Ski Resort Guide
Val Thorens
Val Thorens Ski Resort Guide
Introduction
For skiers and boarders concerned about lack of snow, purpose-built Val Thorens ski resort is as safe a bet as any in the Alps. As Europe's highest resort (at 2,300m/7,546ft), its slopes can be covered even if links to the rest of the vast Trois Vallées lift and piste complex are unusable. Access to the Péclet glacier means there are almost always some runs open.
It is ideal for those who do not want the hassle of walking in boots or catching buses as you can ski to and from most accommodation.
On the minus side, although some recent buildings have been designed in greater harmony with the environment, much original architecture is charmless. And because the terrain is all above the trees it can be difficult (if not impossible) to ski in very poor visibility.
It is ideal for those who do not want the hassle of walking in boots or catching buses as you can ski to and from most accommodation.
On the minus side, although some recent buildings have been designed in greater harmony with the environment, much original architecture is charmless. And because the terrain is all above the trees it can be difficult (if not impossible) to ski in very poor visibility.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 2,300m (7,546ft).
Top elevation: 3,230m (10,498ft).
Base elevation: 1,800m (5,955ft).
Number of lifts: Val Thorens: 28; Trois Vallées: 178.
Number of runs: Val Thorens: 68; Trois Vallées: 309.
Average annual snowfall: 10m (33ft).
Where in the world?
Val Thorens is in the French Savoie region. Its dominant summit is the 3,562m (11,686ft) Aiguille de Peclet. It forms part of the massive Trois Vallées ski area.
Hit the slopes
The season runs from late November until early May.
The Trois Vallées is arguably the the world's biggest and finest winter sports area with pistes suitable for every type of skier, from absolute beginners through leisurely cruisers to the hard core and extensive off-piste skiing (with guides).
Beginners (including boarders) use gentle, if sometimes crowded, runs in or near the resort. For intermediates needing to build confidence, there are miles of wide and relatively undemanding pistes, all connected by a lift network which not only dwarfs most others but involves little walking or pushing on skis.
Advanced skiers will be tested by the Combe de Caron, a long and difficult black run from the top of the Cime de Caron cable car.
Skiers have the choice of three lift passes: Val Thorens-Orelle (140km/88 miles of pistes), Belleville Valley (300km/188 miles) or Trois Vallées (600km/375 miles). There are four ski schools including Ecole de Ski Français (ESF) and Ecole de Ski Internationale Prosneige.
Take care not to miss the last connecting lifts. Taxi rides from linked resorts can be very expensive.
The Trois Vallées is arguably the the world's biggest and finest winter sports area with pistes suitable for every type of skier, from absolute beginners through leisurely cruisers to the hard core and extensive off-piste skiing (with guides).
Beginners (including boarders) use gentle, if sometimes crowded, runs in or near the resort. For intermediates needing to build confidence, there are miles of wide and relatively undemanding pistes, all connected by a lift network which not only dwarfs most others but involves little walking or pushing on skis.
Advanced skiers will be tested by the Combe de Caron, a long and difficult black run from the top of the Cime de Caron cable car.
Skiers have the choice of three lift passes: Val Thorens-Orelle (140km/88 miles of pistes), Belleville Valley (300km/188 miles) or Trois Vallées (600km/375 miles). There are four ski schools including Ecole de Ski Français (ESF) and Ecole de Ski Internationale Prosneige.
Take care not to miss the last connecting lifts. Taxi rides from linked resorts can be very expensive.
Beyond the slopes
This is a resort designed specifically for skiers and, latterly, boarders but there are several alternative diversions. Val Thorens Nature and ESF organise half-day snowshoe outings. Val Tho Motoneige arranges snowmobiling tours. Ice driving lessons take place on Europe's highest permanent ice circuit.
The sports centre, Galerie de Caron, has a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, tennis, squash and badminton courts (equipment hire is available). The church hosts classical and jazz concerts on Tuesday evenings. There is also a cinema, Le Lac Blanc.
The sports centre, Galerie de Caron, has a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, tennis, squash and badminton courts (equipment hire is available). The church hosts classical and jazz concerts on Tuesday evenings. There is also a cinema, Le Lac Blanc.
Family fun
Val Thorens has special children's learning areas, with ‘magic carpet' lifts at the base area. Introduction to skiing is available to children aged three and over, with lessons proper from aged four. There are crèches/nurseries at Le Montana (children from three months) and Le Roc (from 18 months).
The sports centre has plenty to keep kids busy, including a trampoline and bouncy castle. Over eights can whizz down the resort's 6km (4-mile) toboggan run, which plunges 700m (3,000ft). ESF organises torchlit descents for children during school holidays.
The sports centre has plenty to keep kids busy, including a trampoline and bouncy castle. Over eights can whizz down the resort's 6km (4-mile) toboggan run, which plunges 700m (3,000ft). ESF organises torchlit descents for children during school holidays.
Retail therapy
The shops are unlikely to excite non-skiers/boarders. There are many shops in the Galeries de Caron and Péclet, where wintersports gear outlets predominate (with over 30 to choose from).
La Belle en Cuisse, rue Caron, sells Alpine Beaufort cheese, cured game and other delicious Savoyard specialities, all locally produced.
La Belle en Cuisse, rue Caron, sells Alpine Beaufort cheese, cured game and other delicious Savoyard specialities, all locally produced.
Après ski
Tango, Le Corotel, Péclet, treats skiers fresh off the slopes to live music. Bars include the Frog and Roast Beef, rue de Gébroulaz, nearby O'Connells Pub and Rhum Box Cafe, Galerie de Péclet. Late-night clubbers head to Underground, place de Péclet, and Malaysia, place Caron.
Through Pro Neige, you can dine after dark at the foot of the Péclet glacier, arriving by snow shoe or snowmobile and returning by toboggan.
On Thursdays, ESF instructors lead a torchlit descent of the Cascade run.
Through Pro Neige, you can dine after dark at the foot of the Péclet glacier, arriving by snow shoe or snowmobile and returning by toboggan.
On Thursdays, ESF instructors lead a torchlit descent of the Cascade run.
Eating out
Val Thorens has around 50 restaurants, mainly French, often serving Savoyard specialities, but the choice ranges from Mexican to pizza and veggie burgers. Recommended are Oxalys (see Splashing Out) and La Joyeuse Fondue, rue du Soleil, which offers traditional regional dishes.
Getting around
This is a pedestrian resort. Cars must be parked except when unloading or loading. There is a free shuttle service between car parks and accommodation.
Splashing out
Treat yourself to Michelin-star-rated cooking at Oxalys, Résidence l'Oxalys. Dinner might include scallops with truffles and butter mousse, lobster with vegetables, grapegruit and almond oil, or sweetbreads with cabbage, rocket and candied lemon sauce.
Accommodation
Luxury
Fitz RoyThis hotel is centrally located, right on the slopes, and has an excellent wellness centre with pool, plus a superb restaurant.
Near place de Caron
Tel: (04) 7900 0478.
Website: www.hotelfitzroy.com
Moderate
Le SherpaAccommodation is in Savoyard-style rooms and amenities include a beauty centre, sauna, hot tub and steam room.
rue de Gébroulaz
Tel: (04) 7900 0070.
Website: www.lesherpa.com
Budget
Le ValsetPleasant self catering studios/apartments for two to eight people with kitchenettes and balconies.
Village entrance
Tel: (04) 7900 0888.
Website: www.odalys-vacances.com
Getting there
Nearest airports: Geneva (GVA); Lyon (LYS); Chambéry (CMF).
Distances to resort: 159 (100 miles); 193kms (121 miles); 112km (70 miles).
Driving times: At least 2 hours 45 minutes; 2 hours 45 minutes; 2 hours (longer at busy times or in bad weather).
Nearest railway station: Moûtiers.
Distance to resort: 37km (23 miles).
Driving time: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Distances to resort: 159 (100 miles); 193kms (121 miles); 112km (70 miles).
Driving times: At least 2 hours 45 minutes; 2 hours 45 minutes; 2 hours (longer at busy times or in bad weather).
Nearest railway station: Moûtiers.
Distance to resort: 37km (23 miles).
Driving time: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Website
This resort is good for...
Snowboarders, Environmental awareness, Families, Beginners, Experts, Après ski, Snow reliability, Intermediates
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