Val Thorens

Europe’s highest ski resort forms part of the vast Three Valleys network and has one of the longest and most reliable ski seasons anywhere – making this an early and late season favourite.

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The Ski Club will no longer be placing a Rep in Val Thorens for the 2026/27 season and beyond. We encourage Members to use the Ski Club App to chat and ski with other Members whilst in resort this winter.

The Ski Club in Val Thorens ...

Experience Val Thorens on a Freshtracks holiday

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12%Easy

43%Beginner

35%Intermediate

10%Advanced

Vertical drop

Pistes

Runs

Lifts

Terrain by difficulty

Constant investment in the lift network also allows it to boast one of the most efficient lift networks in France.

VT has access to a varied 140km of local slopes, the Orelle Valley – often considered the ‘fourth valley’ of the Three Valleys area – and via six passes to Méribel and the rest of the 600km of linked pistes that extend to the far end of Courchevel.

The lively resort sits at the head of the Belleville Valley and completely above the treeline, alongside Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville. These villages provide the perfect option for those looking to escape the bustle of Val Thorens itself, providing a quieter base from which to ski. On clear days, the location lends itself to a truly spectacular panorama, though it sometimes does present a challenge during whiteouts.

Beginner
Fast lifts
Intermediate
Resort Activities
Advanced
Aprés
Snow
Value

Pros and cons

Extensive slopes for all abilities, plus access to the vast Three Valleys ski area
One of the most snowsure resorts in the world, let alone the Alps
Great lift system that has been constantly improving
Very convenient ski-in-ski-out resort

All above the tree-line so can be bleak in bad weather
Not a huge amount to do for non-skiers
Some very crowded pistes and busy intersections
Après can get a bit rowdy for some

On the Slopes

High altitude, wide pistes dominate the Val Thorens ski area. This makes it the ideal resort for cruising around on a sunny day, but it can be a challenge when the weather is bad and the cloud is low. The beginner slopes lie right in the heart of the village, whilst the rest of the local slopes are a network of blues and reds – most of which are a blast first thing in the morning when freshly groomed.

For Beginners

The slopes in the heart of the resort are very gentle and provide convenient, snow-sure nursery slopes, with magic carpet lifts and gentle green runs. There are a couple of good greens to progress on to in the 2 Lacs and Cascades sectors and some of the blues immediately above the village are good for progression.

For Intermediates

Val Thorens is a huge intermediate playground – providing possibly the best sector in the entire Three Valleys. The runs are generally wide and often with great snow conditions thanks to their altitude, especially on the Cime Caron side of the valley as many of these face directly north. Adventurous intermediates will want to explore what Méribel and Courchevel have to offer and thanks to a recently added blue run, the Orelle Valley is a great option if you’re looking to escape the busiest areas.

For Advanced/Expert & Off Piste

Very little of the terrain is rated black, but there are some challenging blacks from the Pointe de la Masse and down into the Orelle Valley. Otherwise the main attraction is the off piste. The rocky terrain means this is generally best during the second half of the season, but the north facing slopes hold snow fantastically well and powder days can be enjoyed well into spring.

In the Resort

Seen from the slopes, the resort is undoubtedly more attractive than some other French resorts, and it has a really lively ski resort buzz. Buildings are mainly medium-rise and wood-clad, whilst the snow-covered, mostly traffic-free streets add to the atmosphere.

For Families

The resort is very convenient for families as the nursery slopes are located right in the heart of the village. There is an excellent sports centre for those bad weather days and the toboggan run is one of the most entertaining in the Alps.

For Après

VT has a serious reputation for après and in Bar 360 and the Folie Douce, the resort has two of the Alps’ best on slope bars. The ski down from 360 is much easier – down a green – so bear this in mind if you have a beginner or an unconfident intermediate in your group. Down in town head to the Frog and Roastbeef or Saloon for the liveliest après.

Getting to Val Thorens

As it sits right at the end of the valley, the transfer to Val Thorens is quite a long one. Chambéry is the closest airport at around two hours away, whilst Geneva sits approximately three hours away. Lots of companies offer shared transfers, especially from Geneva.

A great option is to travel by train, catching the Eurostar to the town of Bourg St Maurice in the valley before grabbing a quick bus transfer up to the resort. Check out the Ski Club’s Guide to travelling to resort by train.

Chambéry airport: 2 hours (driving)
Geneva airport: 3 hours (driving)
Snowtrain: 8-10 hours from London
Calais: approximately 11 hours driving (598 miles)

Season Dates & Lift Pass Prices

Season Dates

Opens: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Closes: Sunday 3rd May 2026

Connections to the rest of the Three Vallees network open on 6 December 2025, and close on 21 April 2026.

Lift Pass Prices

The Val Thorens & Orelle only option will be more than enough for many skiers, providing 150km of pistes to enjoy; otherwise a Three Valleys pass will give you access to the entire 600km network of pistes.

There are several different rates available depending on the time of year; the table below lists the “main season” rate between 21 December 2024 and 11 April 2025.

Please note, rates for Val d’Isere/Orelle only for the 2024/25 season have not been confirmed; the below table lists 2023/24 rates.

//	1 Day	3 Days	6 Days
Val Thorens & Orelle Only
Adult (Aged 13-64)	€63.90	€191.70	€319.50
Child (Aged 5-12)	€52.30	€156.90	€261.50
Senior (75+)	€15.90	€47.70	€79.50

Green Credentials

Ski Club Recognised: Environmentally Sustainable Resort

The Ski Club uses third party independent assessments and accreditation of ski resorts to determine a resort “environmentally sustainable” – more information can be found here.

As part of the French Flocon Vert (tr. Green Snowflake) scheme, Val Thorens – as part of the wider Belleville commune including St Martin and Les Menuires – has been awarded one snowflake out of a possible three, representing investment in resources to reduce its environmental impact. Flocon Vert is an independent scheme operated by Mountain Riders, which accredits resorts in France who have met twenty criteria based on environmental, social and economic sustainability.

Val Thorens and the Belleville valley was first accredited in 2022
The ecological governance of the resort drew particular attention, including preserving several rare natural habitats
A comprehensive package of support is in place to support diversification of the local economy

Full Details (In French)