Ski resorts
Val Thorens: skiing in Europe’s highest ski resort and where to stay
Snow-sure, high and ski-in/ski-out almost everywhere. This is Val Thorens, at the heart of Les 3 Vallées, and the hotels where you wake up above the tree line.
When the snow is uncertain elsewhere in the Alps, many skiers pack their bags for Val Thorens. The village sits so high that you start the day above the tree line, and most places to stay are ski-in/ski-out. It is a ski holiday without detours.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You choose your own dates and room on the hotel page.
Europe’s highest ski resort
Val Thorens is considered Europe’s highest ski resort, and the altitude brings good snow from early in the season until well into spring. The village is built for skiers, with lifts and pistes starting right by the hotels.
The slopes of Les 3 Vallées
Val Thorens is part of Les 3 Vallées, one of the world’s largest linked ski areas. From here you can ski on to Méribel and Courchevel, and a single day can take in several valleys and an almost endless choice of runs.
Getting to Val Thorens
The nearest airports are Geneva, Lyon and Chambéry. Many travellers take the train to Moûtiers and a bus or transfer up to Val Thorens.
A day above the tree line
Mornings in Val Thorens often begin before the sun has reached the valley floor. You click into your skis outside the hotel, glide down to the first lift and are up among the peaks before your coffee has had time to cool. The light is sharp, the air thin and clear, and the snow crunches beneath your skis in a way only high mountains can offer.
By lunchtime you may have skied into the neighbouring valley and back again, with new views at every lift. And when the afternoon arrives and the shadows grow long, the terraces in the village await with hot chocolate, mulled wine and a well-earned rest in the sun.
When is the best time to visit Val Thorens?
Its altitude makes Val Thorens one of the safest choices early and late in the season. December often brings good conditions before the Christmas rush, January has cold, clear days and fewer crowds, while March and April offer long, sunny days and spring snow in the afternoon. Half term and Easter are the busiest weeks, so book early if you plan to travel then.
Skiing with children in Val Thorens
With ski-in/ski-out access, family life becomes easy: no bus rides and no long walks with kit. Choose a hotel close to the ski school and the blue runs, and let the little ones make their first turns while the grown-ups explore the rest of Les 3 Vallées.
Tips before you book
Check which lift pass you need. A local pass is enough for most, but if you want to ski the whole of Les 3 Vallées, the full pass is worth it. Book your hotel and ski school at the same time, and remember that the altitude can make the first days feel a little harder than you are used to.
Where to stay in Val Thorens
In Val Thorens almost everyone stays ski-in/ski-out. Here are three hotels with a spa, making the evenings as good as the days.
Altapura Hôtel & Spa: ski-in/ski-out and spa
A luxury hotel with ski-in/ski-out access and a spa.
Book your stay: See rooms at Altapura Hôtel & Spa
Hôtel Koh-I Nor: views over the valley
A luxury hotel with ski-in/ski-out access and a spa.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hôtel Koh-I Nor
Le Fitz Roy: a village classic
A luxury hotel with ski-in/ski-out access and a spa.
Book your stay: See rooms at Le Fitz Roy
Want to compare? See all our ski resorts or read about skiing in Chamonix.
Frequently asked questions about skiing in Val Thorens
Where should I stay in Val Thorens?
Almost the entire village is ski-in/ski-out. Altapura, Koh-I Nor and Le Fitz Roy all offer ski-in/ski-out access and a spa, making them great choices for a comfortable ski holiday.
Is Val Thorens snow-sure?
Yes, Val Thorens is considered Europe’s highest ski resort, and the altitude brings good snow from early in the season until well into spring.
How do you get to Val Thorens?
Fly to Geneva, Lyon or Chambéry. From there you can take the train to Moûtiers and a bus or transfer up to Val Thorens.
Is Val Thorens good for beginners?
Val Thorens has ski schools and easy runs near the village, but much of the terrain is high and exposed to the weather. Beginners should start with lessons and stick to the blue runs.