So over the years Val Thorens has had it’s ups and downs. The surrounding peaks make for a stunning skyline but in a blizzard, the resort can be a little bleak and back in the 70’s Val Thorens started adding in their ‘ugly apartment blocks’ which was described as ‘like living in Croydon’.
But give credit where it is due, they have recently invested large amounts of money in developing new and stylish apartment blocks making it more sophisticated like its sister resorts, Courchevel and Meribel.
It is also one of the first resorts to install WiFi on the slopes, with WiFi access in 18 ski lift stations and it was the first resort with FIBRE OPTIC! Making connecting on the mountain a lot quicker, though the views are far better outside than on your phone. Click here to understand more about Val Thorens.
Val Thorens is not only the highest resort in the giant Trois Vallées ski area (including Courchevel and Méribel), but the highest in Europe!
The high altitude slopes offer November to May snow, so if you are a bit worried about snow conditions then this is the place to be this season… There’s already a thick base of snow and the resort doesn’t open until 23rd November this year! (2019-20).
List of 10 ski lift stations equipped with free Wi-Fi:
- Péclet Funitel
- Plein Sud Chair Lift
- Les Pionniers Chair-Gondola Lift
- La Moraine Chair Lift
- Portette Chair Lift
- 3 Vallées Funitel
- Les Plateaux Ski Tow
- La Cime de Caron Cable Car
- Cairn Cable Car
- Rosaël Chair Lift (little extra: you can also connect from the Chinal Donat Chalet terrace)
- Forum
- Olympiades
- Montana
Find your bearings using this resort map and Val Thorens piste map.
Top 3 Recommended Places to Stay
As mentioned previously Val Thorens have invested a huge amount of cash into developing new and stylish apartment blocks making it more sophisticated and moving away from its previous reputation. Here are a few examples of our recommended self-catered apartments with a cheeky discount too:
5* Residence Koh I nor
The self-catered apartments in the 5-star Koh-I Nor complex offer unbeatable luxury. You will be able to the Spa facilities after a hard day skiing with their two swimming pools, a sauna, fitness room, hammam, Jacuzzi, experience showers, salt wall, ice fountain, relaxation area and terrace.
With direct access to the blue ‘Plein Sud’ piste, you can be sure to return home with relative ease, ready to make the most of your evenings at the Koh-I Nor and Val Thorens beyond.
For more information on the available apartments, prices, resort information or just a chat about skiing, get in touch with our ski experts.
4* Residence Hameau du Kashmir
Located at the entrance of the resort offering its guests a great position at the foot of the slopes. Here you can enjoy uninterrupted, panoramic views and get the best of the sunshine.
Beds are made upon arrival, room and bath towel per person provided, along with a midweek towel change, hotel formula including daily cleaning and towel change can be booked and at time of booking.
5* Montana Plein Sud Val Thorens
A ski in, ski out apartment in the heart of Val Thorens. The residence also boasts the spa ‘Les Bains du Montana’ containing an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna and hammam the perfect way to unwind after a long days skiing.
If you would like to know more about our Val Thorens Apartments and what we can offer you, click on the button below or browse here
Ski Ability
Now I have been here three times over the last 5 years and if you want a terrain that is suitable for everyone, from beginners to experts. It really does have it all for all needs. So from my experience here are my top recommend run for all abilities.
Advanced
Combe de Caron, Black run
Take the Cime Caron cable car with its legendary panoramic cabins. A spectacular show awaits you at the summit: at an altitude of 3,200 metres, take a 360° tour of the horizon over more than 1000 summits in the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. After a fresh layer of snow, this is one of my favourites!
Intermediate
Médaille & Rhodos, Red run
This run is good for powder skiing. Go up the Grand Fond Funitel up to the Col de Rosaël at 3,000 metres and enjoy the magical panoramic views. Follow the signs to La Médaille, a North-facing Red run which enjoys the exceptional snow. This is a long and rolling run is a great environment for expressing yourself through your skis. Keep following the Rhodos run which offers pure joy.
Newbie
Rond Point
Gentle slopes which are ideal for complete beginners to get used to sliding a few metres. It’s where most ski lessons with ski schools start too, with meeting points for group lessons for adults, children, and snowboarding, and for private lessons.
Val Thorens makes a great base from which to explore as much as you can of the ski area’s 600km of linked pistes. However, bear in mind that a journey from Val Thorens to the far corners of the Trois Vallées, say to Courchevel, is a full day out, with more time spent on lifts and paths than on the pistes. It makes sense to concentrate on and enjoy the myriad slopes closer to home.
Apres Ski / Nightlife
Folie Douce – Notorious for its champagne popping, table dancing and live music apres. This is always worth a visit, especially on a sunny day as the sun stays on Folie most of the afternoon. Here’s a tip, have a late lunch at Folie and that way you will be more guaranteed a table for apres.
The Roy Bar – If you want to be surrounded by a large central fireplace, comfortable furniture and a place where you relax and chat, The Roy Bar is perfect for you. Also at the crossroads of the restaurant, the library and the lobby, this bar has an atmosphere that is perfect for an after-ski reunion or a nightcap before dark. There is musical entertainment almost every evening.
Cafe Snesko – Ideal for those who love to party and sing at the top of their voice. It guarantees a good time, with live music every night including crazy Danish folk music mixed with English sing-along classics! Don’t get too close to the bar in any flammable fancy dress as they do have a habit of setting it on fire…check out how the Scandinavians really party!
Malaysia – If you are here to party then you will have to check out Malaysia. You can guarantee to get some of the biggest name DJ’s passing through and watch out for the moving walls to make the inside space even bigger. They also love to impress their guests with the odd fire show.
How to get here?
These are your best options to consider when looking to ski in Val Thorens. For further assistance call 020 7788 8887.
- Nearest airport: Chambéry, 90 minutes (122km),
- Geneva two hours, 30mins (200km).
- Nearest train station: Moûtiers 45 minutes (37km).
A regular shuttle bus runs from the train station to Les Menuires and Val Thorens
It might not be the most beautiful of resorts, but you can’t knock what it has to offer.
If you would like more assistance or accommodation advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our Val Thorens experts or simply search our website below!