A Winter in Val Thorens , in the 3 Vallées Ski Area
Europe's highest resort, where open spaces meet thrills
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe, with its center located at an altitude of 2,300 meters, at the summit of the 3 Vallées ski area—the world’s largest ski area, with 600 km of slopes. Founded in 1972, the resort has a relatively recent history in mountain terms: it began with a handful of pioneers who took a chance on building a resort at such a high altitude.
It was also in Val Thorens that the Montagnettes group was founded in 1992, with the Montagnettes Lombarde chalet-style apartments.
Val Thorens, the world's largest ski area
The village is surrounded by six glaciers, allowing skiers to enjoy the sun for most of the day. Ninety-nine percent of the ski area lies above 2,000 meters in elevation, guaranteeing excellent snow conditions from late November through early May—a fairly long season for those who want to ski early or late in the season.
The climb to Cime Caron, at 3,200 meters, remains one of the most memorable parts of the trip: the Michelin Guide considers it one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Alps, offering a 360-degree panorama of more than 1,000 French, Italian, and Swiss peaks. From up there, it’s even possible to reach the Maurienne region via the Orelle resort.
The 3 Vallées ski area also offers direct access to other resorts: from the Col de la Chambre, you can ski down to Courchevel and Méribel, or to les Menuires. This ski area is suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to the most experienced skiers.
To stay warm while enjoying some thrills, head to the Alain Prost Circuit, where you can drive a go-kart, an Andros Trophy car, or a rear-wheel-drive vehicle on ice—a great way to learn how to drive safely on snowy or icy roads.
For families, Cosmojet remains a sure bet: this toboggan run, stretching over 6 km, is the longest in France and accessible to children ages 5 and up via the Péclet Funitel, both during the day and in the early evening for a slightly different kind of après-ski experience.
For a meal with Asian influences after a day of skiing, Il Gusto, located in the 4-star l'Oxalys residence, offers a menu curated by a Japanese chef, featuring Asian dishes, Savoyard specialties, and pizzas, all served on a south-facing terrace.
At Le Hameau du Kashmir, La Table welcomes you right on the Cairn slope—with ski-in, ski-out access—for hearty, comforting French cuisine. At lunchtime, the panoramic terrace welcomes skiers and hikers with simple dishes and generous portions. In the afternoon, enjoy an après-ski snack with a view of the peaks, before the restaurant transforms in the evening into a more intimate brasserie, serving reimagined classics and carefully selected local specialties.
Yes, despite its reputation as a large ski resort, Val Thorens offers slopes suitable for all skill levels, with reliable snow conditions for much of the season.
Thanks to its high elevation—with 99% of the ski area located above 2,000 meters—the snow remains in good condition from late November through early May.
Yes, this activity is suitable for both beginner and experienced divers; it is supervised and conducted in wetsuits designed for cold water.
The toboggan run is open to children ages 5 and up, making it a family-friendly activity in its own right, accessible via the Péclet Funitel.
These two restaurants are very popular during peak season, so it's a good idea to make a reservation a few days in advance, especially during school breaks.