LOOKING AHEAD

27th July 2018

Last modified on August 23rd, 2021

Val Thorens shares what’s new with us for the fast approaching season (oh it will!); Here’s looking at Winter 18/19.

17th November is the date to put in the diary.

That’s when Val Thorens in Les3Vallees will swing its lifts and open for the winter season.

And it’s going to be a good one.

Not only can we feel it in our ice-tuned waters that the snow will yet again come in full force.

But Val Thorens often has it good when it comes to early skiing and the best conditions, being the highest ski town in the Alps.

At 2,300m – the skiing in Val Thorens goes way above – VT is one of the first resorts to open with reliably good piste skiing, whether there’s early snow in Europe or not, due to high-altitude cold temps high up and the resort’s diligence to preparing the groomers.

It means it’s often a first stop on the PlanetSKI circuit.

Then there’s La Grande Premiere, the big opening weekend, strangely held the week after the resort’s runs open.

But that works and, moreover, it’s great fun.

You’ll be one of the first in the Alps to ski and can also be one of the first to try out new the season’s ski and snowboard models.

60 brands, big names and small, set up their stand in a mini festival on the main slope of VT and bring along their new gear.

Best thing is, it’s free for anyone with a lift pass to go in and take skis or boards for trying out.

There’s also music, hot drinks & snacks, and many other activities during the opening weekend to bring in the winter in style and full energy.

Val Thorens 18/19

What is new in the area?

There are four new ski touring itineraries.

La Camille was new to the repetoire last year and was well trodden, or slid, during the season.

With the new four, all you have to do is choose between climbing opposite PeÌclet’s majestic aiguilles or La Cime Caron for a complete change of scenery, letting you rediscover the Val Thorens ski area from a different perspective – on the up.

Even better, the ski down will bring you back directly into the resort, so no further work needed.

The routes are between 2-6 kilometres and are ideal as an introduction to ski touring.

That’s if you are a newbie.

There’s plenty of kilometres to explore through Les3Vallees otherwise…

There are two more pistes new to the resort this season.

One starts at La Cime Carons, and is a 3.2km run with a 570m vertical drop.

The second is an extension of the Boismint run, a favourite first thing in the morning.

It’s been expanded to add a black run so early-rising hardcore skiers, here’s where to head.

A Taste of Touring

48 Hours in Val Thorens

Mountain Serenity in VT

Not new this season, but certainly a modern and important change in Val Thorens’ mantra and ideal is its concentration on the basics – the basics of the mountains, the sports, the environment and og relaxation.

Skiing came about as a way to discover and experience the mountains.

Headspace, wellness and health are at the centre.

No longer is it about the racing and apres of the past few decades, but about slowing down and taking care of yourself, with food, exercise and atmosphere.

The ‘My Serenity’ programme at VT is a step towards (or even back to) just this; a reboot and a re-energise.

Read above our article on ‘Mountain Serenity in VT’ for more – or simply join a morning yoga session on the slopes to be part of it.

This next activity, we’re sure, needs no introduction…

A slight change from the serenity programme. Or is it?

Soar like a bird above the world on a zipline.

Then again it is the highest and fastest in the Alps.

Watch this:

THE DIARY:

Saturday 17th November

Skiing officially open.

Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th November – Grand Opening

15,000 skiers expected a day
60 ski brands present with clothing & equipment for free new season ski and snowboard testing
5,000+ products to test
80% of the ski area open
Mini snow park
Big air bag
Trampoline for snow scooters
Ski touring area
Carving zone

Saturday 1st Sunday & 2nd December