The 3 Vallées
Luxury Chaletsin Val Thorens
Europe's highest ski resort, with snow-sure slopes and the vast Three Valleys at its feet.
At 2,300 metres, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe and the gateway to Les 3 Vallées, one of the largest linked ski areas in the world. Reliable snow from late November into May, glacier-fringed peaks and a lively, largely car-free village make it a superb choice for skiers who want altitude, space and long seasons.
Set at 2,300 metres at the head of the Belleville valley, Val Thorens is Europe's highest ski resort and one of its most dependable. Surrounded by peaks and glaciers that rise above 3,000 metres, it enjoys snow from late November well into spring, and its slopes connect directly with Les Menuires, Méribel and Courchevel to form Les 3 Vallées, some 600 kilometres of pistes linked by lift. From the summit of Cime Caron, at around 3,200 metres, the view stretches across the Vanoise massif towards Mont Blanc and the Écrins.
The village itself was built for skiing, with many residences, shops and restaurants opening straight onto the snow. Cars are left at the edge of the resort, so days unfold on skis: early runs on freshly groomed slopes below the Péclet glacier, a long lunch on a sunlit terrace, and a final descent home as the light turns pink on the peaks. Evenings are relaxed and convivial, from Savoyard dinners by the fire to après-ski that runs late.
Val Thorens suits those who want altitude and choice: expert off-piste with a mountain guide, wide and gentle runs for younger skiers, and the option of a full-day ski safari across the valleys. Further down the road, the old village of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville keeps its stone and wood chalets and baroque chapels, and offers some of the finest dining in the Alps. In summer, lifts reopen for walkers and mountain bikers, and the high pastures turn green beneath the glaciers.
Our properties
- Chalet Anastasia: Ten metres from the slopes in Val Thorens, with a private spa, two cinemas and a golf simulator
Areas
- Val Thorens village: The resort centre at 2,300 metres, built around pedestrian streets with shops, restaurants and lifts close at hand, and many residences opening directly onto the slopes.
- Saint-Martin-de-Belleville: A traditional village at around 1,400 metres, about 30 minutes down the valley, with stone and wood chalets, baroque chapels, celebrated restaurants and lift access to the Three Valleys.
- Les Menuires: The neighbouring resort, a short drive or ski below Val Thorens, with sunny, gentle runs and a relaxed, family atmosphere.
Getting there
Geneva Airport is the most popular gateway, about three hours away by road, while Lyon Saint-Exupéry takes around two and a half hours. Chambéry, the closest airport at roughly one hour and forty-five minutes, mainly receives winter seasonal and private flights, and Grenoble is a little over two hours away. A private transfer is the most comfortable option from any of them; helicopter transfers can also be arranged, weather permitting, shortening the journey to well under an hour.
By rail, the nearest station is Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains, served in winter by direct high-speed trains from Paris and by seasonal ski trains from elsewhere in Europe. From Moûtiers, the final 37 kilometres climb through Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and take around 45 minutes by car.
Val Thorens is largely pedestrian: vehicles are left in the resort's car parks on arrival, and we can arrange help with luggage to your residence. Between 1 November and 31 March, winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory on the mountain roads of Savoie, and Saturday traffic in the Tarentaise valley can be heavy during school holidays, so a Sunday or midweek arrival is often smoother.
Good to know
The ski season usually runs from late November to early May, with the most reliable conditions from January to March. Choose between the Val Thorens–Orelle lift pass and the full 3 Vallées pass; the latter is worthwhile for confident skiers planning to explore Méribel and Courchevel. Private instructors and mountain guides should be booked well ahead for Christmas, New Year and the French February school holidays, which are staggered across February and early March. At this altitude the sun is strong and temperatures can be very low, so high-factor sun cream, good goggles and layered clothing are essential. Heli-skiing is not permitted in France, but off-piste itineraries with a qualified guide offer extraordinary terrain. Most mountain restaurants stop serving lunch by mid-afternoon, so reserve the popular terraces in advance.
Frequently asked questions
How do we get from the airport to Val Thorens?
We arrange private chauffeured transfers from Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry or Grenoble, as well as from Moûtiers station. For a faster arrival, a helicopter transfer can be organised, weather permitting. Your driver will handle the final climb up the valley and parking at the resort.
What can the concierge arrange before we arrive?
Our concierge can pre-book lift passes, ski equipment fitted at your residence, private instructors and mountain guides, restaurant tables and in-chalet chefs, so that your first morning is spent on the slopes rather than in queues.
Can you organise exclusive experiences in the mountains?
Yes. Options include early-morning skiing with an instructor on freshly groomed runs, off-piste days with a high-mountain guide, a private dinner in a mountain restaurant or a ski safari across the Three Valleys, subject to availability.
How is our privacy respected?
Discretion is central to how we work. Your details are shared only with those directly involved in your stay, arrivals and services are arranged discreetly, and our team is accustomed to welcoming guests who value confidentiality.
When should we book for Christmas, New Year or February?
These are the most requested weeks of the winter, and the finest chalets are often reserved a year in advance. We recommend enquiring as early as possible, ideally in the spring or summer before your stay.
Is the snow reliable in Val Thorens?
It is one of the most snow-sure resorts in the Alps. At 2,300 metres, with slopes reaching above 3,000 metres and extensive snowmaking, conditions are dependable from the start of the season until spring.
Is Val Thorens suitable for beginners and families?
Yes. Alongside its challenging terrain, the resort has wide, gentle slopes and dedicated beginner areas close to the village, and ski schools offer lessons for children from a young age.