The Complete Three Valleys Ski Area Guide
The Three Valleys in the French Alps is one of the largest and most renowned ski areas in the world. Spanning over 600 kilometers of pistes across eight interconnected ski resorts, the Three Valleys offers an unparalleled skiing experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. From the charming village of Courchevel to the lively resort of Méribel, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the Three Valleys ski area, including detailed information on each resort, the best runs, and insider tips to make the most of your ski vacation.
Val Thorens Village Shops
THREE VALLEYS FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The Three Valleys in the French Alps is a truly massive ski area, with over 600 kilometers of pistes spread across eight interconnected ski resorts. As you step onto the slopes, the sheer scale of the terrain can feel almost overwhelming, with endless runs, lifts, and off-piste opportunities beckoning in every direction. However, this vastness is also the Three Valleys' greatest strength, as it means you can continue to explore for days on end, always discovering new and exciting areas to ski or snowboard. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a first-time visitor, the sense of adventure and the promise of uncovering something new around every corner is palpable, making the Three Valleys a truly captivating and immersive ski destination.
THREE VALLEYS SKI AREA
The Three Valleys ski area is one of the largest and most renowned ski destinations in the world. Encompassing eight individual ski resorts, the Three Valleys offers a staggering 600 kilometers of pistes and 328 ski lifts.
The eight resorts that make up the Three Valleys are Courchevel, Méribel, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Orelle, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, La Tania, and Brides-les-Bains. Each resort has its own unique character and terrain, catering to skiers of all abilities.
Courchevel, often considered the crown jewel of the Three Valleys, is renowned for its luxurious accommodations, high-end dining, and challenging terrain. With 150 kilometers of pistes and 58 ski lifts, Courchevel offers a wide range of runs, from gentle beginner slopes to steep, technical runs for expert skiers.
Méribel, the heart of the Three Valleys, is a charming resort with a traditional Savoyard architecture and a lively après-ski scene. With 150 kilometers of pistes and 42 ski lifts, Méribel caters to a wide range of skiers, from families to thrill-seekers.
Les Menuires, located at the heart of the Three Valleys, is a purpose-built resort known for its affordable accommodations and family-friendly atmosphere. With 160 kilometers of pistes and 35 ski lifts, Les Menuires offers a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs.
Val Thorens, the highest resort in the Three Valleys at an impressive 2,300 meters, is a snow-sure destination with a modern, futuristic feel. With 150 kilometers of pistes and 31 ski lifts, Val Thorens is a haven for advanced skiers, offering some of the most challenging terrain in the region.
Orelle is often forgotten as its sits in the fourth valley the other side of Val Thorens. For me, Orelle is a gamechanger and can be an affordable base to visit Val Thorens and the extended Three Valleys ski area. Orelle stands up in its own right with some great off-piste and some exciting long pistes that ensure it is worth a visit.
VAL THORENS
Nestled high in the French Alps, Val Thorens is a monster ski resort that caters to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. With an impressive vertical drop of 2,300 meters and over 150 kilometers of pistes, this resort offers a diverse range of terrain to explore.
Val Thorens is particularly well-suited for intermediate and advanced skiers, boasting a vast network of challenging runs and off-piste opportunities. The resort's high altitude, combined with its state-of-the-art snowmaking capabilities, ensures a long and reliable ski season, with snow cover typically lasting from November through to May.
Beyond the exceptional skiing, Val Thorens is a down-to-earth base for a Three Valleys ski holiday. The resort's lively atmosphere, with its array of restaurants, bars, and après-ski activities, makes it a popular choice for those seeking an authentic mountain experience. Whether you're looking to carve fresh tracks on the slopes or simply soak up the stunning alpine scenery, Val Thorens is a must-visit destination.
To learn more about the unique charms of Val Thorens and plan your perfect ski getaway, be sure to read the comprehensive resort guide.
MERIBEL
In the heart of the renowned Three Valleys ski area, Meribel is a ski destination that offers unparalleled access to a vast network of slopes and terrain. As the central resort within the 3 Valleys interconnected system, Meribel boasts a well-balanced mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
The resort's terrain breakdown is as follows: 14% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 46% advanced, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Beginners can hone their skills on the gentle, wide-open slopes, while intermediate and advanced riders can challenge themselves on the resort's numerous steep, groomed runs and off-piste areas.
One of the primary reasons people choose to stay in Meribel is its strategic location within the Three Valleys. This interconnected ski area, the largest in the world, offers access to over 600 kilometers of pistes, 200 lifts, and a diverse range of mountain experiences. From the charming village of Meribel, skiers and snowboarders can easily access the neighboring resorts of Courchevel, Val Thorens, and La Tania, allowing them to explore the entire Three Valleys with ease.
Whether you're a seasoned skier or a newcomer to the sport, Meribel's central position within the Three Valleys makes it an ideal base for your winter adventure. To learn more about the resort's amenities, accommodation options, and the best ways to experience the Three Valleys, be sure to read the comprehensive Meribel Ski Resort Guide
COURCHEVEL
Courchevel is a world-class ski resort celebrated for its diverse terrain, luxury accommodations, and vibrant après-ski scene. Divided into several villages, each offering its own unique charm, Courchevel caters to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. With over 150 miles of interconnected slopes, breathtaking alpine views, and a commitment to excellent service, it stands as a premier destination for winter sports..
Courchevel is popular with beginners and intermediates who can benefit from some nice mellow slopes including the Pralong area in Courchevel 1850. Intermediates can take advantage of nearly 70% of the terrain being graded as blue or red which leaves plenty of room to explore.
Those skiers and snowboarders looking for steep runs and challenging terrain can find exactly that from the Combe du Vallon and the top of the Saulire Express. Although Courchevel is popular with beginners and intermediates this benefits the more advanced skier who can find themselves alone on the more challenging runs in the resort.
To Read more about Courchevel read the Comprehensive Courchevel Ski Resort Guide.
LES MENUIRES
Les Menuires ski resort boasts a diverse terrain that caters to skiers of all skill levels, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious skiers. With a variety of groomed runs ranging from gentle slopes for beginners to more challenging black trails, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Les Menuires is known for being an affordable base to visit the wider 3 Valleys ski area with excellent links to Val Thorens, Courchevel and Meribel. Les Menuires however should not be considered just an easy base for the 3 Valleys, but a quality ski area in its own right.
The local area of Les Menuires, makes up 150km of the 600km available in the 3 Valleys ski area making a huge ski area in its own right. The ski area offers 1000m of vertical drop and quality snow with skiing possible to 2800m. The Pointe de la Masse area also offers some enjoyable off-piste so should be high on the list of places to head.
To learn more about Les Menuires read the Comprehensive Les Menuires Ski Resort Guide.
BRIDES LES BAINS
Nestled at an altitude of 600 meters, Brides-les-Bains serves as a gateway to the renowned 3 Valleys ski area in the French Alps. Although there is no skiing in Brides Les Bains itself, access to Meribel is possible via the Olympe 1 and Olympe 2 gondolas.
Staying in Brides Les Bains can protect your wallet and leave more money for lift passes but this is not the only reason to stay in Brides Les Bains. The village of Brides Les Bains is well known for its thermal spas which can be the perfect apres ski activity for weary legs.
With a chilled local atmosphere filled with French charm, diverse dining options, and a potential for both relaxation and adventure, Brides-les-Bains is a great destination for skiers and snowboarders heading to the 3 Valleys.
ORELLE
Orelle could be my favourite base to explore the expansive 3 Valleys ski area with a quaint village, a nice local ski area and easy access to nearby Val Thorens, Orelle is worth consideration. In recent times, Orelle has undergone a transformation with a fast gondola installed to link Orelle to Val Thorens seamlessly.
The village has a range of economical lodging options, Orelle attracts budget-conscious skiers but without compromising the experience. I was worried that staying in Orelle would leave me isolated from the 3 Vallees. With the new lifts, this really isn’t an issue.
Locally, Orelle boasts a mix of runs that cater to all skill levels, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging pistes for advanced skiers. I personally had a fantastic time exploring the off-piste in Orelle which was really enjoyable.
Orelle itself will be a quieter experience than staying in Val Thorens, Meribel or Courcehvel which may suit families who will make the most of the quieter slopes and family friendly village.
To learn more read the Comprehensive Orelle Ski Resort Guide.
SEASON DATES
The Three Valleys ski area, one of the largest and most popular ski destinations in the world, typically opens its lifts and slopes in early December and runs through late April. Specifically, the opening date often falls on the first weekend of December, although exact dates can vary yearly depending on snowfall and weather conditions. It's common to find resorts within the area, such as Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens, initiating their ski seasons with festivities and early-season discounts to attract skiers. As conditions improve and the holiday season approaches, the full range of runs and facilities are usually available by mid-December, providing a comprehensive skiing experience and optimal snow conditions for all levels of enthusiasts. Val Thorens as the highest resort in the Three Valleys has been known to open earlier than the other 3 Vallees ski areas.
THREE VALLEYS PISTE MAP
Grand Massif Piste Map
THREE VALLEYS INFRASTRUCTURE
As you would expect from a world-class ski resort, the Three Valleys invests heavily in its lift infrastructure. Across all of the ski resorts you will find high-capacity gondolas, super fast chairlifts and the more mellow magic carpets for beginners. Overall, the Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) is home to an impressive network of 180 ski lifts, making it one of the largest ski areas in the world.
Notable among these are the iconic Gondola de la Saulire, which provides access to some of the highest slopes at 2,738 meters, and the Grand Reverse chairlift, famous for its panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif. Throughout the 3 Valleys the lifts work to join together the eight resorts, making it possible to ski easily between them.
Although there are some older ski lifts still lingering in the 3 Valleys, it is clear that each year the ownership is working to improve infrastructure as required. Recent examples of this are the new Orelle gondola and improve Saulire. I was particularly impressed with the lift system in Val Thorens which handled holiday crowds really well ensuring I barely waited in-line.
THREE VALLEYS ACCOMMODATION
The Three Valleys, one of the largest skiing areas in the world, offers various options for accommodations catering to families, budget travelers, and those seeking a lively nightlife. For families, Les Menuires stands out with its family-friendly amenities, ski schools, and easy access to beginner slopes, making it an excellent choice for those with children. If you're looking to save some money, Moutiers or Brides Les Bains are convenient and economical bases, providing lower-cost lodging and easy access to the ski areas. For those interested in vibrant nightlife and a party scene, Val Thorens is the place to be, boasting a host of bars and clubs that stay open late, ensuring an energetic atmosphere after a long day on the slopes. Val Thorens is also home to Club Med, which makes for a fantastic all-inclusive option directly on the slopes.
THREE VALLEYS PROS
The 3 Valleys is the largest combined ski area in the world, this means it is unrivalled in terms of variety and new places to explore.
The 3 Valleys offers something for everyone with certain villages meeting the needs of different clientele. This means that whether you are a student or work on Wall Street, you will find accommodation in your price range.
Intermediates will love the 3 Valleys for exploring between the resorts. The majority of terrain is graded as blue or red and with swift connections between the villages it’s easy to explore.
Off-Piste in the 3 Valleys is epic and there are a number of incredible runs to head to when the conditions are right!
The 3 Valleys has a long season, usually starting and finishing in Val Thorens, but there high-altitude of its resorts ensure good snow cover throughout the season.
THREE VALLEYS CONS
This one is personal for me, the money. Some parts of the 3 Valleys are flash with cash and marketed towards the world’s wealthiest visitors. For the average Joe, this can make dining and accommodation expensive when compared to other combined ski areas like the Grand Massif or Paradiski.
Crowds can be an issue during peak times at some pinch points. This however is regularly addressed by improving lift infrastructure across the ski areas.
THREE VALLEYS GALLERY
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Three Valleys is incredible. There really is so much to enjoy about a visit to the Three Valleys ski area. Sure I have my favourite areas, and there are definitely villages that I would never stay in, but ultimately that’s the magic of this place. Find the resort village that suits you and your group and use that as a base to explore this huge ski area.
DISCOVER THREE VALLEYS
THREE VALLEYSVIDEOS
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Orelle Ski Resort Guide
Orelle is a small village in the Maurienne Valley that is linked to the world’s largest ski area the Three Valleys. From Orelle, the new Orelle gondola whisks you to high-altitude skiing and snowboarding above 2,000 m. Direct links between Orelle and Val Thorens ensure the local area has access to 150km of pistes to keep you occupied.
Referred to as the Fourth Valley, Orelle has an exceptional snow record with the ski area base really starting at 2350m. In addition to an excellent snow history, Orelle has 870m of vertical drop between the top of Bouchet chair and Plan Bouchet. There is a limited number of pistes in Orelle however the area has plenty of opportunity for off-piste and easy access to Val Thorens with a more extensive piste map.
ORELLE IN VIDEOS
ORELLE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Orelle is strange for French skiing because you arrive at the bottom of a gondola not close to the ski area. The area around the gondola has a car park, ticket office and small ski shop where ski and snowboard hire is possible.
View from the 3 Vallees Express gondola.
The Orelle gondola, formerly the 3 Vallees Express gondola, takes you to the base of the Orelle Ski Resort at 2350m. This journey takes 13 minutes and has some incredible views. Within 20 minutes from the car park, you can be on top of the Cime Caron at 3200m where you see the real beauty of skiing in the Three Valleys. Orelle feels small, but within minutes you can be skiing in the world’s largest ski area, this is a small ski area with a Mary Poppins bag full of surprises.
Ticket office in Orelle, next to the now replaced 3 Vallees Express gondola.
ORELLE SKI AREA
Locally the skiing in Orelle is based around Plan Bouchet your arrival point in Orelle. From Plan Bouchet it is possible to take two lifts, the Rosael or the Peyron. Both lifts access brilliant intermediate terrain with some fantastic blue trails leading back to Plan Bouchet. You can also continue to the Cime Caron using the new Orelle - Cime Caron gondola.
Taking the Rosael chair you can opt to remain in Orelle and descend via blue or red trails from the Col de Rosael. Alternatively, you can use this chair to drop into nearby Val Thorens where between the two resorts 150km of trails are shared.
The Peyron chair and trail are perfect for beginners and intermediates. Those looking for more challenge are encouraged to take the Bouchet chair to the highest point in Orelle, Sommet des 3 Vallees at 3230m. From the top of Bouchet, you can access two stunning red trails, however the more adventurous can also find great off-piste in this area.
Finally, the new Orelle-Cime Caron gondola links the village of Orelle with the Cime Caron at 3200m. From here it is possible to ski over to Val Thorens or take the Combe Rosael black trail back towards Orelle.
The ski area of Orelle is small in terms of pistes with 8 runs listed on the trail map. This doesn’t really do a good job of explaining the appeal of snowboarding in Orelle with plenty of fantastic off-piste options, links to Val Thorens, and high altitude snow-sure skiing.
ORELLE FOR BEGINNERS
A green nursery slope awaits at the top of the Orelle gondola, which is also the meeting place for the local ski school. Orelle does have nice wide blue trails that will be good for skiers and snowboarders developing the confidence to ski around the mountain.
On my trip to Orelle, a few of my friends were beginners and they found the area a good place to progress with blues to explore.
ORELLE FOR INTERMEDIATES
Orelle is perfect for intermediates, especially with the wide selection of blue and red runs shared between Orelle and Val Thorens. As an intermediate Orelle is a ski area where you can clock up the miles as you nail down that technique and gain confidence linking your turns.
For the more advanced intermediate, Orelle is a good place to explore to the side of the piste getting confidence in riding in changing snow conditions. My pal Mark made the best of the fresh snow making his first forays into the off-piste within the Orelle ski area.
ORELLE FOR ADVANCED
Snowboarding for the more advanced in Orelle is centred around the off-piste that is available. Yes, the reds from Bouchet and the Col de Rosael are excellent but the best terrain is found between the pistes. At every point of the resort you can look to the side of the piste and see something fun to ride. If you manage to combine your trip to Orelle with fresh snowfall, there is little need to head into the rest of the Three Valleys.
Combe de Caron
FREESTYLE ORELLE
There is no terrain park specifically in Orelle, however, the VT Park in Val Thorens is within an easy ride from the Col de Rosael. Within Orelle, you will find a boardercross track.
VT Park Val Thorens
OFF-PISTE ORELLE
Between Orelle and nearby Val Thorens there are many options to explore the off-piste. I enjoyed the off-piste from the Cime Caron and Bouchet chair specifically. From the Bouchet chair, the adventurous may want to attempt the Pierre Lory itinerary that you can read about here.
LIFTS ORELLE
As discussed previously, Orelle has recently upgraded the 3 Vallees Express gondola to a two-stage gondola between Orelle and the Cime Caron. This major lift investment is reflected across the Three Valleys where you will find excellent lift infrastructure throughout.
Besides the new gondola taking skiers from the village of Orelle to the Cime Caron in 20 minutes, there are three other lifts in Orelle; Rosael, Bouchet, and Peyron. I can not remember standing in a lift queue in Orelle and this is down to the quality of lifts.
Orelle Chairlifts
One issue that I had during my visit to Orelle was that the weather closed the resort for one and a half days. For me this wasn’t an issue as I was able to drive to another part of the Three Valleys that was open. It is worth noting that this can happen anywhere so maybe my timing was unlucky in this regard.
WHERE TO SKI IN BAD WEATHER ORELLE
As mentioned above the weather can greatly affect your experience during a ski trip and sadly my first trip to Orelle was hit by wind closures. Orelle is also way above the treeline so there is little in the way of places to hide out during whiteout conditions. This is similar for nearby Val Thorens so if you are in Orelle during a whiteout consider heading down to St Martin de Belleville.
ORELLE PISTE MAP
Piste Map Orelle
ORELLE GALLERY
ORELLE VILLAGE
Orelle is located in the Maurienne Valley and can make for a quieter more affordable base to access the Three Valleys ski area. Orelle’s location is fantastic as a gateway to Val Thorens and the wider Three Valleys.
The village itself is divided into 10 hamlets that are spread between 880m and 1200m. The hamlet of Francoz is where you will find the gondola access and most tourist activity with the ticket office, ski rentals and more. The village of Orelle offers a different type of holiday to the purpose-built villages of Val Thorens, Meribel and Courchevel. In Orelle, you will find narrow cobbled streets and traditional houses set amongst a mellow atmosphere which is perfect for that more chilled ski trip vibe.
ORELLE SKI SEASON DATES
Orelle joins Val Thorens with having one of the longest ski seasons in Europe closing around three weeks after Courchevel and Meribel. Access to Val Thorens and Orelle is from Nov 25th and the ski area remains open until the first week of May.
TRAVEL TO ORELLE
WHERE IS ORELLE SKI RESORT?
Orelle is very accessible by car, rail and plane. The closest airports to Orelle are Lyon and Chambéry however access is still possible from Geneva. Geneva Airport is popular with British skiers who appreciate it for the regular flight schedule during the winter season, and the numerous ski resort transfer companies.
GETTING TO ORELLE
If your plan is to fly and self-drive, you can reach Orelle within one hour from Chambéry and two hours from Geneva. Fly and drive arrivals are also possible from across the border in Italy with Turin under two hours from Orelle. One benefit of self-drive holidays to Orelle is that the parking at the Orelle gondola is free!
Visiting Orelle via train is possible with connections via Paris and Milan on the TGV. The nearest train stations to Orelle are St Michel/Valloire and Modane. Train tickets can be purchased on RailEurope and are not cheap. However, travel by train does offer a certain freedom and is a fantastic way to travel to a ski resort.
Self-drive direct from the UK is possible with the most popular channel crossings via Dover and Folkestone to Calais. From Calais, the drive to Orelle takes around 9 hours when utilising the French toll roads. Driving to French ski resorts is great for when travelling in groups and wanting to bring extras for self-catering accommodation.
ORELLE LIFT PASS OPTIONS
There are multiple ski pass options for Orelle and choosing the right one for you and your group can be confusing. Let’s take a look at the best options below.
LOCAL AREA PASS - VAL THORENS/ORELLE
The local area pass is enough for most skiers and snowboarders visiting Orelle/Val Thorens for a 7-day period. The area encompassed by Val Thorens and Orelle includes 150km of pistes and some pretty epic off-piste terrain. By purchasing the local area ski pass you will be unable to venture further into the Three Valleys, but for many first-time/intermediate skiers, you won’t need to.
Purchasing the local pass will save you around €7 each day.
VALLEE DES BELLEVILLES PASS
This pass similar to the above does not offer full Three Valleys ski area access but it is a good medium point. This pass includes 300km of terrain shared between; Val Thorens, Orelle, Les Menuires, & St Martin de Belleville. With 300km of pistes, this pass covers 50% of the available pistes in the Three Valleys ski area.
Purchasing the Vallee des Bellevilles pass will save around €5 per day.
THREE VALLEYS LIFT PASS
Those looking to explore the full ski area should look to purchase the full Three Valleys ski pass. This pass covers the 600km of pistes across all Three Valleys ski areas. Although €7 more expensive than a local Val Thorens lift pass, this extensive pass is a great option for the more able who may wish to explore the entirety of the combined ski area. Using this pass from Orelle can account for some long ski safaris between Orelle and the resort of Courchevel at the far end of the Three Valleys.
EPIC PASS HOLDERS
If like me you visited the Three Valleys using an Epic Pass then you are entitled to a 7-day Three Valley ski pass which covers the entire 600km and all resorts in the Three Valleys. Epic Pass holders will need to take their Epic Pass and photo ID to the ticket office in Orelle where you will be given your free pass.
ABILITY
Beginners and early intermediates visiting Orelle should consider purchasing the local pass. There is plenty to keep you entertained whilst you are honing your skills within the local area. Access to Orelle could be considered adventure enough for your early trips to Val Thorens.
BUDGET
If budget is a consideration then meeting midway and getting the Vallee des Bellevilles pass could be your best option. 300km of pistes within this area should be enough to satisfy even the most ardent skiers and snowboarders on a week’s trip to the Three Valleys.
RETURNING VISITOR
If you are returning to Orelle and want to escape the local area then having the Three Valleys lift pass is ideal. You can still ski within the local area but the Three Valleys pass allows you to make the most of the connections to the nearby ski areas.
To check the latest prices and buy your lift pass click here.
ORELLE PROS
Orelle offers cheaper accommodation than Val Thorens but has quick access to the epic terrain shared between the two resorts. The new gondola ensures you are close enough to the action in Orelle.
Orelle is quieter than Val Thorens meaning you can often have no rivals for freshies on those powder days.
Orelle has access to 600km of pistes depending on your choice of lift pass, meaning that you can access the largest combined ski area in the world.
ORELLE CONS
Orelle is not central within the Three Valleys, therefore it can take a while to ski to the resorts of Meribel and Courchevel. Orelle however does have good access to Val Thorens and Les Menuires.
Orelle doesn’t have the amenities of Val Thorens or Apres scene…. actually for me this is a positive but some will rate this as a negative.
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ORELLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN YOU SKI FROM ORELLE TO VAL THORENS?
Yes, the resorts of Orelle and Val Thorens are linked from the top of the Cime de Caron. From here, you can ski between the two resorts. Orelle and Val Thorens share 150km of pistes and are accessible on the same lift pass.
WHAT IS THE SKI ALTITUDE IN ORELLE?
Although the village of Orelle sits below the ski area, within minutes you have access to high-altitude skiing via the new gondola. The ski area in Orelle is situated between 3,230m and 1,100m offering 2,130m of vertical drop. The ski area of Orelle is very snowsure with the majority of its skiing above 1,800m.
ORELLE FINAL THOUGHTS
When heading to Orelle for the first time I made the decision to stay in Orelle due to budget constraints. Honestly, I was worried that I would be heading to the Three Valleys but wouldn’t get the proper experience. I can say now from experience that I would happily base myself in Orelle again as it delivered on so many levels.
The recent improvements with an upgraded gondola ensure that links to Val Thorens are seamless and efficient. Add to this some of the best off-piste areas in the Three Valleys and Orelle has to be high on most skiers and snowboarders watch-list.
Val Thorens Ski Resort Guide
Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort and as such has one of the longest ski seasons in the Alps. The extensive local terrain in Val Thorens (150km) is made better by its links to the rest of the Three Valleys and a total of 600km of pistes! Whether you are heading to Val Thorens for guaranteed snow, the endless variety of pistes or to dance the night away, Val Thorens has you covered.
Locally Val Thorens links to neighbouring Orelle to form what is commonly referred to as ‘the fourth valley’. This part of the 3 Valleys ski area offers an exceptional snow record with enough terrain to keep everyone happy. Furthermore, the resorts across the 3 Valleys are constantly improving the lift network and Val Thorens is no exception.
WATCH THE FULL REVIEW
VAL THORENS FIRST IMPRESSIONS
If you will allow me, I have two very different first impressions of Val Thorens. Initially, as a beginner I made my first turns on a snowboard in Val Thorens. On that first trip, I considered Val Thorens to be a tough experience. I struggled with the crowds and my instructor dragging me onto button lifts… there were better places to learn.
More recently returning as a snowboarder who has visited resorts across the globe I was impressed by the facilities and terrain at Val Thorens. Noticeably from my earlier visit, the beginner’s areas had received an update with new magic carpet lifts running alongside the learner’s slopes. Similarly, the impressive Cascades chair moves crowds away from the village efficiently. Val Thorens had improved its facilities and I was excited to explore more around the resort.
VAL THORENS SKI AREA
Forming a key part of the world’s largest combined ski area, Val Thorens is a big reason why people visit the Three Valleys. The ski area is about as snow-sure as can be with the majority of its terrain (99%) above 2000m and skiing possible on two local glaciers.
Val Thorens is spread between its highest lift point, Cime De Caron (3200m) and its lowest point, Plan de L’eau (1800m) offering 1400m of vertical descent within the resort. Taking the Cime de Caron allows for skiing down to Pan Bouchet in Orelle. The Orelle Valley is one certainly worth exploring on your trip especially after fresh snowfall as there is less competition for freshies.
Throughout the resort, you will find your fair share of reds (35%) and blues (43%) which make Val Thoren’s ideal for intermediates. The quality of the snow in Val Thorens ensures that the pistes stay in exceptional condition making them really confidence building.
Val Thorens sits above the treeline so can be a tough place to ski on those bad weather days. The lack of context during a whiteout can become quite challenging. If the visibility is poor consult the webcams, as a real benefit of skiing the Three Valleys is that the sun is likely to be shining somewhere. Meribel and Courchevel offer more tree-lined runs which can be a godsend in adverse conditions.
VAL THORENS FOR BEGINNERS
Half of the pistes across the Three Valleys are graded as green or blue which goes some way to explaining why this mega-resort is popular with beginners. I personally learnt to snowboard in Val Thorens however the situation has changed greatly. Consider watching the below video which explains the learning experience in Val Thorens.
The beginner's areas in Val Thorens are located in the village with the main trail being quite crowded. Personally, I found this quite daunting when learning, however, it now seems there are more segregated areas off the main trail. Beginners will appreciate the investment in magic carpets across the resort which certainly improve the beginner experience.
When venturing away from the beginner area there are a number of mellow green runs that skiers can head to. The Cascade and 2 Lacs chairs will probably be your first choice. Similarly, the Pionniers chair marks a good place for progression onto blues with Plein Sud and Corniche leading back to the village.
The Magic Carpets in Val Thorens are free of charge which again is a major positive for beginners heading to VT.
VAL THORENS FOR INTERMEDIATES
Val Thorens is perfect for intermediate skiers and snowboarders with plenty of terrain to explore. I loved the trails of the Boismint chair that were nice and wide and tended to avoid crowds. The long red that links trails Boismint and Plan de L’eau was great for picking up some speed.
Elsewhere the pick of the intermediate terrain can be found of the three main gondolas, Peclet, Grand Fond, and Cime Caron. Each gondola accesses some long red trails that provide a good amount of challenge for the advancing intermediate skier.
Intermediates looking to get off-piste after snowfall will find pockets of great snow and mellow gradients to the side of the Peclet pistes. Similarly Grand Fond had some nice areas beside Variante and Falaise. Again Boismint offers good terrain for these conditions with nothing steep to the sides of the pistes.
The pick of the lot could be blue run Jerusamlem which has been voted amongst the Top 10 ski runs in the world. The area to the side of Jerusalem can be great for those looking for a mellow entry into off-piste snowboarding.
Photo Credit @judithgirardmarczak
VAL THORENS FOR ADVANCED
Although the piste map is dominated by blue and red trails, Val Thorens is a great place to snowboard for the more experienced. Val Thorens. The obvious run is Combe de Caron where you can pick your way down the slope which on my trip remained ungroomed. In reality, there is so much more in Val Thorens with the opportunity to find great off-piste across the whole mountain.
Combe de Caron
FREESTYLE VAL THORENS
There are two terrain parks in Val Thoresn, the VT Park and the Family Park. The VT park has its own surface lift which means you can effectively lap it, rather than doing a longer loop utilising the Grand Fond. The Terrain Park was still under construction during my visit but there was a good series of entry-level freestyle features and the jump line was being shaped.
The Plateux area where the park is located is normally found in shade during the morning meaning landings can be hard and icy. Consider delaying your visit until the afternoon until the sun has softened the snow.
The family park is found off the 2 Lacs chair and has a mellow boarder cross track with hoops to ride through. Again I can see them developing upon this throughout the season.
OFF-PISTE VAL THORENS
Getting off-piste in Val Thorens is possible across the resort with lots of options depending on the weather. Turning left at the top of Boismint chair will take you into some interesting terrain with a huge bowl and chutes leading back to the pistes. The Cime Caron offers options both back towards Val Thorens and down into Orelle and easy access is possible across to Meribel and Les Menuires where your options increase further. La Masse in Les Menuires is amongst my favourites with the Liberty Ride or Freeride Zone.
If you are interested in ski-touring or splitboarding then Val Thorens offers a number of interesting options within the resort or accessible by resort lifts. Amongst the most popular routes and the Lac du Lou or The Pierre Lory.
LIFTS VAL THORENS
What can not be argued is the quality of the ski lift infrastructure in Val Thorens. Across the resort and the wider Three Valleys ski area the the lifts are fast and modern, but more importantly well placed to navigate the resort. I was impressed by the ability of the lifts close to the village to move crowds quickly away from the resort. Cascades in particular loads and moves skiers effectively preventing crowds even at peak times.
Network of Ski Lifts in Val Thorens.
Being a high-altitude ski resort, Val Thorens can get those bad weather days when high winds can threaten closures. Luckily the ski lifts in Val Thorens are able to keep turning and the resort can keep running in all but the most adverse weather conditions.
WHERE TO SKI IN BAD WEATHER VAL THORENS
Sadly when the weather does get bad in Val Thorens there is little shelter or context to be found. Heading into Meribel or down into Les Menuires provides better shelter and more context from the tree-lined slopes. If you are restricted to Val Thorens then sticking to the runs closest to the resort will provide some context from the large apartment complexes.
VAL THORENS PISTE MAP
VAL THORENS GALLERY
VAL THORENS VILLAGES
Val Thorens combines with Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville to form the Belleville Valley. From each of the villages, it is possible to explore the Val Thorens ski area with ease. Similarly, basing yourself in nearby Orelle can also reflect a great base for a Val Thorens ski holiday. All of this could make it confusing when deciding where to stay for your Val Thorens ski trip. In this section, I look to provide you with information about each village to make an informed choice.
VAL THORENS
The most obvious choice for your Val Thorens ski holiday is of course Val Thorens. Staying in the highest ski village in Europe comes with its advantages including direct access to the slopes and ski-in-ski-out accommodation. Val Thorens now a bustling ski town with everything you would need not just for a ski holiday but for life in general. The large sports centre, a great selection of restaurants and activities for kids make Val Thorens an easy choice for your ski accommodation.
The accommodation itself varies from large hotel chains like Club Med to self-catering apartments on the side of the piste. Whatever your requirements or budget Val Thorens will have something for you. Personally, for one of my trips to Val Thorens, I stayed in the worst-rated apartment on booking dot com and had a great time. Fair the apartment was naff, but it was central, ski-in-ski-out and budget-friendly.
If staying in Val Thorens it is worth noting that the village is not car-free but you have to park in the designated parking garages. Cars left at the side of the road will receive penalty tickets and possibly be towed. The garages vary in price and you can save money by parking further from the village centre. Free shuttle buses run between the car parks and the village regularly.
LES MENUIRES
A resort in its own right, Les Menuires represents a great base for your Val Thorens ski or snowboard holiday. Locally there are 150km of pistes, but with easy access by road or chairlift to Val Thorens this skiable area doubles. Staying in Les Menuires will save you cash but not at the expense of your experience. Les Menuires is referred to as the ‘Ugly Duckling’ of French ski villages but it provides a practical base for your ski holiday.
Photo Credit @yannallegre
The Village of Les Menuires is lower down the Belleville Valley at 1850m which certainly makes it a less reliable base during early and late season.
SAINT MARTIN DE BELLEVILLE
St Martin de Belleville is like a little brother to Val Thorens. Often overlooked as it is lower in the valley, St Martin has connections straight into the heart of the Three Valleys. At 1450m St Martin de Belleville is less snow-sure than Val Thorens but its links mean this isn’t really an issue. The village itself is quieter which can offer a more chilled alternative to a Val Thorens ski holiday.
ORELLE
Another cost-effective village to explore Val Thorens from is Orelle. Orelle is more traditional and less a ski village but more actual village. From Orelle, you will need to take the 3 Vallees Express and then Peyron and Bouchet chairs to ski into Val Thorens but this is all due to change with plans for an updated gondola.
The Village itself had a really nice vibe and felt like a quieter Samoëns, with a classic stone village centre and enough shops to fulfil your needs. Orelle is a combination of budget-friendly and quieter Val Thorens ski holiday base.
VAL THORENS SEASON DATES
Val Thorens regularly has one of the longest ski seasons in the Alps with the opening of the ski resort in November and closing in May. Therefore it is possible to ski for nearly six months in Val Thorens, longer than any of the other Three Valleys ski areas. The long ski season in Val Thorens makes it a fantastic choice for early and late season ski holidays to the Three Valleys.
TRAVEL TO VAL THORENS
WHERE IS VAL THORENS SKI RESORT?
Val Thorens is in the Vallèe de Bellevilles in the Savoie region of France. Located at the top of the Valley you will pass St Martin de Belleville and Les Menuires en route to Val Thorens.
Val Thorens is easy to access within France’s Savoie region which is cluttered with world-class ski areas. The high proximity of ski resorts in the Savoie ensures that many facilities and businesses are geared around travel to the ski areas.
GETTING TO VAL THORENS BY AIR
Flying to Val Thorens is the fastest and easier way to get to Val Thorens from the UK. Flying into Geneva airport represents your best bet with regular flights and many transfer operators in the terminal building. Alternative routes into Lyon are also possible.
From both Geneva and Lyon airports you can then either self-drive, take a transfer or continue your route by train towards Moutiers.
Flying is and will remain the easiest and quickest way to reach a ski resort however, it also has the largest impact on your Carbon footprint.
GETTING TO VAL THORENS BY TRAIN
Taking the train to Val Thorens is possible with trains from London via Paris arriving at Moutiers which is within an hour from Val Thorens. Although Val Thorens itself does not have a train station arriving at Moutiers and then taking a bus/transfer to the resort is a fairly simple process.
GETTING TO VAL THORENS BY CAR
Although a longer journey, I have always appreciated the freedom that can come from driving your car to the ski resort. Driving to Val Thorens is straightforward although cumbersome driving long distances down motorways. Having driven to Val Thorens when travelling with my dog, I found the journey really simple.
There is no need for a car within the resort and you will have to factor in the cost of using the underground parking areas in Val Thorens, but driving to Val Thorens was a stress-free travel method.
Driving to Val Thorens will involve taking either a ferry or Le Shuttle to Calais before starting your drive to the southeast of France. The easiest route is to stick to the French toll-roads which are well-maintained and easy to navigate, although this does come at a further cost.
If you intend to drive to Val Thorens, remember it is essential to have winter tyres and snow chains.
GETTING TO VAL THORENS BY COACH
Travelling from London to Val Thorens by coach is an affordable option but is probably most people’s least favourite method of transport. Operating from London Victoria Coach Station Snow Express operate weekly departures to Val Thorens.
VAL THORENS LIFT PASSES
There are multiple ski pass options for Val Thorens and choosing the right one for you and your group can be confusing. Let’s take a look at the best options below.
LOCAL AREA PASS - VAL THORENS/ORELLE
The local area pass is enough for most skiers and snowboarders visiting Val Thorens for a 7-day period. The area encompassed by Val Thorens and Orelle includes 150km of pistes and some pretty epic off-piste terrain. By purchasing the local area ski pass you will be unable to venture further into the Three Valleys, but for many first-time/intermediate skiers, you won’t need to.
Purchasing the local pass will save you around €7 each day.
VALLEE DES BELLEVILLES PASS
This pass similar to the above does not offer full Three Valleys ski area access but it is a good medium point. This pass includes 300km of terrain shared between; Val Thorens, Orelle, Les Menuires, & St Martin de Belleville. With 300km of pistes this pass covers 50% of the available pistes in the Three Valleys ski area.
Purchasing the Vallee des Bellevilles pass will save around €5 per day.
THREE VALLEYS LIFT PASS
Those looking to explore the full ski area should look to purchase the full Three Valleys ski pass. This pass covers the 600km of pistes across all Three Valleys ski areas. Although €7 more expensive than a local Val Thorens lift pass, this extensive pass is a great option for the more able who may wish to explore the entirety of the combined ski area.
EPIC PASS HOLDERS
If like me you visited the Three Valleys using an Epic Pass then you are entitled to a 7-day Three Valley ski pass which covers the entire 600km and all resorts in the Three Valleys. Epic Pass holders will need to take their Epic Pass and photo ID to either Forum Joseph Fontanet or the Funitel de Pèclet ticket offices to receive your free pass.
ABILITY
Beginners and early intermediates visiting Val Thorens should consider purchasing the local pass. There is plenty to keep you entertained whilst you are honing your skills within the local area. Access to Orelle could be considered adventure enough for your early trips to Val Thorens.
Remember if you are a never-ever, then you may not need to purchase a lift pass initially as the Magic Carpets are free to use. Liaise with your instructor to discuss whether you will be venturing further than this.
BUDGET
If budget is a consideration then meeting midway and getting the Vallee des Bellevilles pass could be your best option. 300km of pistes within this area should be enough to satisfy even the most ardent skiers and snowboarders on a week’s trip to the Three Valleys.
RETURNING VISITOR
If you are returning to Val Thorens and want to escape the local area then having the Three Valleys lift pass is ideal. You can still ski within the local area but the Three Valleys pass allows you to make the most of the connections to the nearby ski areas.
To check the latest prices and buy your lift pass click here.
VAL THORENS PROS
Val Thorens offers guaranteed skiing between Nov and May making it one of Europe’s longest ski seasons.
As part of the Three Valleys, Val Thorens has access to 600km of pistes across multiple French ski resorts.
Being a high-altitude village the Val Thorens ski area mostly sits above 2000m ensuring snow quality is great.
Val Thorens has 150km of local terrain which is well suited to intermediates.
Val Thorens has an exceptional lift system with modern lifts transporting skiers quickly and efficiently around the mountain.
Purpose-built village of Val Thorens has numerous accommodation options.
VAL THORENS CONS
The learner's areas in Val Thorens are busy with the main village run being a bit of a nightmare at peak times.
Val Thorens lacks context in trees due to its altitude meaning the resort can have bad visibility days which are not fun.
Limited on-piste terrain for the more advanced skiers and snowboarders.
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VAL THORENS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS VAL THORENS FOR BEGINNERS?
As someone who learnt to snowboard in Val Thorens and subsequently taught snowboarding across various continents I wouldn’t say that Val Thorens is an ideal place to learn. The positives are that Val Thorens offers free use of the Magic Carpets to beginners which is a nice touch and there are plenty of ski schools available. My main issue are the crowds which can feel daunting, so if you are set to learn in Val Thorens avoid the peak weeks.
WHAT IS VAL THORENS FAMOUS FOR?
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe making it famous for exceptional skiing conditions and a long winter season.
IS VAL THORENS A PARTY RESORT?
Val Thorens is a party town but you don’t need to feel like you are in the thick of it. If you are after Après ski well Val Thorens does it superbly with a number of bars and nightlife throughout the village. Nightlife in Val Thorens stays open until the early hours so be prepared to dance away the hangover so you can still make first lift.
IS VAL THORENS EXPENSIVE?
Val Thorens is a premium ski resort in the largest combined ski area in the world so yes it can be expensive. Within the context of the Three Valleys, Val Thorens represents great value when compared to Courchevel and Meribel which are advertised towards the more affluent clientele. There are always ways to budget and reduce costs for your ski holiday from accommodation to bringing your lunch with you on the slopes.
IS VAL THORENS HARD TO SKI?
The resort runs of Val Thorens are suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders with the majority of terrain rated as blue or red. There are a few black graded slopes within the resort however the main challenge is found away from the pistes.
WHICH AIRPORT DO YOU FLY TO FOR VAL THORENS?
The airport of Chambery is the closest airport to Val Thorens but the choice of flights is limited. Flying into Geneva or Lyon will result in longer transfers but cheaper and more regular flight services.
VAL THORENS ACTIVITIES
Val Thorens has plenty to keep skiers and non skiers entertained when visiting for a winter ski holiday. There are a number of activities available throughout the resort which will add to your on snow experience. Below is a selection of my favourites.
BEE FLYING VAL THORENS
Bee Flying was incredible and certainly one of the highlights of my trip to Val Thorens. The journey back to the village takes on 1800m of zip lines in three stages, where you will hover 65m above the ground. Check out the video below for a POV of my experience at Bee Flying Val Thorens.
ICE RINK
In the village of Val Thorens, you will find an Ice Rink where beginners through to experts are welcomed to put on their skates and head out onto the ice. The rink is 400m2 and is only open during the winter season.
ICE DRIVING
Ice Driving Val Thorens is exactly what it sounds like! These go karts on ice race around the 225m ice track at the base of the village in this incredible mountain setting. Check out the Ice Driving Experience here.
BEST SKI SHOP IN VAL THORENS
When visiting a ski resort I always try to find the best ski and snowboard shops to recommend to others. After spending time looking for snowboard boots in most of the Val Thorens ski shops I can highly recommend Zenith Ski Shop.
Although I didn’t purchase anything in Zenith, the assistance I was given was exceptional. Zenith is ideally located in the centre of the village and has an excellent selection of ski and snowboard gear to buy and rent. I took my board in for a service and they did a great job with a quick turn-around.
VAL THORENS FINAL THOUGHTS
Val Thorens is always going to be one of the best options for ski holidays in Europe. When you combine the highest resort village, with terrain above 2000m, and a large connected ski area Val Thorens packs a punch. The village and local area have everything you require in a ski resort base and it is hard to argue against returning to the resort year after year.