Off the Slopes in Val Thorens

Val Thorens has an increasingly long list of “things to do besides skiing and boarding” the list is endless and offers options for adrenalin junkies and those looking to relax alike.

Val Thorens On Snow 

One of the resorts newest activities on offer is mountain biking on snow (+33 (0)4 79 00 08 08). Organised on two evenings each week (subject to weather conditions), just after the lifts close for the afternoon, the sessions take place from 3000m up at the foot of the Péclet Glacier. Participants whizz down the 6km long “Tête Ronde”, offering a sumptuous decor of high mountains, blue run over 700 vertical metres.

To take part you need to be an experienced mountain biker or at least fit and capable. Bikers are accompanied down by Gérald Bigot, a qualified instructor, who will explain how to use the bike on snow including braking, turning and, pretty inevitably, falling off. Descents take around 45 minutes with a glass of mulled wine when you reach the bottom. Your bike and protective clothing are provided as part of the package.

Here is a little video to give you a taste of mountain biking on snow: 

Another way you can clock up some vertical descent, without your skis or board, is tobogganing. Val Thorens is home to France’s longest toboggan run; starting from the top of the Funitel Péclet at 3000m you descend 6km back down to resort, over a groomed course featuring banked turns and plenty of adrenaline rushes along the way! The run is open daily from 10am to 3pm and available 3 evenings per week.

If you would rather not sacrifice that precious piste time on your skis or board. The course has some steeper sections and is not suitable for children under 5 yrs. However children aged between 5 and 10yrs who are riding tandem with an adult can do so free of charge.

Sound good? Take a look here and see what you think:

Val Thorens off the Snow

If you would like to get away from the slopes for a while there are plenty of other activities in Val Thorens to keep you entertained; take in some amazing views of the whole area with a paragliding adventure (+33(0)6 81 55 74 94). You’ll be strapped on to a qualified instructor who controls the flight whilst you sit back and enjoy the ride. Undoubtedly one of the most unique and exhilarating ways to take the amazing scenery.

Rather keep your feet on the ground? Get your adrenalin pumping with a thrilling ice driving course (+33 (0)6 74 78 25 13) or get some competition going with family or friends in a game of paintball (+33 (0)6 74 87 34 53).

The Sports Centre at Centre Commercial Caron, is ideally situated in the centre of the resort, easily accessible from most accommodation, but ideal if you are staying in the Residence L’Altineige. There are loads of activities available such as tennis, squash and football as well as a huge swimming pool and spa and great fun park for kids. If you would like more information on kids activities then have a look at our Val Thorens Family Guide.

Rest and Relax

If you would like a something a little more chilled, then you can have a go at snowshoeing (+33 (0)6 61 12 57 74, ecoledelamontagne.fr) and see the resort from a different perspective. There are options of length of the walks, so it’s an ideal activity whether you want a day off from skiing and boarding.

if you are just looking for a bit of entertainment after a day on the hill. Val Thorens also has a cinema (+33 (0)4 79 00 01 51) and bowling alley (+33 (0)4 79 22 25 57, bowlingvalthorens.com), perfect options if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

There is also plenty of opportunity for a spot of shopping; There are more than 150 shops, many of them in the resort’s two malls of; Caron, very close to Residence L’Altineige and smaller Peclet, opposite Chalet de la Lomabrde and very close to the Hotel 3 Valleés. They provide the essential services for a ski resort – food, ski rentals, a post office, photographic shop, newsagents. There are several souvenir and fashion outlets too but, as this is a seasonal resort that closes down when the lifts close there is not a huge amount of ‘recreational’ shopping to be done.

If you would like to really get away from it all or even if you just have a few aches and pains from your time on the mountain, then check out our Val Thorens Spa guide for the best places in town to melt away those ‘ski legs’.