A cosmopolitan ski destination, Val Thorens brings together exceptional skiing and an incomparable atmosphere. The ski area is home to a host of luxurious hotels and high-end apartments, making it ideal for families, couples or friends who are looking to enjoy the thrills of the mountains in style.
Dreamed up by developer Schnebelen and promoted by mayor Fontanet, Val Thorens began its existence on 18 December 1971, with the opening of the first 3 draglifts. Back then, it seemed like a ‘snowy version of the Far West’ and attracted only 4 or 5 families to live in the resort all year around. In 1972, Jean Beranger (trainer of France’s women’s ski team in the ’60s) set up the ESF ski school and created the club des sports, as well as the tourist office.
By the end of the 1980s, the first chalets had been built and Val Thorens began to attract a more varied clientele thanks to its impressive array of slopes. A decade later, the resort had become one of the most popular ski destinations in France thanks to its huge number of slopes, modern ski lifts, upscale hotels and restaurants and a range of entertainment activities.
With its dazzling array of activities, the resort has something for everyone, regardless of their age and ability level. Beginners and young children are especially welcome in the resort, where they can practice their skiing skills on a wide variety of safe, easy-going pistes. As for intermediates, they can take on more challenging runs in the Peclet Ski Zone, which also has excellent connectivity to the rest of the valley.
The village of Val Thorens is pedestrianised, with the ski piste running right through the heart of the town. This makes it an incredibly safe environment for families and it’s not uncommon to see children skiing alongside parents in a group.
As for the apres ski scene, Val Thorens is renowned for its lively bars and clubs all over the mountain. The ambiance is always vibrant and there’s always something going on, from dance music at Klub Summit to themed nights and cheesy disco at Panda Turns.
In recent years, Val Thorens has been actively implementing a series of environmental and sustainable practices in order to reduce its ecological footprint and protect the natural environment. This is a real priority for the resort, and it sets an excellent example in terms of environmental and sustainable tourism.
Val Thorens is home to a wealth of accommodation options, from 5 star luxury hotels to charming 2 star hotels, and from self-catered chalets to luxury apartments in 4 or 5 star residences. Most of the accommodation is ski-in/ski-out or only a short walk away from the pistes. The majority of the accommodation is family-oriented, perfect for those looking to spend a relaxing and rewarding holiday in the snow. The village has plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from, as well as a spa center where you can pamper yourself with a massage or take a dip in the hot tubs.
