Mezzaninehttps://www.i-ski.co.uk/blog/feeds/atom/2022-11-01T09:51:34+00:00An open source content management platform.Frequently Asked Questions: Val Thorens Ski Holidays2022-11-01T09:51:34+00:00Brandon Fryer/blog/author/brandon/https://www.i-ski.co.uk/blog/frequently-asked-questions-val-thorens-ski-holidays/<p><img src="/static/media/uploads/val-thorens-ski-holidays.jpg" width="500"></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Our ski travel experts have rounded up the most frequently asked questions about Val Thorens. If you’re considering a <span><a href="/resort/skiing-in-france/ski-holidays-in-val-thorens/">ski holiday in Val Thorens</a></span>, or have just booked and are beginning your preparations, then these FAQs are the best place to start.</p>
<p></p>
<h2><b>How expensive is Val Thorens?</b></h2>
<p>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 <span><a href="/blog/benefits-of-booking-a-ski-package-holiday/">package holiday</a></span> 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.</p>
<p>Other <span><a href="/blog/8-tips-for-saving-money-on-your-next-ski-holiday/">money-saving tips</a></span> to consider are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Travelling to an airport is further away and getting public transport into the resort.</li>
<li>Renting the equipment in advance, rather than purchasing the rental when you arrive.</li>
<li>Cater for yourself as much as possible and avoid the expensive tourist hotspots when eating out.</li>
<li>Avoid accommodation closer to the slopes and make use of the free shuttle bus.</li>
</ul>
<div></div>
<h2><b>Is Val Thorens good for beginners?</b></h2>
<p> 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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><img height="333" src="/static/media/uploads/val-thorens-faqs.jpg" width="500"></p>
<p></p>
<h2><b>What airport is best for Val Thorens?</b></h2>
<p>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:</p>
<ul>
<li>Chambery Airport: 78 miles/1 hour 45 minutes</li>
<li>Geneva Airport: 129 miles/2 hours 40 minutes</li>
<li>Lyon-St Exupery: 125 miles/2 hours 35 minutes</li>
<li>Grenoble-Isere: 122 miles/2 hours 35 minutes</li>
</ul>
<p>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.</p>
<p></p>
<h2><b>Is Val Thorens good for families?</b></h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p></p>
<h2><b>Is Val Thorens good for snowboarding?</b> </h2>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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 m<sup>2 </sup> 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.</p>
<p></p>
<p><b>iSki has a fantastic selection of ski package holidays on offer. Call our experts today on </b><a><b>0203 8236113</b></a><b> to find the one best suited to you!</b></p>Val Thorens Ski Holidays: Complete Travel Guide2022-04-01T10:33:08+00:00Brandon Fryer/blog/author/brandon/https://www.i-ski.co.uk/blog/val-thorens-ski-holidays-complete-travel-guide/<p><img src="/static/media/uploads/valthorens.jpg" width="500"></p>
<p>If you want the ultimate ski holiday, then look no further than <a href="/resort/skiing-in-france/ski-holidays-in-val-thorens/">Val Thorens</a> in France. It is the highest ski resort in Europe and part of the famous three valleys – the largest fully interlinking ski area in the world.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2><b>About Val Thorens</b></h2>
<p>Located in the region of Savoie in the northern French Alps, Val Thorens is one of the <a href="/snow-reports/france/val-thorens/">most snow-sure resorts</a> in the area due to 90% of the terrain being above 2,000 m. The ski season runs from late November to mid-May.</p>
<p>While the resort has been purpose-built, it is more animated than many of its French counterparts and features a great selection of shops, bars, restaurants, and nightlife.</p>
<p><img src="/static/media/uploads/val_thorens_google_maps.png" width="800"></p>
<p> </p>
<h2><b>Getting there</b></h2>
<p>If you’re heading to Val Thorens by air, you will need to consider how you are getting from your chosen airport to the ski resort. There are four airports to pick from: <b>Geneva</b>, <b>Grenoble</b>, <b>Lyon</b>, and <b>Chambery</b>.</p>
<p>The transfer time from each varies, and you can decide to book shared or private transfers. Although the shared transfer is the cheapest and most environmentally friendly option, a private transfer is more expensive but considerably faster. There is also the option of hiring a car yourself, but you must be happy driving on potentially snowy and congested roads.</p>
<ul>
<li>Geneva Airport: 155km, 3 hours 15 minutes.</li>
<li>Lyon Airport: 199km, 3 hours 35 minutes.</li>
<li>Grenoble Airport: 187km, 3 hours 25 minutes.</li>
<li>Chambery Airport: 122km, 2 hours 30 minutes.</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<h2><b>The Resort</b></h2>
<p>Val Thorens’ wide range of slopes makes it perfect for all abilities – including blue, red, and black. You will have access to 600km of piste if you purchase the three-valley lift pass which allows you to ski the whole of Val Thorens, <a href="/resort/skiing-in-france/ski-holidays-in-meribel/">Meribel</a>, and <a href="/resort/skiing-in-france/ski-holidays-in-courchevel/">Courchevel</a>. There are different passes to suit your group, so do your research and buy the one most suitable for you and your level. </p>
<p>Beginners are well catered for with easy access to the nursery slopes, which are in the centre of the resort and ideal for learning on. There is also access to a free drag lift and four magic carpet lifts, which means you won’t need to spend money on a full week’s lift pass. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can purchase a lift ticket and venture further afield. </p>
<p>Intermediate skiers have great options too, with an abundance of blue and red runs to tackle. The large volume of piste for advanced skiers is what attracts many experts to the region. There are also further options for off-piste skiing, challenging black runs, and mogul fields.</p>
<ul>
<li>Beginner runs: 41</li>
<li>Intermediate runs: 30</li>
<li>Runs: 80</li>
<li>Lifts: 32</li>
<li>Chairs: 16</li>
<li>Drags: 8</li>
<li>Cable cars: 8</li>
<li>Parks: 2</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<h2><b>Other activities</b></h2>
<p>If you’ve had enough on the slopes, there are numerous other activities for you to take part in. You can access wellness areas such as saunas, pools, and steam rooms to relax. If you prefer to get more physical, try renting a Skidoo and guide to enjoy the Alps from a different perspective.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.valthorens.com/en/activity/sports-center-and-aqua-spa">leisure centre</a> offers a range of activities, such as swimming, squash, and tennis. There is a six-kilometre toboggan run around the foot of the Peclet glacier, as well as ice diving for the more adventurous.</p>
<p></p>
<h2><b>Accommodation</b></h2>
<p>The resort features convenient slope-side accommodation such as <a href="/resort/skiing-in-france/ski-holidays-in-val-thorens/ski-hotels-in-val-thorens/">hotels</a>, ski chalets, and <a href="/resort/skiing-in-france/ski-holidays-in-val-thorens/ski-apartments-in-val-thorens/">apartments</a>. In fact, 90% of the accommodation is ‘ski-in-ski-out’, making it ideal for families and groups that prefer the ease that this offers. There is also a great free bus service around the resort to aid easy transportation.</p>
<p>The accommodation is generally a higher standard than most purpose-built resorts, although the catered <a href="/resort/skiing-in-france/ski-holidays-in-val-thorens/ski-chalets-in-val-thorens/">chalets in Val Thorens</a> are for those with a higher budget. There are hotels to suit all tastes and budgets, many including facilities such as swimming pools and health spas. If you’re looking for luxury, check out <a href="/property/france/val-thorens/hotel-altapura/">Hotel Altapura</a> - Val Thorens' first ever 5-star hotel.</p>
<p>There are two other villages in the valley that are connected to the main ski area: Les Menuires with chalet-style accommodation and St Martin de Belleville, which is regarded as a traditional French mountain village. </p>
<p></p>
<h2><b>Après and Nightlife</b></h2>
<p>Another reason why Val Thorens is so popular is because of the incredible energy every day thanks to the restaurants and bars in the region. Après in Val Thorens starts early, with popular venues entertaining in the daytime with a range of DJs and bands. La Folie Douce is a popular daytime nightclub, attracting partygoers from 2 pm to 5 pm every day. Another popular bar is Le Saloon, which opens from 3 pm until late. If you want to carry the party on until the early hours of the morning, head to Malaysia – the biggest nightclub anywhere in the Alps!</p>
<p></p>
<p><b>iSki has a fantastic selection of ski package holidays on offer to Val Thorens. Call our experts today on </b><a><b>0203 8236113</b></a><b> to find the one best suited to you!</b></p>