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Val Thorens

Val Thorens, at 2300 metres the highest ski resort in Europe, Les Menuires and small but pretty St Martin are excellent gateways to the vast Three Valleys ski area.
 

Our Rating:

Advanced ****
Intermediate *****
Beginner ****
Sitting pretty at the head of the Belleville Valley is Val Thorens, at 2300 metres the highest ski resort in both the Three Valleys and Europe. On its own, the Belleville valley has 8 peaks above 3000m, 71 ski lifts, 10,000 skiable hectares comprising 330km of pistes, over half of that in the entire Three Valleys. It is a simply vast ski area with something for all levels, particularly when you also take into account the slopes of the Maurienne valley, the mysterious "Fourth Valley". There has been huge investment in the resort over the last 10 years with another 40 million Euros scheduled to be invested before 2010 meaning exemplary lift infrastructure and state-of-the-art snowmaking facilities which enhance the excellent natural snow cover. The only problem comes in poor conditions; there are no trees anywhere to offer any relief from flat light.  

Val Thorens at a glance
 

On the mountain

Ski area

Most of the skiing in Val Thorens starts from above 3000m and is largely intermediate, though there is plenty of interesting off-piste between the marked trails. more...

 

Lift system

The lift system throughout the valley is excellent with many high-speed large-capacity gondolas and chairs, particularly in Val Thorens.
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Ski schools

The ESF dominate, but there are alternatives with multi-lingual instructors and smaller class sizes.
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Advanced

Both Val Thorens and Les Menuires offers some steep blacks and excellent off-piste.
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Intermediate

Val Thorens has some of the best reds in the Three Valleys; Les Menuires offer excellent motorway skiing.
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Beginner

Beginners in Val Thorens can get cold and disorientated in bad weather; Les Menuires offers them a cheap ski pass.
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Boarding & freestyle

Les Menuires has a snow park that is excellent for learning as the jumps are marked in difficulty. more...

 

Mountain restaurants

There are lots of self-service places in the valley, but also some absolute gems with roaring open fires or lovely sun terraces. more...

 

Ski Map

open Ski map

Off the mountain

Village

Val Thorens is a compact, purpose-built resort; Les Menuires is developing a more up-market image.
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Accommodation

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Apres-ski

Val Thorens proudly boasts the highest après-ski in Europe and has a good selection of lively bars.  more...

 

Restaurants & bars

The gastronomical gamut runs from pizza and pasta to award-winning haute cuisine.
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Other information

There is not a huge amount to do in Val Thorens or Les Menuires for nonskiers. more...

 

Getting there

The nearest airports are Chambéry, Geneva and Lyon; the nearest train station is in Moutiers. more...

 

 

Navigation

Quick access

Resort shortcuts

Val Thorens facts

Ski Area

Base7,546 ft
2,300 m
Summit10,597 ft
3,230 m
Elevation3,051 ft
930 m
Area size6,000 a
2,428 ha

 

Trails/runs

Number of trails68
Advanced30 %
Intermediate50 %
Beginner20 %

 

Lifts

Gondolas/Cable cars4
Chairs15
Surface lifts5

 

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