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Client Review: Val Thorens December 2022
Our loyal client and her family headed to Val Thorens in December 2022, read all about it below!
Europe’s highest ski resort with unbeatable snow and range of accommodation
Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort, offering exceptional snow-sure conditions and direct access to the vast 3 Valleys ski area.
Purpose-built yet full of atmosphere, it combines lively après-ski, family-friendly facilities and spectacular views with a wide range of accommodation. From luxury ski-in/ski-out apartments with spas to spacious self-catered options, there is something here to suit every group, style and budget.
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Val Thorens Quick Facts
- Ski area: 3 Valleys
- Resort height: 2300m
- Resort top height: 3230m
- Km piste: 600
- Distance from Calais: 590 miles (approx. 9h)
- Lift pass: ££££
- No. of slopes: 0
- Green slopes: 53
- Blue slopes: 141
- Red slopes: 117
- Black slopes: 36
-
Beginners:
★ ★ ★
-
Intermediate:
★ ★ ★ ★
-
Expert:
★ ★ ★ ★
-
Boarders:
★ ★ ★ ★
Highlights
Highest resort in Europe with exceptional snow reliability all season
Direct access to 600km of varied 3 Valleys skiing
Extensive ski-in/ski-out accommodation across all budgets and group sizes
A family focus with children's facilities and childcare
Lively après-ski scene balanced with quieter residential areas available
Modern apartments with spas, pools and large group options available
Travel options
Eurotunnel LeShuttle
All our ski holidays packages include a return standard Eurotunnel LeShuttle crossing.
included
Ferry crossings
Ferry crossings can be arranged on request as an alternative travel option to our standard return Eurotunnel Le Shuttle crossing.
bookable
Private transfers
We can help you get from your arrival airport or train station to your resort.
bookable
Trains to the French Alps
Train travel to the French Alps is a convenient, low-stress alternative to flying or driving.
bookable
Eurotunnel LeShuttle
All our ski holidays packages include a return standard Eurotunnel LeShuttle crossing.
included
Ferry crossings
Ferry crossings can be arranged on request as an alternative travel option to our standard return Eurotunnel Le Shuttle crossing.
bookable
Private transfers
We can help you get from your arrival airport or train station to your resort.
bookable
Trains to the French Alps
Train travel to the French Alps is a convenient, low-stress alternative to flying or driving.
bookable
More Ski Services
More Ski Services
We pride ourselves on going the extra mile.
We pride ourselves on going the extra mile, from helping you navigate ski school options to offering tailored advice on the best resorts and accommodation.
Accommodation
Premium
VAL THORENS
Residence Chalet Cocoon
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 14
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartment
- Luxury and exclusive
- Ski-in/ski-out
- 300m from centre
VAL THORENS
Le Hameau du Kashmir
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 8
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Hotel & Apartments
- Indoor heated pool & spa facilities
- Ski-in/ski-out
- Close to lifts
VAL THORENS
Residence Koh-i Nor
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 8
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Indoor heated pool & spa facilities
- Family friendly
- Modern & stylish luxury apartments
VAL THORENS
L'Oxalys
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 8
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Indoor heated pool & spa facilities
- Ski-in/ski-out
- Quiet area
VAL THORENS
Les Balcons de Val Thorens
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 16
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Indoor heated pool & spa
- Ski-in/ski-out
- 1 on-site restaurant
VAL THORENS
Les Balcons Platinium Val Thorens
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 14
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Indoor heated pool & spa
- Ski-in/ski-out
- 500m from resort centre
VAL THORENS
Chalet Altitude Val Thorens
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 14
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Indoor heated pool & sauna
- Large apartments
- Group friendly
VAL THORENS
Chalet Val 2400
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 12
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Large apartments
- Group friendly
- Sauna & steam room
VAL THORENS
Village Montana
Sleeps: 1 - 8
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Doorstep skiing
- 200m from resort centre
- 2 restaurants
VAL THORENS
Village Montana Plein Sud
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 8
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Indoor heated pool & spa facilities
- Ski-in/ski-out
- Free Wi-Fi
VAL THORENS
Val Chaviere
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 14
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Ski-in/ski-out
- On the green Voie Lactee
- Use of wellness area at Les Balcons de Val Thorens
VAL THORENS
Hermine
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 12
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Doorstep skiing
- Indoor pool, sauna and hot tub
- Large apartments
VAL THORENS
Plein Sud
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 14
Type: Self Catered
Accommodation: Apartments
- Ski-in/ski-out possibilities
- Access to spa facilities
- Large apartments
VAL THORENS
Hotel Koh-I Nor
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 6
Type: Half Board
Accommodation: Hotel
- Indoor heated pool & spa
- Family friendly
- Extensive choice of hotel rooms
VAL THORENS
Hotel Les Arolles
Star rating:
Sleeps: 1 - 4
Type: Full Board
Accommodation: Hotel
- An ideal ski-in/ski-out location
- Centre of the resort
Peak Retreats has defended its position as champion [Best Ski Operator in the Telegraph Travel Awards 2023]… The winners of this year’s awards showcased stellar commitment to delivering memorable, and valuable, holidays in the mountains…
As a boarder, I appreciated the wide runs above Val Thorens and the red piste from Cime Caron at 3200m down to the resort is incredible.
The Cime Caron area is a definite highlight. From the impressive gondola to get there to the views from the top, which are absolutely incredible. The rooftop bar had ingenious lockers for your skis that were opened and locked using your ski pass, so you can relax without worrying about your skis. Despite the pretty exclusive setting, it felt friendly and down-to-earth - chips and a drink were reasonable considering we were a captive audience!
We liked the view of the piste and chairlift and watching the snowplough come past each evening. The steam room was excellent.
Fantastic to relax in the private jacuzzi overlooking the mountains after a days skiing. Chalet Cocoons was perfect accommodation for us.
Fantastic accommodation. I fully recommended Chalet 2400.
Great service beforehand as per usual and staff at Chalet Altitude were superb - excellent English and really accommodating. Being able to check in early made the week start brilliantly.
Val Thorens has always been a good all round resort.
Val Thorens is a great resort and set up for larger groups. There is everything you want and need and its nice and high so greater certainty of snow.
Val Thorens, Les Balcons de Val Thorens: Excellent wellness, swimming pool, spas and saunas. Access/open hours good. Well staffed, clean, fantastic views.
Val Thorens - another great holiday. This time in Chalet Val 2000 - check in efficient and the apartment was extremely clean. Internet connection excellent.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Val Thorens
What types of accommodation are available in Val Thorens?
Val Thorens offers a wide range of accommodation including self-catered apartments, chalet-style residences and hotels. Options range from large group-friendly apartments sleeping up to 16 people to luxury residences with spas, pools and restaurants. Many properties are ski-in/ski-out or very close to the slopes, making it easy to maximise your time on the mountain.
Is Val Thorens a ski-in/ski-out resort?
Yes, Val Thorens is a purpose-built ski resort designed for convenience, with many residences offering ski-in/ski-out access. Even where this is not possible, most accommodation is within easy walking distance of lifts, ski schools and amenities, making it one of the most user-friendly resorts in the Alps.
Where are the best areas to stay in Val Thorens?
The resort is split into areas such as Soleil, Péclet and Les Balcons. Soleil is great for families and close to ski schools, Péclet is central and lively, while Les Balcons offers quieter surroundings with panoramic views and spacious accommodation, often suited to groups.
What accommodation works best for large groups?
Large groups will find excellent options in Val Thorens, with many residences offering apartments sleeping up to 14 or 16 guests. Properties in Les Balcons or chalet-style residences often include multiple bedrooms, spacious living areas and wellness facilities, perfect for shared stays.
Are there luxury accommodation options in Val Thorens?
Yes, Val Thorens offers luxury accommodation including high-end apartments, such as Chalet Cocoon and Koh-i Nor apartments, and hotels with extensive spa facilities, restaurants and panoramic views. Many properties include features like hot tubs, wellness areas and ski-in/ski-out access adding a premium feel to your ski experience.
Can I find accommodation close to the ski school?
Several residences are located close to ESF ski school meeting points, especially those in the Soleil area like Village Montana, and near central slopes.
In practice, there are different ski school meeting points across the resort for different lesson levels but because it's so well designed, access is straightforward from most properties.
Are there quieter accommodation options in Val Thorens?
Despite its lively reputation, Val Thorens has quieter areas such as Les Balcons or locations at the resort entrance, such as Oxalys. These offer a more relaxed atmosphere while still providing easy access to the slopes and resort amenities.
What facilities can I expect in Val Thorens residences?
Facilities vary but often include ski lockers with boot dryers, wellness areas with pools and saunas, balconies with mountain views and fully equipped kitchens. Some premium properties also offer restaurants, spa treatments and concierge-style services.
How close is accommodation to the resort centre?
Many properties are centrally located or within a short walk or shuttle ride. Even those slightly further out are well connected, with free shuttle buses and easy skiing routes linking accommodation to lifts, shops and restaurants.
Are there catered options in Val Thorens?
While many properties are self-catered, some residences and hotels offer additional services such as breakfast delivery or on-site restaurants. Les Balcons de Val Thorens has an on-site restaurant and we can arrange half-board and evening meals there. There are also hotel-style accommodations with half board or full board options available.
What ski hire options are available in Val Thorens?
Ski hire can be pre-booked with Peak Retreats, offering a range of equipment categories for all abilities, from beginner to expert. Booking in advance helps secure availability, locks in pricing and ensures your equipment is available when you arrive.
What type of lift pass is available?
Val Thorens offers lift passes covering the local area or the wider 3 Valleys, giving access to over 600km of pistes. Lift passes can be pre-booked with us, and you will receive a code to collect them from resort machines, saving time on arrival and allowing you to ski sooner.
What ski school do you recommend?
We recommend ESF (Ecole du Ski Français), which offers group lessons for children and adults, as well as private lessons. All lessons can be pre-booked with us, and we strongly advise booking early, especially for peak dates, as morning lessons fill up quickly.
When should I book ski essentials for Val Thorens?
We recommend booking ski essentials such as lift passes, ski hire and lessons as early as possible, particularly for peak periods. Booking early ensures better availability, preferred lesson times and helps you budget your trip in advance.
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