The French Alps
Why Les 3 Vallées is the Ultimate Ski Destination
When we moved to England, my partner and I were so excited about the prospect of skiing that we actually shipped our ski gear over with us. Honestly, it ended up being more hassle than it was worth—but it pressured us to actually make these ski trips happen! Following our Ski trip to Austria (See Here ) we went to explore the slopes of the French Alps, starting with a budget-friendly stay in Méribel and eventually finding ourselves at the high-altitude paradise of Val Thorens.
Whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, or just someone looking for an epic winter experience, here’s why Val Thorens is the ultimate destination.
The Biggest Ski Playground in the World: Les 3 Vallées
Access to Hundreds of Kilometers of Terrain
As part of Les 3 Vallées, Val Thorens connects to 600 kilometers of slopes, and one of the best parts is that you can spend the day exploring neighboring towns! When we first stayed in Méribel, we could easily take a day trip to Val Thorens or Courchevel, which made for an awesome experience. The whole area is so diverse, with incredible views everywhere, that it felt like we were constantly discovering new corners of the Alps. We were blown away at the scale of this place as we struggled with the idea of staying where we were enjoying or continuing to explore, we opted to see as much as we could, packing our days in and ensuring we timed the last lifts well ensuring we didn’t get stuck in another town.
Runs for Every Level
From wide, forgiving greens to adrenaline-inducing black runs, Val Thorens has something for everyone. We enjoyed a nice mix and found the snow quality to be forgiving to your falls and the easier runs providing excellent scenery at a leisurely pace.
Saving Money Where You Can
Stocking Up at the Supermarket
We all know that skiing can be expensive, so we tried to save where we could—especially since our travel fund was being poured into new adventures. To avoid the high prices of on-mountain meals, we stocked up on food from the local supermarket, which kept us fueled without the extra cost. It’s a great option for those looking to keep spending down, even though I’ll admit I’d love to come back someday with a bigger budget to sample all the delicious mountain food on offer.
Deals on Rentals and Lift Passes
Since our friends were renting their equipment, they appreciated getting set up directly through our accommodation at a good rate, along with discounted lift passes. These bundle deals are common with many of the accommodation options in Val Thorens and can make a noticeable difference in overall trip costs.
Val Thorens – A Place You Must Visit
Val Thorens was our base for our return trip to Les 3 Vallées, and it was the perfect choice. Not only was it an amazing place to stay, but it’s also a fantastic day-trip destination from any of the nearby towns. Thanks to its high altitude, the snow quality here was some of the best we’d experienced, and the central location gave us easy access to an incredible range of slopes and activities.
Après-Ski Heaven
La Folie Douce and Bar 360
Val Thorens knows how to do après-ski. We split our afternoons between La Folie Douce and Bar 360, both offering their own take on post-slope party. La Folie Douce is a full-on outdoor party experience with DJs and live acts, while Bar 360 has a slightly more relaxed vibe but still plenty of energy. There’s nothing quite like dancing on a sunny mountain terrace after a long day on the slopes! From Meribel we enjoyed a party at Rond Point and found La Folie Douce here to be marginally better then the one in Val Thorens.
Chalet de la Marine: A Scenic Spot for Coffee (or Beer)
One of our absolute favorite spots was Chalet de la Marine, perched above Val Thorens. This cozy chalet with its sunny terrace is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the mountain views over a coffee or beer. Sitting there, watching the world go by, we’d often reflect on just how lucky we were to experience this part of the world. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you love skiing.
Flexible Accommodation Options and Lift Passes
Efficient Lifts and Convenient Access
With one of the most modern lift systems in the Alps, Val Thorens makes it easy to get around. We never waited long in line, even on busy days, and loved how accessible the whole area was. Most accommodations in Val Thorens are ski-in/ski-out, so there’s no hassle of shuttling or walking to the slopes. This was handy as we stumbled down the mountain after our afternoon boogie at La Folie Douce, getting our gear into the dry room before we headed out again.
Options for Every Budget
While Val Thorens tends to be pricier than other areas, there are still options for every budget. During our first trip, we stayed in a low-cost option in Méribel, which gave us a great taste of the French Alps without breaking the bank. But on our second trip, we splurged a bit more to stay in Val Thorens, which we felt was worth it for the snow quality and convenience. Both trips were booked on Booking.com which provided many great options.
A Resort with Modern Amenities
Tech and Connectivity on the Slopes
Val Thorens has its own app, which I found super helpful for checking snow conditions and lift statuses in real-time. Plus, the free Wi-Fi on certain lifts is a nice touch for staying connected and sharing your mountain adventures.
Ski Stats and Route Tracking
For those who like to track their runs, Val Thorens offers interactive screens that show your stats and routes throughout the day. It’s a cool feature for data-loving skiers, and it made us more aware of just how much ground we were covering on those epic days.
Final Thoughts: Why Val Thorens is a Must-Visit
Looking back, I can see why Val Thorens is such a popular destination. The unbeatable snow, modern facilities, extensive terrain, and lively après-ski scene make it a resort that truly has it all. Whether you’re on a budget or planning a luxury ski experience, there’s something here for every type of skier and snowboarder.
So if you’re considering a ski trip to the French Alps, don’t hesitate to put Val Thorens on your list. From my own experience, there’s just something magical about this place. Whether you’re skiing, enjoying a beer at Chalet de la Marine, or dancing at La Folie Douce, you’re bound to make memories that last a lifetime