Val Thorens, France
Chalet La Datcha VT
Low season:£55,000per week
£3,667 per person

France
Europe's highest ski resort, offering unparalleled snow guarantees and endless Three Valleys terrain.
25 properties available
About the Resort
Sitting at an impressive 2,300 meters, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe and the crown jewel of the massive Les Trois Vallées ski area. This purpose-built, high-altitude haven is designed with ultimate convenience in mind, offering true ski-in/ski-out access from almost every accommodation. Its dramatic, sweeping alpine bowls are situated entirely above the treeline, providing spectacular panoramic views of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps.
The Resort
Renowned for its unparalleled snow reliability, Val Thorens boasts the longest ski season in France, typically running from late November through early May. The resort perfectly balances a heavy-hitting ski experience with a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Off the slopes, the town pulses with energy, driven by world-famous après-ski venues, Michelin-starred dining, and a plethora of non-skiing activities like ice driving and Europe's highest zipline.
While its vast, open terrain and steep pitches make it a mecca for intermediate and advanced skiers, a recently revamped beginner zone right at the village base ensures novices are well catered for. Whether you are hunting for untouched freeride powder, perfectly groomed carving pistes, or simply dancing on tables at La Folie Douce, Val Thorens delivers a high-octane mountain experience.
On the Mountain
The skiing is characterized by wide-open, high-altitude bowls, meticulously groomed cruisers, and excellent off-piste opportunities. Being entirely above the treeline, it provides expansive freeride terrain and seamless, rapid lift connections to the rest of the 600km Three Valleys network.
Les Trois Vallées
The largest interconnected ski area in the world, boasting 600km of pristine pistes across Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Méribel, and Courchevel.
Location
Resort Details
Ideal For
Advanced Skiers
Endless access to high-altitude red and black runs, plus vast off-piste bowls.
Après-Ski Enthusiasts
Home to the legendary La Folie Douce and a bustling town center with vibrant nightlife.
Snow-Sure Seekers
Europe's highest resort guarantees great snow from late November until May.
Convenience Lovers
Purpose-built layout means practically every building is strictly ski-in/ski-out.
By Type
By Type
Slope Access
Wellness
Full Service
Families
Full Collection
Personal Concierge
Our concierge team knows every property in Val Thorens. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll send personalised recommendations within 24 hours.
Where to Eat
Les Explorateurs
Hotel Pashmina
A Michelin-starred culinary journey offering inventive dishes in an elegant, expedition-themed setting.
Le Chalet de la Marine
On the Dalles blue piste
A top-tier mountain restaurant offering traditional Savoyard dishes, a cozy interior, and a spectacular pastry spread.
La Fruitière
Adjacent to La Folie Douce
Upscale brasserie with striking dairy-themed decor, serving high-quality modern French cuisine right on the slopes.
Chez Pépé Nicolas
Between Val Thorens and Les Menuires
A charming, rustic farm-to-table Savoyard experience set in a beautiful traditional alpine chalet.
From the Journal
Common Questions
The ski season in Val Thorens typically runs Late November to early May. The resort averages 6m per season of snowfall, so conditions are usually reliable throughout. Val Thorens consistently opens earlier and closes later than neighboring resorts due to its unrivaled elevation.
Val Thorens offers 600km of pistes with a vertical drop of 1,430m. The skiing is characterized by wide-open, high-altitude bowls, meticulously groomed cruisers, and excellent off-piste opportunities. Being entirely above the treeline, it provides expansive freeride terrain and seamless, rapid lift connections to the rest of the 600km Three Valleys network. It forms part of the Les Trois Vallées ski area.
Europe's highest ski resort, offering unparalleled snow guarantees and endless Three Valleys terrain. Val Thorens is a modern mountain resort, known for its distinctive character and atmosphere. Key highlights include ski in ski out, extensive terrain, snowpark, lively town, après ski.
Val Thorens receives an average of 6m per season of snowfall. With skiing up to 3,230m, higher altitude terrain holds snow well into spring. Recent snowfall: Excellent snow preservation due to high altitude.
Val Thorens is well-suited for several types of visitors. For advanced skiers: Endless access to high-altitude red and black runs, plus vast off-piste bowls. For après-ski enthusiasts: Home to the legendary La Folie Douce and a bustling town center with vibrant nightlife. For snow-sure seekers: Europe's highest resort guarantees great snow from late November until May.
The nearest airport is Geneva Airport (GVA), about 155km away (approximately 2h 45min by transfer). Frequent regular bus transfers (Altibus), private shuttle services, and shared taxis are available from Geneva, Lyon, and Chambery airports. Val Thorens is also reachable by train via Moûtiers - Salins - Brides-les-Bains. High-speed TGV and Eurostar snow trains run to Moûtiers, followed by a 45-minute scheduled bus ride directly up to the resort.
Lift passes in Val Thorens are available as Adult Day Pass (Val Thorens/Orelle) (EUR 65), Adult 6-Day Pass (Val Thorens/Orelle) (EUR 324). Passes often cover the wider Les Trois Vallées area, giving access to a much larger ski domain. It is highly recommended to book lift passes and mandatory resort parking online well in advance, especially during school holidays.
Standout dining in Val Thorens includes Les Explorateurs (A Michelin-starred culinary journey offering inventive dishes in an elegant, expedition-themed setting.), Le Chalet de la Marine (A top-tier mountain restaurant offering traditional Savoyard dishes, a cozy interior, and a spectacular pastry spread.), La Fruitière (Upscale brasserie with striking dairy-themed decor, serving high-quality modern French cuisine right on the slopes.). With 4 recommended restaurants in total, the resort offers an impressive dining scene for a ski destination.
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