Val Thorens – A Excellent Ski Resort

It’s not going to be difficult or expensive to get from Geneva to Val Thorens but you might be worried about what it’s like and whether or not it’s worth getting there at all!

The following might help.

The transfer

This should be pretty straightforward. Geneva airport is about a little over three hours away and transfers are regular and cost-effective, particularly if you’re sharing. Of course, common sense dictates that it might be sensible to book ahead for your transfer to get from Geneva to Val Thorens, and that might be doubly important if you’re travelling with outsize luggage or just lots and lots of it.

Val Thorens

At a resort altitude of 2300m, this lays claim to being the highest in Europe. Its development began in the 1960s and continued into the 1970s. It’s part of the Three Valleys ski resort, which is absolutely huge. People sometimes argue over exactly how much skiing is available over the entire resort, but many quote a figure of around 600kms as being the total skiing area available.

Initial impressions

Making your way from Geneva to Val Thorens over and done with, you’ll arrive to see a pleasant-looking resort in a stunning location. It probably has to be admitted that the phases of building and development completed in the 1970s now look a little concrete, angular and high-rise for modern tastes, but some might see them as retro. More recent developments have been undertaken in natural materials, as has much refurbishment of the original resort buildings, so there is a natural feeling to some parts of the town and accommodation.

As is typically the case with Alpine resorts, the more communal and self-catering accommodation tends to be located in the very centre, with the more luxurious chalet-type accommodation located slightly outside.

Skiing

There is so much snow-based sport opportunity here that any description becomes impossible – particularly if you’re considering the whole Three Valleys area. The resort itself has just under 70 marked runs and 5 theme parks at the time of writing. Even more good news – its relatively high altitude means that it has an excellent snow record.

Nightlife

Most people would agree that this is one of the livelier resorts. There’s a multitude of bars, restaurants, nightclubs and discos, with activity going on into the early hours.
It’s impossible to list these in any detail, but suffice it to say that you’re not likely to find yourself at a loss for things to eat and do after a day on the slopes!

Will you like it?

This is, by French standards, a relatively international resort. It’s lively with some great facilities and superb skiing opportunities. If you like a feeling of camaraderie and an international flavour, then you’ll be more than happy at the completion of your transfer from Geneva to Val Thorens.