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Val Thorens Resort Reviews


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Visitor reviews for Val Thorens Ski Resort

Val Thorens Ratings

Overall: 4.3. Based on 64 votes and 42 reviews. Vote

Snowsure: 4.8

(1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Val Thorens is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.

Variety of pistes: 4.6

(1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Val Thorens has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.

Off-piste: 4.4

(1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.

Scenery: 4.0

(1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.

Access: 3.8

(1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Val Thorens.

Public Transport: 4.2

(1) There are no buses or taxis to Val Thorens, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.

Accommodation: 4.7

(1) No places to stay in/near Val Thorens, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.

Cheap Rooms: 3.6

(1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.

Luxury Hotels: 4.7

(1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Val Thorens.

Ski in/Ski out: 4.8

(1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.

Childcare: 4.3

(1) There are no child care facilities at Val Thorens, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.

Snowmaking: 4.3

(1) Val Thorens relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.

Snow Grooming: 4.4

(1) There are no snow groomers at Val Thorens, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Val Thorens are groomed daily.

Shelter: 3.1

(1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Val Thorens is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.

Nearby options: 4.2

(1) If snow conditions are poor at Val Thorens, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.

Regional rating: 4.7

(1) Val Thorens usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.

Lift Staff: 4.3

(1) The staff at Val Thorens are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Val Thorens are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.

Crowds/Queues: 3.8

(1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.

Ski Schools: 4.7

(1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.

Hire and Repairs: 4.8

(1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.

Beginners: 4.2

(1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.

Intermediates: 4.8

(1) No intermediate terrain at Val Thorens, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.

Advanced: 4.8

(1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.

Snow Park: 4.3

(1) Not even a kicker at Val Thorens, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.

Cross-country: 3.0

(1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Val Thorens, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.

Luge/Toboggan: 4.4

(1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Val Thorens has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.

Mountain Dining: 4.4

(1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.

Eating: 4.6

(1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.

Apres-Ski: 4.8

(1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.

Other Sports: 4.5

(1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.

Entertainment: 3.7

(1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.

Winter Walks: 3.7

(1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.

Ski Pass Value: 4.2

(1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.

Value (National): 4.1

(1) Overall, Val Thorens is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.

Value (Global): 4.2

(1) Overall, Val Thorens is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.

Show all 35 ratings

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December 07, 2010
Deyan from Ski Bulgaria Bulgaria
I am often amazed by comments putting a lot of importance on the looks of a resort. Granted, a little traditional village always looks better than a purpose-built monster but the latter has many advantages: less distractions, incomparable practicality, closeness to the pistes, price... If you are like me - crazy about skiing and not about the "accessories" around it, you will love Val Thorens. The pistes are open, wide, long, not too busy and incredibly well groomed - perfect for long carving turns that will put a smile on your face for a very long time. The views are amazing. The snow is reliable. The off-piste is everywhere. And this is pretty much all a skier needs. Bottom line is this - if you go there for the skiing itself Val Thorens/Orelle/Menuires is truly amazing. If you go skiing because you want to show off that nice brand new jacket or because you want to experience traditional French culture then go somewhere else.
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.)
December 13, 2008
Simon Lovering from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Just got back from a 4 day weekend in Val. Second time we have been there, the first time being 2 years ago when the start to the season was so bad, we had to change at the last minute to high altitude. We drove up to Val Thoren on Thursday night (4th), taking an hour longer than planned as the snow was dumping down. Snowed all Thursday night, Friday and through the night into Saturday. By Sunday we were off-piste, waist deep in fresh powder. When we left Val Thoren on Tuesday 9th, it was set to snow again that night, but I have to say all runs were open, loads of off-piste and the snow line was as low as 500m as we drove down the mountain. If you're going out, enjoy. A great start to the season, loads of snow. By the way, Val Thoren town is not bad, and not too expensive even with the current euro/pound situation, but we were there for the free white stuff.
April 18, 2022
Baz from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
What can you say about VT? Well, it is a world class resort centre for sure. Excellent facilities and of course being at the base of the resort is 2300m it is one of the most snow sure resorts in the Alps. The variety of terrain is excellent, and for the lower standard skier or boarder / novice the resort is actually perfect in many respects. There are a couple of free lifts in the town which you could easily use to get your kids finding their feet. But also there is plenty of easy enough skiing round the town to keep a beginner going and help them enjoy getting started. For the intermediate and expert VT has lots to offer with numerous really nice long blue runs and reds, and the south facing Goitschel black run, which can be excellent when pisted the night before. Off-piste, if you get a good snow season, is tremendous and lots of it. It will track out very quickly though as the high capacity uplift and popularity mean you could lose fresh tracks by lunchtime particularly during busy periods. Also worth mentioning is the Orelle valley, which a lot of people don't seem to check out. It is the only south facing valley in Les 3 Valleys, and was always one of my favourite places to go as the runs there are also really rather nice. Plenty of positives then. There is however, one not so positive. The Val Thorens Snowpark. It used to be one of the premier parks anywhere in the Alps I would say, with usually 3 lines of 3 kickers which were 5m, 10m and 15-18m lines. Now it seems there is way less investment in the development of the park, and the same across Les 3 V so if you like this part of skiing you're likely to get disappointed now. In 2019 there was only one XL jump setup which had two options on it as usual. No L size (10m) line, and only small jumps and rails around other than that. This season it looks the same with only one main kicker setup. It really isn't what you should be able to expect of somewhere you'll be paying over 1000 Euros if you want a season pass, or 300 notes for a 6 day pass. They really should be doing better than this, as the parks are always a very popular area in any resort. On-mountain facilities are pretty decent with sheltered picnic areas for pack lunches, and lots of options for food around. There are also plenty on mountain toilet options, one set at the top of the Plateau lifts, some at the top of La Morraine gondola, and some more at the Cairn/Carron gondola station. The Face West restaurant right in the centre of town is, I would say, perfect for an apres-ski feed and beer. Its a bit pricey, but the view out is better than any other such place in the Alps, I would contest, and it gets the afternoon sun beautifully with it's westerly aspect. A beer is about 10 Euros, Croque Monsuire with fries the same, pizzas are 20 Euros and are nice, and their crepes are superb. All in all, it is a great resort with lots of options and plenty of snow sure capability. The only downside may be park skiing if that's on your agenda, but there's always Austria and Switzerland where they seem to want to keep that alive and inspiring.
March 27, 2006
Jon Jones from Ski United Kingdom 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 Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
This last week was fantastic. Great off-piste.
January 06, 2006
Tim Frampton from Ski United Kingdom 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!
December 10, 2008
The Tank from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Next week, the weekend of the 13th Dec 08 will be my 3rd visit to Val Thorens. As some other people have pointed out, you don't go to Val Thorens to admire the place. It serves a purpose and that is to hit the slopes hard. Some areas are quite picturesque within the town, but the real views come into their element when you are standing at the top of '3 vallees 2', 'Col' or 'Cime Caron'. If it dumps snow which it has done both times I have been there, then there is no end to the possibilities. When all the lifts are running you can steam across to Meribel and take advantage of its beauty and tree lined runs. So if you are there next week keep an eye out for me on the slopes you won't see me because I am too fast. But at night you will find me in the bars and Val Thorens' famous 'Malaysia Club'. Regards.
November 10, 2008
Les from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
VT is the highest winter resort in Europe. Stelvio Pass has much higher hotels both on and above the pass but is mainly a summer skiing area (lessons were fantastic when I stayed there many years ago). VT has a great lift system, many interesting ski runs and some good restaurants. Hotel 3V is friendly, with good service. Never had a problem with drunks but have mainly skied in VT at Easter. The old itinerary route into Meribel, though now mostly pisted, can still be quite an adventure for someone new to the area.

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