Disabled skiing in Val Thorens

There are a number of different types of adaptive skiing in Val Thorens including Tandem Skiing, Dual Sit-Ski and Ski Taxi.

Tandem Skiing: Used to go touring, it gives you a sensation of speed and gliding/sliding.

Dual Sit-Ski: Allows the user a little more independence and is guided from the back with handlebars and a lifeline to the instructor.

Ski Taxi: Allows you to enjoy the pleasure of skiing while being comfortably seated in a chair equipped with a pair of skis, with your legs fully stretched out and your head leaning on a headrest. The instructor stands behind you.

Val Thorens' ski schools have a number of instructors who can take you onto the mountain. Both children and adults are catered for and the instructors are passionate about giving you the ultimate skiing experience, whatever your disability. The equipment is provided and all you are advised to book at least 15 days in advance and then to confirm one week before arrival, to ensure that the most appropriate equipment is available for your lesson.

Over the last 15 or so years Val Thorens has committed itself to becoming more accessible to those with disabilities, whether in terms of accommodation, parking, skiing or other facilities. Many hotels, lodges and apartment buildings are wheelchair accessible as is the tourist office.

Special facilities for people with disabilities are available on the mountain:

Courchevel - At top of the Verdons gondola toilets and a picnic room are available. A wheelchair is also available on request from the operating agents.

Méribel Mottaret - At the front de neige, starting from the Pas du Lac gondola, toilets are specially equipped.

Méribel - The Olympic Centre sports complex has adapted changing rooms and toilets in the swimming pool, access to the spectator's area of the ice rink, bowling alley, tea rooms and kindergarten.

Parking with disabled spaces in the Three Valleys:

• Courchevel: Rue de la Croisette right side (next to chalet Les Trappeurs), Place du Forum (in front Snow Limit), Route de l’Altiport (in front of residence Balcons de Pralong), Rue des Tovets (next to police station), and Rue Park City.
• Courchevel Moriond: Covered car park Les Cimes Blanches, Main Street (next to the Ski Bus stop, upward direction, outside the building facing the Ceylan and next to Schuss and in front Pharmacy - limited to four hours), and in front of Rond Point des Pistes Hotel.
• Courchevel Le Praz: Main Street (parking des Peupliers).
• La Tania: Resort centre car park.
• Méribel Mottaret: Parking Ruitor Bas, Parking Ruitor Haut, Parking du Hameau, and Parking de Tuéda.

The Three Valleys has around 40 ski lifts accessible to disabled users, giving you access to one of the largest ski areas in the world, no matter what your disability.

Val Thorens offers significant lift pass reductions of up to 50% both for adaptive skiers and their escorts (on presentation of proof of disability). Adapted toilet facilities are available with wheelchair access at TC Caron/Cairn, TC Moraine, and Funitel Péclet. They have made the ski lifts accessible for disabled users by equipping chairlifts and funitels with elevators and ramps, and ski lift cabins have been designed to provide easy access for wheelchairs.