Val Thorens in summer: hiking, mountain biking and wide-open spaces

Val Thorens in summer means the same altitude as in winter, but a completely different face: green alpine pastures, mountain lakes and a welcome coolness when the lowlands swelter. Perched at 2,300 metres, the highest resort in Europe opens its lifts and its trails for the warm season, typically from early July to the end of August. Here is our guide to outdoor activities for enjoying the mountains in a different way.

Why choose Val Thorens in summer?

The resort’s first asset in summer comes down to one word: altitude. At 2,300 metres, the air stays crisp and dry even at the height of summer, real comfort when the valleys are posting high temperatures. The village, entirely car-free, can be explored on foot with no traffic to worry about, with the great peaks of the Vanoise as a backdrop.

Val Thorens belongs to the Belleville valley and the 3 Vallées area. In summer, some of the lifts run to open up the high mountains to walkers and mountain bikers alike, without having to climb for hours from the valley floor. For a full overview of the resort at this time of year, the tourist office provides a detailed presentation on valthorens.com.

Hiking: high-altitude lakes and sweeping panoramas

Hiking is the king of summer activities. The Belleville valley has a very extensive network of waymarked trails, with routes for every level, from the family stroll to the high-altitude hike. The lakes are often the finest reward: clear waters, rocky cirques and flower-filled pastures.

A few route ideas starting from the resort:

• The Trois Lacs trail, a short loop ideal for a first family outing.
• Lac du Lou, a large high-altitude lake nestled in a wild valley, about two hours’ walk away.
• Lac Blanc, for more seasoned walkers seeking a high-mountain atmosphere.

The Cime Caron cable car, one of the largest in the Alps, takes you up to 3,200 metres and a 360-degree panorama over the surrounding massifs. It is an easy, spectacular outing, perfect for those who want the view without the effort. Remember to bring water, a cap and a light jumper: at this altitude, the sun beats down hard and the weather changes fast.

Mountain biking and thrills: downhill, enduro and aerial routes

Val Thorens has also established itself as a mountain-biking destination. The sector offers a substantial network of routes, downhill and enduro trails accessible by the lifts, as well as more rolling paths for families and electric-assist riders. The lifts fitted to carry bikes let you string together descents without grinding back up under your own steam.

For those who prefer thrills without pedalling, the resort has a giant zip line that flies over the slopes across several sections, tens of metres above the ground. Fans of the vertical will also find via ferrata routes in the Belleville valley, supervised by the local mountain guides’ offices: a good compromise between hiking and climbing, with a real sense of commitment but safety ensured by the cable.

The Péclet glacier and the high mountains

The Péclet glacier, at around 3,000 metres, remains a highlight of the sector. Val Thorens was once famous for its summer skiing on this glacier, an activity that has now largely disappeared with the retreat of the ice. The site is now discovered mainly on foot, as part of outings led by professionals, to approach the high mountains in complete safety.

This proximity to the high mountains makes the resort an excellent base camp. After a day of effort, nothing beats a moment of relaxation. Our Spa and Hammam and our restaurant Le Rendez-Vous extend the mountain spirit on your return from the trails.

Val Thorens in summer, for families and sporty groups alike

Summer in Val Thorens caters to very different audiences. Families appreciate the easy walks, the pool at the sports centre, the outdoor activities for children and the safety of a car-free village. Sporty visitors find vertical drop, trail running, committed mountain biking and quick access to the peaks. Everyone crafts their stay to suit their own pace.

To prepare your visit, the region provides plenty of resources on savoie-mont-blanc.com, and you can explore more outing ideas on our Explore Val Thorens page. As for accommodation, Résidence Les Ancolies welcomes you in upmarket lodgings, from the family studio to the large chalet. Discover our chalets and apartments to find the option that suits you.