Val Thorens - village

Val Thorens is a compact town, easy to navigate on foot (or by ski). It does have a purpose-built rather than a traditional village feel. Some of the newer chalets have more alpine charm. Val Thorens is less built-up than Les Menuires, its neighbouring resort lower in the same valley.

Val Thorens opened in 1971 and is the highest ski resort in Europe, with the village at 2,300m. This means it is often chilly, and there will most likely be snow underfoot as you are walking around.

As the resort is above the snowline, much of the accommodation in Val Thorens is ski-in, ski-out, a great way to start and finish the day on the mountain.

Accommodation types

Almost all accommodation in Val Thorens is very close to the piste. There is a huge choice of ski-in, ski-out chalets. For 4-star luxury try Hotel FitzRoy (00 33 479 00 04 78). Hotel Bel Horizon (00 33 479 00 04 77) is right next to the ski school meeting point.

Ski/snowboard equipment hire

Most tour operators will organise ski/snowboard hire. There are more than 30 shops to choose from if you are travelling independently. Try Sport 2000 (three different Sport 2000 shops in Val Thorens: Eskiador (00 33 479 00 01 35), Top Sports (00 33 479 00 29 91) and Valtho Sport (00 33 479 00 01 58)), Intersport (00 33 479 00 01 72) or Twinner (00 33 479 00 01 90). Compare prices at one or two shops to get a fair deal.

Non-ski activities

There is a swimming pool at the sports centre in town (Galerie Caron). Tobogganing is popular in Val Thorens. The 6km course starts at the bottom of Peclet Glacier. Children must be at least 8 years old to take part.

Photo: L. Brochot

Childcare

ESF have kindergarten facilities. Three- to four-year-olds can take part in Piou Piou classes with games and skiing either based in the Roc de Peclet garden or the Garden Montana at the bottom station. For younger children there is a nursery and Mini Club babysitting service in resort.