Val Thorens Ski Holidays

Description

Val Thorens won the World’s Best Ski Resort category in the World Ski Awards 2019, and it’s not hard to see why. Val Thorens itself has 150km of pistes with 31 lifts and is part of the Three Valleys which is the largest ski area in Europe totalling over 600km of piste connected by 169 lifts.

The resort is the highest in Europe and has one of the longest seasons staying open from mid November through to early May. The idea of creating the highest resort came about in 1969 and was developed through the seventies, eventually becoming the village so well loved today attracting skiers of all ages and abilities from all over Europe and beyond.

Val Thorens is purpose built sitting at 2300m with skiing up to 3230m and it is not the most attractive of places but in recent years major efforts have be made to turn the resort into a much prettier alpine village by re-cladding existing buildings and ensuring all new construction follows a more Savoyard style.

The resort offers plenty of well located great value accommodation and is very appealing to young skiers wanting budget accommodation in a lively resort; however Val Thorens also attracts a more up market clientele with luxury accommodation and even a Michelin star restaurant.

With high snow sure skiing and the large and varied ski area, what’s not to love about Val Thorens.

Getting There

If you haven’t booked a package with all your travel included then you’re going to have to think about how you’ll get to resort. Val Thorens is an easily accessible resort, with lots of options for travel due to its close proximity to the nearest train station and also the large amount of transfer companies who can get you to resort from any of the major airports.

Fly

The most common way to get to resort is to fly, there are 4 airports which are within easy transfer distance from Val Thorens.

Geneva – 199km – 3h
Grenoble – 143km – 2h30
Chambery – 113km – 2h10
Lyon – 218km – 3h

Geneva and Lyon are open all year round and are extremely well connected from most UK and European cities. Chambery and Grenoble are only open in the winter and are where the majority of tour operators fly into but you can get independent flights here too.

Transfers from the airport

There are several companies who offer shared and private transfers to get you to and from the airport and resort. It’s recommended to check transfers arrangements before booking your flights especially if you are looking for a shared transfer as these are less regular and you don’t want to be waiting around for hours at the airport.

Alps2Alps provide private transfers from Geneva, Chambery, Grenoble and Lyon.

Alpy Bus excellent value shared and private transfers.

Ben’s Bus offer great value shared transfers from all the main airports starting at £71.25pp.

Cool Bus provide private transfers from all the main airports to resort.

Ski Lifts have been awarded the world’s best ski transfer operator in the world ski awards. They provide private and shared transfers from Geneva, Grenoble, Lyon and Chambery.

Train

Getting the train to Val Thorens is a really easy and convenient option. The nearest Eurostar station is Moutier which is approximately an hour’s drive away. The train runs from London St Pancras and Ashford in Kent to Moutiers and takes approximately 8 hours. The train runs every Saturday between December and April, and every Friday night from January to April. The train is a really good option if you have a lot of luggage to take as the generous allowance means you can take your ski and snowboard as well as two suitcases at no extra charge.

Drive

If you are planning on driving out to resort from the UK, then you can either take the channel tunnel or the ferry. The euro tunnel departs approximately every 15 minutes from Folkestone and takes 35 minutes. Prices start from £90 each way; you can book your crossing online at - https://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/home/.

The ferry runs from both Dover to Calais and Hull to Zeebrugge with P&O ferries. http://www.poferries.com/en/portal. The Dover to Calais operates up to 23 times per day and takes approximately 90 minutes. The Hull to Zeebrugge service operates overnight arriving in Calais at 845am each day.

When driving in France (or Belgium if you are taking the ferry to Zeebrugge) remember to drive on the right hand side of the road. There are several tolls on the route to resort, and the price will depend on which section of the road that you use but the total cost will be approximately €75 in total.

European travel/vehicle requirements are very strict and on-the-spot fines can be issued if you don’t have the following: headlight converters, GB sticker, warning triangle, spare bulbs, high viz vests for each passenger in the car and breathalysers.

It is important to be careful on the roads as they can become snowy and icy in certain weather conditions. It is a legal requirement in France to carry snow chains in your vehicle or police will refuse you entry to certain roads. When driving in these conditions, slow down when you encounter any snow, use high gears to avoid wheel spin, and keep moving when driving up an incline on snow.

When to Go

Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe so offers some of the most snow sure skiing in the Alps making it a popular choice all season long, in particularly for the early and late season weeks.

The resort offers plenty of good value accommodation in so you would will normally be able to grab yourself a good January or March deal whilst being able to experience some of the best skiing in the Alps.

Where to Stay

Val Thorens is a purpose built resort and is quite compact so it doesn’t really matter where you stay as everywhere is walkable and there is a free bus service running around the resort

Getting around

Bus

There is a free bus that runs a circular route in/around Val Thorens with buses every 20 minutes from 0800-2000.

If you want to venture further afield there a buses to Les Menuires and St Martin but they are less regular and only run four or five times per day. There are also buses from Meribel and Courchevel if you don’t get back in time before the last lift. These buses are also not that regular and don’t run particularly late.

Taxi

Taxis can be very expensive, for example between St Martin and Val Thorens will cost around 60 euros for the 20 minute journey. If you do plan to take a taxi then it is recommended to order in advance and agree the fee.

Cars & Parking

Val Thorens has clamped down on street parking in resort but there is plenty of covered parking available which we would recommend you book in advance. - https://www.valthoparc.fr/

Apres

Val Thorens has some of the best apres ski and nightlife in the Three Valleys:

Summit Nightclub is the highest night club in Europe. The club is open late and attracts a very British crowd

Saloon Bar is located at the top part of Val Thorens under the Les Neves Apartment block. The bar is a fantastic place to wind down after a long day skiing. The bar attracts the university crows with good music and live bands.

The Frog & Roastbeef is the highest pub in Europe and the only British Pub in resort. The bar shows all the live sport and has some of the best live bands in the Alps.

Malaysia is the largest club in the Alps. The club hosts some of the biggest events in the resort with international DJs.

Folie Douce is a famous apres bar with a large open terrace known for its wild entertainment with Dj’s, singers, dancers and musicians putting on a fantastic show.

Bar 360 is located just above the entrance of the Moriane & Portette chairlift, on the terrace outside of the Chalets the Thorens. The bar offers après ski out of the ordinary with great drink, food and music.

Cafe Snesko is a popular Danish bar and has gained recognition as one of the best apres ski bars outside Austria.

Eating out

There is plenty of choice of places to eat in Val Thorens:

L’Auberge des Balcons serves traditional Savoyard specialities. The restaurant is a great spot to stop for lunch whilst out on the slopes.

Le Vieux Chalet is a family run restaurant serving gourmet French and Savoyard dishes. The restaurant offers a warm and cosy atmosphere in a relaxing setting.

La Bouitte is located towards St Martin and serves a creative and subtle cuisine with draws inspiration from the culinary Savoyard traditions. The restaurant won its third Michelin star in 2015.

Le Diamant Noir is a gourmet restaurant with a Michelin starred chef. The restaurant is located at the top of resort in the Hotel Kohinor

Johns American Restaurant is a Danish run TEX-MEX restaurant serving American and Mexican cuisine in a friendly and warm atmosphere.

Cafe Peclet is a cosy cafe restaurant serving hearty Savoyard cuisine. They pride themselves on everything being homemade, even the fries!

La Maison serve fresh, quality products in their cosy interior and outdoor terrace.

Le Base Camp is located in the 5* Hotel Pashmina. The restaurant serves quality produce and authentic, refined dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.

Chez Pepe Nicolas is located on La Chasse piste between Les Menuires and Val Thorens. The restaurant combines contemporary cuisine with traditional Savoyard dishes with local products from the region.

Le Chalet de la Marine is a mountain restaurant located in the heart of the Val Thorens ski area. There is as both a Bistro self service restaurant and a Michelin star restaurant.

Good for Couples

Jean Sulpice

Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, 73440

Val Thorens

+33(0)4 79 40 00 71

Good for Couples

L'Epicurien

Residence Montana

Rue du Soleil, 73440

Val Thorens

+33 (0)4 79 00 21 30

Good for Family

Brasserie Val Thorens

Hotel Koh-i-Nor

Rue de Gebroulaz, 73440

Val Thorens

+33 4 79 31 00 00

Good for Family

Face West

Place de Caron, 73440

Val Thorens

+33 (0)4 79 00 05 94

Good for Friends

La Grange

Rue du Soleil, 73440

Val Thorens

+33 4 79 00 05 19

Activities

Val Thorens offers a range of activities for non skiers including:

Ice climbing Experience or beginners ice climbers can climb VTs frozen waterfalls
Helicopter Tours
Heli skiing not allowed in France but tours are
Leisure Centre – pool and spa facilities, badminton, they will open all day in bad weather!
Ice driving – Professional instructors and track
Parapenting – VT can be a bit cold for this but on a sunny day you’ll get the most amazing views!
Zip Wire – highest
in the world! Tyrolienne, 3230m up and 1.3km long
Longest toboggan run in Europe! 6km! Great fun, wouldn’t recommend for toddlers, goes from top of Peclet gondola

Dog Sledding

Immeuble Eskival, 73440

Val Thorens

+ 33 (0)4 79 22 61 55

Ice Driving and Ice Karting

Parking P3

73440

Val Thorens

+33 6 74 78 25 13

Sports Centre

Rue de Caron

Val Thorens

+33 4 79 00 00 76

Ski School

Val Thorens has a large variety of different ski schools. The schools offer both private and group lessons for all skiing/boarding abilities. Group lessons are more sociable and will normally work out cheaper however they are not normally as intense as one-to-one tuition. Most ski schools will be happy to talk though the different options available for you and asses you skiing ability to determine which class will be most suitable.

It is recommended that you pre-book your ski school in advance as availability is limited and lessons may sell out, especially if you are travelling during school holiday on a peak week (Christmas, New Year, Half Term, Easter)

New Generation has some of the best French and Italian instructors, as well as some experienced and fully qualified British ski instructors. The school teaches all levels of skiers and boarders in both group and private lessons and aim to match you to an instructor with the most suited skills or passions.

ESF have been running for over 70 years and have fully qualified English speaking instructors to help you improve for skills. ESF offers group and private lessons as well as mountain guiding for all abilities.

Maison Sport offers a wide range of ski lessons from private to group with top qualified ski and snowboard instructors.

Oxygene are the leading family-friendly English speaking ski and snowboard school in the French Alps.

Getting around

Bus

There is a free bus that runs a circular route in/around Val Thorens with buses every 20 minutes from 0800-2000.

Taxi

Cars & Parking

Val Thorens has clamped down on street parking in resort but there is plenty of covered parking available which we would recommend you book in advance. - https://www.valthoparc.fr/

Family ski

Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe so it makes a great choice for families restricted to school holiday as they can take an early Christmas break or a late Easter break where prices are more reasonable and will still have excellent snow conditions.

For families travelling to Val Thorens and looking for childcare, they can either book into a local crèche or book a private nanny in resort.

It is recommended that you book childcare in advance especially if you are travelling during school holidays as availability will be limited and you want to make sure you can secure the care you need and avoid any disappointment.

Creche Facilities

ESF offer nursery and children’s snow garden between 3 months and 4 years. The crèche is available for the younger ones and they offer an introduction to skiing from 3 years.

Private nanny companies

My Travelling Nanny is a family run specialist holiday nanny agency who match families with the perfect Travelling Nanny for their holiday.

Ski Nanny are an agency who put families and nanny’s in touch and are focused on providing nanny and babysitting services with the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

Group Ski

Val Thorens lies in the heart of the Three Valleys, the world’s largest ski area so offers a great mix of pistes suitable to abilities. Val Thorens is one of the best resorts in the Alps for partying and has a large selection of lively bars and clubs for apres ski and clubbing. Val Thorens is purpose built so it is not the most attractive resort but it does offer a good selection of budget self-catering apartments as well as a great value catered chalets, making is a popular destination for groups who are looking for a big ski area and party scene but want to keep hold on their budget.

Childcare

The French ski resort of Val Thorens offers plenty of gentle learner terrain close to the town centre, and attracts families looking for hassle-free convenience on the slopes. There are plenty of exciting non-ski activities to choose from in case the kids need a change of scenery, and the resort works brilliantly well for parents taking the children to the Alps.

Val Thorens has been awarded with the ‘Famille Plus’ label, which demonstrates the resort’s dedication to families and kids. There’s entertainment aimed at youngsters of all ages, a nursery, three kindergartens, plus adventurous facilities like toboggan runs.

The services and facilities aimed at families and kids in Val Thorens are many and varied. There’s a 6km luge run which ranks among the longest and most exciting in the Alps, though participants have to be aged 5 or over. It even operates at night time, offering outdoor thrills and spills long after the pistes have closed.

Away from the slopes, the Val Thorens Sports Centre is in the Galerie Caron – the place to come to burn off the kids’ energy if the weather takes a turn for the worse. Here, you’ll find a swimming pool with water line, fun pool with sprays and waterfalls, plus paddling pools for toddlers to play in safely. The Delir’Park offers a whole host of trampolines, bouncy castles, obstacle courses, slack-lines and ball parks for youngsters to engage, while outdoor activities that kids can enjoy in and around the valley include ice-skating and dog-sledding.

Parents looking for childcare options can turn to the diverse babysitting and nursery facilities, and the local ski schools cater for children aged 3 years plus – with a diverse range of half- or full-day services with supervised lunch options available.

The Piste

Beginners

Val Thorens caters well for beginners. There are free magic carpets and a network of nursery slopes and blues expanding from the resort centre. Due to its high altitude, snow conditions are often very good and easier for beginners to learn to ski on fresh snow as oppose to ice. In poor weather, visibility isn't the best in Val Thorens so beginners may want to head down to Les Menuires which also has an excellent beginner area.

Intermediates

Val Thorens has some excellent skiing for intermediates. From the base of the Caron bubble , skiers can head to the Boismint chair and gain access to several of the best red runs in the Three Valleys. The glacier off the Col and Glacier chair lifts also offer some excellent red runs.

Experts

Val Thorens itself has eight black runs, with the hardest arguably being the 3km long Caron run down from the Cime de Caron lift. However, the Three Valleys as a whole has 32 blacks so is ideal for experts. The resort offers some excellent off piste skiing, in particular the north-facing slopes along the main flank and the 9830m of vertical run from the top of the Sommet des Pistes.

Ski School

Equipment Hire

There are a number of hire shops in Val Thorens which provide a large selection of winter sports equipment to choose from. It is recommended to book online in advance to cut down on hassle and save you some money as the majority of stores will offer discounts for online bookings. If there is a specific ski or boot that you are keen to try out then you can call the shop in advance and see if they can reserve the item for you.

Ski Set have been providing top of the range equipment in conveniently located stores for almost 20 years. Skiset offer an array of state of the art equipment to hire, and you are able to change your skis or try a snowboard during your stay if you wish.

Skimium provide top brand equipment

Sport 2000 offer the best equipment from all major brands.

Intersport provide ski and snowboard equipment to suit all abilities.

Ski Republic offers a selection of ski and board rentals from top brands. Their products are regularly serviced and updated every season.

Precision Ski offers equipment that has been carefully selected from leading brands in mountain sports.

Lift Passes

There are three types of lift passes you can purchase in resort – the 3
Valley Pass (full area), the Belleville Valley Pass (local area) and the
Val Thorens/ Orelee Pass (resort area). The 3 Valley pass is the most
expensive and covers the whole area. The Belleville Valley pass
incorporates around 300km of piste and includes Les Menuires; and the
Val Thorens. Orelle Pass is just the local area offering 150km of piste.
Most skiers will prefer to purchase the full Three Valley pass.

6 Day Pass              Val Thorens Valley Pass      Three Valley Pass
Adult (13-64ys)       €250                                     €300
Child (5-12yrs)       €225                                     €240
Senior (65-75yrs)     €200                                     €270

Free passes are available for under 5s and over 75s, ID is required for proof of age.

Group
discounts are available for groups of two (Duo) or more (Tribu). The
discounts are only available for passes that are bought at the same
time, online for the same duration in the same ski area in a single
transaction.

6 Day Val Thorens Valley      Three Valley Pass

2 Persons Duo Pass €240 €290

(price per person)

3 Persons Tribu Pass €235 €285

(price per person)

Families can buy the Tribu pass which you can add family members to and everyone pays the same price for either 6 or 7 days.

Beginners
can purchase morning or afternoon passes for 1 day duration. The price
is 50% less than the standard rate. Three areas are included on the pass
- in the Plein Sud sector, Castor & Pollux, 2 twin covered 240m
long magic carpets (free) and the Ciarn gondola. In the Peclet sector,
Musaraigne and Campagnols, two 200m long magic carpets (free), Roc drage
lift (free), 2 lacs and the Caron cable car.

You can pre-book
your lift pass online from the Val Thorens lift pass office.
Alternatively, you can book your pass through the tour operator that
you’re staying with who will deliver the pass to your accommodation for
you when you arrive. This is generally the easiest method of doind it as
you don’t have to worry about the hassle of going to pick it up and can
get out onto the slopes on your first day.