Highest Ski Resorts

With a ski area that peaks at an altitude of 3,230 metres, Val Thorens is officially recognised as the highest ski resort in Europe. It is one of 3 main ski resorts ( and 5 smaller resorts) that makes up the popular Three Valleys ski area in the Tarentaise Valley located in the Savoie department in Southern France. Sitting at a resort level of 2,300 metres altitude, more than 90 percent of its pistes are located between 2,000 metres and 3,200 metres. This height guarantees some of the best snow conditions in Europe over the course of the ski season. Its high altitude also sees it receive heavy snowfall which is kept fresh for longer periods of time due to the majority of its pistes being north facing.

There are 319 pistes spread across 600 kilometres of pistes which are serviced by more than 200 lifts. Owing to its high altitude, the ski season starts earlier than many other resorts and lasts until May, with the glaciers sometimes offering year round skiing! Val Thorens was built for purpose and its location was particularly chosen to ensure it sat in the ideal location within the Three Valleys ski area that provides access to the glaciers and its high altitude pistes. What also makes Val Thorens a very sought-after resort is that it caters to all ski levels from beginners to advanced and it is also ideal for families as well as student groups. The pistes are fairly evenly distributed among the skill levels with 132 blues, 106 reds, 51 greens and 32 blacks. Advanced skiers always return here for their adrenaline fix with some of the ski runs ranking amongst the top-rated runs in Europe; in particular, the Pointe du Bouchet starts at the highest point of the Three Valleys at 3,420 metres and is a 3-kilometre run ( depending on if you choose the Fred Covili red run or the Vallons blue).

There are several advanced runs on the glacier for advanced skiers while beginners can find nursery slopes at the resort or gentle blues on the Mauriennaise ski area. Visitors to Val Thorens can also expect powder snowfields, perfectly groomed runs and a good amount of off-piste opportunities. Add all that to the exceptional panoramic views when you’re high up on the slopes, most notably os the surrounding mountain range of Switzerland and Italy in the distance! The pistes are not the only thing to look forward to on the slopes at Val Thorens. Some of the biggest and most famous apres-ski parties take place high up above the resort; most notably La Folie Douce terrace parties which happen at 2,600 metres altitude. Val Thorens operates a ski-in and ski-out system making it possible to ski all the way down to the resort and straight to your accommodation areas. The resort is also fully pedestrian which is especially convenient if you are visiting with family and small children. Restaurants, shops and bars are all within walking distance of the resort centre. When it comes to high altitude resorts, Val Thorens certainly possess the full package.