Europe's highest, and one of its youngest resorts, Val Thorens, is 40 years old this winter.
Back in 1971 an enthusiastic, pioneering team began the project of creating an all new resort at a staggering altitude of 2300 metres at the top of what was shortly to become the world's largest ski area, the 3 Valleys. Critics at the time argued "too high and too much snow!" But keen developers countered, "that gives us carte blanche to do as we please and overcome challenges!"
Since then Val Thorens has gone from strength to strength with a ski area open from November to May, guaranteed snow cover, an ever more varied choice of accommodation, restaurants and activities.
His winter along with new four and five star accommodation the resort unveils its fourth Funitel, the type of lift first created in Val Thorens in 1989; will climb from the summit of the Portette chair lift (2795metres) to the col du Bouchet at an altitude of 3000 metres in less than two minutes. From here, skiers and boarders can take either the new "Asters" red run or the new "Chocard" blue run.
With these two new slopes accessible from the Funitel de Thorens, another new slope in the Plein Sud area and further improvements to existing runs, the Val Thorens/Orelle ski area will be significantly increased and 150km of runs will be available from resort.
