Val Thorens, France

Visitor reviews for Val Thorens

• July 20, 2008
  Graeme Dunbar from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Visited Val Thorens in mid April 2008 and was very impressed. It was a great season and (as I understand it) the snow was exceptional for the time of year. The skiing is extensive even on the local pass, and there is something to suit all levels. If the weather draws in it is a bit wild (we had 30cm of snow in as many hours) and lifts do close, but it is the price of being so high and well worth it. The black runs from the top of the Cime de Caron lift are spectacular to ski when freshly pisted and are highly recommended.

  It is an expensive resort and unless you are loaded you perhaps have to eat in more than you would usually, but you can cut your drinks bill by using 'happy hour' at the end of the afternoon. We stayed in the Village Montana apartments and thought they were better than comfortable and extremely handy for slopes and ski-school. Whole family used Prosneige ski school and would recommend them. All in all a great place for a late season ski and we will be back in 2009.

• January 04, 2008
  John Crawford from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just back from a trip to Val T during the busiest week of the ski season (New Year)- we had a fantastic time!
  Fantastic snow, no problem with lift queues and no problem with crowded pistes. After a couple of recent New Year trips to the Espace Killy (Tignes/Val D'Isere) we were pleasantly surprised by the quieter 3 Valleys.
  The mountain scenery is breathtaking and the town is certainly not an eyesore. And for doorstep skiing convenience it can't be beaten.

• December 18, 2007
  Carolyn from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Remember why you go skiing.........not to look at buildings!
  If you want brilliant terrain, guaranteed snow from November 'till May and a good, reliable lift network with well maintained pistes without having to fly halfway round the world, then VT is the place. We have been twice per year since 2000. Good, English speaking ski schools. Good range of accommodation at all budgets. Several supermarkets for those (like us) who prefer to eat out during the day and relax at home in the evening.
  Our family has ranged from an 11 month old to 40+ and the place suits us all - even the fussy teenage types - there are even loads of fashionable ski places with designer clothing. I mean what more can you ask for in one place!
  Don't take my word for it - just go there and see for yourself!

• March 21, 2007
  Russell Farmer from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Stayed in Val Thorens back end of February. Skiing and weather were great with plenty of runs even if you just op for the VT lift pass and not three valleys. Yes it's not the most picturesque resort and doubt you'll send a postcard home boasting but we pay our money to ski and not to sightsee as I'm sure you'll agree. Couldn't fault the skiing. Stayed in the Chalet Balcons 1 which is situated in the very top of the resort at 2400M. This is a bit of a walk from the main meeting area. Otherwise rely on a free resort bus. The chalet itself wasn't great and I certainly wouldn't go back. However, myself and the other guests couldn't fault the our chalet host Douglas who did himself proud serving up culinary delights every night. The price of beer and food from the restaurants out there was dear with a pint costing you eight Euro!!. Overall, the resort wasn't great but the skiing terrain was fantastic.

• March 07, 2007
  Paul Maclugash from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Passo Stelvio in Italy is higher at base and a top place for all those who know best (2761 to 3451.) It's just the way people speak with such great wisdom.
  Have not stayed in VT but boarded there. It was pretty good and as it is high it keeps well. I am one of those people who thinks it is ugly. I am sure there are worse places but that doesn't change the fact that VT is a ugly place. My personal opinion is; go to Meribel, then you are in the middle and it's 30min to an hour to most areas and if it's poor go to VT where it's not far.
  Now, on the subject of drunks; well, it's just the way it is. You don't want the French police out unless it's murder. They are a bit no nonsence, if you know what I mean.
  My best advice is; go to La Plagne. There is a shortage of pubs so it's wise to check out a resort before you go (got bored in La plagne but there was good snow.)

• February 20, 2007
  Ian Lancey from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Spent the week of 3rd to 10th February in a chalet in the Balcons area of Val Thorens with 10 mates. Chalet was OK, food was OK, company was excellent as was the skiing. Same as last year, first couple of days the snow was OK with the best skiing in the 3 valleys to be had in VT. Started to snow on day 3 and resulted in great skiing across the whole of the 3 valleys. Just goes to show that you can't beat the 3 valleys for great skiing when elsewhere in Europe is struggling, Another excellent ski holiday with fantastic snow and endless terrain. Just watch out for skiing Gorillas!!!!!

• February 19, 2007
  Carlos Palminha from PORTUGAL
  

  Have been in Val Thorens (3 to 10 of February) and was one of the best snow weeks I have had in 6 years of snowboarding. The resort itself is not one of the prettiest but due to the high altitude the snow quality is guaranteed. The 3 valleys are just amazing and breathtaking with good pistes for all skiers levels. Great off-piste opportunities. The Snow Park in ValThorens is not one of the best but you can have some nice time in the kickers, step-ups, boxes and half-pipe!
  Nightlife is simply the best I havevhad in a French snow resort... If you are in the snow and in the mood for fun this is the place to be!

• January 29, 2007
  Peter from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  We spent the Christmas week at Val Thorens and although the skiing is excellent (plenty of snow, good lifts, no queuing), I will not be back. We stayed at the Les Olympiades appartments and did not get a single good night's sleep because of the drunks (from all nations) shouting and fighting in the street below until three or four in the morning.

• January 23, 2007
  Tony Wade from FRANCE
  

  It's a good early and late season destination because of it's altitude, but the village should be razed to the ground so they could start again with something a little less UGLY. I don't go skiing to judge the architecture of the place, but -CHRIST- in a purpose built place why do they have to make it look like a slum. Same goes for Les Menuires.

  As far as the drunks go, well I'm usually one of them so I've got nothing to say.

• April 15, 2006
  Farbod from GERMANY
  

  I was at the place last week. I have to say it was great(also the night life). The only problem the resort has is that you could get lost pretty fast. Once I got lost and landed in Le Meniure. Then I had to pay 6 € to get back to Val Thorens. Since it was already 5 o'clock I couldn't get back to Orelle. So I had to spend a night in Val Thorens with ski clothes :(

• March 27, 2006
  Jon Jones from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just got back from a week in Val Thorens (18th - 25th March). The resort is very good for skiing but night life is poor! Too many drunken Dutch guys so men out number women 10 - 1. If you want a more rounded resort, go for Austria, try Sol or Mayrhofen , the skiing is almost on a par and the night life is far better.

• March 25, 2006
  Roger from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  This last week was fantastic.

  Great off-piste.

• March 21, 2006
  laurence neumann from ISRAEL
  

  The good: fantastic skiing/boarding - got lucky with perfect snow and weather 2nd week March. Nice hassle free town - who cares about architecture etc.
  The bad: hotel/apartments that don't clearly state on website what is included and what is free. I stayed at Le Portillo which was fine as far as rooms etc go - but staff refused to call police to deal with noise - and be careful of rooms facing street and nearby pubs/discos.
  The ugly: drunk, noisy, selfish dorks from selected European countries that made a racket at midnite to 4am and disturbed the sleep and peace of people that simply want to ski the next morning. The town should not allow this!

• March 05, 2006
  Ron from NETHERLANDS
  

  I don't go skiing for nice authentic villages etc. Just loads of fresh snow, big pistes & good lift network and some good restaurants and bars is what's needed.
  Val Thorens (together with Tignes & Les Arcs) is one of the best to stay. Great skiing on & off-piste. Though it may be pretty cold in January & February. Also the French holidays are usually in last three weeks of February which means lot of queuing for the Cime de Caron which brings you to some exciting pistes.
  So best time to go to Val Thorens is March & April.

• January 22, 2006
  Ian Lancey from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just returned from Val Thorens yesterday after what can only be described as one of the best weeks of skiing i have ever had.
  Val Thorens offers a great mix of intermediate and advanced skking, with some challenging and exciting runs. Beginners fair less well with limited greens and easy blues, however, if you are willing to venture over to Meribel or Courcheval there are much better beginners opportunities.
  A good dump of snow helped conditions throughout the 3 valleys area but even before this fall, VT's snow was still pretty good, showing year on year VT to be one of the most snow sure resorts in Europe.
  Go for great skiing and boarding but not for a picturesque village that is quiet, the mix of English, Dutch and Scandinavian skiers and boarders results in a pretty good party town.

• January 06, 2006
  Tim Frampton from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Val Thorens is not that pretty, better than when I first came 8 years ago, I have come for at least a week every year since, if you want to go shopping and look good in a cafe on the slopes, best head of somwhere else! if you want good boarding piste or of piste, I have yet to find anywhere that can keep you on something new everyday. I have been to Canada around Europe and I think Val Thorens offers the best all round boarding Boarding, allways seems to have plenty of snow. To those who think its ugly, look at the mountains instead, they are the big white things outside the bars and appartments!

• January 04, 2006
  Daniel ter Maten from NETHERLANDS
  

  When you want to go skiing or boarding Val Thorens is one of the best places to go. The snow is almost always excellent and there are slopes for every level. One of the best things in Val Thorens is the off piste. Really numerous possibilities. If you're looking for a quiet place and skiing/boarding is only one of the many components of your holiday, you'll probably have a better holiday at another resort. Apres ski in Val Thorens is there for sure, but it's mainly quite massive.
  And of course the connection with the rest of the 3V is excellent. If you're a good skier you only need half a day, to go all the way to Courchevel in a relaxed way. When you do so, make sure you check the weather and snow conditions; they may really differ from those in Val Thorens.
  Last but not least, I would recommend to go in the late season. Good chance to get some excellent powder and the runs are not that crowded.

• January 01, 2006
  Tom Travis from UNITED STATES
  

  I agree that the architecture of Val Thorens is unattractive. However, the Val Thorens is high so it has the best snow conditions of Les Trois Vallees. It also has excellent skiing on a variety of long runs with large vertical drops and the opportunity to ski on a glacier. I prefer to stay at Mottaret because it is in the middle of Les Trois Vallees with easy access to Val Thorens, Courchevel and the other ski stations. However, in a lean snow year I would stay at Val Thorens to maximize the chance for good conditions.

• February 22, 2005
  curt whaymand from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  I went to Val Thorens with 2 mates and their parents over half term and it was absolutely quality!!
  We had 4 white outs in a row, making about 1 metre of powder off piste and nearly that on the pistes.
  Then, 3 sunny days made for perfect skiing. Skiing over to Meribel is especially good.
  I would recommend Val Thorens to anyone and i really wana go back!

• February 17, 2005
  pj from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Let's get a few things straight. Val Thorens is the highest ski station in Europe. You go their to ski and for the snow reliability. Anyone who thinks VT is one of the ugliest resorts around was obviously asleep of the transfer as they passed Les Menuires and has never been to Flaine. If it is a pretty alpine town you are looking for then go to Austria or Switzerland. VT is a lot more attractive than a lot of other resorts but it is designed for a reason - to cater for large numbers of people who want to ski as opposed to shopping and eating.
  The skiing is great with a wide range of runs for all levels easily accessed from all the accommodation. It provides excellent access to the rest of the trois vallees area. Just make sure that you get the last lift back otherwise you will have to pay for the bus back from Les Menuires or even worse take out a 2nd mortgage for the taxi fare from Meribel. There are plenty of bars and restaurants throughout the resort which are very reasonably priced compared to the other areas of the 3V's.
  The resort does tend to attract a large number of Scandinavians and Dutch who can be very noisy and boisterous both on and off the slopes.
  Excellent resort for skiers and boarders espacially early and late season.

• January 15, 2004
  Modi from SWITZERLAND
  

  Good for families with smallish kids because the ESF kids ski school meeting point and creche are litteraly in front of the Montana residence (20m), so look at valthorens.com town plan and chose nearby lodging - a major hassle saver when getting two 4 year olds to the slopes with all their equipment.
  Lots of noisy dutch and germans - this bothers many but should be a relief to families always worried that there energetic kids will upset some older self-centered single/divorced git.
  There is always some snow and lots of skiing if you look at all the 3-valais. Cheaper then Courcheval (but no yalping poodles and fur coats) and it snows in VT when it rains in Mottaret or les Menuires.
  Many of the Residence are on the piste = zero hassle. Its not that pretty though and restaurants are medium/average.

• January 13, 2004
  Dave Gilbert from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  I am currently wasting a week of my life and what willprobablyturn out to be ?1,500 for old cobblers.Don'tdoit,there's better, much better out ther. Even this e-mail connection does not work. The runs are a challenge --high idiot factor with people with more money than sense skiing intoyoubecausethjey thinkthey'regood.

• October 09, 2003
  Jimbo from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  A few facts - Val Thorens (VT) is the highest resort in the alps (2200m) , its also possibly the most architecturally unattractive ! Its cheaper than Courchevel 1850. They are building newer, more traditional apartments which do look much better.

  Snow is almost always excellent and there is a really good mix of runs for all abilities (not as good as Courchevel for the beginners though). The only downside is the transfer from Moutier or Lyon - VT is the last stop so you may have to wait for everyone else to get off at various stops as you wind your way up the mountain.

• 
  Bruno Monteiro from PORTUGAL
  

  Got there in the last week of April. I agree with most that's been said: nice snow, poor sleeping. People are friendly at day but you can't sleep at night; and you really need to get some sleep if you are to have fun and be in full physical (and mental) condition on pistes! The issues about guys outnumbering girls is so true, but - again - you are there to enjoy the snow, right? :)
  Accomodation is mildly expensive but very weak. I thought I saw it all when I stayed in Andorra -> not true, here is worse! I suspect Meribel or Courchevel are more expensive but offer more peace of mind. For beginners or intermediates, no need to buy the 3 valleys pass, but the difference is not so much. If you are in a good condition, buy the whole pass and have the best snow and landscapes I've seen.
  Life commodities are a little expensive but a large mall can be found 30 km down the hill if required.
  Some green pistes have negative inclinations -> bad! On snowboard you tend to rely too much on taking your board off! Blue and reds are OK and even blacks are not too groomed.
  Again, shame on drunks! :)