Off-piste Ski Areas in Val Thorens
Discover the top Val Thorens off-piste skiing
The Three Valleys is an enormous ski area and it probably comes as no surprise to hear that in such a big place, there are plenty of places to head to on a good powder day for some incredible off-piste skiing.
Val Thorens is one of the most stunning areas in Europe for off-piste skiing and ski touring. The area is surrounded by six glaciers, giving endless fields of powder snow in breath-taking surroundings. Discover the glaciers of the Vanoise (check out the descent from the Gebroulaz glacier towards Méribel or Pralognan) and the most beautiful off-piste skiing in the Three Vallées on the amazing Maurienne side.
You can join in guided off-piste tours with the Bureau de Guides or ESF Val Thorens; excursions are led by high-altitude mountain guides who are also qualified ski instructors. Expect to walk or skin uphill for anything up to an hour, in return for untouched snow and deserted descents.
Depending on snow and weather conditions you may picnic on a summit or in a local restaurant and may ski anything from deep powder to crud, to spring snow. You need to be a strong skier with some off-piste experience to take part. The guide provides avalanche transceivers; you need to bring a ‘can-do’ attitude.
Off-piste skiing in Val Thorens
Val Thorens offers some of Europe's most stunning off-piste terrain, surrounded by six glaciers and endless powder fields. Popular routes include:
- Pierre Lory: From the Col chair into the Maurienne Valley.
- Lac du Lou: Accessible from the Combe de Rosael black run or La Masse.
- Vallée des Encombres: A thrilling descent from La Masse.
- Jerusalem to Pramint: Renowned off-piste area near St Martin, popular with local guides.
Highlights:
- Explore iconic descents like the Gebroulaz Glacier towards Méribel or Pralognan.
- Always consider weather and snow conditions due to Val Thorens’ high altitude.
Safety first:
- Check avalanche conditions and read our avalanche safety page for tips on staying safe off-piste.
- It's always advisable to hire an off-piste mountain guide who will have extensive knowledge of the area and the mountains.
Jump to
Advanced areas in Val Thorens
Private Ski Lessons & Instructors in Val Thorens
See all Private Ski Lessons & Instructors in Val Thorens-
Group ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
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Private ski lessons
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
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Private ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
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Private ski lessons
A ski school that brings technique and pleasure together throughout the Alps.
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Private ski lessons
This company offer private ski and snowboard lessons throughout the winter season for all ages and abilities.
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Private ski lessons
Discover the Val Thorens and the Three Valleys ski domain with one of the most renowned ski schools in the world.
Beginner areas in Val Thorens
Ski School Lessons in Val Thorens
See all Ski School Lessons in Val Thorens-
Private ski lessons
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
-
Private ski lessons
A ski school that brings technique and pleasure together throughout the Alps.
-
Private ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
-
Group ski lessons
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
-
Group ski lessons
Their children group lessons are based on making learning to ski fun and are limited to six children per group for the best learning experience.
-
Group ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
Beginner ski hire
Ski Hire in Val Thorens
See all Ski Hire in Val Thorens-
Les Balcons
Hire Skis & Snowboards at the beginning of the street Les Balcons, 50 m to the residence Altitude, Val 2400 et Chalets du Soleil. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
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Oh Shop
Pierre and team welcome you to Europe's highest ski resort in the world's largest ski area. Ski hire shop in Val Thorens: right in the centre of the resort, at the foot of the slopes!!
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Black Ski Maverick Soleil
Black Ski Soleil in Val Thorens offers an exceptional ski experience. Located in the Montana residence, this renowned spot provides quality services and high-end equipment.
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Goitschel Sport II
You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, we’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Val Thorens!
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Val Loc 2400
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your 1st skiing day.
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Peclet
Val Thorens shop can be found in the ‘Place Peclet’ at the foot of the slalom piste. The free shuttle bus stops right by the front door to the shop and everything a skier needs can be found nearby (lift pass office, ski school office, ski lifts, restaurants, bars…) and within walking distance.
Beginner ski lessons
Ski School Lessons in Val Thorens
See all Ski School Lessons in Val Thorens-
Private ski lessons
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
-
Private ski lessons
A ski school that brings technique and pleasure together throughout the Alps.
-
Private ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
-
Group ski lessons
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
-
Group ski lessons
Their children group lessons are based on making learning to ski fun and are limited to six children per group for the best learning experience.
-
Group ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
Off-piste areas in Val Thorens
Mountain Guides Val Thorens
See all Mountain Guides Val Thorens-
Oxygene off piste and mountain guiding
Their mountain guides provide excellent off-piste experiences with safety equipment provided.
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Back country ski guides
A private ski or snowboard session for all ability levels – on and off-piste. It’s all about fun, improvement and discovering new off piste terrain.
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ESF mountain guides, Val Thorens
One of the best ways to discover any ski domain is to hire a local mountain guide who knows the resort inside out. They will be able to guide you to the best and safest areas both off and on piste.
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Office de la Montagne high mountain guides
This company specialise in all things high mountain for those that are looking for unique challenges, taking their skiing and snowboarding to the next level.
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Women's mountain biking courses and guiding
For girls who want to go mountain biking in women's specific groups, or for those who wish to develop their skills with advice from mountain bike guides, Fast Riding People mountain bike school offers guiding and courses.
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Val Thorens ski guides
Quentin, Amelia and Jeremy grew up in the Savoie region and have been skiing and snowboarding in Val Thorens since childhood. Due to their continuous training, they have all competed professionally in alpine and freestyle skiing with some podium finished in the World Cup for France!
What should I wear when skiing or snowboarding?
Ski Hire in Val Thorens
See all Ski Hire in Val Thorens-
Les Balcons
Hire Skis & Snowboards at the beginning of the street Les Balcons, 50 m to the residence Altitude, Val 2400 et Chalets du Soleil. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
-
Oh Shop
Pierre and team welcome you to Europe's highest ski resort in the world's largest ski area. Ski hire shop in Val Thorens: right in the centre of the resort, at the foot of the slopes!!
-
Black Ski Maverick Soleil
Black Ski Soleil in Val Thorens offers an exceptional ski experience. Located in the Montana residence, this renowned spot provides quality services and high-end equipment.
-
Goitschel Sport II
You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, we’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Val Thorens!
-
Val Loc 2400
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your 1st skiing day.
-
Peclet
Val Thorens shop can be found in the ‘Place Peclet’ at the foot of the slalom piste. The free shuttle bus stops right by the front door to the shop and everything a skier needs can be found nearby (lift pass office, ski school office, ski lifts, restaurants, bars…) and within walking distance.
More inspiration...
Take a look at this year's ski pass prices or find your way around with piste maps for Val Thorens.
Off-piste skiing in Meribel
Méribel Village - Altiport
- Dent de Burgin: From the Loze Express chairlift, follow the Boulevard de la Loze track towards Dent de Burgin. Halfway along, drop right for wide-open powder fields. Only ski this area if the track is open, as avalanche risk is high when closed.
- Loze Express: Beneath the chairlift, there's a popular off-piste run that gets busy quickly after fresh snowfall. On a powder day, catch the first lift and try skiing through the trees for fresh tracks, all the way to Méribel Village.
Méribel-Mottaret
- Côte Brune: You'll find fresh powder all around this chairlift. A short hike from the lift can lead to incredible descents with untouched snow. Check with ski patrollers at the top for safe routes before heading out.
- Roc de Tougne: Accessed via the Combes lifts, this area features long off-piste runs either side of the drag lift. Traverse at the top to find untouched powder.
Méribel Centre - Tougnète
- Olympic to Raffort: From the Olympic Express chairlift, hike along the ridge to access untouched slopes. The further you hike, the steeper the descent. Watch out for the stream at the bottom and follow the Villages piste to Les Allues
Off-piste skiing in Courchevel
The easiest and safest off-piste is the Bel Aire area above Courchevel Moriond, either side of the Pyramide, Signal, and Chapelets.
The tree areas in Courchevel are great for catching some fresh snow and playing off-piste.
With a short hike from the famous Grand Couloir piste, there is excellent off-piste skiing in the Petit couloir or in the Croix de Verdons couloir if you don't mind climbing a little further. Also, the Equinox pitch, a 15-minute hike from the top of the Chanrossa chair, is one not to be missed out on a powder day.
There are also the well-known off-piste areas of Col du Fruit and Vallée des Avals, that will take you far away from any pisted areas.
Please only venture off the marked runs in the company of a guide or instructor. Only they have the essential local knowledge necessary to avoid avalanche-prone and dangerous terrain, and they will also find the very best snow. Check out our avalanche safety guide before you set off.
Before heading off-piste
Before you head off piste, here's a few things you should be thinking about:
- hire a guide!
- take a course in avalanche awareness and practice the techniques learned
- look at the weather and avalanche forecasts for France, reviewing the degree of local avalanche risk also
- don’t ignore advice given by local mountain guides or others if advised to ski a certain path, or to keep a specific distance between fellow members in a group
- plan the route carefully, evaluating all different options and assessing all elements of danger. Look at the timings for each route. Inform others of your route, and when you expect to arrive back
- attach your transceiver properly TO YOU and DON'T FORGET to turn it on, test the signal is working, and make sure you have all the necessary equipment.
- a transceiver is of no use if the user has not been trained in its use, it is turned off, or it is in a rucksack - unless you want just your bag to be recovered
Read more about understanding avalanches and how to try to avoid them.
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