mountain relish est. 2007
Val Thorens
High-Altitude Skiing and Lively Après-Ski
Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort, sitting at 2,300 metres in the French Alps. Purpose-built for skiing, it puts the slopes, lifts, accommodation and après-ski within easy reach, making it a practical choice for a holiday focused on time on the mountain.
With a long ski season that typically runs from November into May, Val Thorens benefits from its high-altitude setting and direct access to the vast Three Valleys ski area. It’s a resort that combines excellent skiing with a lively atmosphere, appealing to everyone from keen skiers and snowboarders to groups looking for a holiday that continues well after the lifts close.
Discover Val Thorens
Val Thorens is built around the skiing, with much of its accommodation offering direct access to the slopes. The high-altitude terrain provides a wide variety of runs, while the resort itself is packed with places to eat, drink and unwind after a day on the mountain.
Sunny mountain terraces are ideal for a leisurely lunch, while the legendary La Folie Douce brings music, dancing and high-energy après-ski to the slopes. In the evening, the choice ranges from traditional Savoyard fondue and hearty mountain food to international restaurants and fine dining.
The nightlife is another big part of Val Thorens’ appeal, with lively bars, live music and clubs keeping things going late into the night. For those who want more than skiing, the resort also offers some memorable adrenaline-fuelled activities. The Orelle–Val Thorens zip line gives you a spectacular ride high above the mountains, while the six-kilometre Cosmojet toboggan run offers a thrilling alternative to a day on the pistes.
Val Thorens is a resort that does things on a grand scale. With high-altitude skiing, convenient accommodation, energetic après-ski and plenty to keep you busy off the slopes, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for an action-packed Alpine holiday.
The Ski Area
The wonder of Val Thorens lies in the guaranteed skiing options. Starting your day tricky when arguments break out within your group about which lift to take.
Cascades, Plein Sud, Moutiere and Caron create a selection of options depending on your destination. If the skies are blue, grab the Caron lifts which will float you way up over 3000 metres where you can drop over to the Orelle glaciers, The Three Valleys’ secret fourth valley. Drop off the Col de Thorens or Rosel on the way back for the 1000 metre beer earner descents.
The opposite side of the bowl linking to Meribel is naturally busy, especially when snow conditions struggle at lower altitudes. As the afternoon slips away, let the chaos finish before making your way home, unless you enjoy scenes resembling the Empire's assault on the planet Hoth.
Beginner skiers use well-positioned options with multiple covered magic carpets on the green runs in the middle of town. With the town sitting high into the ski area it is easy to get on and off the snow. Plus chair lifts even run over the top of hotels and apartment blocks for 360 skiing options.
Private Chefs and Chalet Catering in Val Thorens
A stay in Val Thorens is all about enjoying the mountains at your own pace. With a private chef in your chalet, you can return from a day on the slopes to restaurant-quality cuisine in the comfort of your own accommodation, whether you're sharing a family ski holiday or a week in the mountains with friends.
Mountain Relish offers a choice of catering services to suit your stay, from a six-day catered chalet package in Courchevel and Méribel to a bespoke private dinner party service for a special evening. You can also arrange private chef breakfast packages, with breakfast prepared and served in your chalet.