It really seems as though an age has passed since we last had a proper dump of snow in Val Thorens. That is, one with enough weight and consistency to make any significant change to the conditions of our cherished slopes. Of course, because of the height of the resort and the recent extremely low air temperatures, the snow has managed to hold together and not turn into slush beneath the blaring sunshine. However, the snow drought has meant extremely hard, stomped in slopes, the occasional icy patch and quickly deteriorating off-piste conditions. At the end of last week, the weather man suggested that we would see a steady light dusting from Sunday through to Wednesday. But this light dusting barely came to fruition, and any snow that fell throughout the first half of the week did not have the consistency to affect the conditions in any huge way. Of course, with the varied runs that we have in Val Thorens, many pistes have fared fine (Tete Ronde, Lac Blanc and Orelle’s pistes in particular) but without better conditions of the many other slopes, there has been a danger of over-crowding and a lack of options. In short, we have been craving some fresh, soft powder.
Val Thorens Snow Report: 16th February 2012
Welcome return of snow
So, when curtains were drawn on Wednesday morning to find a thick blanket of clouds hanging low over resort emitting a consistent and dense snow shower, naturally the reaction was one of surprise and elation. The more diligent amongst us took to the slopes, venturing to the higher peaks and over to Orelle in an attempt to surface above the clouds. Below the layer, there was a near total whiteout and strong, gusty winds, throwing around the new snow haphazardly; not ideal riding conditions. For many of us, it was enough to simply bide our time and wait for the predicted clear skies which we were privy to this afternoon. Because of the very poor visibility on Wednesday, the much anticipated Frostgun Invitational freestyle competition had to be postponed, the two days of events being shifted one day forward.
The state of the sky this morning did not bode well for Frostgun as it seemed as though a familiar cloud had made an unannounced reappearance. Initially visibility was not great for a day on the slopes, but as the sun rose higher it did manage to brighten up resort enough to tease people out onto the piste. Following suit from the previous day, many people flocked to the higher points in Val Thorens. Climbing the south western slopes in the Funitel de Cime Caron, there was a rousing cheer as the car broke through the blanket of cloud to be doused in glorious sunshine. Above a far reaching sea of white fluffiness, the surrounding peaks broke through like glistening icebergs. Making our way back towards Val Thorens down the Combe de Caron black piste, it wasn’t long until we were once again submerged in the cloud’s flat light. Despite the lacklustre conditions, the descent was still particularly fun because of the large amount of powder that lay around us. Like many black slopes, this descent is often quite quiet, particularly since the majority of Cime Caron’s passengers use the lift for its access to Orelle.
In the afternoon, the sun began to break up some of the clouds, allowing light into the lower parts of Val Thorens. This was good news for the first day of the Frostgun competition and many began to make their way up to Bar 360 to watch the event. Whilst the air was particularly cold making standing around a little unpleasant, it was nice to see the warm up for tomorrow’s big day and get a taste of some of the talent in resort at the moment. With sunshine, tepid temperatures and a lack of strong winds forecast, it looks as though we may be able to enjoy this fresh layer in some pleasant weather throughout the start of next week.
Airport Transfers in Val Thorens
Transfers for Val Thorens
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Shared Airport Transfers
Geneva to Val Thorens from CHF 82.50 per person one-way (weekend rate)
Travel directly to your accommodation with a convenient minivan connection, daily scheduled departures and ski luggage included at no extra cost. Combining affordable shared coach travel with a final door-to-door transfer, this service offers added convenience without the expense of a private vehicle.
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Shared Airport Transfers
Low-cost and professional shuttle bus transfer service to Val Thorens
Booking with them means your holiday won’t involve the stress of public transport, the cost of private transfers, or the hassle of fitting snow chains on a hire car.Â
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva to Val Thorens from CHF 495 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
Enjoy exclusive vehicles, direct door-to-door travel and flexible collection times tailored to your flight schedule. With ski luggage included, premium vehicle options and transfers from four major airports, reaching Val Thorens is comfortable and convenient.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Val Thorens from €275 per budget minivan one-way (weekend rate)
This is a long-established Alpine transfer specialist that has been operating since 2008, with close to two decades of experience transporting skiers through the Three Valleys. The emphasis is on making the entire journey easy: professional drivers, genuine knowledge of the mountain roads, vehicles prepared for winter conditions and a choice of transfer styles ranging from practical minivans to luxury Mercedes vehicles.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Val Thorens from €515 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
With over 5,000 rides completed and 95% of clients returning, this private transfer service is designed around the needs of skiers, from reliable airport pick-ups to comfortable journeys to your accommodation. Experienced, professional English-speaking drivers, vehicles prepared for Alpine winter conditions and no extra luggage fees for skis or snowboards help make travelling easier. With airport meet and greet, door-to-door transfers, secure online booking and a focus on punctuality, you can organise your Val Thorens transfer with greater peace of mind.
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Scheduled/Shuttle Coach Airport Transfers
Quick and secure way to organise transfers from local airports and stations
A key booking portal for local coach and bus transfers in the French ski resorts. Using this service to coordinate your travel means getting to resort could not be easier.
Ski Hire in Val Thorens
Ski Hire in Val Thorens
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Caron Centre
Ski hire in the Caron commercial centre in Val Thorens
Hiring your ski or snowboard equipment in Val Thorens is easy with this conveniently located rental shop in Galerie Caron, close to the sports centre and right in the heart of the resort. With online booking available, you can arrange your equipment before your holiday and have everything ready to collect when you arrive, helping you spend less time getting organised and more time on the slopes.
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Prosneige Shop Central
One stop shop for all your ski and snowboard equipment hire in Val Thorens
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.Â
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Black Ski Maverick Soleil
Ski hire shop on Rue du Soleil with easy access to the Cascade lift
Getting the right equipment can make a big difference to your time on the slopes, whether you’re skiing for the first time or looking for a higher-performance set-up. This ski hire shop on Rue du Soleil offers a convenient place to arrange your equipment, with a team of experienced staff on hand to help you choose the right skis for your ability and the conditions.
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Snowberry
Ski rental shop close to the lift pass office and magic carpet at top end of resort
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Val Thorens? Just visit the Skiset Snowberry store!
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Peclet
Ski hire in Place de Peclet at the top of the resort and close to the ESF Office
Ski and snowboard hire located place Péclet, on the upper part of Val Thorens, near the competition slalom piste. 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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Peclet
Save 10% extra: use promo code STWSKI when booking ski hire online
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.
Ski Schools in Val Thorens
Ski School Lessons in Val Thorens
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Private ski lessons
Private skiing and snowboarding lessons with highly rated instructors
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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Group ski lessons
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
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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Group ski lessons
Group ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities
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.
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Private ski lessons
British school offering a wide range of private lesson options tailored to all ages and abilities
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
Teaching a wide range of private snow sports lessons to all levels
This company offer private ski and snowboard lessons throughout the winter season for all ages and abilities.
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Private ski lessons
Exceptional private ski and snowboard tuition for all levels
A ski school that brings technique and pleasure together throughout the Alps.
Winter Things To Do in Val Thorens
Wintersport Things To Do in Val Thorens
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Heliskiing/boarding
Heliskiing/boarding trip in Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass.
For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
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Helicopter tours
10, 30 or 60 minute private helicopter tours for up to five people
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
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Val Tho Motoneige Activity Company 
Val Tho Motoneige Activity Company
Snowmobiling in and around the Val Thorens area
Head out on a snowmobile with a guide and experience the mountains at night time when the lifts have closed and the pistes are quiet.
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Heli-Skiing
High mountain guides, ice climbing, mountaineering and heli skiing
Alpamayo are a group of high mountain guides based in Chamonix all year round as well as in Val d'Isere and Tignes in the winter.
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Husky Sledding, St Martin de Belleville
Experience a husky dog sled ride in the Belleville Valley
Spend an exhilarating trip being pulled in a husky sled. Excursions for 30 minutes or 1 hour are available from the tourist office in St Martin.
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