Les Balcons de Val Thorens
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83 % Recommendation rate:
Ski area Val Thorens-Orelle
| Highest point: | 3,230 m | Gondola lift: | 10 |
| Lowest point: | 1,825 m | Pistes in total: | 150 km |
| Altitude ski resort: | 2,300 m |
Pistes:
|
87 km |
| Lifts in total: | 30 |
Pistes:
|
51 km |
| Tow lifts: | 7 |
Pistes:
|
12 km |
| Chair lifts: | 13 | ||
Ski area Val Thorens-Orelle
Another highlight is the snow park, which is over 70,000 m² in size! There is also a 1.4 km long boardercross course with a jumping table where you can really let off steam. The huge number of deep snow areas makes the hearts of all freeriders beat faster! Those in good physical condition can ski down the 12 km long "Col de l'Audzin" piste with an impressive 1,400 m difference in altitude, while the real cracks can put their skills to the test on the black "Combe de Caron" (6 km long). For advanced and very good skiers, we recommend the "Les 3 Vallées" ski pass.
In most lifts and at many mountain railway stations and restaurants in the ski area, you have access to Wi-Fi hotspots.
With the "Les 3 Vallées App", you can also find out about piste and ski lift openings/closings as well as the local weather at any time. Want to meet up for lunch at the hut? Use the app to share your location and see exactly where your friends and family are in the ski area. You will also receive information and safety notifications directly on your smartphone and, in the event of an accident, the nearest rescue service can be alerted with just one click.
If that's not enough, the "3 Vallées" ski pass upgrade gives you access to an incredible 600 kilometres of pistes with 156 lifts. On the slopes of the three picturesque valleys that lead down to Moûtiers from the glaciated Vanoise massif with the Grande Casse (3,852 m) as the highest peak, a powder snow paradise totalling 250 km² stretches out in a beautiful setting with views of Mont Blanc. And before you start: enjoy the breathtaking view of more than 1,000 peaks in the Italian, Swiss and French Alps.
Night skiing Val Thorens
In France, many ski resorts are extending their operating hours for skiing at night. This special piste experience is also offered to guests in the 3 Vallées. The floodlights are switched on every Wednesday in the Courchevel ski resort. The 8-seater "Verdons" gondola lift takes guests up to the top station, from where they can use the "Verdons" piste of the same name and the family park as they please. A highlight here is that skiing in the Familypark is accompanied by music. Refreshments are also available on the piste until late in the evening: the "Les Verdons" restaurant adjusts its opening hours to the lift operation on Wednesdays. This means you can enjoy night skiing to the full.Après ski Val Thorens
Another highlight is probably the highest open-air club in Europe - "La Folie Douce" in Val Thorens. The award-winning club is located at an altitude of 2,600 metres at the top station of the Pionniers gondola lift and the Plein Sud 6-seater chairlift. There are live performances and musicians (funky soul house) in the 700 m² dance and party area, which is reminiscent of the spring break in Florida and parties in Ibiza.
The sports centre offers a wide choice for those who want to keep active after skiing. There are three tennis courts, two squash courts, an indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool and gymnastics and massage rooms. For children there is a fun park with trampolines, bouncy castles, ball pools and much more. Or how about a visit to the highest toboggan run in the world, "Le Toboggan"? Conquer 700 metres of altitude in 30 minutes - a great experience!
Orelle is a quieter place when it comes to après-ski. Here, you can end your day of skiing in a cosy restaurant, pamper yourself in the spa or enjoy the view of the beautiful mountain landscape on the numerous winter hiking trails.
For those who like it a little more active, a trip to Valmeinier, approx. 17 km away, is worthwhile. Here you can choose between various bars, restaurants, cinemas and a disco in the evening. There is also an open-air ice-skating rink, various winter hiking trails around the villages, a bowling alley, guided snowshoe hikes, a toboggan run and opportunities for paragliding and icefall climbing. And for those who can't get enough of skiing, night skiing is organised twice a week (seasonal).
Snowpark: Snowpark Val Thorens
In Europe's highest ski resort, your ski pass will take you to a top-class snow park. At an altitude of 2,500 m - 2,600 m, the 600 m long and approx. 70,000 m² "Val Thorens Snowpark" is located in the "Plateaux" sector, close to the "Grand Fond" gondola. Here you will find modules such as rails, tables and boxes with varying degrees of difficulty. This means that both beginners and freestyle pros will get their money's worth. Freestylers can also take part in several competitions throughout the winter season and put their skills to the test, and if that's not enough, they can practise and improve their tricks on unusual elements such as the "Hips-Quarter" or the "Jump Air". There is a drag lift right next to the park that will take you back up quickly.
In addition to the snow park, Val Thorens is also home to France's first fun slope! Directly at the 2 Lacs lift in the centre of the ski resort, you can let off steam on a run of approx. 900 m in length. From here, the route takes you over waves, banked waves, tunnels, steep turns and bridges to the finish, where Slopy, the mascot of the course, is waiting for a final high five to congratulate you on your successful run.
After a hard day of freestyle or even in between, you can relax and take a break in the chill zone. Of course, the park also provides the appropriate sound. During the winter season, there are also various contests, some of which you can take part in yourself.
For additional freestyle fun, there are two other first-class snow parks in Meribél, the "Elements Park" created by Ho5Park and, as a special highlight, the "DC Area 43 Snowpark".
Is the Val Thorens-Orelle ski area not right for you? Then have a look here instead: Ski areas France
