Val Thorens Non Ski Activities
Val Thorens, like all other ski resorts, is mainly about skiing, but the Val Thorens non ski activities scene is huge!
If you fancy a day off the slopes, here is a great selection of activities for you. If you are staying in a local hotel, be sure to check with reception for additional activities and excursions to discounts that may be available on the activities below.
Zip Lines
The zip line runs from Orelle to Val Thorens at speeds of over 100km/h. The 1,300m of gliding takes around 1 minute 45 seconds to reach the top of the Bouchet chair lift from the highest point in the 3 Valleys at 3,230m. It’s the highest zip line in Europe and well worth the effort of doing something besides skiing on your next ski break.
There’s also a zipline right into the centre of Val Thorens town. A 1,600m long flight you can strap your skis to your back and fly down just 65m above the ski run below. It’s a tandem line (two lines) so you can go down two at a time – a little more social, let the race commence! Definitely a novel way to download if your legs are a little tired.
Mountain biking
Not had enough thrills and spills on the mountain and want to try something new?
At an altitude of 3000m, at the foot of the Peclet glacier, you can hurtle down the Tete Ronde blue run experiencing a 700m height drop.
Departure is at 5 pm every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, accompanied by an after the slopes have closed, Gerald Bigot a state qualified instructor.
You will learn how to control your bike, position yourself and be turning and braking techniques, during the 45 minute (6km) run at nightfall.
At the bottom of the run, you will be presented with a well-deserved warming glass of mulled wine!
€40 per decent with a valid ski pass (€50 without a ski pass)
Groups of 5-10
All equipment provided – bike & protection
Ice driving
Love driving, love ice skating…..why not combine them and try out Val Thorens Drivers’ School?!
Discover the highest ice-racing track in Europe for a guaranteed adrenaline rush.
You will experience steering, countersteering and braking amongst numerous techniques, all under the watchful eye of a trained professional, so you are sure to be in safe hands.
Track spec: altitude 2200m, length 760m width 10 – 12m, circuit officially recognised to welcome the ‘Trophee Andros’ races.
Paragliding
Tired of having your feet firmly on the ground and want to try something new on your ski holiday?
Why not discover Val Thorens from a height, soaring above the ski runs and snow-capped mountains and experiencing nothing but silence and the freedom of flying.
If you have ever thought about paragliding but never had the chance, now is the time – the views over the beautiful Vallée des Belleville are worth every penny! All instructors are state-certified
Tobogganing
A family favourite when it comes to Val Thorens non ski activities. This is like no other sledge run you have ever experienced before – rediscover your childhood on the longest toboggan track in France.
You get to experience the spectacular views of the snowy mountains as well as experience plenty of adrenaline, hilarity and surprises en route to the finish.
The 6km track starts at the foot of the imposing Glacier de Peclet at 3000m; you will then hurtle down the freshly groomed course featuring banked and tight angled turns.
The track in open daily from 10am-3pm or experience an evening descent, culminating in warming vin chaud.
Accessible from the Funitel Peclet.
The toboggan run now has a space them ‘ the Cosmojet’, where you can set off in search of a new planet over the course of the 6km run full of surprises and scientific facts. Supposedly tested and approved by Nasa astronauts – what more could you want in a toboggan run?
Suitable both adults and children.
Daily 10am-3pm as well as Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings 5-6pm
€14.50 for a daytime descent or €22.50 for evenings (free for children 5-10yrs on an adult’s sledge)
Booking – same day at the Chalet du Toboggan
For the little ones over 2 years, there is a free, safe and secure ‘baby Fun’ toboggan area in the Place Caron in the middle of the resort.
In addition, there is a specially designed 250m toboggan run for 6-10-year-olds featuring banked turns and a 45m vertical drop.
No one needs to miss out on this classic alpine experience!
Snowshoeing
Val Thorens isn’t all about the skiing and extreme activities; there is also an abundance of breathtaking nature walks.
Snowshoeing is the perfect way to get out and enjoy the mountain scenery and fresh air, as well as build up a healthy appetite for some hearty Savoyard cuisine!
Snowshoes or ‘raquettes’ are available to hire from most ski shops and the ESF also runs guided tours to several local places of interest. We have many apartments that offer ski-in ski-out location which is perfect for snowshoeing right up to your door.
Sports centre
Val Thorens has a well-equipped sports centre with over 7,500sqm on indoor fun. Facilities include indoor tennis, squash, badminton and football, in addition to 2 swimming pools, gym and spa area.
The latter also has a Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna as well as offering body and face treatments.
A children’s fun park will keep the little ones amused with trampolines, bouncy castle and other safe fun activities.
Open 7 days a week
10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 22:00 and nonstop in bad weather
Swimming pool closes at 20:30
Ice Diving
Probably not something you’d do every day. Or have even thought about in the past. But it’s definitely an experience you won’t be forgetting any time soon.
You dive in the lake Lac du Lou in the lower regions of Val Thorens and Les Menuires. You’ll have 20 minutes under the ice and all equipment is provided. Included a complete dry suit meaning you won’t have contact with the freezing water but be warm inside your suit.
Plus as an added bonus you get to snowshoe to the lake, approx 40 minute walk which is an experience in itself.
You’ll head under the ice with the hypnotising light streams pouring through from above and your own bubbles getting caught on the ice above. It’s certainly an experience like no other and one we’d heavily recommend. You must be over the age of 16 and the whole thing costs €180 with Evolution 2.
Snow mobile
Always a popular trip, you’ll get a tour of the slopes around Val Thorens by snow mobile. You can ride solo or in pairs depending on how comfortable you feel with the driving.
A great way to see the ski area under the moonlight and starry skies. Super warm clothing is essential and not provided, decent gloves and shoes are heavily recommended.
The trips usually start around 17:30 but there are also later options at 18:45 or 19:55 and children must be 8 years or older.
€140 for a snow mobile for 1 or 2 people – more information can be found here.
We hope you found The Val Thorens Events & Activities post helpful. If you plan to leave the kids behind, be sure to check out the local childcare services.
Discover the best ski runs, best accommodation in resort and key information about Val Thorens here.
If you would like more assistance or accommodation advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our holiday experts.