Val Thorens

Val Thorens Ski Resort is located at the highest point of three valleys at an altitude of 2300 m. It is located in the city of Belleville, in Savoy and is considered one of the highest in Europe.  The developed infrastructure and system of interrelated lifts allow you to ride not only in Val Thorens, but also in the neighboring Meribel and Courchevel marked at an altitude of 1350-1850 m.

A distinctive feature of the resort is a snow-ice landscape with a complete lack of a forest zone. Crystal clear air and a large variety of trails allow you to enjoy the rest and active winter sports to the fullest.

The layout of the territory provides for skiing “from the door” from almost any apartment, which can be accessed in the same way, without taking off your skis.

Wide tracks, their division by difficulty and the absence of a high density of skiers, make it possible to get the maximum pleasure from a free “flight”, without fear of colliding with other vacationers.

Good to know about Val Thorens

The entire infrastructure of Val Thorens has been designed specifically for skiers, so the slopes, hotels and recreation areas are located in maximum accessibility for visitors. Semi-pedestrian paths are designed so that everyone can get to the desired object without extra efforts, which is facilitated by a minimum amount of the transport on the streets. Parking lots are provided at various distances around the place of residence, from P0 to P4. The parking lot accepts cars around the clock, seven days a week, so you don’t have to worry about where to leave your car.

Pistes

The resort is divided into two main parts, differing in dynamics:

– quiet and calm Karon;
– active and lively Peclet.

For beginners, there are 11 green and 39 blue runs. You can master a new type of winter recreation for yourself on those.

Intermediate skiers and those looking to improve their skills prefer the Com du Caron and Cole pistes. High quality snow cover allows you to explore even more difficult places.

Professionals are provided with 8 black (15 km) and 30 red (70 km) runs which are located in the Cime de Caron area – at the highest point of the resort. Also there is an opportunity to test your strength in skiing on Lac du Lou and La Masse array off-piste, but in this case it is better to ride with companions. In total, all slopes are designed for intermediate skiers and above, beginners will have to practice.

In addition, there are some special zones:

– quarter pipe;
– halfpipe and pyramids;
– boardercross track;
– half-pipe.

The entire territory of the Three Valleys is served by 1,500 snow cannons, with a total snow cover of 20 hectares, so the coverage is stable and uniform.

There are other types of entertainment offered in addition to the main ones: ski cross, cycling in the snow, paragliding, driving on ice, snowshoeing, sledding, dancing, water gymnastics in the Aquaclub and much more.

Lifts

Val Thorens has several cableways, 4 funnels  and 14 fast chair lifts. You can use them with a one-time ticket or purchase a ski-pass. The latter option is more profitable if you plan to stay more than three days. The magnetic card is paid directly at the place of arrival or in advance on the Internet – discounts and promotions can be monitored online. The average cost per day is 30-50 euros, depending on the season and age group. For example, children under 7 and adults over 75 travel free of charge.

Accommodation and chill zones

Val Thorens is a real paradise for gourmets and connoisseurs of comfort. The resort has more than 40 bars and 60 restaurants with excellent cuisine for the most sophisticated taste. Breakfast, lunch and snack becomes a true gastronomic and aesthetic pleasure on the background of snowy plains.

There are hotels, residences and boarding houses of different levels and comfort to accommodate guests. At the same time, you will find cozy rooms, friendly staff and an excellent view from the window, regardless of the cost.

Hotel Pashmina Le Refuge

The five-star hotel is located within a walking distance to the ski lift, the ski school and the supermarket. Guests are provided with unique Igloo designs, the restaurant with live music, spa treatments, massages and swimming pools.

Altapura

The ski slope starts literally from the hotel’s doorstep, and the Plein Sud lift is just 300 meters away. The hotel has a ski shop, where professional instructors may assist you in picking up ski equipment. Baths, saunas and fitness areas are also at guests’ disposal.

Alberta Hotel Spa

There is an open access to slopes and lifts from here and three French restaurants which provide a gourmet cuisine. Ski equipment can be purchased or rented at the ski shop. Also, according to visitors’ reviews, the ski pass is cheaper to buy here than on the resort’s website.

Summary

The main advantages are:

– the construction of a resort area according to the ski-in / ski-out scheme from any apartment;
– a large selection of housing in different price ranges, including an economy option;
– lack of vehicles, availability of parking spaces;
– wide tracks, flat smooth surface, constant snow cover;
– a long season of 168 days a year.

What we managed to notice from the shortcomings:

– poor adaptation of tracks for beginners;
– the need for acclimatization due to an altitude of 2300 m above sea level;
– the lack of pedestrian zones;
– prices are 10-20% higher than average.

Val Thorens resort fascinates with its identity and impressive modern comfort and hospitality. You will certainly want to come back here again to feel the drive and adrenaline on the slopes and then a complete relaxation in the spa areas.