Val Thorens

Advanced

As Val Thorens (and the Three Valleys in general) mostly feature red and blue runs, experts who want a real challenge should head for off-piste excursions with a professional guide. If you do fancy a challenge on-piste though then there is definitely more than enough to keep you occupied; we especially recommend a couple of black runs from the top of the Cime de Caron – both routes certainly get the adrenaline pumping.

If you are up for the challenge, then try the Combe de Caron run that leads back towards Val Thorens, but if you are looking for something even steeper, then try the Combe Rosael. 

Intermediates  

For intermediate skiers, Val Thorens is home to some of the best options in the whole of the Three Valleys. For awesome views, head up the Cime de Caron cable car and then take the Col de l’audzin run down towards the Boismint chair. The Boismint red is a great descent so from there pick any of the fast reds heading down towards Les Menuires or St Martin.   

For the slightly cautious intermediate, there is a range of wide blue pistes to choose from which are perfect for building confidence and refining your technique. 

Beginners

With plenty of progressive terrains, Val Thorens is ideal for those wanting to learn to ski or snowboard, as it has a good selection of ski schools with English speaking instructors and wide gentle runs close to the centre of the resort. There are also several surface lifts (magic carpets) which are included in your area lift pass. Once it’s time to step up a level, beginners will find a selection of suitable blue runs just above the village.  

Snowboarders

Val Thorens is a popular choice with snowboarders as it has its own terrain park serviced by the 2 Lac lift. The terrain park is a 5 zone, the 70000m2 area filled with different modules such as raised bumps, whoops, handrails, boxes, a tabletop, wall ride and a big air.

Val Thorens also has some excellent steep runs and an extensive amount of off-piste for the more advanced riders in the group. Beginners will find a variety of easy runs leading into the resort with easy access and offering a steady progression. 

Off-Piste*

Val Thorens is one of the best places in the Alps for off-piste skiing, collectively with the ski areas in the Belleville Valley and the Three Valleys. The areas are surrounded by six glaciers that offer endless fields of powder. If you are an experienced off-piste skier, then you’ll find Val Thorens has several recognisable tracks starting at the top of numerous peaks. *  

A few popular off-piste routes include The Pierre Lory from the top of the Col chair into the Maurienne Valley; La Masse down to the Valley des Encombre and Lac du Lou from the Combe de Rosael black run from La Masse. Just above St Martin, further down the valley between Jerusalem and Pramint, is also renowned for its off-piste skiing. For the safest and most enjoyable experience off-piste, Ski Weekends recommend that you always use a local guide.