Is Val Thorens Good for Beginners?
Val Thorens is one of the best skiing destinations in the Alps. Not only is it the highest ski resort in Europe, but it’s also part of the world-famous Three Valleys ski area alongside other iconic resorts like Courchevel, Meribel and Les Menuires.
Its altitude and great snow conditions make it a great choice for all skiers, including beginners. If you’re new to skiing, then Val Thorens is a great choice, and Alpine Fleet can help you reach the resort in style and without any hassle with our leading private and shared transfers.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why Val Thorens is such a good choice for new skiers.
Is Val Thorens good for beginners?
Yes, Val Thorens is one of the most beginner-friendly ski resorts in France and the whole of the Alps. It has invested in infrastructure that supports learners and operates a whole host of English-speaking ski schools.
Some of the main reasons why Val Thorens has proven to be so popular with beginners include:
Easy layout
Val Thorens is compact and well-planned, meaning beginners are never far from accommodation or ski lifts. Many of the beginner areas can be found in the centre of the resort, so there’s no need to walk long distances. Once you gain confidence, it is also easy to progress on to green and blue runs that loop through the resort.
Lots of beginner slopes
There’s no shortage of beginner slopes in Val Thorens. This means there are plenty of places for you to practice at your own pace. And once you’ve mastered the basics, you can progress to pistes that are wider and offer spectacular mountain views.
A range of ski schools
Val Thorens is home to several highly rated ski schools. Most offer both group and private lessons for people of all ages, and instructors speak fluent English. Joining a ski school helps to improve technique and confidence.
Dedicated learning areas
For complete beginners, Val Thorens also has a range of dedicated learning areas where you can safely get to grips with the basics. These zones are designed to help you make progress before heading out into the wider ski area.
What Beginners Should Watch Out For
While Val Thorens is a great choice for beginners, it does also have a couple of drawbacks you should be aware of. While its high altitude makes it a great skiing destination, there are very few trees up on some of the slopes. This means it can sometimes be hard to see where you’re going on days when the weather closes in.
Furthermore, some of the beginner slopes are shared with returning areas for people on the more advanced areas. This means you might see people zipping past you at a much faster pace than you. Neither of these issues is a dealbreaker, but they should be borne in mind.
Tips for beginners
If you’re a beginner heading to Val Thorens for the first time, here are some handy tips to make your experience even more enjoyable:
- You might not need a ski pass: Val Thorens offers free access on day one with the free carpet pass. There are also special beginner passes for the Three Valleys area that are often cheaper and more practical while you’re finding your feet.
- Book into a ski school: Ski lessons are the best way to get to grips with the slopes, but spots fill up fast. Book in advance to make sure you get the best instructors and the time slots most convenient for you.
- Plan your skiing outfit in advance: Layering is key to skiing comfortably, so make sure you know what you’re going to wear before you head out onto the slopes.
- Hire equipment beforehand: Ski equipment tends to be cheaper to hire online than doing so directly at the resort.
- Use public transport: There are free buses that run throughout Val Thorens that can help you get around more easily.
- Enjoy apres ski: After your lessons, make sure you unwind at some of the many apres ski spots across the resort. It’s all part of the skiing experience after all!
How to get to Val Thorens
The nearest airport to Val Thorens is Geneva Airport (GVA) in Switzerland. It typically takes between 2.5 and 3 hours, depending on the conditions and traffic.
The most convenient way to get to the resort is by using a specialist transfer from Alpine Fleet. We offer both private and shared transfers, ensuring you arrive comfortably, on time and with minimal stress.
Whether you’re travelling solo or with loved ones, get in touch with us today to find out more.
