LEARNING TO SKI: WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE VAL THORENS?

Comfortable altitude, reliable snow

At 2,300 metres, Val Thorens holds the title of Europe's highest resort. This altitude guarantees exceptional snow cover from November to May, offering beginners the certainty of high-quality, soft and well-groomed snow. No treacherous ice patches or greenish slopes in mid-season. Just perfect snow – soft enough to forgive falls and supportive enough to guide your progress.

Slopes designed for stress-free learning

There are 600 kilometres of slopes, much of which is accessible to novice skiers. The areas are clearly marked, with easy green and blue slopes that wind gently down the mountain. Modern ski lifts make learning easier: drag lifts with gentle gradients, comfortable chairlifts and magic carpets at the bottom of the slopes. Everything is in place so that nothing ever gets in the way of your eagerness to improve.

Excellent ski schools

Ski lessons in Val Thorens are taught by several reputable schools. Whether group or individual lessons, the instructors adapt to suit every skier’s needs. Adults and children alike can develop at their own pace, together or separately. Learning to ski in Val Thorens goes hand in hand with enjoyment, focus and rapid progress.

Discover the resort

Ski-in, ski-out convenience

At the heart of this mountain setting lies Le Val Thorens, the resort's iconic hotel and the perfect embodiment of the alpine art de vivre, Beaumier style. Here, it all starts with the obvious: skis on, straight out the door. No endless shuttles, no need to carry your equipment for hundreds of metres, no exhausting logistics. Your ski kit is waiting for you in the hotel’s ski room: strap on your skis and glide straight out onto the slopes. In the evening, you can return on skis, with no fuss. Being this close to the slopes transforms the experience – especially for beginners, who can head back inside to warm up the moment fatigue kicks in. 

A retro-chic and convivial ambience

Inside, the hotel has a seventies aesthetic, subtly reimagined. Warm wood, flowing lines, soft lighting. You immediately feel at home in this contemporary mountain lodge, full of life and character. Le 1971 naturally becomes the place to meet after a day of skiing. Inside the bar, it’s all velvet and wood, with a roaring fire to warm you up. DJ sets and cocktails with a twist on the terrace to get you in the mood. At dinner time, the restaurants serve generous cuisine honouring local produce: traditional fondues and raclettes, alongside comforting yet creative brasserie fare.

Spa and art de vivre at altitude

After your first few hours of skiing, your muscles will remind you that you've been using parts of your body you didn't know existed. The spa at Le Val Thorens turns out to be your best friend. Sauna, hammam, relaxation pools: a cocoon where the heat can melt away tension and where wellbeing takes over from exertion, helping your body recover and be ready for another day on the slopes.

At Le Val Thorens, there is a natural balance between energy and rest. Bringing together skiing and après-ski.

Imagine your stay at Le Val Thorens, a Beaumier hotel & spa

A few pointers to help you take your first steps on skis.

• Choose the right time. In February and March, temperatures are milder and the sun shines brighter. The spring snow, gently softened by the sun's rays, is more forgiving when you fall. As the days grow longer, the slopes come alive in a golden light that renders every view simply breathtaking.
• Choose accommodation close to the slopes. Opting for a ski-in/ski-out hotel such as Le Val Thorens totally transforms the experience. You save time, energy and mental effort. You can pop back for lunch, take a spa break between sessions, and adjust your schedule, even at the last minute.
• Don't be afraid to take lessons, even as an adult. A good instructor will help you progress in a matter of hours, prevent you from developing bad habits that quickly become ingrained, and give you confidence. The ski schools in Val Thorens offer packages specially designed for adult beginners, taught in a supportive setting.
• Don't get caught up in technique. You can learn to ski, but more than anything, it’s an experience. It’s not about mastering a carved turn on your first day, but instead delighting in the excitement of winter sports, the crisp air on your face and the beauty of the peaks around you. Give yourself permission to laugh at your falls and celebrate your small victories. The most beautiful memories are made in moments just like these.
• Listen to your body. Learning to ski is physically demanding. Respect your limits, take breaks, and don't hesitate to call it a day if you feel tired. Your body needs time to recover so it can adjust to new sensations and come back stronger the next day. Think spa, naps and relaxing moments at the hotel.