Fiona Outdoors logo My independent guide to the best of Scotland outdoors

6 great activities to try in winter in Val Thorens, France

Written by Fiona

March 25 2019

winter activities in val thorens

Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort at an altitude of 2300m. It is located in the commune of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville in the Savoie department and in the Three Valleys ski area.

Since it was established in 1971, the ski resort (https://www.accommodation-val-thorens.co.uk/) has grown with a range of accommodation and activities. Of course, there is plenty of skiing and snowboarding to enjoy both on he pistes and off-piste. But what if you fancy doing something else on your winter holiday? Here are six ideas.

6 fun things to do in Val Thorens

Zip line

winter activities in val thorens

You can fly two-by-two on la Bee, a double zip-line that extends to 1.8km and wiht a top height of 65m. You can access the zip line as a pedestrian or a skier from the top of the Moutière chairlift.

The zip line is open year round and for people aged over 14 and taller than 1.40m.

Ice diving

Just a short distance from the resort of Vals Thorens, in the frozen Lac du Lou, you can give ice diving a try.

Participants must be aged over 16 but no prior experience is required. They are supplied with a waterproof drysuit and diving equipment for a 20-minute exploration below the ice.

Ice driving

winter activities in val thorens

Enjoy an unusual activity, ice driving, on the highest European circuit at 2200m. The activity happens at Lac du Lou situated between Les Menuires and the lower part of Val Thorens. See ice driving.

Snow mobile

After sunset, join a snow mobile tour around the slopes of Val Thorens. Ride solo or as a pair.

The tours begin at 17:30 each day and you need to book ahead. Make sure you wrap up warm, too.

Snowshoeing

winter activities in val thorens

Did you know that snowshoeing in one of the oldest snowsports in the world? Over 10,000 years ago, snowshoes gave hunters the ability to move around easily despite the thick layers of snow.

Today, snowshoeing has become a sport and leisure activity. Requiring no experience, except a sense of adventure, snowshoeing allows you to walk on snowy slopes. It’s open to adults and children and is very easy to learn.

Snake glissing

winter activities in val thorens
Sake glissing fun in Val Thorens.

What is snake glissing you might ask? It is an activity on snow, where up to 10 sledges are tied together, led by an instructor. You then enjoy a winding 45-minute descent from the top of the Funitel de Péclet.

More Like This

Adventure

Review: Salewa Ortles Light Mid PowerTex (PTX) boots

Adventure

Historical landmarks of the Golden Triangle – A journey through time, taste and tranquillity

Adventure

Six new sports you might like to try

Adventure

Cycling on the Black Isle

Adventure

Cycle Aviemore to Inverness

Adventure

Pawel Cymbalista sets Rob Roy Way FKT