Perched at 2,300 metres, Val Thorens holds the distinguished title of Europe’s highest ski resort. But whilst the powder hounds and piste enthusiasts flock here for its legendary slopes, there’s a whole world of alpine adventure waiting beyond the skis and boards.
A ski holiday in Val Thorens offers far more than you might expect. Much like exploring the French Alps’ neighbouring resort villages, this high-altitude haven offers experiences that extend far beyond traditional winter sports.
Whether you’re a non-skier travelling with friends, taking a well-earned rest day, or simply seeking to explore the resort’s more unexpected offerings, Val Thorens delivers experiences that go far beyond downhill runs. Here are eight fantastic things to do when you’re ready to give the slopes a miss.
Embrace The Thrill Of France’s Longest Toboggan Run
The CosmoJet toboggan run represents one of Val Thorens’s most popular non-skiing attractions, and with good reason. This 6-kilometre course starts from the top of the Funitel Péclet at 3,000 metres and winds its way down 700 vertical metres to the resort below. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes of pure sliding joy, featuring banked turns, straightaways, and the occasional tunnel to add an extra element of surprise.
What sets this toboggan experience apart is its accessibility. Children as young as five can participate when riding tandem with an adult, whilst those aged nine and above with a height exceeding 1.25 metres can tackle the run independently.
The resort provides both the toboggan and helmet, and evening descents on Wednesday to Friday evenings come with the added bonus of mulled wine or hot chocolate and Beaufort cheese at the finish.
Tickets start from £20 per run, representing excellent value for three-quarters of an hour of entertainment. Just remember to dress warmly, as temperatures can plummet on the descent, particularly during evening sessions.
Soar Through The Sky On Europe’s Highest Ziplines
For those seeking an adrenaline rush without strapping on skis, Val Thorens offers two spectacular zipline experiences that’ll have your heart racing.
The Bee double zipline starts from the top of the Moutière chairlift, suspending thrill-seekers 65 metres above the snow as they hurtle down 1,800 metres of cable at speeds that’ll make your eyes water. What makes this experience particularly special is the tandem setup, allowing you to share the stomach-dropping excitement with a friend or family member as you fly through the crisp mountain air.
For the truly intrepid, however, the Bouchet Zipline takes things to another level entirely. Launching from a dizzying altitude of 3,230 metres at the top of the Bouchet-Orelle chairlift, this solo zipline sends riders screaming across the Glacier du Bouchet at speeds reaching 100 kilometres per hour. The 1,300-metre descent lasts approximately 90 seconds of pure, unadulterated exhilaration, with panoramic views of the Three Valleys spread out beneath you.
Both ziplines operate in winter and summer, making them accessible year-round attractions for those brave enough to take the plunge.
Discover Serenity On Snowshoe Excursions
For those seeking a more contemplative mountain experience, snowshoeing offers the perfect antidote to Val Thorens’s more frenetic activities. The tourist office provides maps for several planned itineraries ranging from 2 to 6 kilometres, allowing you to explore at your own pace whilst soaking up the pristine alpine environment. The beauty of snowshoeing lies in its simplicity – with minimal equipment required, you’re free to disappear into nature, following trails that take you to vantage points most skiers will never see.
For a more immersive experience, consider booking a guided snowshoe excursion with one of Val Thorens’s activity companies. These range from half-day adventures to full-day expeditions, with some even offering night-time outings under the stars.
The evening snowshoe to the Village Igloo is particularly popular, combining the tranquillity of a twilight mountain walk with the novelty of arriving at one of the resort’s most unique destinations. All equipment and transport are typically included in guided tours, and the pace is deliberately gentle, making this an ideal activity for families or those simply seeking some peace away from the busier parts of the resort.
Indulge In World-Class Wellness & Spa Facilities
After days filled with mountain activities, Val Thorens’s wellness facilities provide the perfect space for recovery and relaxation. The resort offers comprehensive spa experiences, with the centrepiece being Le Board Sports Centre, a 7,500 square metre facility that underwent a complete rebuild and reopened in December 2022.
The centre features swimming pools, including a heated indoor fun pool and two 20-metre swimming lanes, alongside a dedicated wellness area reserved for those aged 16 and over. The wellness area itself is a sanctuary of relaxation, featuring two balneotherapy pools, three saunas, a hammam, and a cold water well for those brave enough to embrace the invigorating benefits of temperature contrast therapy.
Treatments and massages are available for guests aged 18 and over, whilst the centre also offers aqua gym, aqua bike, and swimming lessons for those wanting to stay active. Many of Val Thorens’s hotels also boast their own luxury spa facilities, often open to non-guests, providing further options for those seeking pampering and relaxation amidst the alpine splendour.
Experience An Unforgettable Night In An Igloo Village
Perhaps Val Thorens’s most distinctive offering is its Igloo Village, a 180 square metre ice structure located on the Combe de Thorens green slope. This remarkable construction takes ten days to build each season and features hand-carved ice sculptures created by professional artisans. During the day, the igloo is open from 10am to 5pm, allowing visitors to explore the ice caves and marvel at the year’s thematic sculptures whilst enjoying refreshments at the ice bar.
However, the real magic happens after dark. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings (plus Fridays during school holidays), the igloo transforms into a restaurant serving traditional Savoyard fondue. Guests embark on a guided snowshoe walk from the resort to reach the igloo, where they’re greeted with aperitifs before settling down to a convivial meal surrounded by walls of ice and snow.
Three fondue dinner options are available: the basic option at €25 includes Savoyard fondue and water; the premium option at €39 adds charcuterie and wine or soft drinks; whilst the prestige option at €59 (approximately £50) includes prosecco or a cocktail, charcuterie, dessert, wine, hot drinks, and a digestif. Children’s meals are available for €19, though prices are subject to seasonal variation.
For the truly adventurous, overnight stays are available in private igloos accommodating two to four guests, equipped with expedition-grade sleeping bags to ensure a comfortable night despite the sub-zero surroundings.
Savour Exceptional Dining In The Mountains
Exploring Val Thorens’s culinary scene deserves its own mention. The resort has evolved considerably from its utilitarian beginnings, now offering sophisticated dining options that rival the best mountain restaurants across the Alps. Le Diamant Noir is featured in the Michelin Guide and showcases innovative cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, whilst La Maison Val Thorens serves hearty Savoyard specialities in a cosy alpine atmosphere.
For those interested in French gastronomy beyond the mountains, Val Thorens provides an excellent introduction to regional Alpine cuisine. The resort’s altitude and position mean many restaurants offer spectacular panoramic views to accompany your meal, transforming dinner into a multi-sensory experience. Several establishments also feature sun-soaked terraces perfect for lunch, allowing you to bask in that exceptional high-altitude sunshine whilst enjoying everything from traditional tartiflette to contemporary French cuisine.
Hit The Ice At Val Thorens’s Rink & Bowling Alley
When weather turns inclement or you simply fancy some indoor entertainment, Val Thorens offers several options to keep boredom at bay. The ice rink at Place Péclet provides over 400 square metres of skating space on completely natural ice, creating a magical atmosphere enhanced by carefully orchestrated sound and light displays. Open throughout the winter season, it’s an ideal activity for families seeking a break from the more demanding mountain pursuits.
Just a stone’s throw from the ice rink, you’ll find Val Thorens’s bowling alley, housed in what feels like a traditional mountain chalet. Open daily from 2pm until 2am, this eight-lane facility also features billiards tables and screens showing sports matches, making it a popular après-ski destination. The bowling alley is suitable for children as young as four or five, with automatic barriers ensuring even the youngest visitors can enjoy knocking down pins without embarrassment.
Take Flight With Paragliding Adventures
For an entirely different perspective on the Three Valleys, paragliding offers the chance to soar like a bird above this spectacular landscape. Several companies operate tandem paragliding flights from Val Thorens, allowing even complete novices to experience the thrill of free flight with an experienced instructor handling the technical aspects. Launches typically take place from various points around the resort, with flights lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on thermal conditions and the package you select.
The sensation of running off a mountain and suddenly finding yourself airborne is genuinely extraordinary, and the views across the valley, with skiers looking like tiny ants on the slopes below, provide memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Val Thorens’s dramatic terrain and exceptional altitude make it one of the most technically impressive mountain venues in the Alps. Microlight flights are also available for those seeking powered flight, offering a more stable platform from which to take photographs whilst still enjoying that incredible sense of freedom that only comes from flying.
The Bottom Line
Val Thorens has successfully evolved from a simple ski resort into a comprehensive mountain destination offering experiences for every taste and energy level. Whether you’re seeking the adrenaline rush of hurtling down a zipline at 100 kilometres per hour, the contemplative tranquillity of a snowshoe expedition at sunset, or the unique novelty of sleeping in an igloo at 2,400 metres, this alpine wonderland delivers.
The resort’s commitment to providing world-class facilities for non-skiers means that mixed-ability groups and families can all find their own mountain magic, even when interests diverge dramatically.
The beauty of Val Thorens beyond the slopes lies in its ability to combine adventure with comfort, offering everything from extreme sports to luxurious spa treatments within a compact, easily navigable resort.
As Europe’s highest ski resort continues to innovate and expand its off-slope offerings, it’s becoming increasingly clear that you don’t need to strap on skis to fall completely in love with this remarkable corner of the French Alps.
Whether you’re a committed non-skier or simply seeking variety during a longer stay, Val Thorens demonstrates that the mountains offer far more than just downhill thrills.
