Val Thorens holidays

How to reach Val Thorens

• Flight time: Flights from London to Geneva or Lyon take around 1 hour 45 minutes.

• Transfer time: Transfer time is variable whether you fly into Geneva Airport or Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. Depending on weather conditions, it can be a 2-hour-30-minute to 3-hour drive.

• Price: Private transfer costs vary depending on the date (as a rule of thumb, off-peak weeks are cheaper) and time (day versus night rate), but a ballpark figure would be somewhere €350–€520. Shared transfers are considerably cheaper, around €80–€85 per person for a return ticket.

Best time to visit Val Thorens

The perfect time for your Val Thorens holidays depends on the outdoor adventure you have in mind: skiing, mountain biking or hiking.

• December to March experiences max daytime temperatures ranging from around -3 to 3°C and 5 hours of daily sunshine on average. These are snow-sure months; expect fresh powder regularly, especially in January. Val Thorens busiest periods line up with school holidays, so if you want to avoid crowded slopes, you’ll need to work your dates around Christmas, New Year and late February.

• April to early May is considerably milder at 6 to 11°C, but snow coverage remains excellent, especially at higher altitudes. There’ll be a bump over Easter, but crowds will be thinner at this time of year.

• June to August sees the resort transform into a haven for mountain bikers, hikers and other outdoorsy types. Temperatures hover around 16–18°C with about 7 hours of daily sunshine, though pack for occasional showers.

• September to November puts the resort into pre-ski season mode. September and October are a cool 14–9°C, but temperatures plummet in November to 2°C. If you enjoy peaceful mountain vistas without the ski crowds, this is a perfect window, although not all the lifts and facilities will be operational.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: French is the official language. Although it is hit or miss whether locals speak English in the surrounding villages, you should be fine communicating in ski resorts, restaurants or hotels.

• Currency: France is in the eurozone.

• Getting around: There are plenty of ways to explore the resort and its environs, from ski lifts (a one-day pedestrian 3 Vallées pass costs around €30) to complementary shuttles. Taxis are a last-ditch option; in limited supply, they’re a seller's market. As a guide, a 20-minute ride will set you back around €60.

• Electricity and plug types: Standard mains electricity is 220–240V, 50Hz. Plugs are two-pin Type C and E.

• Time zone: France keeps Central European Time (GMT+ 1 hour) but switches to Central European Summer Time (GMT+ 2 hours, British Summer Time + 1 hour) from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

• Required travel documentation: UK citizens need a valid passport (issued less than 10 years before the entry date and valid for at least 3 months after the departure date) but don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days in a rolling 180-day period.

Local dishes in Val Thorens

Holidays to Val Thorens guarantee hearty mountain fare, perfect for refuelling after a day on the slopes. The cuisine here is heavily influenced by its Alpine location, focusing on rich, warming dishes and locally sourced ingredients.

Some typical dishes

• Fondue Savoyarde: This iconic dish of melted cheese, usually a blend of Gruyère, Comté and Beaufort, is served with crusty bread for dipping.

• Raclette: Deliciously interactive, Raclette involves heating a wheel of cheese and scraping the melted goodness onto boiled potatoes, charcuterie and pickles.

Meat dishes

• Diots: These traditional Savoie sausages are usually cooked in white wine with garlic and onions (diots au vin blanc) and served with polenta or boiled potatoes.

• Tartiflette: Made with potatoes, onions, Reblochon cheese, smoked salt pork and white wine, this gratin is the ultimate comfort food after a long day skiing.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Omble chevalier: A type of Artic char native to Alpine lakes, this fish has a delicate but rich flavour.

• Filets de perche: Another lake resident, you won’t go far wrong with battered perch fillets with frites and a side salad.

Sweets and desserts

• Tarte aux Myrtilles: You don’t get more French than a fruit tart, while seasonal wild blueberries add an Alpine twist.

• Biscuit de Savoie: Made in a Kugelhopf mould, this light and airy sponge cake is usually served with fruit, jams or crème anglaise.

Local drinks

• Vin chaud: A must-have on any ski holiday, this hot spiced wine is perfect for warming up during après-ski.

• Génépi: This herbal liqueur is made from a local Alpine plant and is a popular digestif in Val Thorens.

Embrace the thrill of sports in Val Thorens

Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe, is a paradise for sports enthusiasts, offering a plethora of activities both on and off the slopes. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply looking to enjoy the stunning alpine scenery, Val Thorens has something for everyone. Here’s a closer look at the exciting sports you can indulge in during your Val Thorens holidays.

Skiing and snowboarding

• World-class skiing: With over 600 kilometres of interconnected slopes in the Three Valleys ski area, Val Thorens caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. From gentle nursery slopes for beginners to challenging black runs for experienced skiers, the resort ensures an unforgettable experience on the snow.

• Freestyle parks: For those seeking thrills, Val Thorens boasts several terrain parks equipped with jumps, rails, and half-pipes. The freestyle zones provide a perfect environment for snowboarders and skiers to hone their tricks and enjoy some adrenaline-pumping fun.

Alternative winter sports

• Ski touring and snowshoeing: Explore the stunning alpine landscape through ski touring or snowshoeing. These activities allow you to venture off the beaten path and discover the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding mountains at your own pace.

• Ice climbing: For a unique and exhilarating experience, try ice climbing on frozen waterfalls under the guidance of experienced instructors. This thrilling sport offers a new way to challenge yourself while enjoying the spectacular scenery.

Summer sports and activities

• Mountain biking: In the warmer months, Val Thorens transforms into a mountain biking haven. With an extensive network of trails catering to all skill levels, you can explore the stunning mountains while enjoying the rush of riding downhill through breathtaking landscapes.

• Hiking and trekking: The resort offers a variety of hiking trails that showcase the region's natural beauty. From leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, the trails provide stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Facilities and events

• Sports facilities: Val Thorens boasts a range of sports facilities, including a sports centre with indoor climbing walls, swimming pools, and fitness areas. These amenities ensure you can stay active and fit during your holiday.

• Annual sports events: Throughout the year, Val Thorens hosts various sports events and competitions, attracting athletes and enthusiasts from around the world. Participating or spectating can add an exciting element to your holiday.

Whether you're carving through fresh powder in the winter or exploring rugged trails in the summer, sports in Val Thorens promise an exhilarating experience. Embrace the thrill and make the most of your active holiday in this stunning alpine resort.

Best things to do in Val Thorens

Sitting at 2,300m in the Alpine Belleville Valley, with reliable snow conditions and a variety of slopes, Val Thorens holidays are very popular with skiers, but the resort has plenty to offer away from the pistes, too.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• La Cîme Caron: Just shy of 3,200m, this emblematic peak offers one of the most jaw-dropping panoramas in the Alps, stretching from the Mont Blanc massif to the Ecrins and even as far as the Italian and Swiss borders.

• Mont de la Chambre: Slightly lower at 2,850m, the views across the Belleville Valley are no slouch either, particularly at sunrise or sunset.

The best districts

• Les Balcons: Topside Les Balcons is ideal for those who want a more relaxed atmosphere, chalet-style accommodation and easy access to the slopes.

• Grande Rue: Packed with shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, this central lively district is the heart of the resort.

• Soleil: Located near the bottom of the resort, this family-friendly district is ideally positioned for the main ski school meeting points, ski shops and the resort nursery.

Parks and gardens

• Plan de Tuéda Nature Reserve: On the western edge of Vanoise National Park, extending from pretty pine-backed Lake Tuéda to the Gébroulaz glacier, and home to goat-like chamois, ibexes and birds of prey, this is the perfect place for a walk on the wild side.

Museums

• Museum of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville: This well-organised village museum chronicles the transformation of the Belleville Valley over the last 150 years.

Historical monuments

• Notre-Dame-de-la-Vie Sanctuary: Between the nearby villages of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Saint-Marcel, this 17th-century Baroque church was once one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Tarentaise.

• Burdin Mill: Near the village of Saint-Marcel, this fully restored flour mill offers a glimpse into the agro-pastoral Belleville Valley of yesterday.

Day trips in the area

• Courchevel: This chic resort is renowned for its luxury shops and high-end restaurants. You can easily ski over for a visit or take a quick transfer.

• Meribel: Meribel offers a more traditional Alpine village feel with beautiful wooden chalets and a welcoming, laid-back vibe. It’s another accessible stop within the Three Valleys ski area and provides excellent terrain for skiers of all levels.

Activities for families in Val Thorens

Families will have loads to do indoors or outdoors on holidays to Val Thorens.

• Bowling: Roll a strike or strike out; the whole family can enjoy bowling, with child-friendly facilities and lighter balls for the little ones.

• Indoor play centres: Trampolines, foam pits, slides – the on-site play centre is perfect for kids who want a break from the great outdoors.

• Skiing: Val Thorens has specially designed themed zones for children, including the Easy Rider beginner areas.

• Sledding: The 6km-long Cosmojet toboggan run is a firm family favourite.

• Swimming pools: The resort’s heated indoor pool has water cascades, massaging jets and bubble beds.

Free things to do in Val Thorens

Val Thorens might be a premium ski resort, but that doesn’t mean everything has a premium price tag.

• Free events: The resort regularly hosts free events from sporting spectacles to fireworks displays.

• Annual festivals: Festival’Tho, Val Thoren’s long-running, admission-free electro music fest, kicks off in March for a three-day run.

• Explore Val Thorens by shuttle bus: The resort's complimentary shuttle buses cover the whole of Van Thorens and run to Les Menuires and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville.

Wellness in Val Thorens

• Spas and thermal baths: The resort’s high-end hotel spas, like Pure Altitude Spa at Altapura and Spa by L’OCCITANE at Pashmina, offer all sorts of luxury bathing experiences, outdoor Nordic baths, hammams, saunas and sensory showers.

• Yoga and meditation centres: Limber up for a hike or ski run with a Qigong class or Hatha or Vinyasa yoga session. Some hotels and private practitioners offer group classes and private lessons.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Skiing: With excellent snow, state-of-the-art ski lifts and over 600km of slopes to career down, skiing easily snags the top spot on any what-to-do list.

• Snowshoeing: Several marked trails around Val Thorens offer incredible views of the snow-covered mountains and valleys.

• Hiking: Beginning at the Slalom car park, the 5km Circuits des Lacs loop is a scene stealer, but you have the entire Three Valleys at your boot tips.

• Mountain biking: After more adrenaline, the resort features downhill tracks and cross-country trails that wind through the breathtaking mountain scenery.

• Paragliding: Thrill-seekers can take to the skies and see Val Thorens from above with a paragliding experience.

• Ice climbing: Val Thorens’ frozen waterfalls are popular with climbers, offering a unique and challenging way to experience the Alps.

• Fishing: Home to perch, fera and omble chevalier, the tranquil Alpine lakes are prime fishing territory.

• Zipline: Hurtling over 1,800m, the resort’s Bee Double Zipline is guaranteed to get the heart pumping.