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Val Thorens resort snow
Lat Long: 45.27° N 6.58° E
Ski France

Val Thorens Resort Reviews

Weather Forecast for Val Thorens at 2765 m altitude

Issued: 1 am 05 May 2026 (local time)

Forecast update in  hr  min

Next snow in Val Thorens: 1.0 cm on Tue 5th  (after 8 AM)

Visitor reviews for Val Thorens Ski Resort

Val Thorens Ratings

Overall: 4.3. Based on 79 votes and 44 reviews.

Rate this resort

Snowsure: 4.8

  • Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing
  • Is often closed due to a lack of snow
  • Occasionally suffers from a lack of snow
  • Rarely suffers from a lack of snow
  • Val Thorens is snowsure even in the poorest seasons

Variety of pistes: 4.6

  • The ski runs are featureless and unvaried
  • The ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week
  • Val Thorens has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain

Off-piste: 4.5

  • No off-piste worth mentioning
  • Off piste is out-of-bounds
  • Some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days
  • A vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days

Scenery: 4.1

  • An ugly resort in a bland setting
  • Average mountain views and resort
  • A spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town

Access: 3.9

  • At least one overnight stop
  • Requires a whole day
  • Requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns
  • Arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon
  • There is a main airport within an hour of Val Thorens

Public Transport: 4.2

  • There are no buses or taxis to Val Thorens
  • There are slow or infrequent buses / trains available
  • Getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections

Accommodation: 4.7

  • No places to stay in/near Val Thorens
  • A few places to stay in the resort
  • A wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets

Cheap Rooms: 3.6

  • No budget accommodation available
  • Just one or two hostels so book ahead
  • Several cheap hostels and pensions available

Luxury Hotels: 4.7

  • No luxury accommodation available
  • Just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead
  • Several up-market hotels in Val Thorens

Ski in/Ski out: 4.8

  • The ski area is located far from any accommodation
  • A free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip
  • Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available

Childcare: 4.3

  • There are no child care facilities at Val Thorens
  • The resort has limited child-care facilities
  • the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche

Snowmaking: 4.3

  • Val Thorens relies entirely on natural snow
  • There are just a few snow cannons
  • There are snowmaking facilities on all pistes

Snow Grooming: 4.5

  • There are no snow groomers at Val Thorens
  • Occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state
  • All the runs at Val Thorens are groomed daily

Shelter: 3.1

  • There is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut
  • There are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close
  • Val Thorens is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close

Nearby options: 4.2

  • If snow conditions are poor at Val Thorens, it will be poor everywhere nearby
  • There are good alternatives within an hours drive
  • Other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions

Regional rating: 4.7

  • Val Thorens usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region
  • Has average conditions for the region
  • Usually has the best snow conditions in the region

Lift Staff: 4.3

  • The staff at Val Thorens are rude or unhelpful
  • Lift staff at Val Thorens are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help

Crowds/Queues: 3.8

  • The resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues
  • It is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays
  • It is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare

Ski Schools: 4.7

  • No ski schools available
  • One or two ski schools but local language only
  • A few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors
  • Plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available
  • Excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors

Hire and Repairs: 4.8

  • Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex
  • There are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance
  • Good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible

Beginners: 4.2

  • Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard
  • A few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week
  • Vast areas of gentle terrain

Intermediates: 4.8

  • No intermediate terrain at Val Thorens
  • Intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days
  • Vast areas of cruising runs

Advanced: 4.9

  • Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders
  • Enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste
  • Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week

Snow Park: 4.3

  • Not even a kicker at Val Thorens
  • Average sized park quite well looked after
  • Huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails

Cross-country: 3.0

  • There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Val Thorens
  • There are some cross country trails available
  • The area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails

Luge/Toboggan: 4.4

  • No designated luge or toboggan runs
  • There are toboggan runs that open quite often
  • Val Thorens has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages

Mountain Dining: 4.4

  • Nowhere to buy food by the pistes
  • Some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive
  • There is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets

Eating: 4.6

  • Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop
  • There are a few places to eat in the resort but nothing special
  • A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants

Apres-Ski: 4.8

  • Nothing to do, not even a bar
  • There are a few bars in the resort but nothing special
  • Clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere

Other Sports: 4.5

  • No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts
  • Resort has just a small public swimming pool
  • Resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool

Entertainment: 3.7

  • Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here
  • The non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week
  • The resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports

Winter Walks: 3.7

  • Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails
  • A couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails
  • Extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities

Ski Pass Value: 4.2

  • A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available
  • The ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts
  • Ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area

Value (National): 4.2

  • Overall, Val Thorens is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money
  • Overall represents average value for money
  • Overall offers the best value resort in the country

Value (Global): 4.2

  • Overall, Val Thorens is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world
  • Overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries
  • Internationally the resort offers excellent value for money

Show all 35 ratings

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January 04, 2008
John Crawford from Ski United Kingdom 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 Ski United Kingdom 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!
December 02, 2007
Mark from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
I have been to Val Thorens at least twice a year for the last 6 years and also to many other of the "big" French resorts, including Tignes/Val D'Isere. In my opinion, the three valleys is probably the best overall skiing in Europe. I always stay in VT as the snow is the best quality, especially on the Col. Drunken Germans and Dutch can be annoying at 2am, but I ski hard all day and sleep through the noise. Best value for money is the Cheval Blanc appartments, great location and good prices with friendly service (makes a change for France). Restaurants and bars are ok, but beer is a bit more than some other resorts, but that only costs a few Euros more in a week, and the skiing makes up for that. Get the first Caron cable car up at 9:30am (no queues) and ski the black run back down to the Moutiers lift, it will be deserted, you will be cutting virgin tracks. Flat out all the way, no stopping or resting, go as fast as you dare, perfect grippy squeaky courduroy snow if it's been bashed, legs are like jelly at the bottom. I'll be back in December 07, then again in February and April 08. I've skied there in the last week of April with deep soft fluffy powder snow, whilst in Meribel it is slush and ice.....no comparison. P.S The architecture is not that bad. Les Menuires is grim, Tignes is awful, but remember, you come to ski not look at buildings, and the mountain scenery is fantastic.
July 18, 2007
Bruno Monteiro from Ski Portugal 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! :)
March 21, 2007
Russell Farmer from Ski United Kingdom 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 Ski United Kingdom 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 Ski United Kingdom 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 Ski Portugal 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 Ski United Kingdom 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 Ski France 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.