Where to stay in Val Thorens

When it comes to booking accommodation in Val Thorens, there is certainly no shortage of choice.

Whether you're looking for luxury hotels, chalets for large groups or apartments that are as close to the lifts as possible, you’ll find it all here.

If you’re holidaying with kids

Trudging around in ski boots is no fun for anyone. If your kids are booked in for ski lessons, you might want to consider booking accommodation near one of the nursery slopes. Les Menuires is a family friendly small resort.

If you want ski-in ski-out

Val Thorens has plenty of ski-in ski-out accommodation and Les Menuires offers affordable apartments, many of which are ski-in, ski-out.

If you want to party

You’ll want to stay as close to Val Thorens as possible. There are a several bars in Les Menuires offering a good après ski atmosphere too.

If you’re on a budget

Val Thorens has accommodations to suit all budgets. For more affordable accommodation, Les Menuires is a good choice.

If you want luxury

You'll find luxurious chalets in most parts of Val Thorens, but St. Martin de Belleville offers several luxury chalets and unstated luxury.

Staying right in the centre of Val Thorens means you'll be able to walk to and from the resort’s main facilities and attractions (even if you've had a few).

Val Thorens basically has it all, from hotels catering for every budget (with some fantastic luxury options including a rooftop igloo) to ski-in/ski-out self-catered apartments dotted throughout the resort high and low, and charming traditional chalets. If you want to go back to basics there is even the option of a youth hostel in Val Thorens.

Who should stay in Val Thorens?

If you want to be first on the lifts in the morning and last out of the bars in the evening, then booking accommodation in Val Thorens itself is a must.

The resort centre is ideal if you want to stay at the heart of the action, close to the ski schools, bars and nightclubs, as well as to the world-famous slopes of Val Thorens. There are bars aplenty, restaurants for nearly all types of cuisine, a bowling alley and a nightclub for late-night extended après ski. While other resorts in the Belleville valley have spread out into adjoining hamlets, Val Thorens accommodation is really centrally located all attaching itself to the pistes that run through the resort.

The resort has also in recent years ensured that they maintain their no-car policy so there's limited roadside parking. Worry not, however, there are several car parks available so that you can leave your car for the week with shuttle buses working their way around day and night.

St Martin de Belleville (1,450m) is known as the ‘hidden gem’ of the Three Valleys being very much a French village with a ski lift rather than a purpose-built ski resort. Oozing French charm, there are still traces of its previous life as a farming village, from the local farms you can eat in to the great snow walks up to cheese-making dairies. Tucked away at the top of the village are the St Martin 1 and 2 ski lifts which whisk you up to Les 3 Vallées, the largest ski area in the world.

Who should stay in St Martin de Belleville?
Those looking for an authentic Alpine village with luxury accommodation. As St Martin has kept its traditional feel, it means there are few large accommodation providers with around just four quaint hotels to be found here. There are also some small catered chalets and self-catered apartments, of which many offer a ski-in/ski-out location. Most accommodation tends to be in the centre of St Martin itself with a couple of chalet companies venturing into the nearby village of Villarabout, from where you can still walk to St Martin (most actually provide a shuttle service).

Over the past few years, the number of catered chalet companies in St Martin has steadily increased with most providers now tending to offer a luxury service aimed at those that love to ski but also like to be taken care of in the evening with fine dining and fine wines. With just three bars in the village, a catered chalet is a very popular option in this low-key resort.

The resort of Les Menuires (1,850m) won’t be winning a beauty competition any time soon with the majority of its apartment residences having been constructed in the 70s. The upside, however, is that the resort offers a large amount of accommodation at La Croisette, right next to the piste.

Who should stay in Les Menuires?
Les Menuires is great for skiers on a budget wanting centrally located accommodation with direct access to the Three Valleys. There are several three and four-star hotels, as well as a large amount of self-catered apartments, many bars, restaurants and a couple of nightclubs. Les Menuires also has a sports centre with swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym, squash and badminton courts and other facilities.

Just outside Les Menuires, the areas of Reberty and Bruyeres are great mini-resorts that have developed over the past few years. Reberty is located at an altitude of 2,000m. The Sunny Express lift whisks you up to the pistes in Les Menuires or Val Thorens, while the Boyes run leading you back home. Les Bruyeres has a lift that provides easy access to the Val Thorens Les Menuires ski area, as well as a popular spa and the ‘Speed Mountain’, a toboggan run on rails. Both Reberty and Les Bruyeres tend to be popular locations for many catered chalet companies but there are also a couple of four-star hotels here. These smaller areas offer a number of bars, restaurants, ski hire shops and ski lifts just slightly away from the crowds. The planning restrictions have also been stepped up in these hamlets, meaning they have a much quainter look about them than the main resort.

At a slightly lower altitude but still under the 'Les Menuires' umbrella, the village of Le Bettaix is also a growing choice at 1,400m. This location provides quick access to the Three Valleys while a lovely gentle blue run will take you back to your accommodation at the end of the day. Catered chalets and self-catered apartments are the main choices here. Facilities are more limited with no restaurants or bars but this is a good option for a quiet location with easy Three Valleys access without breaking the bank.

If you're searching for luxury accommodation in Val Thorens, you're in luck! The resort offers plenty of high-end options, many of which feature private swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and even cinema rooms.

Where are luxury chalets and apartments located in Val Thorens?
Luxury chalets and apartments can be found all around Val Thorens. If it's a bustling atmosphere with plenty to do on and off the slopes what you're after, then Val Thorens centre is your best choice. However, if you prefer peace and quiet, you should opt for St Martin de Belleville or Les Menuires.

Are there any five-star hotels in Val Thorens?
Val Thorens has several five-star luxury hotels. Most of them are located in the centre and offer all the high-end facilities and services you can think of: gourmet restaurants, fully equipped spas, easy access to the pistes, sumptuous décor and cosy but plush bedrooms. There's also a five-star hotel located between St Martin and Les Menuires, in the small unknown village of St Marcel, La Bouitte, which is well-known for its three Michelin-starred restaurant. As it's located slightly out of the resort, it offers a chauffeur service to take you to St Martin to start your ski day. With no other facilities in St Marcel, your holiday will centre around the hotel and restaurant. But, really, why would you want to go anywhere else?

High snow capped peaks, deep luscious forests, white snow filled fields and cosy wooden chalets with roaring fires, a ski break can be the most romantic of holidays. 

In Val Thorens, you’ll be able to make all your fairytale escapade dreams come true.

What’s the best place to stay in Val Thorens for couples?
St Martin de Belleville offers the quintessentially picturesque Alpine holiday. Imagine cosy, traditional ski chalets nestled between the trees where you can relax in the hot tub at the end of a hard day on the pistes and enjoy wonderful panoramic mountain views.

Groups have very specific needs, namely a big enough space and easy access to the slopes and the resort's amenities.

Where in Val Thorens can you find large apartments and chalets for groups?
All around the Belleville Valley, you'll find chalets and apartments accommodating up to 10 people and more. However, if you want to impress your guests or you want your group of friends to make the most of what Val Thorens has to offer, staying in the centre is key.

When travelling with young children, you ideally want to stay somewhere that has lots of facilities and services. The last thing you want to do is trek miles with little people - especially if they're in ski boots! 

What’s the best area for families with children to stay in Val Thorens?
Val Thorens offers plenty of things to do, including free nursery slopes right in the centre. However, at 2,300m, it may be a bit too high for those with younger children. Les Menuires, with a wide range of restaurants, shops and activities available, plus easy access to the slopes including wide and easy beginner runs, is another great option. It's not only lower but also generally quieter than Val Thorens.

Generally marketed towards the wealthier skiers, Val Thorens isn't well-known for being affordable. But this doesn't mean there aren't any budget-friendly options on offer. In general, the further away from the centre you get, the cheaper the prices are.

Les Menuires tends to offer cheaper prices than Val Thorens. However, you may be able to find a bargain in Val Thorens itself but you'll need to time your trip outside the main school holidays.

Ski-to-door accommodation is very popular in Val Thorens, which means that it gets booked out quite quickly. Prices are also usually more expensive than the accommodation a bit further away from the slopes. However, there's no greater feeling than arriving at your doorstep with your skis on, so get on booking as soon as you can if you want to experience it yourself.

Where can you find ski-to-door accommodation in Val Thorens?
In the winter, Val Thorens' streets turn into pistes so most of the chalets, apartments and hotels in the centre offer ski-to-the-door access. Les Menuires also has some apartment buildings located on the side of the slopes, especially in the area of La Croisette.

Val Thorens isn't really a camping destination, so there are no campsites in the area. The nearest ones are located in the neighbouring valleys in towns like Orelle, Brides-les-Bains or Bozel. 

The best choice for those visiting the area is the public campsite in Orelle, linked to Val Thorens thanks to the Three Valleys gondola. The campsite offers showers and toilets, water and electricity and even tennis courts.

Where to park a motorhome or campervan in Val Thorens

France is famous for its well-equipped motorhome areas or 'aires de camping-car' and Val Thorens is no exception. You can stay with your motorhome or campervan at the P2 car park, on rue du Soleil – we recommend you book in advance if you're coming during the high season. Les Menuires also has a motorhome area just 50m from the slopes.