Val Thorens Ski Resort Guide
Val Thorens, France
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| Recommended For | Freeriders, Expert Skiers, Intermediates, Beginners, Snowboarders, Snowfall and Apres-Ski! |
|---|---|
| Total Piste Length | 140km |
| Highest Lift | 3,200m |
| Resort Height | 2,300m |
| Nearest Airports | Chambery and Annecy |
| Save on Ski Hire | Save up to 50%  |
Val Thorens
Val Thorens offers exceptional skiing in the heart of the Three Valleys. With a high altitude and extensive terrain, it's a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.
Summary
Located at 2,300 meters, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe, ensuring excellent snow conditions. It boasts over 150 kilometers of ski runs, catering to all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
The ski area of Val Thorens is in the French Alps at an altitude of 2,300m, with 140km of marked runs.
Val Thorens is part of the Three Valleys ski area with access to 600km of downhill skiing, with 497 marked pistes, served by a total of 180 ski lifts. In addition to the skiing in Val Thorens itself (140km of pisted ski runs), the appropriate ski Lift Pass will allow you to ski or snowboard in the other Three Valleys ski resorts of Courchevel, La Tania, Les Menuires, Méribel and Saint Martin de Belleville.
The ski resort itself is at 2,300m, so skiing or boarding back to the resort is usually possible. With ski lifts as high as 3,200m, skiing and snowboarding is assured throughout the season.
Notable Ski Runs
The longest possible descent in Val Thorens is 12km long and the most difficult run is the 'Caron', which is 3km in length.
Snow and Weather
Val Thorens is known for its snow reliability, with an average snow depth of 2 meters and consistent snowfall throughout the season. For the latest snow conditions, check J2Ski for up-to-date information.
When will it snow in Val Thorens?
There is currently no significant snow in the 7-day forecast for Val Thorens.
See our long-range Snow Forecast for the latest update.
Snow this week
| Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Mon | Tue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ski Area Stats
Val Thorens Ski Area
| Black Pistes Expert Trails | 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Red Pistes Intermediate Runs | 29 | |
| Blue Pistes Easy Trails | 29 | |
| Green Pistes Beginner Runs | 11 | |
| Downhill Total Length | 140km | |
| Cross Country Total Length | 5km | |
| Ski Lifts Number of Lifts | 29 | |
The Three Valleys Ski Area
| Black Pistes Expert Trails | 49 | |
|---|---|---|
| Red Pistes Intermediate Runs | 175 | |
| Blue Pistes Easy Trails | 207 | |
| Green Pistes Beginner Runs | 66 | |
| Downhill Total Length | 600km | |
| Cross Country Total Length | 130km | |
| Ski Lifts Number of Lifts | 180 | |
Val Thorens Altitudes
| Highest Lift | 3,200m |
|---|---|
| Resort Altitude (Val Thorens) | 2,300m |
| Lowest Piste | 1,850m |
| Max Vertical | 1,350m |
Ratings & Suitability
| Freeriders | |
|---|---|
| Expert Skiers | |
| Intermediate Skiers | |
| Beginners | |
| Snowboarding | |
| Snow | |
| Apres-Ski |
Skiing
Val Thorens features a variety of ski areas, including the Cime de Caron, which rises to 3,200 meters. Notable pistes include the blue 'Pleins Feux' and red 'Combe de Caron,' with efficient lifts like the Funitel de Péclet and the 3 Vallées gondola providing access to extensive terrain.
There are a variety of pistes to suit all levels of skier ability, from Beginner to Expert.
Ski Lessons in Val Thorens
To choose a Ski School, and book Group Ski Lessons or a Private Instructor, see Val Thorens Ski Schools and Val Thorens Ski Instructors.
Snowboarding
Snowboarders can enjoy the terrain parks in Val Thorens, including the fun park and the advanced park. The variety of natural terrain also offers excellent opportunities for freeriding.
Location and Map
Where is Val Thorens?
This ski resort is in the French Alps in Les Belleville, Albertville.
Map
Tap 
for Full-Screen, or see J2Ski's Resort map, showing Hotels and Ski Shops.
How to get there
By Air
The nearest airport to Val Thorens is Chambery, 90 minutes drive away.
Annecy, Geneva, Lyon Bron and Lyon St-Exupéry airports are all within three hours drive.
To reach Val Thorens, travelers can fly into major airports like Geneva or Chambéry, then take a transfer or drive. The resort is well-connected by road, making it accessible for visitors.
Infrastructure
Ski Lift Capacity
The 29 ski lifts are able to uplift 53,000 skiers and snowboarders every hour.
Snow Making
Snow-making is available, on 100km of ski runs, with 395 snow cannons.
Season Dates
When is Val Thorens open?
Closed : 4 May 2025.
Usual opening is late November, and usual closing is Early May.
NOTE:- Ski area, lift and piste opening is subject to Current Snow Conditions.
Piste Map
Talking about Val Thorens
Mentions in recent J2Ski News Items and Snow Reports from our users...
Aprés Ski
Val Thorens has a vibrant après-ski scene with popular spots like La Folie Douce and Café Face. Visitors can also enjoy dining at La Grange and experience nightlife at clubs like Malaysia.
