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It is hard to describe the perfect day in Val Thorens.

If the weather and snow conditions are nice nearly every day out skiing or snowboarding could turn into the perfect day. As Val Thorens is one of the highest resorts in Europe it always has great snow and with a new lift opening this year and other lifts being renovated, it could be argued to be one of the best places to have a snow holiday. Not to mention all the lovely restaurants and bars on and off the slopes. But since you twisted my arm…

The Perfect Day in Val Thorens


Get some early morning sun

It has to be an early start, out in time to make the first lifts and to get the most out of your day. Head over to the Cascades chair lift to enjoy the far side of the resort that only gets the sun in the morning and early afternoon at this time of the year. The 2 Combes green run that leads you down to Chalet 360 is an easy warm up to start your day of skiing or snowboarding.

Once you get down to Chalet 360, take the Portette chair lift. Once at the top, follow the Fond blue run down to the freestyle park, where there is usually someone showing off on the jumps or it could be a chance for you to show off some of your own tricks. After this I would continue down the slope down to the Grand Fond gondola and head over to Orelle.

Photo op!

This is a fantastic chance to get a photo of the resort and the other side of the mountains of Orelle and beyond. The Gentianes blue run to the bottom of Orelle is really enjoyable and in the sun the whole way down. When at the bottom, take the Peyron lift and then the Boucher lift to bring you to the highest point of the resort at 3230 metres, “Sommet des 3 Vallees”; another great photo opportunity.

Next for the thrill seekers, a zip line back across to the Val Thorens valley; a truly memorable experience. If you have a Go Pro or an action camera, make sure to record it. You won’t get a better chance to see the valley from a bird’s eyes view and get an adrenaline rush too.

Fuel up for the afternoon

You would have definitely built up an appetite by now, follow the Chocard and then the Fond blue runs back down to Chalet 360 where you have to get a Wok Ski. For a very reasonable price you can get a wok meal, wrap or soup for lunch. If you don’t like Asian food, Chalet 360 restaurant provides a variety of options. Enjoy the music at Bar 360 and then head on to the other side of the valley to catch the last few rays of the sun.

After you’ve fueled up, follow the green run back down to the beginner slope area. Take the Pioneers lift and then take the 3 Vallées chair lift. This is another amazing photo opportunity; you get a mesmerising view of the 3 Valleys. From here follow the Pluviomètre blue run back to the main area. It is another enjoyable blue run where you get great views of the resort as you follow the slope down.

No après is complete without a stop at the Folie

When you reach the main area, take the Plein Sud chair lift up to La Folie Douce to have a party in one of the highest clubs in the world. It is another amazing experience to have a dance in one of the most famous après ski venues in the world while admiring the views of the Alps. The ski back down to the main area can get very busy and bumpy, so as hard as it might sound, it’s a good idea to leave before the last song.

Depending on how you feel, you might want to continue the après skiing in The Frog & Roastbeef or Snesko Cafe. Otherwise, after heading home for a nap/ change out of the ski boots I would head over to Clarins restaurant for some fondue and wine. If you still have energy there is usually some great live music in The Frog & Roastbeef. And if you manage to make it to Summit, congratulations!

If you’re an intermediate skier who is confident snowploughing on green and blue runs, this day is perfect for you. And I would aim the day at level 3+ snowboarders, those who can ride and turn on blue runs. For those that haven’t reached those levels just yet, this could be your aim after a week of lessons.