lots of snow cover in Val thorens in April

Great snow cover as we head into the last month of the season

The season is far from over with snow on the forecast this weekend

Imprint: By Gemma Hunt, Updated 17 February 2026

Well we seem to have lost the Spring sunshine, if anyone sees it can you send it back please! We have been basically living in and out of a cloud in the mountains for the past few days. The predicted winds have been forecefully high with lots of lift closures and generally making for quite unpleasant conditions on the piste.

I received a call from my guests on Friday mid-morning as their ski day was cut short with the St Martin lifts all closed for high winds. They were quite glad to have safely skied to the bottom after being on a swinging chairlift! Luckily they were then taxied up to Chez Pepe for a birthday lunch so the day was not wasted.

The high winds seem to have affected different areas at different times. Apparently one of the chairs on the Granges lift actually came loose whilst the lift was running, but luckily it was on the descent with no-one seated. The lift closures have meant that more skiers have had to ski in the resort in which they are staying, making these areas seem busier than normal.

The pistes currently are a combination of a hard packed base with slush on the top which is generally expect for April. Temperatures have also been incredibly warm despite the lack of sunshine with figures around 15 degrees most days at 1,400m. The snow melt can be seen to be gushing down rivers and ravines in the valley.

Whilst both the French holiday and UK holidays are still under way the resorts generally do seem quieter with the previous week being more popular and probably getting the better conditions.

The way forward seems to be morning skiing and there are plenty of activities still to keep you amused in the afternoon. If you are staying in Val Thorens then go Grease 2 and hit the bowling alley or try out the luge run, one of the highest in Europe! In Les Menuires you can relax at the sports centre or take the kids for a run on Speed Mountain. Down in St Martin there are some great village walks that are now accessible with less snow cover and some lovely restaurants if you fancy treating yourself afterwards.

It does seem that temperatures are starting to decrease over the next few days and there is even snow forecast for the weekend. Whilst for seasonaires it feels like we are nearing the end of the season, the resorts have still got plenty more to give. St Martin does not close until next weekend, Les Menuires has another couple of weeks and Val Thorens has another month to go where the snow depth at 3,200m is 260cm, there are 78 out of 81 runs still open and all lifts are still running. So if you don’t fancy packing your skis away just yet there is snow on the forecast and Val Thorens is open until the end!

Ski Hire in Val Thorens

Salomon Corner - The North Face Sports Shop

Location
Val Thorens

Discover this shop in Val Thorens, located in the basement of The North Face store. As a global leader in outdoor gear, they offer a full range of equipment for skiing, snowboarding and hiking enthusiasts.
Eskiador

Location
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.
Oh Shop

Location
Val Thorens

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!!
Les Balcons Haut

Location
Val Thorens

Hire skis and 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!
Le Cheval Blanc

Location
Val Thorens

Welcome to Intersport Soleil Le Cheval Blanc! The shop focuses on quality, safety and comfort to give you an exceptional experience on the slopes. Their team of experts is on hand to meet all your equipment needs, whether for hire or purchase.
Goitschel Sport I

Location
Val Thorens

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!

Ski Schools 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.
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

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.
Private ski lessons

This company offer private ski and snowboard lessons throughout the winter season for all ages and abilities.
Private ski lessons

A ski school that brings technique and pleasure together throughout the Alps.

Airport Transfers in Val Thorens

Private airport transfers

The Loyal Transfers team has been organising airport transfers to ski resorts around France since 2012. Their aim has always been to make independent travel to ski resorts cheaper and easier for everyone.
Private airport transfers

From the airport to the slopes, they handle the rest. Geneva's most trusted private ski transfers.
Shared bus airport transfers

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.
Private and shared airport transfers

This company offers a great value shuttle service as well as private transfers from Geneva Airport to Val Thorens. Established and efficient - you can rely on them.
Shared airport transfers

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.
Private and shared airport transfers

Helping holidaymakers enjoy seamless airport transfers since 2008. From prompt and professional drivers, to stylish and well-maintained vehicles. A journey with them is more than just a transfer. Their aim is to ensure all their customers travel in comfort and with confidence.

Winter Things To Do in Val Thorens

See our Activity Guide

Helicopter tours

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
Heliskiing/boarding

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.
Val Tho Motoneige Activity Company

Location
Val Thorens

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.
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.
Husky Sledding, St Martin de Belleville

Location
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

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.