Val Thorens, France
Introduction
High, high, high; Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe, it’s a load of purpose-built block of ugly flats, a few shops and a line of bars. With nothing to do at night but drink, and at a height of 2300m, it’s painfully cold when walking for that drink.
Who cares, though? With a lift system that whisks you up to 3200m, north-facing slopes, a 9m average snowfall and a connection to the Trois Vallees, you can stick the bad points where the sun don’t shine. Furthermore, although not noted as a summer resort, you can still ride here right up until early August. Like the rest of the Trois Vallees, it’s full of package-deal holidaymakers. Lots of Brits but not as many as at Meribel or Couchevel, although you'll find it’s also popular with the Dutch and Swedes. Many of the apartments will give you instant slope access; some have a highrise chair going past your window (so keep an eye out when leaving the shower).
They’ve even made Val Thornes a car-free zone, so at least you don’t have to look out for motors when running for the pub, but you will have to make parking arrangements if driving. It’s a rip-off 53 Euros a week if you book on the internet, or otherwise its 62.50 euros if you just turn up.
Fortunately, Val Thorens is a board-friendly place with a funpark and without the stuck-up attitude of some of the Trois Vallees resorts.
New for season
2006/7: Improvement to the Laudzin, Christine and Tête Ronde pistes. Snowmaking on Blanchot and Laudzin pistes
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Resort Statistics
Resort Type:
Alpine
Winter: Nov to May
Summer: None
Lifts
Total Lifts: 47
Cable cars: 2
Gondolas: 3
Chair lifts: 16
Drag lifts: 8
Max people per hour: 53,000
Board Leashes required: No
Mountain
Total pistes/trails: 67
Total ride area: 87miles (140km)
Longest run: 2miles (3km)
Top lift: 3230m
Vertical drop: 1400m
First lift: 1800m
Piste suitability
Green runs: 44%
Red runs: 44%
Black runs: 12%
Lift Passes
Lift Passes:
Local area:
Half-day 27.5, Day 34.5, 6 Days 166
3 Valleys:
Half-day 34.5, Day 43, 6 Days 215, Season 935
Lift times:8.30am to 4.30pm
Snowfall
Average annual snowfall: 10metres
Artificial snowmaking coverage: 25%
Facilities
Night Riding: :
No
Snowboard Schools:
ski schools with snowboard sections
Snowboard Hire:
lots of choice
Heliboarding: :
Not available
Snowmobiles:
alone 70 euros an hour
2 people 80 euros an hour
Further information
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Summary
Tacky with loads of skiers, but access to great terrain
ON THE SLOPES Very good
OFF THE SLOPES Okay but cheesy
MONEY WISE Overall this is an expensive resort. Can be good value if you want almost guaranteed good snow.
Terrain & parks
Halfpipe:
Yes - 1
Terrain park:
Yes - 1
Backcountry/off-piste:Yes
Tree runs:A few
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The 3 Valleys
Other resorts in the same areaImage Gallery
Resort News
>> Val Thorens to improve parks for 2008/9 30Sep08
>> more news on Val Thorens ...Piste Map
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