Val Thorens have just announced they're joining Tignes in opening a week early, both resorts saying they'll open a week on Saturday, 18th November, instead of the 25th originally planned.
The decision follows more than a week of cold, snowy weather which has seen some areas report more than a metre of snowfall above 3000m altitude, with more of the same forecast for the week ahead too.
"Val Thorens is Europe's highest ski resort at 2,300m and we're super excited that they're opening early, with passes at such a compelling rate. Other resorts in Les 3 Vallées system have also had decent early snow. For example, 60 to 80 cm has fallen on Mont Saulire which links Courchevel to Méribel, so it's looking like a very positive start for winter 2023/24," said Olivier Desaulty, the Association Les 3 Vallées' executive director.
Lifts and associated runs open from the 18th will include the Funitel Péclet, the Cascade chairlift and all the magic carpets in the centre of the resort.
For this pre-opening week only - up to Saturday November 25, 2023 - skiers and snowboarders will be able to hit the slopes at a discounted rate of just €20 per day, with Val Thorens' mountain operation staff working hard to prepare the entire ski area for full operation in time for Val Thorens' big annual launch event– the La Grande Première, held over the weekend of November 25 & 26, 2023.