Guide To The Val Thorens French Alps In Winter

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!

A Quick Guide To Val Thorens

Overview

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

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!”

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.

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

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!

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.