Ski resort of Val Thorens
Val Thorens appeared on the map in 1971, carved into the high slopes of the Massif de la Vanoise. It’s more than just a ski resort—it’s part of the vast 3 Valleys area, one of the most extensive ski regions in Europe. Around 600 kilometers of ski runs cross the entire territory, with about 150 winding through Val Thorens itself. Big numbers, yes, but on the ground, it feels more like freedom than scale. Wide, open, quietly immense.
At 2300 meters above sea level, the village sits high, wrapped in snow and silence. All around, lifts rise, trails weave, the mountains encircle. The Pointe du Bouchet, watching from 3230 meters, closes the sky a little. From wherever you’re staying, access is quick. Easy. Everything is connected by foot, by skis, by the cold clear air that makes even short walks feel sharper, more awake.
The feel of the place? It’s active, no doubt—athletic, even. But there’s more than just the rush. It draws people from everywhere, and somehow it works. Even when the season peaks and the village swells, things move. The infrastructure—modern, streamlined, updated where it matters—keeps things flowing. No long waits, no crowd tension. Just movement. Space.
As night falls, the rhythm shifts. The lights flicker on, kitchens open. Around 70 restaurants, give or take—some quiet and tucked away, others louder, busier. You’ll find something hot, something local, usually both. And if the legs aren’t too sore, if the cold hasn’t settled in too deep, the night stretches further. Bars hum, music spills out, a few clubs stay open longer than expected. Not every evening turns wild, but the option’s there—just in case.
Winter activities in Val Thorens
The name of the resort rhymes with all forms of skiing (alpine skiing, telemark, snowboarding, sledding, cross-country skiing…) So if you come as a beginner or as a specialist, whatever your tastes, don’t bother bringing your own equipment. One of the most interesting ways is to get your equipment from a professional. One of the best options is to rent a ski in Val Thorens with Sport 2000.
For those who want to get off the beaten track, off-piste tours are organized with a guide, paragliding flights allow you to admire the whole valley from the sky and see the Mont Blanc.
If speed skiing is not for you, don’t worry, multiple accompanied tours are programmed with ski touring or snowshoes.
There are even walks for all levels of walkers. For example the easy Marine trail or the Moutière trail which requires a little more physical condition.
Only in Val Thorens
– Cosmojet a toboggan run that measures six kilometers.
– Circuit automobile d’initiation à la conduite sur glace.
– Freestyle from beginner to pro: several levels of courses allow you to have fun with your family or to try out perilous figures. All this is located in the VT Fun Ride, VT Family Park and VT Park areas.
– Atypical atmosphere for an evening in a yurt with meals offered.
– The highest zip line in the world, 1.8 kilometers long (“the BEE”) will fly you 65 meters above the ground.
Summer activities in Val Thorens
Val Thorens Resort does not fall asleep when summer arrives, quite the contrary.
The nature is different, the horizons are clearer, but the air is always as pure.
There are many activities for children or between friends.
– Canyoning: the region has many gorges flooded with water that allow white water climbing.
– Archery
– Mountain biking itineraries: The 3 valleys area is a privileged space for mountain bikers along routes with ascents and descents accessible to beginners as well as experts depending on the itinerary.
– Initiations to high altitude trails around the Montaulever Circuit (6 km), the Lac du Lou Circuit (15 km) and the Mont de la Chambre Circuit (10 km), the most difficult.
– Buggy rides: half-day packages from two people to a maximum of six to explore the paths of the Belleville Valley.
How to get to Val Thorens
By road : take the A41 or A43 freeways, then take the Route Nationale 90 to Moutiers-Salin-Brides-Bains, then follow the Départementale 117 to Val Thorens (about 40 kms).
Please remember to reserve your parking space on site.
By train : TGV station Moutiers-Salins-Brides-Les-Bains then a shuttle bus to the resort.
