Skiing in Val Thorens

With high-altitude slopes, incredible views, all the holiday- making facilities you may need and an extensive ski area suitable for all abilities, a break in Val Thorens offers the ultimate winter experience. Here are some of Erna Low's top reasons for booking Val Thorens.

• As Europe’s highest ski resort, you’re guaranteed excellent snow conditions throughout the season in Val Thorens. Add that to unlimited access to explore up to 600km of pistes across the ski area including 150km within the local resort boundaries.
• There is a decent selection of red and blue runs for anyone who is an intermediate skier – in particular, the wide and spacious Genepi run is great for confidence building. In contrast, red runs such as the extended descent down towards Orelle in the Maurienne Valley offer a fun challenge for the slightly more experienced.
• You’ll find a state-of-the-art network of up to 30 gondolas and chairlifts linking you to all the pistes of Val Thorens meaning getting around the mountain always feels easy and avoids those knee bashing chairlifts of old! The ski area connects seven resorts, including firm favourites like Meribel, Courchevel and Les Menuires – all of which collectively make up the 600km of snowsure pistes that we deliberately keep mentioning!
• The trusty piste-basher teams are in perpetual action to keep all slopes looking fresh and maximising your slope time. And for those with little ones amongst you, some of the lifts in the Three Valleys area feature ‘Magnestick’ technology to ensure children are attached securely until it's safe to disembark.
• For when you are off the hill, VT really does offer so much outside of snow-time. The après scene is incredible with multiple options on how to see the sun go down over a chilled beer and regardless of whether you’re a group of mates or a multigenerational family booking, you’ll be spoilt for choice when eating out and exploring extra activities; ziplines, paragliding, tobogganing, sledge courses, bowling, swimming, local markets, live music… the list goes on!

So whether you're new to the game or a seasoned skier, a small group of friends or a full on family booking looking for a fun-filled winter adventure, Val Thorens ski holidays really do promise an unforgettable experience.

If you're a fan of the one plank over two aka snowboarding, you'll be in your element in Val Thorens. Here are some of the highlights for boarders.

• Adventurous beginners, you can easily use the Plein Sud chairlift to access the Meribel Valley, where you will find plenty of wide pistes to perfect your carves.
• Free riders- you should make a beeline for Le Cime de Caron and La Masse in Les Menuires to pit their wits and skill against the more challenging terrain.
• Park rats- you’ll find Val Thorens Snowpark in the Plateau area and it’s ideal for mastering jumps, jibbing, j-turns, side slipping and every other manoeuvre under the mountain sun.
• The Snowpark covers 70,000 square metres and features table-top jumps, an airbag, and quarter-pipe jumps. Most importantly, it’s a friendly and accessible atmosphere for all levels so you should give it a go!
• Still, if you’re a bit more advanced, you might fancy entering one of the freestyle competitions held throughout the season.
• Greens only? The flatter slopes near the Rond Point des Pistes are great for novice snowboarders, while green runs like the Deux Combes provide a logical next step once you’ve built up your confidence.