Val Thorens

France | Región: Northern Alps

Val Thorens is much more than just a ski resort: it is a lively village, buzzing with energy, where exceptional natural surroundings, top-quality winter sports and a warm, friendly atmosphere come together. Located at an altitude of 2,300 metres, it offers a unique setting where the pure, invigorating air is perfect for relaxation and getting back into shape.

Just below the eternal snows, a spectacular landscape unfolds before you, with crystal-clear lakes, clear skies and bright light at all hours of the day. The jagged peaks outline the horizon like a natural work of art, while the flower-filled valleys bear witness to the vitality of the Alpine mountains. Here you will encounter free-roaming wildlife and lush flora, revealing the ecological richness of this setting perched at the top of the Alps. This atmosphere, both authentic and grandiose, makes Val Thorens an unforgettable place for skiers, hikers and contemplative types alike.

Whether you are a snow sports enthusiast or a nature lover, this resort offers a pure and rejuvenating experience in every season.

The Val Thorens ski area

Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe and the highest point in the 3 Vallées area, itself the largest ski area in the world with 600 kilometres of slopes. Located in the heart of a large natural cirque dominated by six glaciers, the Val Thorens ski area offers a multitude of slopes where you can enjoy the sun all day long and ski to your heart’s content.

Les 3 Vallées ski area map (c) Les 3 Vallées

Between powder snow fields and perfectly groomed slopes, the huge Val Thorens ski area offers something for everyone, whatever your preferences, ability or mood (relaxed, sporty, musical, festive, etc.): downhill skiing, ski touring, snowboarding, telemark skiing, snowshoeing and, above all, the longest toboggan run in France, offering 6 kilometres of pure downhill fun lasting 45 minutes! The resort is part of the huge 3 Vallées ski area, with the Cime Caron peak at over 3,200 metres above sea level.

Known for the quality of its snow cover, which will still allow skiing in 2050, and its modern ski lifts, the resort is a true paradise for winter sports. The ski area, which is over 99% above 2,000 metres, offers exceptional snow and skiing conditions. Thanks to the resort’s proximity, you can step out of your ski lift and onto the slopes.

Val Thorens – Orelle ski resort

An ideal playground for mountain enthusiasts, the area offers exceptional landscapes such as the grandiose and legendary Péclet glacier or ‘the most beautiful view of the Alps’, which, according to the Michelin Green Guide, is located at the summit of Cime Caron. An extraordinary 360º panorama of more than 1,000 French, Swiss and Italian Alpine peaks. Discover the different ski pass options for the three areas accessible from the resort: Val Thorens – Orelle (150 km of slopes), the Belleville Valley (300 km of slopes) and Les Trois Vallées (600 km of slopes).

At the Val Thorens ski resort, the other vast domain is that of entertainment and leisure activities. The best and most varied cosmopolitan and multicultural atmospheres, always warm and welcoming, are offered by people who know how to make you feel at home.

Relaxed, lively and colourful, you will find everything you would expect in a town in a village atmosphere: a sports centre, shopping, 40 bars and 60 restaurants, the largest nightclub in the Alps and live concerts every week.

Thanks to improvements to the Orelle cable car, the access stairs to the platform have been removed and replaced with an easier and more pleasant ramp, and a lift has been installed for people with reduced mobility.

Orelle is a great destination for tailor-made skiing!

Once a week, Orelle offers you the privilege of opening the ski area with the ski patrollers. You will learn everything you ever wanted to know about behind the scenes from our professionals. And to get the day off to a good start, you will enjoy the most beautiful panoramic breakfast of your holiday at the summit. Orelle is a gateway to the largest ski area in the world.

Fun fact: did you know that every year at the end of winter, the Dutch gather in Val Thorens for ‘Deutch Week’ to celebrate the Queen’s birthday?

The Val Thorens ski resort is committed to sustainable development

Various resorts, including Val Thorens, have signed a letter in which they commit to managing and developing their winter facilities in a sustainable manner,

CREATING THE LOWEST POSSIBLE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND MANAGING YOUR ELECTRICITY EFFICIENTLY.

The letter sets out the principles of sustainable development and organisation for resorts, citing transport, energy, water, agriculture, nature conservation and environmental protection.

The resort is also committed to exemplary sustainable development. In partnership with other Alpine resorts, Val Thorens is working to limit its environmental impact by optimising energy, water and waste management, promoting soft transport and integrating its infrastructure harmoniously into the natural landscape. These efforts guarantee an environmentally friendly experience while maintaining ideal conditions for winter sports. These commitment plans may evolve to take into account new legislation and regulations.

Unforgettable experiences in Val Thorens

Beyond skiing, Val Thorens offers a range of unforgettable activities that will delight all visitors. Among them, ice karting is a highlight: imagine challenging your friends on an icy track, at the wheel of an easy-to-handle kart, for a session full of adrenaline and fun. This experience is accessible to all and offers thrills in complete safety, in a spectacular setting.

The world’s highest mega zip line

For lovers of speed and extreme thrills, the resort also offers the chance to launch yourself down the world’s highest mega zip line. Suspended between Orelle and Val Thorens, you can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h. You can glide over the snow-capped peaks and admire the breathtaking scenery.

Val Thorens mountain resort in summer

If you’re feeling brave, you can ride the mini roller coaster at the station. You can hurtle down 1,000 metres of track at high speed. This activity is reserved for the most daring! You can also organise sessions at the shooting range. Test your accuracy with archery! You don’t need a lot of strength to shoot a bow, but you do need to be able to concentrate and control yourself, aim and hit the target…

One of the activities on offer is buggy rides. These will allow you to discover the mountains in a different way by taking one of the daily tours suitable for the whole family. Buggy excursions for 2, 3, 4 or 6 people with qualified guides so that you can enjoy the activity in complete safety and peace of mind.

In the valley of the Val Thorens resort, there are fantastic rivers where you can enjoy white water activities such as rafting, even if you have no previous experience. You will discover the famous rapids of the world canoeing and kayaking championships.

In addition to all the activities already mentioned, you can enjoy many others such as paintball, mountain biking, hiking and even multi-adventure parks full of activities to do.

Webcams of the Val Thorens ski resort

If you would like to see the current conditions at the ski resort and its natural surroundings, you will find real-time webcams of Val Thorens below.

Val Thorens

Ski school

Hotels in Val Thorens

Hotel Alberta ***

The 3-star Hotel Alberta offers rooms in Val Thorens, just a few minutes’ walk from the ski slopes. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom and include a terrace or balcony to enjoy the exceptional views. In addition, a continental breakfast is served every morning at the hotel to help you start the day with energy. If you want to spend a few days relaxing and enjoying the snow in the most comfortable way possible, this is the hotel for you.

Hotel Le Sherpa ***

The 3-star Hotel Sherpa is located just a few metres from the ski slopes of Val Thorens. This traditional mountain hotel has a bar and ski storage. The rooms at the Sherpa combine contemporary décor with a chalet style and are fully equipped. Some also offer mountain views. A buffet breakfast is available every morning. There is also an à la carte restaurant serving regional dishes and wines. In fine weather, the hotel has a terrace where you can enjoy the view.

Hotel Le Val Chavière ***

The Hotel Le Val Chavière is located in the centre of the Val Thorens ski resort. It offers a traditional restaurant, a bar and a large terrace where you can enjoy sunny days. The rooms also have a balcony with mountain views. A buffet breakfast is served. A set menu of five courses is also available every day and there is a fondue evening once a week. In addition, the hotel offers access to the slopes and ski pass sales, a ski room and a safe. This area is the starting point for many hiking trails, ideal for those who don’t want to ski.

Skiing in Val Thorens: the resort’s highlights

Access to one of the largest ski areas in the world, ‘Los 3 Valles’.
Very modern ski lifts that allow you to cross huge slopes in just a few minutes.
One of the best black runs in the Alps, the Caron run.
A multitude of family-friendly activities 365 days a year. Don’t miss the ‘Bee Flying’ zip line, which descends 1,800 metres!
A wide variety of accommodation close to the ski slopes. You will also find some where you can ski from the same entrance.
Beginners’ slopes accessible from the lower part of the resort.
Ski and snowboard schools with experienced instructors for beginners.

Tips from the I Love Ski community for skiing in Val Thorens

Here are some recommendations based on real experiences from skiers, forums, and expert reviews to help you get the most out of your stay in Val Thorens:

Choose accommodation with direct access to the slopes

In Val Thorens, most of the accommodation is ski-in/ski-out, which is a huge luxury: it allows you to go straight out skiing without having to travel anywhere. Whenever possible, prioritize accommodation at the foot of the slopes.

Start the day at high altitude

The first rays of the day offer good snow quality and less wind at higher altitudes (Caron at 3,200 meters, Pico Péclet). Plus, if it has snowed, you’ll be the first to leave your tracks on many meters of slopes.

Plan your connections between valleys

Take advantage of the connection with Orelle to access less traveled areas and routes with quiet centers. But keep in mind the closing times: some connections in the Three Valleys close early, and you wouldn’t be the first or the last to get stuck in another valley without knowing what to do. The official real-time trail map is essential.

Long descents at the right times

Long slopes such as Les Cascades are ideal for leisurely descents and enjoying the scenery.

Use the official Valtho app

Download the official Val Thorens / 3 Vallées app to see which lifts and slopes are open in real time and plan safe routes. This is key on windy days or in bad weather.

Less crowded days

Avoid school vacation periods (French, British) if you are looking for clearer slopes. At these times, consider starting in less popular areas of the domain (Orelle, upper part of the Three Valleys) to escape the crowds.

Freeride with caution and a local guide

Val Thorens has access to off-piste areas and routes between valleys. However, don’t venture onto unfamiliar slopes without a guide: snow conditions, avalanche risk, and accessibility change every season.