If you're looking for a more gentle walking route and trail in the beautiful mountains of Val Thorens, there are plenty that you can choose from that have an easier terrain and shorter distance.
Gentle Walking Routes in Val Thorens
The bus service in Val Thorens will connect you to Les Menuires and Saint Martin de Belleville, so it's easy to get around to the various routes starting points and to lifts that give you access to the numerous gentle walks. Using the lifts eliminates a large amount of walking time, and will allow you to take a more gentle stroll at high altitude without having to do the often strenuous big hike to get up.
Summer passes give you the option to get on these lifts and with a much reduced price from the winter season you can set off on your gentle walk with ease. The lift system also allows for you to be easily transported back down to the resort, whizzing you down in cases of bad weather, tiredness or injury.
Below are a couple of suggestions for some gentle walks and hikes in Val Thorens, many of the gentle routes start in Les Menuires or Saint Martin de Belleville, so all you need to do is hop on a bus from Val Thorens. There are many more routes to choose from so pick up a guide or map from a magasin or information point to explore some of the other routes.
Walk 1 - Circuit des Lacs
Starting point: Rue du Slalom
Duration: 1h30
Starting at Rue du Slalom this walk will take you in a loop around some of the mountain lakes. With lovely views and mountain lakes, you can experience the mountains in all their glory. This easy route is great for people who would prefer a walk with an easier terrain and shorter distance. This walk is labelled IGN19 on the walking map.
Walk 2 - Les Pas de Cherferie
Starting point: Top of the St Martin 2 lift
Duration: 3h
This lovely gentle and easy walk starts at high altitude and then takes you down to the Saint Martin de Belleville town, where you start by getting on the St Martin lift, easily accessible via bus from Val Thorens. From the top of the St Martin 2 lift, after taking in the beautiful mountain views, head down the path that goes under the lift. Further down the path will move away from the lift taking you on a trail with lovely alpine scenery. Continue along this path until you reach the top of the St Martin 1 lift. From here, keep heading down the path and you will hit a fork where you can either take the left or the right, both ways will take you back down into Saint Martin de Belleville. This lovely walk takes around three hours with beautiful views and wildlife along the way.
What to see
Sights in Val Thorens
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Vanoise National Park
Vanoise National Park
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Val Thorens
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L'Adray Telebar Restaurant
Charming mountain restaurant with traditional Savoyard flavours and sunny terrace
Immerse yourself in the warm and authentic world of their restaurant Le Télébar, a true tribute to traditional Savoyard cuisine. Here, they invite you to discover homemade dishes, carefully prepared using local and quality ingredients.
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Le Chalet de Pierres Restaurant
Indulge in fine, traditional and local cuisine at this piste-side Courchevel institution
This authentic Savoyard restaurant welcomes you with a variety of fine-dining possibilities for your lunch break in the Courchevel Valley.
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Favela Bar and Restaurant
Welcome to Favela – Val Thorens' Latin American street food and party spot
Favela is Val Thorens’ go-to destination for Latin American street food and lively après-ski fun. Situated on the resort’s famous bar street, it’s the perfect spot to relax, eat, drink, and soak up the vibrant mountain atmosphere.
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La Soucoupe Restaurant
Romantically rustic traditional restaurant at the top of the Loze lift
Located at the top of La Loze, this romantically rustic restaurant serves up quality cuisine with meats cooked on the open fire. A very warm and friendly atmosphere.
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Village Igloo aperitif and dinner
Traditional fondue dinner or aperitif in an Igloo, suitable for all the family
A dining experience like no other! A spectacular and unique 180m2 ice grotto, bar, restaurant and mini hotel in Val Thorens, where you'll enjoy a typical Savoyard cheese fondue or aperitif in a unique setting.
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Beca Restaurant
A fine dining restaurant set in elegant surroundings serving reworked and imaginative classic dishes
Well known throughout the resort, this restaurant offers fine dining, and is recognised as one of the leading restaurants of the Alps.
What to do
Things To Do in Val Thorens
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Village Igloo aperitif and dinner
Traditional fondue dinner or aperitif in an Igloo, suitable for all the family
A dining experience like no other! A spectacular and unique 180m2 ice grotto, bar, restaurant and mini hotel in Val Thorens, where you'll enjoy a typical Savoyard cheese fondue or aperitif in a unique setting.
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Rafting In The Alps
Half and full day white water rafting for all abilities from eight years-old
White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
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Hydrospeeding
Half-day white water swimming/hydrospeeding. This is fast, fun and unforgettable
This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
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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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Raquette Nature
Raquette Nature
Explore the natural surroundings of Val Thorens on snow shoes
Discover the beauty of the untouched natural mountains on snow shoes.













