Snow report 18 January 2024

Imprint: By Caro Blackwell, Updated 23 May 2026

We enjoyed a great and mostly sunny weekend in the Alps and then Sunday evening and Monday brought a little fresh snow. Over 2000m it snowed for most of Wednesday but below that sadly it rained. From Thursday for a few days the temperatures are dropping as cold air moves in from the north west and the freezing level is going right down.

In Val Thorens we had around 22cm of fresh snow on Wednesday over 2000m. Thursday we are currently enjoying the snow falling over 2000m during the day with a moderate westerly wind. The freezing level will drop to 1450m Thursday night and by then we should have another 27cm. On Friday we may have a little more light snowfall with temperatures hitting a low of -12°C on Friday night.

Freezing levels are down to around 500 metres until Saturday evening after then they will start rising again. A cold but sunny weekend is looking likely and after the snowfall this should make for some fabulous skiing! A little far ahead but on Monday a light to moderate snowfall is predicted although the freezing level will go up to around 2300m with much warmer air coming through.

The avalanche risk will be considerable at around 3 out of 5, after the new snowfall of Wednesday. Up at the higher levels be aware that the new snow on top of the old layer could cause some instability. As usual don’t venture off-piste without the correct kit or before checking the daily weather advisory in the resort.

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Top tips if you are coming skiing this week

Conditions are going to be changeable this week so you’ll want low light and sunny lenses
It's going to be quite cold too until after the weekend, so wrap up warm! Layers will work well this week and maybe pack a waterproof outer layer for Monday.
Bring your suntan lotion for the weekend and apply regularly, the sun in the mountains is very strong.
While the pistes are still quiet, if you head out during the lunch break between 12:00 and 14:00, it is often like having a private mountain to explore!
Saturday is the day to grab a table for lunch on a sunny terrace!
Check the avalanche risk as it's considerable at the moment and absolutely don't head off-piste if you don't have the correct and up to date information, equipment and guidance.

There's still time to take advantage of January cheaper flights and good deals on accommodation. Check out what's on in January in Val Thorens.

See all Holiday Rentals in Val Thorens See all

Updates

Scroll down to see live forecasts, lift status, links to webcams and above for real time photos from Val Thorens. We will be updating this snow report page every Thursday, so check back in with us next week to see how the pistes are doing and what you can expect from the snow forecast for the next seven days.

We need you!

If you're in Val Thorens this week, we'd love to see your images, especially videos, of what you've been up to. So when you post to Facebook or Instagram, please tag us @SeeValThorens #seevalthorens. Every week, we'll be posting our favourite videos and images here and sharing on our social media, along with our weekly resort snow report.

Enjoy the quiet slopes and good skiing, see you out there!

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.
Peclet

Location
Val Thorens

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!
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!!
Prosneige Shop Central

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.
Peclet

Location
Val Thorens

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.
Goitschel Sport IV

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

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

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.
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.
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.
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

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

Airport Transfers in Val Thorens

Private airport transfers

The 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.
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 private and shared transfers from Geneva Airport to Val Thorens, nearby areas, and resorts across the Alps. With great value fares on all journeys, it’s an easy way to save money.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.