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The resort
Val Thorens describes itself as Europe’s highest ski resort. Its purpose-built village at 2,300 m is partly pedestrianized, with extensive ski-in ski-out accommodation; check the route from your building to the slopes.
The skiing
The Val Thorens–Orelle area has around 150 km of slopes, almost all above 2,000 m. A wider pass gives access to the 3 Vallées, including Méribel, Courchevel and the other Belleville valley resorts. Cime Caron is a major viewpoint; check lift operations and connecting routes before planning a circuit.
Snow & weather
The home area opens in late November and runs into early May (November 21 to May 2 for 2026/27), with the full 3 Vallées linking from early December to mid-April. Prepare for cold, wind and strong sunlight on the exposed terrain. The month-by-month record, in °C and °F, is on the Val Thorens snow & weather page.
Lessons & ski schools
Options include ESF, Audacius, Ski Cool, Oxyski, Evolution 2 and New Generation. Children’s starting ages differ between providers, so confirm the course, age limit and meeting point before arranging accommodation.
Passes
Choose between Val Thorens–Orelle (150 km) or the full Les 3 Vallées (600 km). Formats run from 4-hour and day passes through 6-day, season, pedestrian and the Family Flex; the beginner EasyRider pass is sold on-site only. Everything else is on the resort's official sales site, ski.valthorens.com.
Where to stay
Within the compact village, the area around Place Caron is the quieter center, while the top of the resort is the skiers' and après meeting point. Check access to your ski-school meeting point as well as the nearest run.
Getting there
Take the train to Moûtiers–Salins–Brides-les-Bains, then a bus up the Belleville valley. The resort's bus station receives coaches from the Chambéry, Grenoble, Lyon and Geneva airports. By road you climb via the Tarentaise, or approach via the Maurienne and ride in over Orelle. Winter tires or chains apply on the approach (November 1 to March 31).
Beyond the pistes
The Cosmojet toboggan run offers around 45 minutes of descent, with night runs by headlamp, and The Board sports center has a pool, jacuzzi, hammam and sauna. Pedestrians can ride to the Cime Caron summit for the 360° view; dog sledding, snowshoeing and a zipline are also available.
Who it suits
Val Thorens offers a high base for early- and late-season trips and access to the wider 3 Vallées. If trees or a traditional village are priorities, compare the lower Belleville valley bases before booking.
Quick answers
Is Val Thorens really the highest resort in Europe? Val Thorens describes itself as Europe’s highest ski resort, with its village at 2,300 m. That elevation helps support a long season, but opening dates, wind and available terrain still need checking for your trip.
What does the Val Thorens pass cover? Two options: Val Thorens–Orelle (150 km, the home area) or the full Les 3 Vallées (600 km across Courchevel, Méribel, Les Menuires, Saint-Martin, Val Thorens and Orelle). Family Flex, 4-hour, pedestrian and season variants exist; the beginner EasyRider pass is sold on-site only.
How do you get to Val Thorens? Take the train to Moûtiers–Salins–Brides-les-Bains, then a bus up the Belleville valley. Coaches run from the Chambéry, Grenoble, Lyon and Geneva airports; by road you climb via the Tarentaise, or via the Maurienne to Orelle and ride the lifts over. Winter equipment laws apply on the approach.