Val Thorens Travel Guide

Val Thorens is a picturesque French town in Les Trois Vallées with a range of excellent outdoor activities, sights, and cuisines. Read our comprehensive travel guide to learn more about Val Thorens, France.


Introduction to Val Thorens

If you’re hoping for a picturesque ski town with excellent outdoor activities, sights, and cuisines, then Val Thorens is the place for you. With a pedestrianized center, stunning views, and ski runs that cater to all skill levels, it’s the ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts and families.

The French town is in Les Trois Vallées, the world’s largest interlinked ski region. Savoie, which is part of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, is home to this gorgeous resort town, which is frequently recognized as Europe’s highest-altitude resort. This guide will cover everything you need to know about Val Thorens and will assist you in arranging your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Val Thorens

Val Thorens has a lot of attractions to offer in terms of sightseeing. There are a lot of great places to see in this picturesque ski town.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Musée de Val Thorens - This museum is dedicated to the evolution of skiing.

  2. Office de Tourisme de Val Thorens - It is not only the epicentre of all tourist information, but it is also home to the Church of St. John the Baptist, one of Val Thorens’ most beautiful and historic structures.

  3. Chalets du Thorens - You can enjoy the exceptional view from this spot. The Chalets are some of the highest in Europe, with many over 2,400 meters in elevation.

Natural Attractions of Val Thorens: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Rocher de L’Ombre - This is the perfect spot for a family picnic with a stunning view of the mountains and town below.

  2. Glacier de Péclet - Ski enthusiasts will enjoy the challenge of the black runs in this area.

  3. Cime Caron - Cime Caron is at the heart of Les Trois Vallées and serves as Val Thorens’ viewpoint, offering a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Val Thorens

Val Thorens has a variety of trails for both hiking and cycling enthusiasts. With stunning scenery and crisp, clean air, it’s a great way to stay active and experience the beauty of the French Alps.

Here are some of the best tracks:

  1. Pic de la Challouette

  2. Le Pas Du Bouquetin

  3. Loze Forest

Best Things to Do in Val Thorens: Activities and Tours

  1. Skiing and snowboarding abilities

  2. Skateway - This is a fantastic place for skating, ice hockey, and relaxing drinks.

  3. Bowling- This indoor activity is perfect for families.

Week-Long Itinerary for Val Thorens

Day 1: Have a tour of the town and visit the a rich cultural site of Val Thorens.

Day 2: Take part in outdoor activities like skiing, hiking or snowboarding.

Day 3: Explore some of the town’s local eateries for some of the fantastic cuisines of Val Thorens.

Day 4: Experience the winter wonderland of Val Thorens with snowshoe trails or a horse-drawn sleigh ride.

Day 5: Go shopping around Val Thorens town for popular local products, souvenirs or gifts for family and loved ones.

Day 6: Take a day off, recharge and relax at one of the town’s spas.

Day 7: End your week with an adrenaline-filled ride in the largest interlinked ski region - Les Trois Vallées.

Food and Drink Scene of Val Thorens

From gourmet restaurants to traditional mountain food, Val Thorens boasts some of the finest French dining experiences. Here are some of the best places to try:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. The Tartiflette

  2. Raclette

  3. Fondue Savoyarde

Local Beverages

  1. Génépi, a potent herbal liqueur made from steeping the leaves from the Artemisia plant.

  2. D’Arbois, a red wine produced on the hills above Chambéry.

  3. Chartreuse, a deep green liqueur with high alcohol content made by Carthusian monks.

Where to Stay in Val Thorens: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are many types of accommodations to choose from in Val Thorens, ranging from luxurious hotels to cost-effective youth hostels. Here are some top options:

  1. Hotel Pashmina Le Refuge - A chic hotel that offers luxurious wellness amenities like a sauna and pool.

  2. Residence Les Chalets de Rosaël - A more cost-effective option for those who want to be close to the slopes of Val Thorens.

  3. Val Thorens Youth Hostel - For the budget-conscious, this hostel is an excellent option.

What to Buy in Val Thorens: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. A bottle of Genepi, local green drink

  2. Mountain products like wool sweaters and blankets

  3. Chocolates and cheeses

Local Culture and Customs of Val Thorens

Val Thorens is a vibrant ski town with a strong sense of local culture and traditional customs. The town is proud of its French roots and this is reflected in its dining, traditional music, and art.

Best Time to Visit Val Thorens

The skiing season is the most popular time to visit Val Thorens. However, those who enjoy hiking, mountaineering, or camping may appreciate the summer months as well.

Do’s and Don’ts of Val Thorens

Do:

  1. Try local cuisine and alcoholic drinks.

  2. Participate in outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, and hiking.

  3. Respect the town’s vibrant local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  1. Ignore the safety precautions for Winter sports.

  2. Engage in loud, rowdy behavior that may disturb other guests.

  3. Leave trash in the area or littering the environment.

Safety and Health

Val Thorens is considered a very safe town; however, visitors should keep in mind standard safety precautions. The following sections provide further information.

Safety in Val Thorens

  1. Follow all safety guidelines on the ski slopes.

  2. Prime considerations are wearing proper skiing or snowboarding equipment, staying on designated trails, and obeying safety signage.

Health in Val Thorens

  1. Make sure to stay properly active, hydrated, and nourished.

  2. Always have essential winter gear, and check the weather forecast ahead of time to avoid hypothermia or other cold weather-related problems.

Getting to Val Thorens: Transportation Options and Logistics

Val Thorens is well-served by several airports and bus stations, making it accessible from anywhere in Europe.

Airports Near Val Thorens

The nearest airports are Chambéry-Savoie Mont Blanc Airport (CMF) and Geneva Airport (GVA). The latter has more options for international airline carriers.

Bus Stations Near Val Thorens

The major train station to reach Val Thorens from Paris is Moutiers. Several bus companies operate a shuttle between Moutiers and Val Thorens.

Other Options

Visitors may use private transportation like taxis or book shared and private airport transfers through tour operators that offer door-to-door services.

How to Get Around in Val Thorens

Val Thorens is entirely pedestrianized, so visitors must walk or use a shuttle service accessible from throughout town.

Where to Go Next from Val Thorens: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nearby areas to visit from Val Thorens include Courchevel, Les Menuires, and Méribel.

Conclusion

Val Thorens is a must-see resort town in France’s Savoie region, and it has something for everyone, with its excellent outdoor activities, sights, and cuisines. With this guide, you now know everything required to plan and make an informed visit to this beautiful French town.