in the heart of the Three Valleys ski area.
North Face cable car
Starting this winter, Val Thorens welcomes a brand-new 10-seater gondola lift - the “Face Nord”. Situated at the top of the Moraine gondola, this new addition is designed to optimise skier flow throughout the area. It provides direct access to the Asters and Face Nord slopes, as well as a strategic link to the Orelle sector via the Lory blue run, which is suitable for all abilities. The lift will carry up to 1,450 people per hour.
La Folie Douce facelift
The iconic Val Thorens venue is undergoing a complete renovation, designed to deliver an even smoother and more enjoyable experience, both behind the scenes and front of house. The space is now brighter than ever, featuring a ceiling height of 4.75 metres and the addition of a second balcony. A new lease of life for an already legendary location!
In the resort
La Timbale
Replacing the former Les Clarines restaurant, La Timbale opens this winter, run by local talents Bastien and Téo, true children of Val Thorens. The bar offers classic French dishes, tapas, and a fine selection of wines, beers and spirits. Combining local produce with a convivial atmosphere, it brings fresh energy while honouring the resort’s soul and history. Designed to welcome all generations, La Timbale offers a unique, vintage setting at the heart of Val Thorens.
New features on the slopes
Snow Kart Xperience: Mountain Kart on snow
From the Christmas holidays, SETAM (ski lift companies of Val Thorens) will offer mountain kart descents from the summit of the Funitel de Péclet, at an altitude of 3,000m. The activity will take place on Thursday and Friday evenings and will be supervised by a professional. Open to 18+, by reservation only.
Hotels
Hotel anniversary
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the iconic 5* Hôtel Pashmina Le Refuge, and to celebrate this anniversary, several new features are being introduced:
- the outdoor spa has been fully redesigned with custom, more spacious and stylish equipment, replacing the old jacuzzi and Nordic bath to offer a unique relaxation experience overlooking the peaks
- on the catering side, brunch has been reinvented with a redesigned buffet and a new live-cooking space, enhancing the experience and fostering interaction between guests and chefs
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
The Freeride World Tour returns to VT
Val Thorens Pro returns for the second edition from 24 to 29 January 2026. Back in France last winter after an eight-year absence, the Freeride World Tour (FWT) allowed Val Thorens to establish itself as a global benchmark for freeriding. Ideal conditions allowed athletes to deliver spectacular performances, attracting both enthusiasts and a large media audience. The second edition is confirmed and looks promising, with five Val Thorinois athletes entered in the competition, a world first in freeride.
Check out our events calendar for more dates for the diary.
