Val Thorens is high up, REALLY high up.  As Europe’s highest rest in Europe and situated in the Trois Vallées (3 Valleys) region of the French Alps, this mountain has the distinction of getting quality powder and consistent snow cover all through November to May.

The below is a Val Thorens French Alps quick-start guide!

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A Quick Guide To Val Thorens

Overview

val thorens french alps mountain guide with gondola and village in view

At 2,300 meters high in elevation, the panoramic views from the resort are spectacular with its multiple horseshoe shaped peaks.  While impressively high up, one of the challenges that the mountain faces is that it can get very cold.  This is because the tree line is below the resort which leaves the whole area exposed to Arctic cold climates.  On the flip side, this means that you can actually ski and snowboard all the way until August.

Mountain

man and woman skiing on val thorens mountain resort

Take a moment to take it all in when you step out of your hotel and the expansive terrain smacks you in the face.  It’s hard to describe but the number of runs laid out in front of you is downright overwhelming and daunting.  Take a look at the trail map for Val Thorens and then you chuckle when you see that what’s in front of your eyes is only 25% of the whole mountain.  This is when you say to yourself, “this is going EPPPIC!”

val thorens mountain ski trail map

To explore the entire mountain would take months but for most intermediates like myself, Val Thorens offers the best of powder, length, and challenge.  Areas like Les Menuires and St-Martin-de-Belleville should not be missed for its long, cruising, and demanding runs.

For the pros, there’s a whole other world of ridiculous off trail runs that vein down from the Cime de Caron which reaches 3,200 meters.  A cable car services this area and has one red (this exists?!) and 3 black runs.

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Snowboarders will also rejoice here with Val Thorens’ 4 separate courses that make up its world renowned snowpark.  There’s even a World Cup boardercross and skicross course if you’re feeling adventurous.

Accommodations

The great part about Val Thorens is that there are a ton of options for cheap ski holidays for everyone.  If you’re feeling a little red carpet, Altapura and Koh-i Nor will no doubt be to your liking.  Koh-i Nor is the highest rated 5-star hotel in the French Alps so that is saying quite a lot considering how posh other resorts are.

If you’re a 19-28 year old and strapped for cash, there are options for you.  UCPA is a state-funded center that provides incredible packages like £534 for a full week’s board, equipment rental, lift tickets, and lessons.  You’d also be surprised to hear that this holiday center is still more hotel than hostel.

Restaurants

There are a plentiful number of restaurants found scattered throughout the entire resort.  Everything from high end to mid range and budget are available to cater any tastes.  For something cheap, check out El Gringo’s to get the job done or for something classier, there’s Jean Sulpice.

Apres-Ski

val thorens village and mountain at night with stars and shooting star

Simply put, there isn’t much to do in the village beyond eat, sleep and drink.  This isn’t going to be like Zermatt in Switzerland where locals call it home.  It’s a man-made purpose-built resort and as such, you’ll encounter a ton of tourists here.

For a fun time, bars like Underground, the Frog, and the Malaysia will get the job done and you’ll probably meet a ton of Dutch après skiers.

What To Pack For The Val Thorens French Alps

As previously stated, this mountain is really high up. That means it is going to be super cold here, so layering is key to staying warm. We’ve included some tips below on how to pack, but for an ultimate guide, be sure to check out the Cold Weather Packing List.

  • Base Layer: with the skiing or snowboarding, which is an absolute when here, you’ll want to layer your outfits to keep warm. Start your base layer with merino tights, a wool long sleeve shirt and wool socks. Depending on how much you plan on hitting the slopes, you may want to pack a few pairs of each.
  • Mid Layer: These items you could most likely get away with only packing one each. You’ll want a fleece top like the Arc’teryx Kyanite AR Hoody. It’s so comfortable, light, highly breathable, velvety soft, and very warm. Pair that with these thicker weight fleece pants and a down jacket. This will easily be one of your favorite pieces of clothing in the winter. I could wear this as a stand-alone piece all day long. In below freezing temperatures, this’ll provide a bulk of the warmth. A Polartec fleece like this Polar BUFF provides the warmth around your neck while the rest of the BUFF gives your face protection, which means you don’t need to travel with a neck gaiter.
  • Outer Layer: Again, you’ll only need to pack one of each as you’ll be able to reuse. Not only great for skiing or snowboarding, but also a wonderful rain coat, this shell jacket is superb all-around. Pair it with these shell pants, you’ll be waterproof top to bottom!
  • Hat and Gloves: A must-have, and while you’d think for really cold weather you might need something extra, but your standard toque (what we call a beanie in Canada), is totally enough. If your head gets really cold though you can always layer with this layering beanie. The layering continues with this nifty glove system that has roots in the military but really taken up by the photography community. This liner glove has a pocket for hand warmers and is touch screen compatible. Throw a pair of The Heat Company Shell Full Leather gloves on top, which open up to reveal the liner gloves so you have full access to your fingers, making operating your smartphone, drone, and camera possible.
  • Shoes: Skiing or not, you’ll definitely be in the snow. So snow boots are a must. The Sorel Glacier XT or Caribou Wool Boot are both good options as they are both waterproof and rated for -32°C (-25.6°F). Crampons are a must when hiking the icy slopes of the mountain. Don’t forget our favorite sandals out there for lounging around the hotel!
  • Sun Protection: These are things you don’t want to forget on this trip. When the sun reflects off that white snow it gets BRIGHT. These sunglasses made by Maui Jim are my favorite hands down, be sure to check them out. And although you may be layered, you’ll want some sunscreen for any skin that is exposed, like your face!
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Bottom Line

It’s time to start thinking about what you want to do this winter.  If you’ve never been to this side of the alps, and you’re wanting fun, relaxation and a challenge, think about Val Thorens for your next winter vacation.

Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Rideshare: For new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 USD per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code psuqbjg4d7rn for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

  • AmigoSIM – Use GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 25% off. Code is re-useable.
  • Gigsky – Use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you sign up, then use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all eSIM orders.
  • KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
  • AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
  • Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
  • UbigiAWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).

Tours and Activities: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

  • HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 5% discount!
  • RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
  • SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
  • Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
  • InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

William Tang of Going Awesome Places
About The Author

Will Tang

Will Tang, founder of Going Awesome Places, has traveled to 51 countries. He shares his insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists. Will’s travels have been featured on Huffington Post, Men’s Journal, and Entrepreneur.

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