There is no better feeling when you arrive at a ski resort in spring than seeing large flakes of snow falling and hearing that it is going to keep on falling throughout the night. We woke up on our first day in the ski resort of Val Thorens, in the famous Three Valleys ski area, to find 40cm of fresh white powder surrounding us and blanketing the beautiful mountains. It’s no wonder this snow sure resort is one of the best ski resorts for early season skiing.
As you can imagine we were like kids at Christmas and rushed to get outside to explore all the pistes in Val Thorens, as well as Méribel and of course, Courchevel. Though all of these resorts were special, I thought I would stick to Val Thorens when it comes to picking my personal top pistes. Otherwise, you would end up reading a novel rather than a blog! So, here goes with my personal 5 favourite pistes in Val Thorens to enjoy whilst staying in this luxury ski resort.
🔵 Dalles 🔵
Firstly, I suggest taking the Cascades lift, from which you can cruise down the blue piste Dalles. This is a lovely wide piste, ideal for the improving intermediate skier, where you can enjoy the surrounding views of the ski resort whilst getting your ski legs back. This is the perfect piste to start with because if you are unlucky enough to have left anything back at the chalet, Dalles brings you right back to the centre of it all in Val Thorens to collect it! It’s a perfect first run for the whole group to enjoy and get their ski legs back.
🔴 Christine 🔴
Next, I would suggest skiing down to the Peclet gondola and jumping on the lovely long winding red piste Christine, which once again offers fabulous views over Val Thorens. Continue on up the mountain by taking the Moraine chairlift and then the Col chairlift for some spectacular and quite breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. At over 3,000 metres, this is quite a special spot to ski down from. Just make sure it’s a sunny warm day because otherwise by the time you get up there all you will want is a hot chocolate and somewhere to hibernate from the cold!
🔴 Col & Genepi 🔵
As I’ve mentioned, I’m a sucker for a delicious hot chocolate. For me, a ski holiday is as much about the skiing as it is about finding the best hot chocolate. And, of course, who can come away with the best panda eyes at the end of the week! If it’s a slightly chillier day when you are most definitely feeling that fresh mountain air, then I highly recommend stopping for a mid-morning homemade hot chocolate around the open fire at Le Caribou. To get there, head down from the red run Col, and then transfer to Genepi. Alternatively, take the Moraine lift, where you will spot the red chalet of Le Caribou a mile off. Halfway down the beautiful blue run Genepi, you’ll find this haven, and immediately be wrapped in warmth by the fabulous open fire and the lovely local hospitality.
If you happen to find yourself on the piste later on in the afternoon, then continue cruising on down to one of the best après bars in Val Thorens – Bar 360. The tunes will be blaring, and the beers will be flowing.
🔴 Bouchet 🔴
Everybody has to have a wild card option and this is mine. For number 4 on my list of the best ski runs in Val Thorens, I would suggest getting up early and straight away heading towards Orelle. You are looking out for the Peyron ski lift before heading on up Bouchet, where two fabulous choices will be waiting for you.
You can spend a few minutes watching the crazy fools zip-lining across the mountain, known as La Tyrolienne and then continue down the sedate and very pleasant Bouchet run, or alternatively, be that crazy fool and give it a go. For 56 Euros you can enjoy 1 minute 45 seconds of pure adrenaline where you will race across the chasm at speeds of up to 105km and heights of over 3,000m, enjoying the spectacular views and getting to the other side (top of the Thorens gondola) in record time. Get there early to avoid any queuing!
🔵 Plein Sud 🔵
A trip to Val Thorens would not be complete without taking the Plein Sud lift as your final of the day. Why you say? Well quite frankly because you pass over one of the most famous bars in the Alps. It just wouldn’t be right to ski past one of the best après-ski bars in the Alps, so swing past La Folie Douce for some dancing on tables, in sync (or not) with the very talented entertainers. Unclip your skis and get the heart pumping whilst listening to that base thumping out of the speakers and watching the saxophonist, guitarist, and singer entertain everyone from the balcony.
It is a rite of passage nowadays, even if you only do it once. The ski run itself is a cruisy blue, but you may have to take it a little more cautiously after après-ski at La Folie Douce as everyone descends, in some shape or form, back down to the centre.
So there you have it, my top 5 pistes in Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe. Which are you raring to try? Are you more of a sit around the fire enjoying a delicious homemade hot chocolate kind of person, or are you the first in the queue for that morning adrenaline rush from throwing yourself off the side of a mountain? No matter your persuasions, skiing in Val Thorens is varied enough for everyone!
Whether you just fancy a chat about your favourite piste in The Three Valleys, or would like to discuss which luxury ski chalet you want to take your family and friends next season, then give the Ski In Luxury team a call on +44 1202 230 650 or send us an email.
