The 3 Vallées ski area from Val Thorens: the guide

Val Thorens is one of the great gateways to the 3 Vallées, billed as the largest linked ski area in the world. From the highest resort in Europe, you reach a network of 600 km of pistes served by around 160 lifts, all ski-in/ski-out. Here are the essentials to know so you can make the very most of it.

What is the 3 Vallées ski area?

The 3 Vallées links several resorts in Savoie under a single lift pass, with no need to unclip your skis. The name comes from the three historic valleys that make it up: the Saint-Bon valley (Courchevel), the Allues valley (Méribel) and the Belleville valley, home to Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Val Thorens. The neighbouring resort of Orelle, in the Maurienne valley, rounds out the area on its southern side.

The key figures, verified against official sources:

600 km of marked pistes, plus around fifty kilometres of off-piste itineraries.
Around 160 lifts spread across the area.
An altitude range running from about 1,100 m up to 3,230 m at the Cime Caron.
8 linked resorts and villages, including Courchevel, La Tania, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Orelle and Val Thorens.

This scale explains the area’s reputation: you can ski for days on end without ever retracing the same route. To get to know the resort that serves as your base, see our Explore Val Thorens page.

Why is starting from Val Thorens an advantage?

Val Thorens sits at around 2,300 m, making it the highest village in Europe. This altitude has a direct consequence: snow cover that is generally abundant and long-lasting, often from late November to early May depending on the season. You ski in the heart of the area, with quick access to the high peaks and glaciers.

Another advantage: the resort is car-free and designed for ski-in/ski-out. From most properties, you click into your skis at the foot of the residence and head straight for the lifts. So it is with most of our chalets and apartments, set as close to the slopes as possible to spare you needless trudging in the morning.

Finally, Val Thorens is connected to the rest of the area by high-capacity lifts, which keeps queues short and makes long ski days a pleasure, even during the school holidays.

How to get around between the resorts?

From Val Thorens, you can cross into the other valleys by following a simple guiding thread: spot the lifts and passes that act as gateways between the valleys.

Towards the Belleville valley: Les Menuires and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville are the closest and are easily reached by skiing down the slope.
Towards the Allues valley: the Méribel sector is reached by crossing the heights that separate the Belleville valley from the Allues valley.
Towards the Saint-Bon valley: Courchevel is reached by linking two valleys, which means planning your timing ahead.
Towards Orelle: the southern side, accessible via the summit of the Cime Caron, offers open views over the Maurienne.

The golden rule: keep an eye on the lift closing times, as the return from Courchevel to Val Thorens at the end of the day is no quick affair. The official piste maps show the last possible crossings, well worth checking every morning.

Which routes suit your level?

The area suits every profile, provided you choose a route that fits.

For a first big outing, stay within the Belleville valley: the links towards Les Menuires alternate beautifully groomed blue and red runs, with the option to turn back at any point. Confident skiers will relish the crossing to Méribel and on to Courchevel, best saved for a day of fine weather and good snow.

Beginners will find broad learning areas on the heights of Val Thorens, with tuition available from the French Ski School. Whatever your level, plan a lunch at altitude and leave yourself plenty of margin for the journey home.

Planning your stay well

To enjoy the area with a clear mind, book accommodation close to the slopes and consider the 3 Vallées pass if you intend to explore widely. A pass limited to Val Thorens is ample for a short break, while the full pass truly comes into its own over a week.

Practical information (access, shuttles, sector opening) is set out in detail on the Val Thorens tourist office website and on the 3 Vallées portal.

Frequently asked questions

How many kilometres of pistes does the 3 Vallées ski area have?

The area offers 600 km of marked pistes, complemented by around fifty kilometres of off-piste itineraries. That is what earns it its billing as the largest linked ski area in the world.

How many resorts are linked in the 3 Vallées?

Eight resorts and villages are linked within the same area, including Courchevel, Méribel, Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Orelle and Val Thorens. A single pass gives access to them all.

Can you ski from Val Thorens to Courchevel in a day?

Yes, the link is doable for a comfortable skier, but it crosses two valleys and calls for some margin. Set off early and check the last-lift times to make sure you get back to Val Thorens.

When is the snow best in Val Thorens?

Thanks to its high altitude, around 2,300 m, Val Thorens enjoys snow cover that is often abundant and long-lasting. The season generally runs from late November to early May, depending on each winter’s conditions.

Do you need a 3 Vallées pass or a Val Thorens pass?

It all depends on your plans. The Val Thorens pass suits a short break in the resort itself, whereas the 3 Vallées pass is recommended if you want to explore the other valleys over a week.

Is the residence close to the slopes?

Most of our properties are ski-in/ski-out or a few steps from the lifts. You save time every morning and get home easily at the end of the day.

Ready to discover the 3 Vallées ski area from a comfortable spot at the foot of the slopes? Browse our accommodation or head back to the Résidence Les Ancolies home page to plan your stay in Val Thorens.