ATOLprotected
Resort — 2,300m
Max — 3,220m
Geneva - 2h35; Grenoble - 1h55;
Chambery - 1h40
As the highest ski resort in Europe, Val Thorens is a great bet for those after sensational snow cover, sun-filled days and high-quality skiing. It's part of Les Trois Vallées, the world's largest ski area, made up of multiple world-class resorts (including Meribel and Courchevel).
Val Thorens' high altitude means the skiing is undeniably impressive, even within the resort itself. As well as a brilliant range of runs to suit every ability, Val Thorens is also popular for its friendly village vibe and its abundance of ski-in, ski-out accommodation.
You won't be disappointed by the Val Thorens après ski scene, either. Get in a few pints on the pistes at the legendary Folie Douce or make the most of cheap drinks and crazy table-top dancing at 360 Bar. When it comes to fantastic food, there's something to satisfy every craving both piste-side and in the main village.
Val Thorens is one of the top places in Europe for snow-sure skiing thanks to its lofty position 2300m above sea level. What's more, it's nestled within a huge ski bowl meaning the area's many cruisey blues, long reds and tricky black runs are easily accessible from the resort itself.
Want to escape the crowds? Venture further down the mountain towards Les Menuires or La Masse for an even wider selection of pistes and ace backcountry skiing opportunities. There's also ample choice for newbies, including gentle nursery slopes close to the resort itself.
Choose between a Val Thorens ski pass or enjoy unlimited access to over 600km of epic routes with the Trois Vallées pass.
If skiing is a complete mystery for certain members of your group, they'll be in safe hands in Val Thorens. The nursery slopes are right by the main village and the resort has a nice selection of easy blue runs which you'll likely be able to tackle straight from the door of your hotel or chalet. For complete beginners, we can set you up with lessons at one of a handful of great ski schools.
Val Thorens is the perfect playground for intermediate skiers thanks to a seemingly endless range of challenging blue and spectacular red runs. If you love cruising down long, tree-lined routes, make sure you check out the descent into the Maurienne Valley or the pistes leading to Les Menuires. Keen to get your first taste of off-piste skiing? Many of the best off-piste runs are visible from the lifts, making it easy to plan your route.
For experienced skiers, Val Thorens is paradise. As well as some tricky routes leading off from the resort itself, you'll find breathtaking black runs on Cime de Caron. For the pick of the bunch when it comes to off-piste skiing, make a beeline for the Peclet Glacier or hire a local guide to show you around the beautiful Vallon du Lou.
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I approached Packed with a work project, searching for a Ski trip for 50 people. Right from the beginning the customer service was super, within a couple of days I had 2 trips that fitted the criteria perfectly. Due to the nature of my job I was unable to progress quickly and was back & forth with questions and requests, but nevertheless Ed Mellor continued to be professional, extremely helpful and patient. There was never a delay is receiving responses to my many emails.
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I saw an advert on Instagram and thought it’d be worth a shout as I was having a hard time booking a ski trip for myself and 6 mates. From start to finish it was easy messaging through WhatsApp and they found brilliant deals for us. Would happily recommend to anyone thinking of using them. Ed was fantastic and super fast to reply and keep my up to date
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I've booked with My Swft for the last 3 years, 4 holidays in total. This year was even better. The new online booking is really simple to be able to share with the group and get people to choose a location. Then everyone managing their own booking makes it even easier for the group leader!
Fantastic service for all aspects of the holiday. Made our leaves easy.
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This increasingly premium Trois Vallées resort (that's also the highest altitude village in Europe) is nice and compact, with everything you'll ever need - from its broad variety of accommodation options to its brilliant bars and restaurants - literally right on your doorstep.
One of Val Thorens biggest selling points has to be its proximity to the slopes. The majority of the accommodation here is ski-in, ski-out, meaning you can roll out of bed, fuel up, clip on your skis and fly down the mountain in under 20 minutes.
If you want a break from skiing or there are members of your group who've only come for the snowy views and the nightlife, Val Thorens has a few awesome off-piste attractions to keep you busy, including ziplining, snowmobiling and an amazing toboggan run.
For a ski holiday that's not just about the pistes, you couldn't be better placed in Val Thorens. The contemporary, purpose-built ski resort is well-known for its après ski offering which spans quirky Scandi drinking holes through to high altitude dancefloors.
If you're keen to fit in a few pints and cheeky table dance in between ski sessions, La Folie Douce should be your first stop. It's at the top of the Plein Sud and Pionniers ski lifts and its terrace gives way to magnificent mountain views. Another favourite is 360 Bar where top DJs will keep you entertained, whether you are chilling in a deckchair or in the thick of it on the dancefloor.
In Val Thorens resort, small but friendly Danish-run bar Café Snesko is a top party spot with staff who frequently set the bar and ceiling on fire (literally). Elsewhere, Le Saloon has 2-4-1 happy hour deals and some of the best live music in the region, while Down Under below it is the number one place in Val Thorens for catching up on all the major global sports fixtures.
Foodies are well cared for in Val Thorens where you'll find a selection of cosy local eateries, cool bistros and casual pub-style restaurants.
If you like the sound of tucking into tasty food at extraordinary heights, you can't skip booking a table at La Bouitte Restaurant just below Val Thorens in St Martin de Belleville. It's one of the world's highest three Michelin star restaurant and the brainchild of Réne & Maxime Meilleur, a self-taught father and son team!
For something a little less fancy (and pricey), check out L'Auberge des Balcons in Val Thorens village for filling favourites like pizzas, burgers and racks of ribs.
Regional delicacies - think duck breast, tartiflette and raclettes - are the specialty at locally loved La Grange, a restaurant lodged inside a wooden barn. And if you're dreaming of melted cheese, Joyeuse Fondue doesn't disappoint with its namesake selection of mouthwatering fondues.
Half of the fun of a group ski trip is the nightlife - and Val Thorens is loaded with legendary locations to let loose in.
Val Thorens veteran Malaysia is the largest club in the Alps and it's the place to be after dark thanks to its huge dance floor and impressive DJ sets which go on until 4.30am. Klub Summit is another nightclub on Val Thorens' main street which offers a superb combination of friendly staff, punchy cocktails and DJs that blast out tunes well into the small hours.
Après ski mainstay Le Saloon knows how to throw a good party, with the vibe switching from casual day-time boozer to buzzing live music venue after 10pm. At closing time, keep an eye out for free drinks tokens that can be used at Klub Summit down the road. You'll know when it's closing time, they'll be playing either Closing Time or Final Countdown to see you out. For something a little more upmarket, Jackie has slick decor, live music and an ace cocktail list.
Tacos and Latin-inspired music are the name of the game at Favela which stays open late and serves up a mean Margarita. And if you're after a slice of home, The Frog and and Roast Beef is rumoured to be the highest pub in Europe.
There's no need to head back to Val Thorens itself for food thanks to the fantastic choice of restaurants located right on the pistes.
Trendy La Fruitière sits next door to the Folie Douce and is the perfect place to start off an afternoon drinking session with some creative Savoyard dishes. You'll also find La Folie Ratrack within the same complex - a food truck which sells tasty sweet and savoury snacks such as paninis and waffles.
Chalet du Thorens next door to 360 Bar is a similar spot where you can tuck into a wide variety of different food, from expertly made sushi through to hot pastries and sweet crêpes. There's a well-priced self-service jobby, a more formal main restaurant and then a cracking waffle spot outside called Mr Waffy. Legend.
When it comes to cuisine that's a little more international, Wokski (also in Chalet du Thorens) serves up steaming bowls of cheap noodles, while Face Ouest is the perfect place to wolf down a pizza in the sunshine.
Ski-in, ski-out accommodation is the norm rather than the exception in Val Thorens and it includes a handful of luxe hotels, from all-inclusive resorts to five-star options with spas right in the heart of the resort.
There's additionally ample self-catered accommodation to choose from around the resort to suit every kind of budget. When it comes to your classic Val Thorens chalet, note that most only sleep around 8 to 10 people. It's still possible to nab one which can accommodate larger groups, though, if you book far enough in advance.
Not sure what kind of accommodation will suit your group best? Get in touch with us over WhatsApp or Messenger to have a chat about your requirements.
Here's a slice of what's on offer to give you an idea:
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