Is Val Thorens The Best Ski Resort In The World?

If you're a skier, it's a safe bet that you'll have heard of Val Thorens. This world famous ski resort is one that most skiers have to tick off their list of visited resorts at some point. So what makes this resort so great and why has it gained so many accolades over the years, including the coveted title of 'the world's best ski resort'? Here are just a few reasons why we think every skier or snowboarder should visit Val Thorens at least once.

Award-winning resort

Voted both France's Best Ski Resort and the World's Best Ski Resort in recent years, we're obviously not alone in thinking Val Thorens is rated highly for good reason.

Reliable snow

The highest ski resort in Europe at 2,300m, it's one of the few resorts that can guarantee snow at any point of the season. When the season started slowly in December 2014, at one point the resort was considering stopping selling day passes as so many people were coming from other nearby ski resorts that didn't have such good conditions.

The world's largest ski area

Not only is the snow reliable, but it's simple to access the rest of Les 3 Vallées - the world's largest ski area. Meribel and Les Menuires are just over the hill and good skiers will be able to cruise over to Courchevel and back easily in a day.

Great Après Ski

If you have any energy left after your skiing and snowboarding, there are plenty of great après ski spots to try out. The most famous venue is the Folie Douce, which kicks off with an open-air cabaret every afternoon and much dancing on the tables. Another popular après ski location is Bar 360, located just above the base of the Moraine and Portette chairlifts. After the slopes close head into town to popular locals bars such as the Frog & Roastbeef, Le Saloon and the Shamrock. If you have the energy you might even find yourself in Malaysia nightclub, home to the biggest dancefloor in the Alps at 700 m².

Test your nerve on the highest zipwire in the world

Val Thorens has plenty of other ways to entertain you during a stay. You can watch World Cup Skier Cross racing, try ice driving and test your nerve on the highest zipwire in the world. The zipwire spans 1,300m, starting from the top of the Bouchet chairlift in Orelle at 3,230m. At its highest point you travel 230m above the ground, between two peaks and speeds can reach 100kph - enough to get the heart beating!

Superb accommodation options

On top of all the above, Val Thorens have been upgrading their accommodation over the last few years. As well as a number of top quality restaurants, the resort now hosts several five-star properties. If you're heading out purely to ski and just need a place to lay your head, don't worry we have you covered as well, with ski apartments in Val Thorens starting at under £500 per week for an apartment sleeping up to four*.