Val Thorens: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
The French ski resort Val Thorens in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is located at an altitude of 2300 meters. As a popular winter sports destination, it offers great snow reliability and stunning views from the impressive Cime de Caron peak. Together with the surrounding ski areas, Val Thorens even forms the largest ski area in the world.
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Val Thorens - Must-see attractions
Val Thorens ski resort
Winter sports enthusiasts in Val Thorens in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region get their money's worth skiing, boarding, or engaging in other sports. Always in view – the impressive backdrop of the mighty Alps with more than 1000 peaks surrounding Val Thorens. The slopes cover all difficulty levels, so there are suitable runs for experts, beginners, and families alike. Many slopes are accessible from the accommodation, and modern lifts and two 6-seater gondolas take winter guests further up.
At Grandpa Nicolas'
Anyone who goes skiing or hiking in Val Thorens in the French Alps will sooner or later come across Chez Pépé Nicolas. The rustic mountain restaurant can be reached on skis in winter and is therefore considered an insider tip despite its popularity. It is still run by the grandchildren of the founder, Pépé Nicolas. The restaurant includes a small shop where you can buy all sorts of delicacies. The fabulous view over the mountain peaks is reason enough to pay the place a visit.
Zipline Summit of Caron
The ski resort Val Thorens offers you 150 km of ski and snowboard slopes. A snow park is available for professionals and advanced riders. Those who do not want to ski or snowboard can take the La Bee zipline or the Bouchet zipline into the valley. You will find the Bouchet zipline at an altitude of 3,230 m, La Bee at 2,500 m. For your safety, you will be trained via video and then allowed to independently ride into the valley with suitable equipment, which is included in the price.
Cosmojet Toboggan Run
You won't experience a longer slide than on the Cosmojet anywhere in France. The starting point of the 6-kilometer-long toboggan run in Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe, is at an altitude of 3,000 meters at the foot of the Péclet Glacier. You go up with the gondola lift. You race back down in orange plastic shells. The spectacular descent over varied slopes and wide curves takes about 45 minutes – a magnificent mountain panorama included. The Cosmojet is accessible to toboggan fans from 5 years old and can be ridden both during the day and in the evening.
Fat Bike trails
When the skiers leave the slopes on the Peclet Glacier in the evening, guided descents with the fatbike take place several times a week. They rush down the mountain through the snow on high-quality mountain bikes with extra wide tires. The fatbikes are equipped with a high-quality lighting system. The 700 m long tour starts at a scenic height of over 3,000 m. A prerequisite for participating in the descent is a height of more than 1.4 m.
Alain Prost ice racing track
The French holiday resort Val Thorens is part of the 3 Vallées ski area, one of the largest of its kind in the world. However, instead of racing down the slopes on skis, you can also make the icy slopes unsafe in a kart. Ice races take place on the Alain Prost race track, which has been the venue for one of the stages of the Trophée Andros since 1990. The race track was named after the three-time winner Alain Prost. Leisure enthusiasts use the 225 m long and 5 m wide section of the track.
Val Thorens - Secret spots
Echauds Lake
Hidden near Val Thorens lies the Lac des Echauds, an untouched paradise for nature lovers. This breathtaking mountain lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Interestingly, despite its high altitude of over 2500 meters, this lake never freezes in winter. A perfect place for an unforgettable hike.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Life, Belleville Valley
In the Vallée des Belleville, near Val Thorens, lies the Sanctuaire Notre Dame de la Vie. This historic sanctuary, built in the 17th century, is a true treasure of Baroque art. Interestingly, it was originally constructed as a refuge for travelers in the Alps.
Belleville Valley
The Belleville Valley, located in the French Alps, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and traditional architecture. It offers a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern skiing. In winter, the valley transforms into a paradise for skiers, while in summer it attracts hikers and nature lovers. The local cuisine and culture further enhance the experience.
St. Martin de Belleville
In Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe, lies a hidden gem, St. Martin de Belleville. This charming village retains its authentic French charm and is less crowded than its glamorous neighbors. In fact, it is the only village in the Belleville Valley that maintains its traditional agriculture, leading to a unique blend of skiing and rural life.
Val Thorens - In 3 days
Day 1
Upon your arrival in Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe, you start your day with a hearty breakfast in one of the cozy cafés in the town center. Afterwards, you strap on your skis and explore the expansive slopes of the Trois Vallées ski area. With over 600 kilometers of slopes, there is something for every level of difficulty. After a morning full of descents and breathtaking views, treat yourself to lunch in one of the charming mountain huts. Enjoy local specialties like Tartiflette or Raclette, which will give you new energy for the afternoon. In the afternoon, you can join a guided snowshoe hike to discover the untouched nature off the slopes. Alternatively, a cable car ride to Cime Caron offers a spectacular view of the surrounding Alps. End the evening in one of the cozy après-ski bars, where you can reflect on the day with a glass of Vin Chaud or a local beer.
Day 2
On the second morning, an exciting experience awaits you: a ride on the snowbike. This unique activity combines the best of skiing and cycling, offering an exciting way to explore the slopes in a new way. After the adrenaline rush in the morning, treat yourself to a cozy lunch in one of the mountain huts. Try regional delicacies like fondue or croziflette to fortify yourself for the afternoon. In the afternoon, relaxation is on the agenda. Visit the local wellness center and indulge in a massage or sauna. The soothing warmth and relaxing atmosphere help you loosen your muscles and recharge your energy. Spend the evening in one of the traditional restaurants in the area, where you can enjoy the culinary highlights of the region with a delicious dinner. End the day with a glass of wine or a digestif and look forward to more experiences the next day.
Day 3
Today you visit the local museum, which offers you a fascinating insight into the history and traditions of the region. Learn more about life in the Alps and the development of ski tourism. After the museum visit, take a walk through the charming village and enjoy the picturesque Alpine landscape. Stop at a café and treat yourself to a hot chocolate or coffee while admiring the view. In the afternoon, try ice stock sport, a traditional alpine sport that is a lot of fun and a great way to end the day actively. To conclude your stay in Val Thorens, enjoy a final dinner in one of the cozy restaurants in the area. End the day with a hearty dish and a glass of wine, and take home the memories of your adventures and moments of relaxation.
Val Thorens - Climate
Val Thorens has a cold-temperate climate with comparatively mild average temperatures in winter of about -2 °C. However, at night the temperatures naturally drop further. In summer, the temperatures can climb to over 25 °C. The ski season usually begins as early as November and lasts until May. However, the best time for a ski vacation is from December to about April, as this is when the greatest snow reliability exists. From May to October, you can enjoy hiking or other summer activities such as mountain biking or climbing in the mountains of Val Thorens.