Val Thorens, unbeatable
Benefiting from an unrivalled location, Val Thorens is the world’s most acclaimed high-altitude ski resort. In 2014, it was awarded the World Ski Award for the Best French Ski Resort and the World’s Best Ski Resort. Situated in a vast natural cirque overlooked by six glaciers, the Val Thorens ski area benefits from maximum snow coverage and offers a multitude of itineraries, so you can ski in the sunshine all day long and enjoy stunning panoramic views. Europe’s highest altitude resort (2300 metres) and the highest point in the 3 Vallées, it often enjoys long snow seasons. People come from around the world to ski but also to enjoy every aspect of mountain life. Extremely well-equipped, highly organised and offering a range of activities, Val Thorens is ideal for people of all ages and interests.
Activities in Val Thorens
SKI & SNOWBOARD
Whether you are an experienced skier or a complete beginner, ESF can cater for your needs and help you reach your full skiing potential. ESF is committed to bringing you the best lessons in an array of different winter disciplines and sports.
SNOWSHOEING
Would you like to try an activity that combines fun, sport and discovery ? Then snowshoeing is for you! One major advantage is that everyone can enjoy it as it requires no technical knowledge or particular physical condition. What’s more, snowshoeing allows you to discover the stunning landscapes around the resort at your own pace.
ICE DRIVING
Do you enjoy a good adrenalin rush? Discover the highest ice-racing track in Europe. Steering, counter-steering, braking….all the techniques are tried under the watchful eye of a trained professional. The Ice Driving Val Thorens welcomes you on the « Alain Prost’s » ice-racing track of VT.
PARAGLIDING
Once you’ve have crossed the slopes, take to the heights and discover the mountains from another angle… from the air ! Beneath your, the Belleville Valley, facing the Mont Blanc is revealed. You will be led by state-qualified instructors.
SNOW BIKING – FAT BIKE
At an altitude of 3000 m, at the foot of the Péclet glacier, in the heart of a sumptuous high mountain decor, hurtle down the 700 m of height difference on the Tête Ronde blue slope. Accessible to sporty ones and experienced MTB riders every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening.
PARAMOTOR
A paramotor is a motorized paraglider that enables a pilot and passenger to climb in altitude and stay airborn for as long as they want. Enjoy an unforgettable aerial view as you soar above the valley at a comfortable speed of 35km/hr.
TOBOGGANS
Get ready for an incredible experience on a marked-out run in the heart of a magnificent natural valley. All the thrills of a toboggan run for everyone from 5 years old. 45 minutes of excitement and sliding entertainment! The itinerary is great fun, linking raised bends and varied slopes giving tobogganists intense pleasure. Nothing to fear, just let yourself go and enjoy, right at the heart of an exceptional site.
SLED DOGS
Come and experience unique sensations, led by professional mushers. The ride takes 30 minutes per session. This activity is open from 2 years-old.
HELICOPTER
Fly over the most prestigious summits of the Alps in a machine piloted by an expert.
EVENING IN A YURT
For a change of scenery, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, spend the evening in the Mongolian yurt of Chalet de la Marine. After climbing up by scooter or snow groomer, diners discover a medley of dishes in this cosy and warm, typical space, on an ancient stove in the middle of the yurt. In the late evening, as a surprise: a breathtaking view of a glittering resort in the mountains.
BOWLING
Try a straight line for a change and go for a strike! The bowling alley features eight child-friendly lanes (for ages 6 and over), two billiard rooms (American pool and snooker), one games room (for both kids and adults), a sports library, and a sports bar with a giant video screen.
OFF-PISTE SKIING & HIKES
Enjoy the greatest ski area of the world on those on this perfect terrain for off-piste skiing. The guides are always happy to help you to discover the beautiful mountain universe.
BOARDERCROSS & SNOWPARK
Having fun on your skis is the essential part of a successful holiday! To ensure that everyone finds what they are looking for, Val Thorens offers initiation or improvement classes in many fun areas. You can start with the VT Fun Ride, a piste suitable for the whole family for your first experience and then progress in the VT Family Park for your first successful figures.
SNOWMOBILE
And what about discovering the snow-covered landscapes by night ? Ride your snowmobile, alone or with a passenger and follow your guide on a tour. As you cross the unspoilt spaces, lit up solely by the light of the moon, nature reveals itself before your eyes, incessantly surprising you.
ICE DIVING
Embark on a wild adventure, just a short distance from the resort; a timeless journey beneath the frozen Lac du Lou. After putting on a waterproof drysuit and diving equipment (compressed neoprene drysuit, waterproof gloves, diving mask), it’s time for 20 minutes of glacial exploration. Access the lake on snow shoes or cross country skis (40 minutes), followed by a 30-minute ice diving session supervised by our professional diving instructors.
JUMP AIRBAG
Do you enjoy skiing in untouched snow, carrying out jumps, going to the snowpark or halfpipe? Do you want to learn new moves? Well now you can do just that in total safety thanks to the airbag! The airbag is a fall cushion used to absorb the impact of your fall through the air. The giant air cushion is the perfect solution if you want to learn or improve your freestyle skiing or snowboard technique.
THE TYROLIENNE
A glide over 1300 m…1 minute 45 seconds of pure pleasure in breathtaking surroundings, from the 3 Valleys peak at 3230 m, at the top of the Bouchet chairlift in the Orelle resort, over to the Val Thorens crest, at 3000 m, at the top of the Thorens Funitel.
FOOTPATHS
Whether for adventure or meditation, walkers and hikers can enjoy the same high-mountain pleasures as skiers.
SPORTS CENTER AND AQUA-SPA
Whether you want to exercise, play sport or relax, the Val Thorens Sports Centre is the ideal place to visit, featuring a wide range of activities in a 7,500 sq. m covered space, open 7 days a week from 10am to 10pm. Make use of the many aquatic apparatus for children and adults.
YOGA CLASSES
Yoga is a complete science of life that aims to connect the body and mind and bring harmony through postures (asanas) as well as pranayama (breathing) and meditation.The benefits of yoga are endless.
SNAKE GLISS
Snake Gliss is an activity where up to 10 sledges are tied together, led by a professional instructor. The fun, thrilling activity involves a winding 45-minute descent from the top of the Funitel de Péclet. Fun and laughter guaranteed! It’s a great activity for groups, families and anyone else looking for something fun to do after a day’s skiing. And you’ll get a hot wine as a reward for your effort once you reach the bottom.
CINEMA
The Lac Blanc cinema welcomes you at the centre of the Val Thorens resort with two showings a day. Additional showings possible in the event of bad weather.