Val Thorens Ski Area

Val Thorens and Les Menuires combined give access to over 300km of pistes.

The Glacier de la Pointe Renod is the summit of the Three Valleys and boasts spectacular views from the top of the Bouchet lift. This area also tends to be a peaceful spot as it's situated in a remote part of resort, away from the majority of the traffic and the surrounding runs require a certain amount of skill. The bottom of the glacier is where you will find the famous Combe de Rosael black run. It's often a good place to aim for first thing in the morning for some fresh snow.

Another favourite spot first thing is to head to the Pointe de La Masse. The area gets the best of the morning sun and there are a number of long runs down from its summit. This part of resort also features a number of steep slopes and three challenging blacks, Lac Noir, Dame Blanche and Rocher Noir. However, if you are just looking to cruise along in the sunshine, there are some long windy blues from the top of either Masse 1 or Rocher Noir lifts.

If you want to take it easy and not push yourself too hard, the blue runs down from Val Thorens - Cairn and Boulevard Cumin - are nice and gentle allowing you to enjoy the ride whilst taking in the breath-taking scenery.

The areas on the east side of the valley which have lifts granting access to Meribel are best avoided first thing in the morning and between 15:00 and 16:00. During this time both those lifts and slopes will be jam-packed with skiers and boarders traversing between the Three Valleys. It's best to hit these pistes between 11:00 and 15:00. Favourite runs on this side are Jerusalem - a long wide red run, the Plein Sud blue that leads into the heart of Val Thorens, and Petits Creux which takes you into Les Menuires.

Towards the end of the day take the Funitel Peclet gondola up to the glacier to take advantage of the last of the sun’s rays. If you're comfortable with black runs, you can continue right to the top via the Glacier chairlift. The top of the gondola is another spot where you will see fantastic views of the whole valley and snow covered mountains stretching out into the distance. From here the Lac Blanc and Les Vires pistes are extremely wide allowing you to easily avoid other skiers and pick up some speed.

For freestyle boarders and skiers the snow-park in the plateau sector of Val Thorens is probably the best spot in the Three Valleys to practice your tricks. It has a series of different size kickers, tables, rails and boxes suitable for all levels from beginner to the expert.

Val Thorens and Les Menuires combined have in the region of 65 lifts, giving access to over 300km of pistes.

Snow conditions permitting, the ski season in Meribel usually runs from early December until the end of April or even early May. 

That strong southern sun means the snow can turn from ice to slush pretty quickly if you're here late in the season. But whenever you choose to come, the local pisteurs will make the best of the conditions and groom the pistes to perfection.

If you're coming early or late in the season

It's a good idea to check which lifts are open at Meribel. You might want to check the Meribel webcams too, for an up-to-the minute view of conditions on the ground.

Val Thorens and Les Menuires are fully linked though a network of lifts and pistes, allowing skiers and snowboarders to move seamlessly between the two, whilst also accessing the entire Three Valleys network with a single lift pass. 

From Val Thorens you can also link to Saint Martin de Belleville, Meribel and Courchevel all under the same lift pass, offering endless skiing options without needing to get in a car or on a bus.

Val Thorens is a paradise for advanced skiers and snowboarders, offering a wide range of steep, challenging runs across three glaciers and four summits. The top of the Cime Caron lift is a highlight with runs that test even the most skilled. 

For fresh powder and wide, quiet slopes, the Bouchet area in Orelle’s fourth valley is hard to beat, ideal for picking up speed. Pointe de la Masse features four demanding black runs - perfect for early morning skiing with excellent sunshine. 

Slightly busier, the Funitel Peclet area offers steep, long runs such as Christine and the Col red from Glacier de Thorens, providing thrilling descents and variety for expert skiers.

Val Thorens is, for beginners, quite simply one of the best places to learn and improve. If you extend across the whole of the Belleville Valley, learners have access to over 20 green runs and around 60 blues. 

Unlike many resorts, this valley features gentle connecting pistes, allowing learners to access the full ski area and enjoy as much variety as advanced skiers without repeating the same runs. 

Val Thorens features a 70,000m² snowpark on the Plateaux Pistes, accessible via the Moutière chairlift. Best in the afternoon, it offers five zones: an 800m boardercross, three freestyle areas for all levels, and a Jump’Air with airbag. With kickers, whoops, rails, wall rides, and a half pipe, it’s ideal for practicing tricks and filming stunts, making it a top destination for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.

Some of the best runs in the Three Valleys are in Val Thorens. From the Cime de Caron, the black Combe de Caron, red Col de l’Audzin, and the steep black Combe Rosael lead into the scenic ‘fourth valley.’ Jerusalem, a quiet red run with gentle and steep sections, is perfect for intermediates and safe off-piste practice. 

In Orelle, the red Coraia, starting at 3,230m, is the highest run in the Three Valleys, offering breathtaking Alpine views and a long, enjoyable descent into a hidden valley.

Val Thorens is a prime destination for off-piste skiing and ski touring, surrounded by six glaciers that offer endless powder in spectacular Alpine scenery. Experienced skiers can explore recognised off-piste routes from several peaks, including Pierre Lory into the Maurienne Valley, Lac du Lou from Combe de Rosael, and La Masse down Vallée des Encombres. 

The area between Jerusalem and Pramint is also popular, especially with instructors. Weather and snow conditions must be carefully considered due to the high altitude, which can make some itineraries precarious. The glaciers of the Vanoise provide breathtaking descents and some of the best off-piste in the Three Valleys.

Navigating the vast Three Valleys ski area can feel overwhelming, especially with its hundreds of pistes and dozens of lifts spanning multiple resorts. To make your skiing experience more enjoyable and stress-free, we’ve put together a selection of detailed itineraries. These guides highlight key runs, lift connections, and scenic routes, helping you explore the best of the region without getting lost. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or expert skier, these itineraries will make your day on the slopes smoother and more memorable.

If visibility is poor, try skiing lower pistes near the resort, which may be below the cloud, such as the gentle blue Dalles or the black Cascades from the Cascades chairlift, or the Plein Sud blue down to the Cairn bubble. Conversely, if the valley is cloudy, conditions may be clear higher up - use a bubble or cable car and choose an easy descent if needed. Snow in the valley usually means fresh powder above, offering quiet, excellent skiing.