Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe, located in the French Alps at 2300 m altitude. It is located in the commune of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville in the Savoiedépartement.
Val Thorens is surrounded by several high peaks near or over 3000 m and a number of its cable cars and chair lifts go almost as high. The highest skiable peaks are Pointe du Bouchet (3220m) and Cime de Caron (3200m), with its cable car of the same name, one of the biggest in the world with its capacity of 150+1 passengers. The skiing is varied and offers something for all levels of ability. Ski schools provides instruction for children in reserved areas. The Snowpark has areas for all levels: bordercross, big air, snow tubing, quarter, handrails...
Val Thorens is part of the 3 vallées ski domain, which is connected by a common ski pass. Jean Beranger set up the first ski school in Val Thorens: The ESF, and the Club des sport and the Tourism Office in 1972. Beranger is a former coach of the French women's ski team. He is now deputy mayor and president of the tourist office, and one slope in Val Thorens is named after him.
The considerable altitude means the resort has a very long season with the ski infrastructure typically closing in early-middle May. Many of its slopes face north and north-west, providing for good snow conditions. This means that the slopes are not as sunny, so the resort tends to attract a crowd more interested in skiing than "terracing". However, the resort itself faces south, and many people enjoy sitting outside in the sunshine when they have finished skiing.
Always seeking more comfort and security for its guests - and very conscious of its environmental responsibilities - Val Thorens strictly enforces parking rules and has made the use of parking garages mandatory for all visitors.
In conjunction with its day-to-day operation, Val Thorens also hosts a number of prestigious sporting events (Andros Trophy, Ski & Boarderweek; 3 Vallees X-Wing Rally). The resort also supports and celebrates its homegrown champions: ski racer Adrien Theaux (French National Team, World Cup group), freeride and freestyle stars Antoine and Thomas Diet (Dynastar Pro Team) as well as its Savoyard team competing on The Sailing Tour de France.