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Frequently Asked Questions: Val Thorens Ski Holidays

Posted by: Brandon Fryer 1 year, 11 months ago

Val Thorens is one of the most popular ski destinations for beginners and expert skiers alike. It’s the highest resort in both France and Europe, offering a portal to the Three Valleys and access to over 600 km of piste.

Our ski travel experts have rounded up the most frequently asked questions about Val Thorens. If you’re considering a ski holiday in Val Thorens, or have just booked and are beginning your preparations, then these FAQs are the best place to start.

How expensive is Val Thorens?

Skiing in Val Thorens can get expensive, but there are ways to budget and keep the costs to a minimum. Your biggest savings will come from using a package holiday provider such as iSki, who will book your ski holiday on your behalf and sort out all of the individual bookings that are associated with a ski holiday. This can include flights, resort, ski equipment hire, airport transfer, and more.

Other money-saving tips to consider are:

  • Travelling to an airport is further away and getting public transport into the resort.
  • Renting the equipment in advance, rather than purchasing the rental when you arrive.
  • Cater for yourself as much as possible and avoid the expensive tourist hotspots when eating out.
  • Avoid accommodation closer to the slopes and make use of the free shuttle bus.

Is Val Thorens good for beginners?

 Coming to a ski resort for the first time as a beginner skier can be a daunting experience. That’s why choosing a ski resort that accommodates those hitting the slopes for the first time is key. Val Thorens has always been a good resort for beginners due to its high altitude, which means it’s easier to get onto the nursery slopes without the challenge that can be the case at lower-altitude resorts. 

The valley has over five designated beginner zones and four magic carpet lifts that are free to use. These zones are ideal due to being very flat, with most skiers being aware that this is a beginner slope and will give you the space to learn and practice. When you’ve mastered the green runs, the Le Portette chair lift will take you to Le Fond, a comfortable blue run that won’t intimidate you too much.

What airport is best for Val Thorens?

Despite the high altitude, Val Thorens is relatively easy to get to with multiple options that range in time and cost. The nearest airports to Val Thorens are:

  • Chambery Airport: 78 miles/1 hour 45 minutes
  • Geneva Airport: 129 miles/2 hours 40 minutes
  • Lyon-St Exupery: 125 miles/2 hours 35 minutes
  • Grenoble-Isere: 122 miles/2 hours 35 minutes

While Chambery and Grenoble are the closest airports, they also have the least choice of flights which may make the travel more difficult for you. When you arrive at the airport of your choice, a private car transfer will be the quickest way to reach the resort. However, this will also be the most expensive. Other cheaper alternatives include the public bus, ski-lifts, and train.

Is Val Thorens good for families?

In the same way that Val Thorens is great for beginners, it also accommodates nicely for families. The resort is part of the ‘Famille Plus’ scheme, which recognises that the resort has gone out of its way to cater for families and children. They provide a wide range of activities, services, entertainment, and prices across the resort that are favourable for those visiting with young children.

It's very easy to get around the resort, with a free bus service operating every day from 08:00 until 20:00, linking all corners together. Better still, there is an abundance of great ski schools that offer lessons to young children and often they have creche-like facilities to cater for those that need this service.

Is Val Thorens good for snowboarding? 

Val Thorens is very good for snowboarders, with over 140km of piste on offer with an endless stretch of off-piste to enjoy. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned expert, there will be plenty of snowboarding opportunities for you. For first-timers, there are several snowboarding schools and private lessons available. 

If you’re into freestyle snowboarding, the Val Thorens Snowpark is a must-visit. Due to the resort’s high altitude, the park is rideable throughout the entire season. It’s built on 70,000 m2  of snow and features table-top jumps, quarter-pipe hip jumps, and an airbag. For competitive snowboarders, there are several freestyle competitions held each year.

iSki has a fantastic selection of ski package holidays on offer. Call our experts today on 0203 8236113 to find the one best suited to you!