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Skiing in Val Thorens, personalised to you
Plan and book the ultimate Val Thorens ski trip
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Altitude:
Resort — 2,300m
Max — 3,220m
Skiing:
Transfer time:
Chambery - 1h40;
Grenoble - 1h55;
Geneva - 2h35;
Accessible via the Eurostar
Best for
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 ski resort
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.
Skiing in Val Thorens
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.
Val Thorens for non-skiers
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.
Val Thorens après
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.
Restaurants in Val Thorens
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.
Val Thorens nightlife
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.
Mountain bites
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 Holidays in Val Thorens
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 and are chalet-style apartments. It's still possible to nab one which can accommodate larger groups, though, if you book far enough in advance.
