Val Thorens Prepares for Winter

14th October 2024

“Val Thorens is far more than a ski resort: it’s a novel universe, a journey that transforms each go to into an unforgettable journey,” stated an announcement from the resort.

“All the pieces is totally different: the peak, the ambiance, the experiences and the life-style that makes the resort so distinctive.”

“There’s something for everybody: each customer, no matter age, health, price range or pursuits, can discover happiness and have unforgettable experiences.

“A ski-in/ski-out resort, every part is designed for the consolation of tourists.

“Each place is inside attain, providing a easy and stress-free keep.

“Val Thorens additionally boasts a cosmopolitan ambiance and world famend sporting occasions.

“Travellers come from everywhere in the world, creating an unbelievable cultural melting pot.

“In Val Thorens, the summit just isn’t solely geographical: it’s an invite to reside distinctive moments, timeless and near the celebs.”

Listed here are some onerous details:

Final winter the resort had a median occupancy fee of 88.5% all through the season – up 2.7% in comparison with the earlier winter.There have been 2,028,300 in a single day stays – up 4.8% in comparison with the earlier season.There have been 1.9m skier days throughout the season in 2023/24.

Vacation spot

Cime Caron is the best level of the Val Thorens ski space at 3,200m and affords a 360 diploma panorama of the encircling peaks with views of Mont Blanc.

With ongoing funding in recent times, Cime Caron will function a model new constructing this 12 months – referred to as Caron  3 200 – which can open for the winter 2024/2025 season.

Caron 3 200 is a facility developed by SETAM (Val Thorens’ ski raise firm) to supply new providers on the summit and enhance the customer expertise with locations for rest, assembly and eating:

A brand new restaurant with 130 seatsA cosy wine barA rooftop with a bar and panoramic terraceAn 80m2 multi-service house which may function a projection room, exhibition corridor or reception space for occasions and seminars

Moreover, SETAM carried out a number of measures:

Use of sustainable uncooked supplies: metal, wooden, glass and stainless-steel.Use of renewable energies (thermo-solar, photo voltaic panels,  restoration of residual warmth from the Orelle-Caron cable automotive).Modern water useful resource administration utilizing microsteppe expertise.Choice of native and nationwide suppliers.Sourcing and merchandise made in France.

1982 – This remaining constructing completes the varied phases of improvement on Cime Caron.

The launch of the Caron cable automotive, the world’s largest cable automotive on the time .

2021 – Development of two gondolas, a €40 million funding to attach Orelle with Val Thorens and create a brand new route from the neighboring Maurienne Valley.

They permit entry to Cime Caron in lower than 20 minutes.

2023 – Development of a glass pedestrian tunnel from the brand new Orelle-Caron raise to the Val Thorens cable automotive in order that guests arriving with baggage can cross with out getting their ft moist.

The tunnel additionally options a viewing space for guests to absorb the attractive mountain surroundings.

2024 – The opening of the brand new multi-service reception constructing: Caron 3200.

New for 2024/25

Substitute of the two Lacs chairlift with a brand new gondola

The two Lacs chairlift will probably be changed by a quick, snug, and fashionable 10-seat gondola.

This new raise will go increased – to the start line of the La BEE zip line and Moutière chairlift arrival space, providing extra snowboarding for newbies.

The departure space can even have a designed entrance for kids to assist them board.

Departure altitude: 2,193mSpeed: 7m/secondCapacity: 3,500 folks per hourArrival altitude: 2,507mElevation achieve: 314mCapacity: 61 cabins  with 10 seats

It opens on twenty third November 2024.

New ski touring trails in Val Thorens

Salomon and Val Thorens are partnering to develop ski touring and make the exercise extra accessible to everybody.

Two new ski touring trails are opening this season and can join two areas:

Petite Sud and Grande Sud.

Size: 1.8 kms

Beginning altitude: 2,230m

Arrival altitude: 2,395m

Elevation achieve: 65m

Size: 2.03 kms

Beginning altitude: 2,395m

Arrival altitude: 2,738m

Elevation achieve: 343m

Elite Sporting Occasions in Val Thorens

A brand new sports activities program brings collectively three world-renowned occasions :

Tthe Ice Cross World Championships, the primary stage of the Ski Cross World Cup and a stage of the Freeride World Tour.

This reinforces Val Thorens’ place as a dynamic centre for winter sports activities excellence.

Ice Cross, excessive skaters meet in Val Thorens December 5-7, 2024

Val Thorens, in partnership with ASTX (All Terrain Skate Cross) and the French Ice Sports activities Federation, is organizing a leg of the Ice Cross World Championships fromDecember 5-7, 2024.

Staged within the coronary heart of the resort, this most spectacular pace skating competitors will see members launch in teams of 4 on an ice observe dotted with obstacles – all at evening – which provides to the fun and pleasure.

PlanetSKI reporter, Simon Wilson, will probably be on the occasion so kook out for his experiences.

Ski Cross World Cup, December 12-13, 2024

For the twelfth consecutive 12 months, Val Thorens is internet hosting a stage of the Ski Cross World Cup, a must-see occasion on the worldwide ski circuit.

Skiers will compete 4×4 on December 12 & 13, 2024, alongside a course composed of bumps, banked turns and jumps designed by Olympic champion and native skier, Jean-Frédéric Chapuis.

Freeride World Tour, a brand new peak for Freeride From twenty seventh January to 1st February 2025.

The Freeride World Tour returns to France after 8 years and units up in Val Thorens the place a stage will be hosted.

Because of its prime location at 2,300m, Val Thorens and its Cime Caron provide an distinctive playground for rivals, combining technical challenges and breathtaking views.

This French stage can also be the one one accessible by ski raise through the Caron cable automotive.

We now have reported on the brand new occasion earlier on PlanetSKI:

New Ski Resort Options

Altapura

Yaki Alta, an impressed delicacies Opening this season is Altapura’s new restaurant – referred to as Yaki Alta – the place Asian and European flavors meet in daring fusion delicacies.

The restaurant guarantees a limitless culinary journey the place every dish is an exploration of modern tastes and various cultural influences.

L’Oxalys

Full renovation of Montagnettes Group residences.

Following the renovation of the comfort space and spa final season, a complete remodelling of all 36 residences on the 4-star L’Oxalys residence was carried out in the course of the low season costing €3.5 million.

This displays the Montagnettes Group’s dedication to providing unparalleled consolation and high quality to its friends from world wide.

The residence will re-open on November 29.

Marielle

Lodge Marielle will launch its vinyl bar on daily basis from 6pm to 8pm within the bar space.

The idea: a DJ will play solely vinyl information chosen by clients themselves.

Over 1,000 information will probably be obtainable, guaranteeing old-school music ambiance.

Oxygène Ski Faculty launches ‘Ski Switch’

A approach to hit the slopes with out even carrying skis.

Ever fancied heading off into the deeper snow however struggled to become familiar with powder sking? Or perhaps you or a pal can’t ski in any respect?

Oxygène, certainly one of the 5 ski colleges in Val Thorens, is launching ‘ski switch’, an modern, enjoyable and cozy approach to expertise the slopes with out you truly having to ski your self!

You sit in a chair – on skis – which is managed by an Oxygène ski teacher who will take you out onto the slopes, so you possibly can admire the snowy landscapes, meet mates or just discover an space of the mountains you’ve at all times needed to take a look at.

Consider it as the last word Tuk Tuk trip.

Behind the scenes of a linked resort

Val Thorens leverages the talents and keenness of its groups to develop expertise that enhances the protection, consolation, and well-being of friends.

The improvements are plentiful: Snowsat mapping system, GPS beacons to find rescuers, drones for ski space surveillance, making Val Thorens a real pioneer in the usage of expertise to run the resort.

A drone, for Ski Space Sur veillance, a primary in Europe.

Fitted with two cameras, one which makes use of thermal imaging, the different with a 180X zoom lens, the drone permits fast detection of avalanches or different search zones the place the state of affairs has to be assessed as a way to deploy the best operational or rescue technique.

Snowsat, for Clever Grooming.

A expertise on the coronary heart of sustainable, moral tourism, Snowsat is fitted to all snow groomers.

The software program consists of embedded GPS linked to a map of the ski space to then present realtime data on the depth of snow cowl on the slopes.

This expertise can also be linked as much as the snow-making canons which then function robotically and intelligently to supply snow in a focused method.

GPS Beacons, for Elevated Effectivity.

Responsiveness and efficiency are the watchwords behind this innovation.

In Val Tho’, each member of the ski patrol is provided with a GPS beacon and radio, offering an environment friendly technique of finding them and sending the closest patroller to the zone the place help is required.

Ski Flux, the Waze of the Slopes.

Need up-to-date details about skier numbers on the slopes?

That is potential in Val Thorens due to the brand new Ski Flux system which retains skiers knowledgeable in actual time.

Distinctive in France, this system measures the stream of skiers through sensors positioned on the slopes and permits customers to decide on their itinerary accordingly.

Knowledge Montagne, an Optimized Water Administration.

Knowledge Montagne is a software program resolution that permits optimised water useful resource administration within the mountains.

It addresses the problem of balancing totally different makes use of – human consumption and snow necessities.

Val Thorens for Each Funds

Recognized for welcoming vacation makers of all ages and nationalities, Val Thorens tries to cater for each price range, too.

The mountains are accessible to everybody, supplied you understand the best ideas and tips to save lots of money and make your cash go additional.

Snowboarding in April

Snowboarding in winter is nice, however in spring, Val Thorens affords pleasant surprises.

The times are longer, the temperatures are milder, and the snow continues to be wonderful.

Costs are enticing, and the resort affords enticing promotional packages, making the keep extra inexpensive.

These particular affords embrace reductions on ski passes, lodging, and different perks, permitting you to completely benefit from the final snow of the season with out breaking the financial institution.

Unforgettable 100% Free Experiences with Membership Val Tho’

Lovers of the resort have their very own membership to take pleasure in unique complimentary experiences throughout their keep.

The mission of Membership Val Tho’ is to make holidays unforgettable by providing over 2,000 free experiences all through the season.

Whether or not it’s driving a snow groomer at nightfall, eating in a gourmand restaurant or collaborating in torchlight descents with the instructors, membership members can entry these distinctive experiences.

To have an opportunity to win, merely enroll and point out the dates of your keep to be included within the attracts.

And for many who don’t win, many different free actions are supplied throughout faculty holidays for all membership members corresponding to free cheese raclette or trying to find ‘hearts’ on Valentine’s Day.

Free Meals on a 4-Star Lodge Terrace

No extra consuming sandwiches within the snow on the slopes to save cash.

Thoughout the winter, Lodge Marielle**** will provide its terrace and enormous BBQ for “Deliver Your Sausage” occasions.

Everybody can come and prepare dinner on the terrace with their very own merchandise, having fun with the resort’s view and ambiance.

Lodge Marielle even gives free bread, sauces, and and cutlery, together with checkered tablecloths, music and a pétanque area.

VT – extra than simply snowboarding.

Journey by the Cosmojet universe on the longest sledding run in France, a 6 km observe ranging from the Péclet glacier.

Actions abound in Val Thorens: snow groomer rides, zipwires, sledding, and extra.

There’s a wide range of choices to benefit from the pleasures of the snow, guaranteeing an unforgettable expertise whether or not you’re a skier or not:

Soar in tandem on La Bee Zip Line, flying over the slopes for 1,800 meters and touchdown within the coronary heart of the resort.

Le Board, a multi-leisure heart for the entire household

The “Le Board” sports activities and multi-leisure heart is a worthwhile asset to the resort, enhancing the snowboarding expertise.

Situated within the coronary heart of the village, this 17,000 m² house consists of leisure, and wellness areas, together with swimming pools, a conference heart with quite a few assembly rooms, a co-working house, and an distinctive rooftop.

The panoramic terrace can host as much as 2,400 folks, making it excellent for a wide range of formidable and different tasks corresponding to enjoyable occasions, sports activities and live shows.

Inside, a number of modular areas can be found together with an auditorium (437 seats), an area (3,000 folks), lounge space (166 m²), and a devoted occasion house (281 m²).

Nature escape at Lac du Lou

At Lac du Lou, a very refreshing wilderness journey awaits.

Not far from the resort, this pretty Val Tho’ vacation spot affords a breath of contemporary air and an escape within the midst of the world’s largest ski space.

Nestled on the fringe of the Vanoise Nationwide Park, Lac du Lou is frozen over in the winer and sits inside an unlimited, wild plain between the peaks of Cime Caron and Pointe de la Masse.

This majestic location is a playground for divers, hikers and nature lovers who cherish wide-open areas.

This pure gem should be earned.

Reaching Lac du Lou is an journey in itself because it’s inaccessible by automotive or ski lifts.

Guests can get there by snowshoeing, ski touring or through off-piste routes.

Different snowshoe hikes are additionally obtainable across the resort.

Spend a novel night in an Igloo

Removed from conventional eating places, this expertise affords the possibility to style regional specialties in a setting crafted with ardour by professionals.

It’s a novel alternative to mix gastronomy within the uncommon setting of the Igloo Village which is made solely from ice.

And why not prolong the expertise by spending the evening in a ice bed room and luxuriate in a wake-up name in nature with breathtaking views of the resort?

Val Thorens has greater than a dozen spas that are open to everybody, resort friends or not, providing an actual invitation to recharge, unwind, and be pampered.

Every spa is exclusive and has its personal traits so that everybody can select a spot that fits completely:

Spa by Codage at Altapura

1,000 m² devoted to well-being and the one indoor/out of doors pool within the resort.

Koh-I-Nor Is thought for its two swimming pools and out of doors sauna with breathtaking views of the Val Thorens peaks.

New this winter, the Koh-I-Nor resort is partnering with the spa model Gemology, which mixes the advantages of treasured stones with skincare, providing modern and extremely efficient remedies and massages.

Spa Nuxe at Marielle

An distinctive setting with various remedies supplied.

Residencece Montagne Plein Sud

The spa is getting a makeover.

In its ongoing effort to offer friends with a soothing and refined expertise, Village Montana has redesigned the house with new decor and furnishings.

Pure supplies, clear strains, and a comfortable colour palette create an ambiance conducive to finish rest.

The pool is provided with a lightweight remedy system with remedies enhanced to function a number of new providers impressed by the most recent traits in wellness.

Spa by l’Occitane at Pashmina

Provides a brunch and spa package deal, together with its Après-ski therapeutic massage, developed utilizing strategies from the physiotherapy workers of the French ski crew.

This full-body therapeutic massage is particularly designed to boost efficiency by fast muscle restoration, focusing on the deep muscle tissues which can be strained throughout snowboarding.

Oxalys & Hameau du Kashmir Provide Lunch & Spa packages that mean you can take pleasure in a soothing therapy of their wellness areas, adopted by a meal (starter/important course or important course/dessert).

Occasions to not be missed

N O V E M B E R

La Grande Première – It’s the opening weekend of the winter season in Val Thorens.

An unmissable occasion for winter sports activities lovers.

It affords a wide range of actions, introductory classes to totally different disciplines, and a check village to find the most recent merchandise from over 50 manufacturers.

D E C E M B E R

Val Thorens is internet hosting a World Cup occasion of the Ice Cross World Championships for the primary time.

A pace skating race will happen at evening within the coronary heart of the resort.

Ski Cross World Cup – For the twelfth consecutive 12 months, Val Thorens is internet hosting a leg of the Ski Cross World Cup, a key occasion within the worldwide ski circuit.

J A N U A R Y   – F E B R U A R Y

The Freeride World Tour returns to France after 8 years and units up in Val Thorens the place a stage will probably be hosted.

Because of its prime location at 2,300m, Val Thorens and its iconic Cime Caron provide an distinctive playground for rivals, combining technical challenges and breathtaking views.

This distinctive French stage can also be the one one accessible by ski raise through the Caron cable automotive.

Alpine Snowboarding Masters World Championship

M A R C H

The FIS World Criterium Masters has chosen Val Thorens because the host resort this season.

This world championship is reserved for ladies and men over 30 years outdated, competing in three disciplines: Tremendous-G, Slalom, and Big Slalom.

Greater than 500 rivals are anticipated.

The opening ceremony will happen on Monday March 17 within the city heart, with the championship operating from March 17 to 21, adopted by a FIS Big Slalom race on March 22.

Competition’Tho, in its 15 years of existence, Competition’Tho, an digital music competition, has grow to be an unmissable winter occasion for all lovers of events, nice feelings, and unforgettable moments.

A P R I L

Cosmic Mountain Competition – they dreamed it, then they made it occur.

The crew at Val Thorens, in partnership with the Delta Music Competition, are proud to current the primary version of the “Cosmic Mountain Competition”, a celebration of music.

On the agenda: 3 days of partying and music on the must-see spots within the resort.

M A Y

La Grande Dernière – One final weekend of celebration earlier than the top of the season.

Val Thorens invitations its guests to strap on their skis for the ultimate descent of the winter season.

Tomorrow’s Initiatives – Plateau du Cairn

All the time trying to the long run, Val Thorens is continually rethinking and evolving.

For the reason that finish of the final winter season, the resort has launched into quite a lot of renovation and refurbishment tasks, with the goal of regularly enhancing the customer expertise and pursuing a long-term ecological coverage.

The Cairn, eco-neighbourhood.

With a view to innovation and improvement, Val Thorens is planning to create an eco-neighbourhood on a brownfield web site: the Plateau du Cairn.

The goals of the mission are to bolster winter tourism and develop summer time actions, in addition to rising the use of renewable vitality and enabling the development of latest housing for everlasting and seasonal workers.