THE RESORT
Introduction
Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort — a compact alpine village at 2,300 metres, sitting at the top of the Belleville Valley in France’s Les 3 Vallées.
Perched at 2,300 metres in the Belleville Valley, Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe and the gateway to Les 3 Vallées — the largest linked ski area in the world with 600 km of marked pistes across three interconnected valleys.
The resort is semi-pedestrianised, with most locations within a 20-minute walk. Free shuttle buses connect the village districts throughout the day. With 150 km of local runs in the Val Thorens–Orelle area alone, plus access to the wider 3 Vallées network, this is a resort that delivers both quality and quantity.
The scheduled 2026–27 Val Thorens–Orelle season runs from 21 November 2026 to 2 May 2027, offering one of the longest seasons in the Alps.
Resort Statistics
Village Altitude
2,300 metres
Highest Point
3,230 metres (Cime de Caron)
Local Pistes (Val Thorens–Orelle)
150 km
Les 3 Vallées Total
600 km of marked pistes
Snow Reliability
99% of slopes above 2,000 m
Season 2026–27
21 Nov 2026 – 2 May 2027
Les 3 Vallées Season
5 Dec 2026 – 18 Apr 2027
Village Character
Semi-pedestrianised, free shuttles
Snow reliability: The resort states that 99% of its slopes are above 2,000 metres, contributing to excellent snow conditions throughout the season.
THE EXPERIENCE
Why Val Thorens?
Europe’s highest ski resort. Part of the world’s largest linked ski area. Snow-sure from November to May.
Europe’s Highest Resort
At 2,300 metres, Val Thorens sits above the treeline with guaranteed snow conditions and stunning panoramic views. The summit of Cime de Caron reaches 3,230 metres, offering breathtaking vistas across the French, Swiss and Italian Alps.
Les 3 Vallées — The World’s Largest
Your lift pass connects you to 600 km of marked pistes across Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens. For intermediates and advanced skiers, this means days of exploration without repeating a run.
For Every Level
From gentle Easy Rider zones and free moving walkways for beginners, to the challenging off-piste accessed from Cime de Caron for experts. The resort caters well to families with dedicated children’s areas and ski school programmes.
Beyond the Slopes
Val Thorens offers far more than skiing. The Board wellness complex features a heated indoor pool, saunas, hammam and balneotherapy. Plus there’s ice driving, the 6 km Cosmojet toboggan run, paragliding, snowshoeing and much more.
Legendary Après-Ski
From the famous La Folie Douce on-mountain party to cosy fondue restaurants and late-night clubs, Val Thorens has one of the liveliest après-ski scenes in the Alps.
Compact & Convenient
The semi-pedestrianised village means everything is within easy reach. Most accommodation is ski-in/ski-out or a short walk from the lifts. Free resort shuttles connect all districts.
TRAVEL
Getting There
Val Thorens is accessible from four airports, with regular transfer services running throughout the winter season.
✈️ From Australia
Most guests fly into Geneva (GVA) or Lyon (LYS), both of which have direct transfer connections to Val Thorens. From Australia, common routing is via Singapore, Dubai or London to Geneva or Lyon.
| Airport | Code | Distance to Val Thorens |
|---|---|---|
| Chambéry–Savoie Mont Blanc | CMF | 122 km |
| Grenoble Alpes Isère | GNB | 194 km |
| Lyon Saint-Exupéry | LYS | 199 km |
| Geneva International | GVA | 201 km |
🚌 By Bus / Shuttle
Seasonal airport bus services connect Geneva and Lyon to Val Thorens via Moûtiers:
- Geneva services: scheduled 18 December 2026 – 27 March 2027
- Lyon LysExpress: scheduled 11 December 2026 – 3 April 2027 (Fri/Sat/Sun)
Allow at least 3 hours between bus arrival and flight departure.
🚗 Driving
From Albertville, follow the N90 towards Moûtiers, take exit 40 for the Belleville Valley resorts, then continue on the D117 to Val Thorens.
Winter equipment: From 1 November 2024, vehicles must carry suitable anti-skid equipment for at least two drive wheels, or use four winter tyres with the 3PMSF marking. An M+S marking alone is not sufficient.
🚂 By Train
Moûtiers–Salins–Brides-les-Bains is the nearest station, 37 km from the resort. The S63 bus journey takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
ORIENTATION
Maps
Val Thorens sits at the top of the Belleville Valley, forming the highest point of Les 3 Vallées. The village is compact and largely car-free, with six distinct districts: Grande Rue (central), Soleil (family-oriented), Slalom (quiet, slope-side), Lombarde (central), Balcons (upper, quiet), and Plein Sud (upper, quiet).
| District | Character | Best Suited To |
|---|---|---|
| Grande Rue | Central; close to shops and restaurants; lively at night | Dining and nightlife access |
| Soleil | Lower resort; near children’s gardens, lessons and daycare | Families |
| Slalom | Very quiet; near the slopes | Quiet ski-focused stays |
| Lombarde | Near the centre and slopes | Balanced convenience |
| Balcons | Upper resort; residential and quiet | Relaxed stays |
| Plein Sud | Upper resort; quiet | Groups seeking a quieter base |
ON THE MOUNTAIN
Lift Passes
Two main pass options give you access to either the local Val Thorens–Orelle area or the full Les 3 Vallées network.
| Pass Scope | Terrain Access | Consider It When |
|---|---|---|
| Val Thorens–Orelle | 150 km of marked pistes | Staying local, taking lessons, or skiing for fewer days |
| Les 3 Vallées | 600 km of marked pistes | Confident skiers planning to explore the connected valleys |
The wider Les 3 Vallées area has a shorter scheduled season (5 December 2026 – 18 April 2027) than Val Thorens–Orelle. Travellers arriving before or after these dates should not assume whole-area access.
Passes can be purchased at the resort or pre-booked online. Family and multi-day discounts are typically available.
Tip: Book your lift passes in advance through your Travelplan Ski package for the best rates and convenience.
ON THE MOUNTAIN
Equipment Rental
Ski and snowboard equipment can be hired directly in the resort or pre-booked through your Travelplan Ski package.
Val Thorens has numerous rental shops throughout the village. Equipment can also be added to your booking through the official Val Thorens Réservation platform.
When selecting equipment, compare categories (standard, performance, premium), collection locations, overnight storage options, damage terms and whether equipment exchanges are included during your stay.
Helmets: Helmets are mandatory for all children during ski school lessons. Helmets are strongly recommended for all guests.
ON THE MOUNTAIN
Ski & Snowboard Lessons
Several ski schools operate in Val Thorens, offering group and private lessons for all ages and abilities.
Lessons can be booked through the official Val Thorens Réservation platform or directly with ski schools in the resort. Both group and private options are available for skiing and snowboarding.
For families, confirm minimum ages, meeting points, language availability and whether a lift pass is required before booking.
The resort’s Easy Rider zones and free moving walkways provide dedicated areas for beginners to build confidence before venturing onto the wider slopes.
For children: The Soleil district is closest to children’s gardens, lessons and daycare facilities. The Ski Patrol Experience is available for children aged 6–14.
WHAT’S NEW
New for 2026/27
Key dates and events for the upcoming Val Thorens season.
The 2026–27 season at Val Thorens–Orelle is scheduled from 21 November 2026 to 2 May 2027, offering one of the longest ski seasons in the Alps.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| La Grande Première (season opening) | 20–22 November 2026 |
| Ski Cross World Cup | 10–12 December 2026 |
| Les 3 Vallées full opening | 5 December 2026 |
| Les 3 Vallées closing | 18 April 2027 |
| Val Thorens–Orelle closing | 2 May 2027 |
No new permanent resort developments (lifts, accommodation, infrastructure) for 2026–27 have been confirmed in available material. Check the official resort website for any announcements.
BEYOND SKIING
Non-Snow Activities
Val Thorens offers a rich programme of activities beyond the slopes — from wellness and sports to adrenaline experiences.
| Category | Activities |
|---|---|
| Tobogganing | Cosmojet 6 km run; La Piste aux Étoiles |
| Snow & Ice | Snowshoeing, ice climbing, snowtubing, Snake Gliss, snowmobile outings |
| Wheels & Driving | Ice driving, electric fat bikes, snow mountain biking, Mountain Kart Xperience |
| Aerial | Paragliding, paramotoring, Snow Trike, La Bee double zipline |
| Indoor Sport | Swimming, fitness, dance, aquagym, badminton, squash and other court sports |
| Family Entertainment | Cinema, bowling, Fun Park, treasure hunts and space games |
| Nature & Experiences | Sled dogs, pedestrian paths, igloo building, yurt evenings, Igloo Village |
| Wellness | Spa services, yoga, The Board wellness area |
The Board — Wellness & Sports Complex
The Board is Val Thorens’ premier wellness and sports facility, featuring:
- Heated indoor pool with two 20-metre swimming lanes
- Children’s play facilities and splash area
- Three saunas and a hammam
- Balneotherapy pools
- Fitness areas
- Multiple court sports
Activity availability, age limits, weather restrictions and booking requirements are seasonal. Confirm details before booking.
EAT & DRINK
Dining
From Michelin-starred fine dining to mountain fondue and on-piste terrace lunches — Val Thorens has a diverse and vibrant food scene.
| Venue | Style | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Les Explorateurs | Fine dining in Hôtel Pashmina (1 Michelin star) | hotelpashmina.com |
| La Maison | Bar, restaurant & Savoie-style brasserie | la-maison-valthorens.fr |
| L’Auberge des Balcons | Savoyard & Italian specialities | Directory |
| La Fruitière / La Folie Douce | On-mountain dining & festive setting | Directory |
| Yuki Yama | Sushi & international dishes | Directory |
| Le Vieux Chalet | Fondue & raclette | Directory |
| Le Chalet de la Marine | Mountain restaurant | Directory |
| Le Rendez-Vous | Bar & restaurant | Directory |
| Enjoy It | Terrace, burgers & fondue | Directory |
| Les Chalets du Thorens | On-mountain restaurant | Directory |
Menus, booking policies and seasonal opening hours can change. Contact each venue before visiting.
EAT & DRINK
Après-Ski & Nightlife
Val Thorens is famous for its après-ski scene — from slope-side parties to late-night clubs.
La Folie Douce Val Thorens
The legendary on-mountain après venue, famous for its high-energy outdoor parties with DJs and live performers. A must-visit experience.
Bar Le 360
Events, concerts and a panoramic setting.
Club Jackie
The resort’s main nightclub with DJs and a club-style setting.
La Timbale
Tapas and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Roy Bar (Le Fitz Roy)
Cocktails and live music.
Verify venue names, winter operation schedules, event programmes and admission rules before your visit. Some venues have seasonal opening dates.
VILLAGE LIFE
Groceries & Shopping
Grande Rue is the main shopping and restaurant district in Val Thorens. Supermarkets, bakeries, ski equipment shops and souvenir stores are concentrated here.
If you’re staying in self-catered accommodation, identify your preferred grocery stop before arrival, particularly when arriving late. Sunday and holiday trading arrangements require direct confirmation.
Specialist ski retailers offer equipment, clothing and accessories throughout the village.
PRACTICAL
Other Information
Essential practical information for your Val Thorens trip.
Practical Details
Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2 in summer)
Tap Water
Safe to drink (resort guidance)
Tipping
Service generally included. Additional tipping optional.
Altitude
2,300 m — allow time to adjust
Medical
Medical centre, pharmacy & physiotherapists in resort
Accommodation
Val Thorens Réservation is the resort’s official booking centre, offering hotels, tourist residences, private apartments and chalets. Options range from 5-star luxury (Hôtel Koh-I Nor, Altapura, Pashmina Le Refuge) to comfortable 3-star hotels and self-catered apartments.
For families and groups, larger apartments accommodating up to 14–16 guests are available at properties like Les Balcons de Val Thorens and Le Val Chavière.
Parking
Winter parking is mandatory in resort car parks. Advance reservations are recommended. Electric-vehicle charging points are available in covered car parks P0, P1 and P2.
Tourist Office
Maison de Val Thorens, 818 Grande Rue, 73440 Les Belleville
Phone: +33 (0)4 79 00 08 08
Travel Insurance & Safety
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical and ski injury cover is strongly recommended. Travelplan Ski can advise on travel insurance options — call 1300 754 754.