Epic Pass
$80/day
Europe
Val Thorens
Savoie, France★4.8editor's rating
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort village in Europe at 2,300m, anchoring the southern end of Les 3 Vallées - the world's largest linked ski area with 600km of pistes. Its own Val Thorens-Orelle sector offers around 150km of almost entirely above-treeline skiing up to 3,230m at Pointe du Bouchet, making it one of the most snow-sure destinations in the Alps with a season that regularly stretches from late November into early May.
Lift Ticket
$80/day
Vertical Drop
3,051 ft
Skiable Area
600 km pistes
Annual Snowfall
236"
Best For
Snow-Sure Altitude & 3 Vallées Mileage
Terrain Breakdown
Beginner 14% Intermediate 42% Advanced 44%
Mountain Stats
Base Elevation
7,546 ft
Summit Elevation
10,597 ft
Vertical Drop
3,051 ft
Skiable Area
600 km pistes
Lifts
31
Runs
85
Annual Snowfall
236"
Season
Late November – Early May
Pass
Epic Pass
Night Skiing
No
Terrain Parks
Yes
Nearest Town
Val Thorens, Les Belleville
Highlights
Highest ski resort village in Europe at 2,300m (7,546ft)Gateway to Les 3 Vallées - 600km of linked pistes across 7 resorts150km of local snow-sure slopes topping out at 3,230m on Pointe du BouchetCime Caron cable car with panoramic views over 1,000 Alpine peaksRepeat winner of the World Ski Awards' World's Best Ski ResortFully ski-in/ski-out purpose-built village with legendary après at La Folie Douce
Pros
- ✓Most snow-sure major resort in the Alps - high altitude keeps conditions good even in lean seasons
- ✓One Val Thorens/Orelle pass (~€74/day) covers a huge 150km area, with 3 Vallées upgrades unlocking 600km
- ✓Almost everything is above the treeline, so wide-open bowls and long verticals abound
- ✓True ski-in/ski-out convenience from nearly every hotel and apartment in the village
- ✓Long season from late November to early May, bookended by cheaper deals
Cons
- ✗Entirely above the treeline, so whiteouts and wind shut down visibility with nowhere to hide
- ✗Purpose-built 1970s village lacks the charm of traditional Alpine towns
- ✗Very crowded in peak weeks - the 3 Vallées pulls enormous European holiday traffic
- ✗Long transfer (2.5-3 hours) from Geneva or Lyon airports up a winding mountain road
Photo: DimiTalen / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
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