Europe’s highest and most snow sure resort is located in the southern most valley of the three valleys area. Of all three valleys resorts, Val Thorens is probably the least convenient for travel at 45 minutes' drive up though the steep Belleville valley from Moutiers. However there are regular bus services that run from Moutiers, and the resort benefits from the same good transport links as the other three valleys so the only inconvenience is the extra half hour journey time.
By Plane
Chambery Airport - 111 km / approx 1 hours 37 mins
There is the possibility of private transfers with Ski Lifts or a car hire.
Transfers run regularly from Chambery to Val Thorens with Altibus.
Geneva Airport - 199 km / approx 2 hours 26 mins
Ben's Bus operate weekend shared transfers from Geneva to Val Thorens and offer our clients a 5% discount. This is only available for clients who book their ski accommodation through Powderbeds. Please get in touch for the promotional code.
AlpyBus provide a shared transfer service to Val Thorens and offer our clients a 5% discount using promotional code P0WDERB$DS (please note this code is only valid if you have booked your accommodation through Powderbeds). Altibus also run a frequent coach service to the resort from Geneva.
There is always the option of arranging car hire or a private transfer with Ski Lifts.
The train is not quite as convenient, requiring two rail changes and a transfer from Moutiers up to Val Thorens.
Lyon Airport - 196 km / approx 2 hours 25 mins
You can organise a private transfer with Ski Lifts (as above) or hire a car.
Ben's Bus operate weekend shared transfers from Lyon to Val Thorens and offer our clients a 5% discount. This is only available for clients who book their ski accommodation through Powderbeds. Please get in touch for the promotional code.
Grenoble Airport - 186 km / approx 2 hours 25 mins
Ben's Bus operate weekend shared transfers from Grenoble to Val Thorens and offer our clients a 5% discount. This is only available for clients who book their ski accommodation through Powderbeds. Please get in touch for the promotional code.
Car hire is also a great option from Grenoble airport.
Car Rental
If you require a hire car for your ski holiday, there are a number of fantastic car rental companies based in Europe.
By Train
The Eurostar operated snow train will take you directly from London St Pancras to Moutiers, where there are regular buses running up to resort throughout the winter. As easy as that!
The overnight train from London leaves every Friday, arriving in Moutiers on Saturday morning. Sacrificing your bed on the Friday night will give you an extra-smug half day on the mountain whilst everyone else is still travelling to resort! If sleep is a necessity for you, as is for most, you can take the day time service that leaves on the Saturday morning, arriving later that afternoon. The snow train is operated by Eurostar which can be booked here eurostar.com.
If you can’t travel at the weekend, there are daily trains from London that require a couple of changes on the way. One in Paris from Paris Gare du Nord to Paris Austerlitz and another nearer the Alps that will take you to Moutiers in time for dinner. Tickets and timetables are available at rail-europe.com.
Self-Drive
As with all resorts in the French Alps the drive from the UK to the Alps can be done in a day, but it requires between 7 and 10 hours behind the wheel depending on traffic and weather conditions. We would advise that you add snow chains to your check list, make sure you have a heavy mix of coolant in your radiator to combat the freeze, and keep your eye on the weather forecast. For comprehensive directions, toll costs, and fuel estimations go to ViaMichelin.
Parking in Val Thorens is no problem with 24 hour manned car parks and a total of 3500 parking spaces. The resort is however a car free resort, so you can drive to your hotel and drop off your luggage but you must then leave your car in one of the resorts many indoor or outdoor car parks.
Follow the links to view our full range of Val Thorens accommodation:
Please click here to view our Val Thorens hotels
Please click here to view our Val Thorens Self-catering apartments
Please click here to view all other Val Thorens accommodation