My First Ski Trip to Val Thorens: A Beginner’s Experience

I was a bit of a late starter when it came to skiing. I didn’t hit the slopes until my late 20s – and to be honest, I’m not exactly the sporty type, and I definitely don’t enjoy being cold. But what I do love is trying new experiences.

At the start of 2022, my husband, my sister and I decided to do something completely different: take a few ski lessons and, if we survived those, book a ski trip at the end of the year.

Unexpectedly, I loved the lessons. Even though I was completely unprepared (and severely underdressed), there was something addictive about it. After a few sessions that felt dangerously close to frostbite, we quickly invested in proper thermals and decent ski gloves—and booked our very first ski trip to Val Thorens in the French Alps.

Why We Chose Val Thorens

Choosing where to go for our first ski holiday felt like a big decision, especially as beginners.

One of the main reasons we picked Val Thorens was its altitude. It’s one of the highest ski resorts in Europe, meaning it has incredibly reliable snow conditions from November through to May. At the time, there were constant news reports about resorts struggling with lack of snow, delayed openings, and unpredictable conditions.

We didn’t want to take any chances – so choosing a high-altitude resort with guaranteed snow felt like the safest option.

First Impressions

I didn’t expect to fall in love with skiing – but I did.

The mountain scenery is breathtaking, the thrill of skiing down the slopes is unlike anything else, and there’s something magical about stopping for lunch high up in the clouds. And then, of course, there’s après ski – warming up by a fire with a drink in hand after a long day on the slopes.

That said, your first ski holiday is always a learning curve. From figuring out what to pack to simply staying upright, there’s a lot to take in. So if you’re planning your first trip, hopefully this guide will help you feel a little more prepared.

About Val Thorens

Val Thorens is part of the Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées), the largest interconnected ski area in the world. It’s a hugely popular destination thanks to its reliable snow, lively atmosphere, and variety of slopes for all abilities.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or more experienced, there’s something for everyone:

Wide, gentle blue runs perfect for building confidence
Plenty of red runs for progression
Challenging black and off-piste routes for advanced skiers

Another big advantage? Value for money. Compared to some neighbouring resorts in the Three Valleys, accommodation in Val Thorens is often more affordable – while still giving you access to the entire ski area.

Even better, around 90% of accommodation is ski-in, ski-out, which makes everything incredibly convenient – especially as a beginner.

Where Is Val Thorens?

Val Thorens is located in the Tarentaise Valley in the Savoie region of southeastern France. It sits within the Belleville Valley, part of the wider Three Valleys ski area.

The nearest town is Moûtiers, about 37 km away, which acts as the main gateway to the resort.

The closest airports are:

Chambéry (approx. 112 km away)
Geneva (approx. 159 km away)

From there, you can reach the resort via coach transfers, private transfers, or car hire.

How High Is Val Thorens?

Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe, with the village sitting at 2,300 metres above sea level.

The ski area itself reaches up to 3,230 metres at Cime Caron.

This high altitude means:

Excellent snow reliability
Better snow quality
A longer ski season

You’ll typically find the best snow conditions on the higher, north-facing slopes.

Après Ski in Val Thorens

Val Thorens is known for its lively après scene—and it definitely doesn’t disappoint.

If you’re looking for a party, you’ll find one.

360 Bar: Located at the foot of the Moraine and Portette chairlifts, this is a great spot for music, DJs, and dancing straight off the slopes.
La Folie Douce: A must-visit. Think of it as a full-on nightclub on the mountain during the day. From 2 pm onwards, it’s all about live performances, DJs, and high-energy vibes.
Café Snesko: A Scandinavian-style bar known for its chaotic, fun atmosphere—expect singalongs, shots, and plenty of energy.
Le Saloon: A more laid-back but still lively option with live music, friendly staff, and great happy hour deals.

Spa Day at Koh-i-Nor

I treated myself to a spa day at Koh-i-Nor Hotel, and it was the perfect way to unwind after a few intense days on the slopes. The spa felt incredibly luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views over the snowy mountains. I spent time moving between the indoor and outdoor pools, soaking in the warmth while surrounded by crisp alpine air, before relaxing in the sauna and steam room. It was exactly what my tired legs needed – and a peaceful contrast to the busy energy of the slopes and après ski scene.

Where we stayed

I stayed at Le Cheval Blanc Apartments for seven nights over the Christmas break, and it turned out to be the perfect cosy base for our trip. The apartment had a warm, homely fee – exactly what you want after a long day in the snow – and one of my favourite moments was watching the sunset from the balcony, with the mountains glowing in soft pink and orange hues. It was also really practical, with a dedicated room to store ski boots and equipment, which made getting ready each morning so much easier (and kept the rest of the apartment dry and clutter-free!). It was self-catered so we saved money by cooking a couple of meals ourselves!

Town of Val Thorens

The town of Val Thorens really comes alive in the evenings, especially during the Christmas break. After the lifts close, the streets fill with a buzzing atmosphere – twinkling lights, music, and people spilling out of bars and restaurants. During the festive period, there are fireworks lighting up the mountains, along with all sorts of organised events that make it feel extra magical. Whether you’re heading out for a lively après ski or just soaking up the festive vibe with a hot drink, there’s always something going on, and it adds such a special touch to the whole experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering your first ski trip and feeling unsure – do it.

I went in as someone who doesn’t like the cold and isn’t particularly sporty, and I came out completely hooked. Val Thorens turned out to be the perfect place to start: reliable snow, beginner-friendly slopes, and an atmosphere that makes the whole experience unforgettable.