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Val Thorens is part of the vast 3 Valleys lift system, and is the highest of all its resorts. For that reason alone Val Thorens is often chosen as a fabulous place to ski, but here are 10 reasons you should consider skiing in Val Thorens.
Snow Cover from November to May
Val Thorens is the highest Ski resort in Western Europe and guarantees its snow cover from November to May.
Lot of different ski runs
There are 31 lifts in Val Thorens, serving 68 pistes and you can even ski to Courchevel and back in a day from Val Thorens which is much easier (and quicker) than you might think. An intermediate skier ought to be able to get there in just over an hour on the most direct route, although you can branch out if you wish to make a day of it.
Fabulous places to stay
There are so many places to stay in Val Thorne and so many different styles and budgets of Val Thorens accommodation. From studios sleeping 2 people to large chalets sleeping 20 plus, Val Thorens Real Estate agency can help you find the best property suitable for your needs at a sensible price.
Michelin Star Restaurant
Chef Josselin Jeanblanc won a Michelin star in 2017 for his cooking at Les Explorateurs in Hotel Pashmina and continues to hold one. The restaurant gets great tripadvisor reviews too.
Great Airport Connections
The nearest airports to Val Thorens are: Chambéry Airport (78 miles/122km, 1 hour 45 mins drive) Geneva Airport (129 miles/202km, 2 hours 40 mins drive) Lyon-St Exupery (125 miles/199km, 2 hours, 35min drive).
Great for Beginners
Is Val Thorens good for beginners? In good conditions Val Thorens is perfect for beginners, with nursery slopes situated right next to the resort and a pleasantly progressive network of blues expanding out from the resort centre. It can be tricky in bad conditions but isn’t anywhere! Val Thorens beginners’ area is covered with magic carpets and as the beginners’ area is also situated right at the foot of the resort there isn’t too far to travel home at the end of the day. It’s also handy for any parents who might not be skiing but want to watch.
Lot of options for Ski Lessons or Instructors
Whether you want to book group lesson or hire yourself a private instructor, you have the option to do either in Val Thorens. Do read our piece on why a private instructor might be best if you’re learning to ski as a family, but we also love New Generation who Liz and family reviewed in early 2019 (albeit in Morzine).
Activities off the slopes
Val Thorens also has loads to do off the slopes. The Val Thorens sports centre at Place Caron is a great place to start, – there is a large activity area for kids with trampolines, soft play, swimming pool and even a bowling alley! There’s also a cinema in Val Thorens which shows cartoons throughout the school holidays.
Europe’s longest toboggan run
Kids (and big kids) aged 5 and up can enjoy Europe’s longest toboggan run from Chalet du Toboggan why not watch this video here!
Apres-ski
Very lively for a purpose built ski area, Val Thorens has more than 40 bars and three night spots.
People don’t seem to be able to talk about après ski in Val Thorens without mentioning the famous Folie Douce. Billed as ‘The dancefloor on top of the world’ Folie Douce is the ultimate spot to party above the resort. Surrounded by mountains; it’s a place where the music is pumping, the crowd is wild and dancing on the tables is customary