Val Thorens: The world's best ski resort — that was almost never built
Nobody wanted to finance its construction, live in it, or work in it. It was considered too high, too far, too cold, too windy and too risky.
Despite the odds, it opened in 1971 when the first of three initial drag lifts were installed, followed in 1972 by the opening of the first ski school. A government minister was particularly unhappy about the resort, and in 1981, suggested on national radio, that 'the order should be given for fighter planes to demolish Val Thorens!' And yet, 54 years on, it is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world.
As a purpose-built resort that grew largely in the 1980s, rather than an old mountain village that's been expanded to accommodate skiing, the resort lacks charm. But this is more than made up for with the fact that most accommodation is ski-in ski-out, and everybody in the resort is there purely for a love of the mountains and to play in the snow.
I've skied there a few times and love the resort's varied slopes, international feel, the youthful buzz and guaranteed snow, thanks to its high altitude. The resort caters for everyone. Families love Val Thorens for easy access to the many beginner's slopes. Twenty-somethings jump about the renowned après scene (hello Follies). Foodies can indulge in contemporary French cuisine through to Michelin dining.
While those with tired legs can relax in hotel spas, soothing aching muscles while enjoying mountain vistas. Its popularity has only grown what with skiers seeking snow-sure resorts after a couple of years of warm temperatures and a lack of snow in the Alps.
The 2024 to 25 season saw a number of exciting new developments, events and openings to further elevate the ski resorts credentials. Three of the season's biggest winter sports events happened in Val Thorens; the ATSX Ice Cross World Championships, Ski Cross World Cup, and the Freeride World Tour.
Diversifying the resorts dining options, Yaki Alta, a new Asian restaurant, opened, while the 5 star hotel 'Koh I Nor' and 4-star L'Oxalys hotel both re-opened after an extensive refurbishment. Although my favourite hotel to stay in is the Pashmia — a cosy, luxury hotel that also happens to be the highest in the Alps.
The service is unbeatable in this family owned, 45-room and suite hotel whose style is inspired by mountaineering and adventure. Prints of the resort through its history are scattered along corridor walls between hung wooden skis.
An open fire warms the bar whereby guests play board games or select books from the hotel's shelves of stories of adventure and mountain photography. Pashmina's 450-square-meter spa is the highlight, particularly the two outdoor hot tubs, from which you can watch the mountain silhouetted sunset before the resort slowly falls into its starry slumber.
Another resort upgrade, the new 52 million, state-of-the-art Caron 3200 summit cable car and building perched at 3,200m houses a new restaurant with 130 seats, a cosy wine bar, a rooftop bar and panoramic terrace. However, its opening has been delayed until next season after issues with its cable car during testing. Additionally, the 2 Lacs chairlift has been replaced by a fast and modern 10-seat gondola which takes riders higher up the mountain, while there are 2 new marked ski touring trails.
For a resort that faced so much opposition in its development, Val Thorens keeps defying those original critics with its world-class skiing, multiple international awards, and global winter sport events. And winter sport enthusiasts love for the resort only seems to grow. Last year, the resort sold 1.9 million ski days through lift passes. That's a lot of skiing!
Book a ski trip to Val Therons for next season now to beat the rush. valthorens.com
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