When planning a ski trip to the French Alps, it often comes down to two legendary names – Val Thorens and Val d’Isère. Both offer world-class skiing, buzzing après-ski scenes, and plenty of things to do for skiers and non-skiers alike. But if you’re torn between the two, we’ve broken it down so you can figure out which resort suits your style best.
Skiing in Val Thorens vs Val d’Isère
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe (sitting at 2,300m), which basically guarantees amazing snow from November right through to May. With direct access to the enormous Three Valleys ski area, you’ll never run out of slopes to explore. Val d’Isère, on the other hand, links up with Tignes to form the famous Espace Killy – an advanced skier’s playground with challenging runs, steep descents, and plenty of off-piste action.
Fun fact: Val Thorens’ Cime Caron cable car takes you up to a dizzying 3,200m where you get 360-degree views of more than 1,000 Alpine peaks.
Things to Do in Val Thorens and Val d’Isere for non-skiers
Not everyone in your group will want to ski all day, and luckily, both resorts have loads of activities off the snow:
Families with kids: Val Thorens has dedicated beginner areas and fun zones like the “Fun Slope” for little ones, plus sledging runs that are just as much fun for adults. Val d’Isère is great for family-friendly ski schools and has an adventure park with climbing walls and trampolines.
For teenagers: Snowparks are a huge hit. The Three Valleys snowpark is perfect for practicing tricks.
Non-skiers: Think spa days, snowshoe walks, ice driving, dog sledding, or even paragliding off the mountains. Val Thorens has a bowling alley and sports centre, while Val d’Isère has luxury wellness spas and chic boutiques for a more laid-back day.
Couples: A candlelit dinner at a mountain restaurant, husky sledding under the stars, or cocktails in a cozy après-ski bar – both resorts have romantic vibes, but Val d’Isère edges slightly more on the glamorous side.
Adventurous types: Ice diving in Val Thorens’ Lac du Lou, or heli-skiing across the Italian border from Val d’Isère – take your pick.
Après-Ski, Restaurants & Bars
Val Thorens is all about big, bold après-ski. You’ve probably heard of La Folie Douce – the original slopeside party venue with live DJs and cabaret. But Val Thorens also has Le Malaysia, the biggest nightclub in the Alps.
Val d’Isère is more chic but still buzzing. Think champagne bars, fine dining, and stylish spots like Cocorico. Foodies will love the range of restaurants – from Michelin-starred establishments to cozy Savoyard chalets serving gooey fondue.
Events & Festivals in Val Thorens & Val d’Isere
Both resorts love a good party, but they attract slightly different crowds:
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Val Thorens is famous for its Dutch Week (a wild season-ender with DJs and parties) and the Andros Trophy – a crazy ice-driving race that draws big crowds.
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Val d’Isère hosts the prestigious Critérium de la Première Neige (an early-season World Cup ski race) and plenty of chic music and arts events throughout winter.
Best Time to Visit
Val Thorens is unbeatable for early and late-season skiing thanks to its height – snow is pretty much guaranteed.
Val d’Isère has a long season too, but it’s at its best from mid-December through to March, when snowfall is most reliable.
The Verdict
So, Val Thorens vs Val d’Isère – which is better? Honestly, it depends on your vibe.
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Choose Val Thorens if you want high-altitude snow, a party-loving atmosphere, and an unbeatable choice of slopes in the Three Valleys.
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Pick Val d’Isère if you prefer a glamorous Alpine village feel, challenging skiing, and a mix of fine dining with lively après-ski.
Either way, you can’t lose – both resorts are bucket-list worthy.
