Ski and snowbarding holidays in Val Thorens, France

Article updated every 6 months. Last update: 11th November 2008
Author: Sean Newsom (Travel Expert) Ask me a question.

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If you want to be absolutely, 100% sure of your snow in the Alps, you've got to aim high.

Plenty of skiing above 2000m is what you need - and ideally up to 3000m. That's where Val Thorens come in. The village itself is at 2300m, and three of its lifts rise to 3100m. Sounds great, doesn't it? Well yes it is, in many ways, but there are a couple of drawbacks. The first is the look of the place - Val Thorens is purpose-built and charmless. The second is the fact that all slopes are above the treeline. On a cloudy day, you'll be skiing by sense of smell.

Kayte Williams
(Holidays Expert): Thomson Ski - Thomson Ski has an excellent choice of accommodation in Val Thorens ranging from a great selection of catered chalets and well-equipped apartments along with family-run and first class hotels.
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	Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced
Skiing	6/10	9/10	8/10
Snowboarding	5/10	8/10	8/10

Resort height: 2300mThe mountains

When the sun's out, everyone in Val Thorens is happy. The architecture doesn't seem so ugly, and - more to the point - the skiing and snowboarding are superb. Val Thorens is part of the vast Three Valleys lift system, which also encompasses Méribel, Courchevel, and a fourth, 'secret valley' above the village of Orelle. With 600km of pistes on offer, and a couple of popular terrain parks, you could ski for a month and not get bored.

Good intermediates in particular will like the huge variety of groomed trails off the cirque of peaks above Val Thorens. They'll also enjoy the opportunity to do a bit of ski tourism - travelling down the valley to check out the neighbouring resorts of St Martin and Les Menuires, or across the ridge line to ski such classic runs as the gorgeous Combe Vallon red above Méribel-Mottaret in the next valley. Snowboarders and more accomplished skiers will praying for a fresh dump: the high, open slopes are a freerider's dream (provided of course they hire a guide to show them the way).

Getting there

You can drive or take the train (to Moutiers). There are also four airports to choose from - Geneva, Grenoble, Chambéry and Lyon. Chambéry is the closest, with transfers taking a couple of hours.

Rating: 7/10Après-ski

The bar scene in Val Thorens is very Brit-friendly in style, with pubs prominent. The Frog and Roastbeef is the most popular, with a live band playing as the lifts close. In busy weeks there's a great atmosphere in there by 6.30pm. The Underground is the liveliest club. Surprisingly for a functional, high-altitude resort, Val Thorens is also home to a Michelin starred restaurant, the Oxalys. Book in advance: there are people who come to Val Thorens so they can eat there all week!

Rating: 6/10Non-skiers

Val Thorens has been working hard to improve its offering to non-skiers, and last year has opened a new eight-lane bowling alley and pool hall. There's also a large leisure centre with a swimming pool, hammam and indoor tennis courts, as well as an ice-driving circuit and ice-climbing wall.

Rating: 8/10Cost of living

Val Thorens is at the cheaper end of the Three Valleys, with a wide range of budget-oriented accommodation, and plenty of cheap and cheerful venues for dinner and drinks.

Rating: 5/10Attractiveness of the resort

Val Thorens is not a destination for those in search of Alpine charm or ancient village atmosphere.

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