European Ski Resorts A-Z
Val Thorens, France
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Resort height: |
2300m |
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Slopes: |
1800-3230m |
(1260-3230m - 3 Valleys) |
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Pistes: |
150km |
(600km - 3 Valleys) |
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General snow cover
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5/5 |
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Snow quality (upper)
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5/5 |
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Snow quality (lower)
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4/5 |
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Resort level snow
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5/5 |
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Powder potential |
4/5 |
Few resorts can rival Val Thorens for its reliably good snow cover.
Not only is it the highest ski resort in Europe, but its slopes also reach 3200m and include two small glaciers. Add to that plenty of shady north-facing terrain and comprehensive snow-making facilities and it is easy to see why it is one of the safest bets in the Alps.
Where to ski in bad weather:
Val Thorens has no trees, and mostly high and exposed slopes, so is very bleak in bad weather.
If you can get there, the nearest significant shelter is in the woods above Méribel, especially on the Altiport side. Note that there is a lot of high tree-less terrain en route, however.
Where to head in poor snow conditions:
If snow conditions are below par, the Glacier de Péclet and the Pointe de Thorens sectors are often the best bet - unless high winds have scoured the surface.
Val Thorens is one of our:
* Top 10 snow-sure ski resorts - Europe
* Top 10 snowiest ski resorts - Europe
* Top 10 early season ski resorts - Europe
* Top 10 late season ski resorts - Europe
* Top 10 snow-sure nursery slopes - Europe
* Top 5 late season ski resorts - France
Looking for hotels in Val Thorens? Click here
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