Some ski slopes, at over 3,000 metres, guarantee good snow quality from November to May. It stands as the highest resort in Les 3 Vallées, the world's largest ski area with 600 km of slopes, 200 lifts, and 25 mountain peaks.
The ski domain
Currently, Val Thorens offers less advanced skiers numerous slopes to practise their technique, unlike other resorts where beginner areas are scarce and long queues form at lifts leading to easier runs. Among the gentlest slopes are: Chalets, Moraine, Genépi, and Gentiane, accessible via the Deux Lacs, Moraine, and Moutière chairlifts.
These are joined by Plein Sud, reached via the eponymous cable car—ideal for beginners. Intermediate skiers will find plenty of recommended runs like Christine, Col, Fond 2, Mauriennaise, and Col de Laudzin. Expert skiers seeking greater challenges shouldn’t miss La Combe de Caron, La Combe de Rosaël, Marielle Goitschel, or the Arolles slopes. While lift queues are rare due to the variety of slopes, Val Thorens boasts modern, high-capacity lifts. Drag lifts are slower but gradually being phased out.
Val Thorens offers breathtaking panoramas thanks to its altitude. The most impressive view is from the Cime de Caron, hailed as one of Europe’s finest viewpoints, offering vistas of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps. Access to this peak (3,200 metres) is via a large funicular, allowing all skiers to visit—even those unprepared for the red runs descending from here can return via the same lift.
Another highlight is the Péclet Glacier (2,930 metres), where summer skiing is possible, revealing the Alps’ lesser-seen side. Warm clothing is advised, though a cosy cabin offers food and shelter.
A must for intermediate skiers is the Les 3 Vallées excursion. This full-day route covers Val Thorens-Les Menuires-Méribel-La Tania-Courchevel, skiing across valleys in the world’s largest ski area. A Val Thorens pass is required, plus a supplement for other valleys. It can be done independently or through guided tours by the Ski School.
Val Thorens’ 140 km of slopes cater to diverse disciplines: snowboarding, snowblading, skwal, telemark, snowshoeing, big foot, cross-country skiing, ski biking, and more. Marked off-piste itineraries—like those near Cime de Caron, Col de Pierre Lory, and Pointe de la Masse—offer secured but unmaintained routes.
Guided descents with instructors are also available. While cross-country skiing is possible here, Les Menuires—with more dedicated trails—is better suited. Similarly, Les Menuires (at lower altitudes) is ideal for snowshoeing. Both resorts belong to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville but require separate passes (pricier than Spain’s but comparable). Sled hires are also an option.
Lessons cover all ski disciplines, offered by the 170-strong French Ski School or International School in multiple languages. Prices match Spain’s, with group or private options.
Après-ski
Lifts close at 16:45, but the 9,000 m² Sports Centre—the Alps’ largest—offers pools, saunas, jacuzzis, squash, ping-pong, tennis, and a children’s park (ages 2–6).
Other leisure options include snowmobile tours (17:00–22:00), paragliding, cinema, or ice-skating. Traffic-free streets make afternoon strolls pleasant. Thursdays feature free classical/jazz concerts at the church by the Musical Association.
Evenings welcome visits to local pubs for genepi—a potent regional liqueur perfect for sub-zero temperatures (January–February averages: -5°C). Dining highlights Savoyard specialities: fondue (meat/cheese), raclette (melted cheese), and tartiflette (potatoes, bacon, onion, and cheese).
Non-French speakers needn’t worry—English is widely spoken, with Spanish in some places like the Goitschel Sport ski shop. The Tourist Office (near the French Ski School, staffed by Spanish-speaking Nerea) assists, while the Post Office offers the best currency rates.
