Val Thorens: The Highest Ski Resort in Europe

Giorgi Tsereteli, 13 Nov 2023

Situated at 2,300 meters in the French Alps, France, Val Thorens prides itself on being the highest ski resort in Europe. It is part of the Three Valleys ski area, with more than 600 kilometers of pistes open for all classes of skiers. Long ski seasons, luxurious accommodation, and après-ski parties make this resort popular among international ski lovers due to its powder skiing, amenities, and panoramic views of the Alps.

Where Is Val Thorens?

Val Thorens is a commune in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. Pisted at the head of the Belleville Valley, the resort forms part of the famous Three Valleys-the biggest linked ski area on the globe.

It is easily accessible from the nearby town of Moutiers, approximately 37 kilometers away, where many visitors arrive either by train or car before continuing their journey to Val Thorens. For those flying in, several airports serve the region, making Val Thorens very convenient for international travelers.

Val Thorens: The Summit of Skiing Excellence

Val Thorens: The Summit of Skiing Excellence

Here are a few insider tips to remember as you plan your skiing holiday at Val Thorens

  1. High Altitude offers longer Ski Season in Val Thorens. Val Thorens Snow Conditions are usually pretty good.
  2. Enthusiastic Skiers can enjoy fantastic views from the pretty village of Val Thorens.
  3. Enthusiastic Skiers can enjoy fantastic views from the pretty village of Val Thorens.
  4. You may get out to sample the grub after your skiing/snowboarding activities.
  5. With some good skiing and snowboarding tips for Val Thorens, you will have an excellent skiing holiday.
  6. Val Thorens is not only the site of ski activities but also relaxation on the side, with its saunas and spa services.
  7. Val Thorens also has numerous festivals, so keep an eye on those calendars.
  8. After all, it is one of the best resorts in the French Alps. Nightlife, bars, and restaurants in Val Thorens await for your joy.

So, how do get to Val Thorens?

Nearest Airports to Val Thorens

The main airports that give access to Val Thorens include Chambery Airport, Geneva Airport, Lyon-St Exupéry Airport, Grenoble-Isère Airport, and Turin Airport.

  • Geneva Airport is about 202 km from Val Thorens. It is a fairly regular airport for international visitors who travel in the area because of the many international flights.
  • Lyon-St Exupéry is the alternative for those who like the airport to be nearer; in fact, it lies about 199 km from Val Thorens. It will also be a great connection, especially for people coming from most parts of Europe and some other parts of the world.
  • Another option for visitors would be Grenoble-Isère Airport. It lies about 195 km from Val Thorens and it is very good for domestic flights within France or flights arriving from the UK.
  • Chambery is the airport nearest Val Thorens in respect of distance. While it might be rather small compared with some others, Chambery has a very good connection with the UK and even domestic routes within France too.
  • Another entrance to Val Thorens is Turin Airport in Italy, also known as Aeroporto di Torino-Caselle. It lies 125 km away from Orelle, a ski station located not far from Val Thorens. 

Transfer Times

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    Chambéry Airport: The transfer time to Val Thorens is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

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    Geneva Airport: The transfer time to Val Thorens is roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes.

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    Lyon Airport: The transfer time to Val Thorens is around 2 hours and 35 minutes.

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    Grenoble Airport: The transfer time to Val Thorens is approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes.

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    Turin Airport: The transfer to Orelle takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, followed by an additional hour via ski lifts to reach Val Thorens.

Val Thorens Season Dates 2024/25

Val Thorens, one of the highest ski resorts in Europe and always one of the first to open, opens on November 23, 2024. Ski and snowboard for a whole five months in this alpine paradise.

The 3 Vallées area will be open from December 7, 2024, onwards, giving you access to 600 km of pistes.

Closing Dates: An exact date on which the resorts close is that Val Thorens will remain open until May 4th, 2025, whereas the 3 Valleys will be available until April 21st, 2025. 

Why Choose Val Thorens?

Magic of Snow – Only in Val Thorens

Magic of Snow – Only in Val Thorens

Val Thorens is an iconic winter destination for everyone-from the adrenalin junkie to the 'just wetting my toes' beginner. With top-notch graded snow, ski slopes of all categories, and an après-ski scene, this indeed has become one of the premier resorts in the Alps.

Skiing for All Levels

Val Thorens is part of the Espace Killy ski area, with a total of more than 300 kilometers of pistes. From complete beginner areas of gentle slopes to challenging black runs for the experts, there's something to test your skills and thrill you. The terrain is so varied that it is simply a haven for skiers of every level.

Beginners' Paradise

A Beginner? Val Thorens is an ideal place in which to make your first steps in the snow. Wide, gentle slopes around the village allow you to practice in complete safety, with a number of green and easy blue runs to build up confidence. Ski schools are among the best in France, expertly helping you along with the basics.

For Intermediates

For intermediate skiers, Val Thorens features several red and blue runs that will make your day. Long, wide slopes, such as "Solaise" and "Piste L", are perfect for those who need to stretch their legs and work on perfecting their turns. You'll never get enough of the well-groomed runs through stunning Alpine views.

Some of the top runs at this level include:

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    Arcelle: A beautiful, long red, serpentine through picturesque landscapes.

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    OK: A brilliant blue piste, perfect for those wanting a quick but comfortable descent.

Advanced Skiing

If you're feeling up for a challenge, look no further than Val Thorens. The resort hosts some of the most difficult black runs in Europe and endless off-piste. For experts, the famous Face de Bellevarde is a must-do run: steep and technical in nature, this black run plays host to various World Cup races.

Other advanced level top runs include:

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    La Forêt: A black run that carves through a pretty forest before dropping you down some seriously steep stuff.

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    Le Tunnel: A proper legend of a run; you ski down, pop through a narrow little tunnel, and then fly down amongst moguls and steep drops.

Family-Friendly Fun

Val Thorens has something for everyone, not just hardcore skiers. Equally suited to families, the gentle nursery slopes and dedicated children's areas provide a safe space for little ones to learn. Fun parks and gentle blue slopes are perfect for older kids.

Off-Slope Adventures

Val Thorens is so much more than just a ski resort. From ice skating to dog sledding, from indoor climbing to paragliding, the list of activities is endless to amuse all. After a day out on the slopes, relax in one of the many spas or enjoy a meal in one of the town's fine restaurants.

For fun with the family, try:

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    Le Snowpark: Area for kids to try small jumps and tricks.

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    Aquasportif Centre: Indoor sports complex with pools, a climbing wall, and wellness area.

A Place for Friends

Organizing a trip with friends? Val Thorens is about to become your ultimate playground of parties, with its après-ski scene rivaling many in the Alps. If anyone needs a lesson in dancing on the tables after a day on the slopes, it's La Folie Douce. Otherwise, things can be a bit more chilled-out, snuggling up in one of the town's groovily designed bars or engaging in some light, pleasant competition on ice.

Fun Activities to Do in Val Thorens

Val Thorens, a top winter sports destination, offers adrenaline-fueled activities besides skiing.

Val Thorens - Where Dreams Come True

Val Thorens - Where Dreams Come True

Bee Flying

  • Opening hours: 9:45 am to 4 pm daily
  • Minimum height: 1.40 meters
  • Minimum age: 14 years

Suspended 65m above the ground & stretching 1,800m across alpine scenery, the Bee Flying double zip line is a must for thrill-seekers. You & a buddy can soar through the mountain air, side-by-side, while taking in snow-clad peaks or lush greenery. It costs €40, operates throughout the year, and offers varying experiences in its seasons. Riders during winter buzz through snowy vistas, visitors in summer pass over vibrant alpine meadows.

Bouchet Zip Line

  • Opening hours: 10 am to 4:45 pm daily
  • Weight requirement: 40 kg minimum, 120 kg maximum
  • Starting point: Top of the Bouchet-Orelle chairlift

Zip line at Bouchet offers higher solo adventure. Starting at 3,200 meters, you glide over Glacier du Bouchet at 100 km/h. Ride covers 1,300 meters with snow-covered views. Ticket: €55, available for ages 8 to 88, promises 1 min 30 sec of adrenaline.

Stay Overnight in an Igloo

  • Price includes: Snowshoe walk, dinner, and breakfast
  • What to bring: Warm clothing, gloves, and a beanie

Make your night special in Igloo Val Thorens. Welcome to Igloo Village with ice beds covered by warm duvets and animal skins. Your night-over price includes snowshoe walking, dinner with fondue and wine, and breakfast. The temperature inside is around 0°C but in thermal clothes, you will not feel cold at all. Cost: around €150 per person, leaving you with lasting memories.

Ice Climbing

  • Price includes: All equipment (ice axes, crampons, etc.)
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Providers: Evolution 2 and Maison des guides

Ice climbing tests physical endurance and mental strength. Scaling frozen waterfalls with ice axes and crampons guided by professionals is thrilling. The view from the top is spectacular. The adventure lasts four hours, exploring Val Thorens' rugged wilderness. Evolution 2 and Maison des guides offer this unique experience.

Cosmojet Toboggan Run

  • Opening hours: Tues-Fri: 12:15 pm to 4 pm, Mon-Sun: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Evening hours: Tues-Fri: 4:45 pm to 6 pm
  • Duration: 45 minutes
  • Ticket includes: Chairlift and sled

Looking for fun at Cosmojet Toboggan Run? This 6-kilometer ride of thrill down snowy slopes is suitable for adults and kids from 5-plus upwards. Tickets include a chairlift to start the ride, plus evening runs for nighttime adventure.

Fat Biking

  • Opening hours: 3 pm to 5 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm daily
  • Duration: 45 minutes
  • Price includes: Bike and protective gloves

Fat Biking on snow pushes mountain biking to a whole new level in Val Thorens. These bikes are specially designed with oversize tires and electrical assistance to help negotiate the snowy slopes. It's a day bike or joining a night ride; this activity offers a descent from an altitude of 3,000 meters, with guaranteed thrills. ESF offers a number of sessions, including one 4-hour evening ride that includes a fondue dinner.

Val Thorens Resorts – Villages

Val Thorens Resorts – Villages

Val Thorens Resorts – Villages

Val Thorens is part of the Three Valleys network that's connected with Méribel, Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, and Orelle - one of the most significant ski areas in the world. 

Val Thorens Villages

Overview: Located at 2,300 meters, Val Thorens is proud to boast of its height as the highest ski resort in Europe.

Altitude: Its altitude guarantees good snow conditions throughout the season.

Skiing: The valley has 150 km of local slopes and is interconnected to the Three Valleys. This allows Val Thorens to satiate any skier's appetite. 

Top Restaurant: If you want fine dining, then La Maison is one great place to head toward. Perched on the mountaintop, this bistro offers gourmet French cuisine along with spectacular Alpine views-a dream way to end a day on the slopes.

Where to Stay: The Altapura Hotel boasts modern Nordic design, one of the best spas around, and faultless service-all a short walk from the ski lifts. And to make getting to the slopes even easier, there's a hotel transfer service.

Les Menuires

Overview: Les Menuires is a very family-oriented resort that eschews some of the flash of its more upmarket neighbours in favor of a decidedly more relaxed tone.

Altitude: It lies at 1,850 metres and offers guaranteed good snow conditions late in the season.

Skiing: The village has easy pistes ideal for beginners but with easy access to tougher terrain towards Val Thorens and Méribel.

Top Restaurant: La Ferme de Reberty is a traditionalist chalet restaurant serving Savoyard classics like fondue and raclette-excellent for warming up after skiing.

Where to Stay: Les Chalets du Soleil provides ski-in/ski-out self-catering chalets with great views of the valley. It is ideal for families. Hotel transfer services ensure that getting to the slopes is easy.

Méribel

Overview: Méribel is genuinely and quintessentially Alpine, with wood-clad chalets and a relaxed, refined atmosphere.

Altitude: The resort lies between 1,450 and 1,700 meters high, good for quick access to skiing without the bustle of higher resorts.

Skiing: Méribel is an excellent base from which to explore the Three Valleys, with varied intermediate terrain, and some of the best snowmaking in the world.

Top Restaurant: Le Grand Coeur & Spa is the Michelin-starred jewel of Méribel, offering a traditional French cuisine in a warm.

Where to Stay: Hotel Le Kaila offers sumptuous spa services, gastronomic dining, and has ski-to-door access. A hotel transfer service makes for added convenience in your stay.

Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

Overview: This is Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, offering a tranquil retreat replete with cobblestone streets and charming chalets; the perfect place for anyone interested in an authentic Alpine experience away from the hordes.

Altitude: Set at 1,450 meters, this almost tranquil retreat happens to have the added advantage of connecting up to the Three Valleys ski network.

Skiing: Though far from as large as Val Thorens or Méribel, Saint Martin has aplenty for intermediates, with fast lifts up to higher resorts along with uncrowded slopes.

Top Restaurant: Three-starred Michelin restaurant La Bouitte creates a locally-inspired menu with thorough attention to every detail-a foodie's ultimate dream come true.

Where to Stay: Chalet Pure Black Crystal is going to provide luxury with panoramic valley views, a private pool, and a sauna-perfectly comfortable to relax in after a day on the slopes. Convenient hotel transfer services are available, too.

Orelle

Overview: Smaller, often overlooked, Orelle offers great value and ease of access to the Three Valleys. It is quieter than many resorts and ideal for those seeking a more low-key getaway with easy access to the slopes at Val Thorens.

Altitude: 880 meters, and linked to the ski lifts of Val Thorens for access to high-altitude skiing in just a short lift ride.

Skiing: Upgraded lifts link Orelle directly to the slopes of Val Thorens for less crowded skiing.

Top Restaurant: Restaurant Le Hameau des Marmottes is a warm haven where hearty local specialties can be enjoyed after a long day on the slopes.

Where to Stay: Orelle 3 Vallées features modern and comfortable apartments, with easy access to ski lifts. Without the frills and luxuries of some of the other villages, this is an excellent, no-nonsense option for those truly focused on the slopes; reaching the village is convenient, thanks to hotel transfers.

The Top Hotels - Val Thorens

At the pinnacle of European ski resorts, Val Thorens crowns the jewel in the French Alps. Renowned for its altitude, Val Thorens offers great skiing and a selection of luxury accommodation that rivals the surrounds for beauty.

The Top Hotels in Val Thorens

The Top Hotels in Val Thorens

Hotel Pashmina Le Refuge

★★★★★ | Rating: 9.4 | Prices from €585 per night

Hotel Pashmina le Refuge offers luxurious ski-to-door access in Val Thorens Ski Resort to Les Trois Vallées Ski Station. Relaxation meets adventure on the 500-m² spa facilities of the hotel. Rustic-chic in woods and stones, the authenticity of the mountain blends with comfort and modernity. Its restaurant offers a moment of gourmet pleasure. A personalized service, world-class amenities, and stunning panoramic mountain views complete this unique experience.

Highlights:

  • Ski-to-door access to Les Trois Vallées
  • 500-m² spa and wellness center
  • Luxurious mountain views and authentic alpine ambiance

Le Fitz Roy, a Beaumier Hotel

★★★★★ | Rating: 8.0 | Prices from €500 per night

Located on Place de l'Eglise, Le Fitz Roy combines luxury with a mountain setting at an altitude of 2,300 meters. Hotel Le Fitz Roy has acquired popularity among ski lovers in Val Thorens. Large rooms feature views of surrounding peaks, while an on-site restaurant serves gourmet cuisine inspired by alpine flavors. Pamper yourself at this hotel's spa with massages and pool dips.

Highlights:

  • Iconic location at 2,300 meters altitude
  • Stunning mountain views
  • Gourmet dining and luxurious spa facilities

Hôtel Koh-I Nor by Les Etincelles

★★★★★ | Rating: 8.7 | Prices from €468 per night

Containing a unique design and with a perfect location, Hotel Koh-I Nor offers ski-in/ski-out access on the slopes of Val Thorens. Because of its architectural design, it will be bright inside with natural light. It offers indulgence in gourmet restaurants and relaxation with a luxury spa. The rooms will be in modern alpine decoration, comfortable, and styled to treat like royalty.

Highlights:

  • Innovative architecture that maximizes natural light
  • Two gourmet restaurants
  • Spa with panoramic views of the Alps

The Best Restaurants - Val Thorens

The Best Restaurants - Val Thorens

The Best Restaurants - Val Thorens

Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe, not only offers breathtaking slopes but also a culinary scene that rivals its stunning alpine views.

Favela

Overview: Favela provides the vibe for a dinner that is alive in Val Thorens thanks to its delicious blend of Brazilian and international cuisine, well over being a cultural journey.

Cuisine & Atmosphere: In style, lively and eccentric, this restaurant mixes traditional Brazilian cuisine at Favela with local produce for an unusual twist.

Signature Dishes: Order the real deal, Picanha steak, along with the feijoada-a hearty black bean stew. End with the refreshing passion fruit mousse for dessert. Service: Very warm staff make every guest feel welcome, adding to the evening of dining with their food and cultural enthusiasm.

Average Menu Price: About €40-60 per person will get one through a complete meal, including drinks.

The Frog Pub

Overview: The Frog Pub boasts a relaxed, lively atmosphere that blends the best of a British tavern with the alpine feel of Val Thorens.

Cuisine & Atmosphere: Boasting wooden beams and a roaring fire, this chalet-styled restaurant offers informal dining with filling meals containing local flavors.

Signature Dishes: Gourmet burgers and chili con carne are the name of the game here. Craft beers complete your meal.

Service: Courteous staff is always attentive, ensuring pleasant dining. Therefore, this restaurant will be ideal for a group of people seeking rest.

Average Menu Price: It is estimated that an average dinner in the restaurant costs about € 25-40 per head, basing on all your preferences concerning dishes and drinks.

Chez Pépé Nicolas

Overview: If one seeks a typical alpine meal, Chez Pépé Nicolas is the place that prepares traditional Savoyard dishes; therefore, it is believed to be one of the classics of Val Thorens.

Cuisine & Atmosphere: In wood-paneled rustic charm, offering rich heavy local food.

Signature Dishes: Fondue savoyarde and tartiflette are standouts; for dessert, the chocolate mousse is decadent.

Service: Service is attentive, even knowledgeable and enthusiastic, with recommendations forthcoming both for dishes and local wines.

Average Menu Price: The cost to dine here averages about €35-55 per person and is well worth it.

Val Thorens Nightclubs and Bars

Val Thorens Nightclubs and Bars

Val Thorens Nightclubs and Bars

Val Thorens is a ski paradise with nightclubs and bars for every taste, from dance floors to chill hangouts.

Klub Summit

Overview: Klub Summit is at the top of Europe; dancing until the early hours in a chic environment.

Vibe & Music: The performances are a wide variety of rock classics, house hits, and cheesy disco tunes to suit every taste.

Bars: This club has two bars catering to international clientele, one of which has a VIP lounge that offers exclusive bottle service.

Operating Hours: Open from 10 PM to 4 AM, this is the ideal place for night owls.

Malaysia Nightclub

Overview: This free-entry bar and nightclub has been at the heart of nightlife within the resort for over a quarter of a decade and has evolved into the party scene that is Val Thorens.

Vibe & Entertainment: Doors open at 10 PM, with non-stop DJ sets and live performances. Among the local bands participating will be Abraxas. The venue can accommodate up to 2,500 people on a very spacious dance floor.

Atmosphere: It was the live music and dancing that made Malaysia a great place to hang out in Val Thorens.

Le Baramix

Overview: A favorite among après-ski fans, Le Baramix opens at 4 PM, offering a relaxed upstairs bar with charcuterie from La Belle en Cuisse.

Vibe & Transition: As night falls, it gets busier downstairs, turning into a nightclub where some dance tracks are mixed.

Operating Hours: Party goes till 4 AM, so it's a good place to go during late hours.

So, how do you travel from the airport to your hotel in Val Thorens?

Image by Martin Olsson via Unsplash.

Image by Martin Olsson via Unsplash.

How to get to Val Thorens | Transfer Options

Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe, offers various transfer options including private transfers, shuttle bus, train and taxi.

Ski Transfers at Val Thorens

Ski Transfers at Val Thorens

Ski Transfers at Val Thorens

From hitting the slopes of Val Thorens to your airport transfer, AirportTransfer.com makes your journey as enjoyable as your destination with seamless private ski transfers, from Chambéry, Geneva, Grenoble, Lyon, or Turin airports to your hotel.

You can ejoy door-to-door service with AT Alpine Transfers with an English-speaking driver ready to meet and greet you, plus hassle-free booking options, including added extras for ski gear transport and child seats.

You can easily book it from the Apple or Google Play Store by downloading the AT Customer App. Our customer support is available 24/7. We offer the best flexible policies, including a 100% refund policy and free cancellation, which is available up to 48 hours prior to your trip.

  • Planning a group ski trip? A Val Thorens ski coach transfer with AirportTransfer.com ensures your team travels comfortably and securely to Val Thorens, letting everyone arrive together and ready for adventure.
  • Boost your airport transfer with a private helicopter service from AirportTransfer.com, offering stunning aerial views of the Alps for a stylish and comfortable arrival in Val Thorens.
Private Helicopter Transfers in Val Thorens

Private Helicopter Transfers in Val Thorens

Train

The nearest train station to Val Thorens is Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains, located about 30 kilometers from the resort in the Savoie region of the French Alps. The closest airport is Chambéry Airport (CMF).

  • Eurostar provides service from London St Pancras to Moûtiers, taking 7.5 to 10 hours, while TGV trains from Paris Gare de Lyon take 4 to 6 hours.
  • Moûtiers is also connected by Thalys trains from Belgium and the Netherlands, with connections from Southern and Eastern Europe via Geneva or Milan.

Shuttle Bus

AltiBus shuttle service connects Val Thorens with major airports like Geneva, Chambéry, and Lyon.

  • Geneva Airport: Usually three buses daily on weekdays, increasing to seven on weekends, with a journey time of over four hours, including a bus transfer in Moûtiers.
  • Chambéry Airport: Limited service, typically two to four buses on Saturdays, one on Sundays, taking 2.5 to 4 hours.
  • Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport: Fewer options, with two buses on Saturdays and one on Fridays and Sundays, taking about four hours.

Taxi

Although a taxi is another way to travel down to Val Thorens, the costs of a taxi are very high, hence too expensive and not budget-friendly, which can lead to unexpected expenses. There are fewer options available compared with private transfers. Taxis do not have appropriate vehicles to manage roads in case of heavy snowfall. Delays are common in such cases. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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