Val Thorens

Val Thorens sits at around 2,300m at the head of the Belleville valley, and it is usually billed as the highest ski resort in Europe. That altitude is the whole point: the snow is about as reliable as it gets in the Alps, the season runs from late November into May, and you can ski straight from your door in almost every corner of the resort.

It sits at the top of Les 3 Vallées, one of the largest linked ski areas in the world, with Méribel, Courchevel and Les Menuires all reachable on skis. Val Thorens' own terrain is big, open and above the treeline, with the Cime Caron cable car topping out at around 3,200m and wide cruising runs that suit intermediates beautifully.

It is a purpose-built, ski-in ski-out resort rather than a pretty village, and its après scene is loud, young and famous — think dancing in ski boots at altitude. The trade-off is exposure: on stormy days there are no trees to hide among, and the altitude hits harder if you arrive unfit. Strong legs and decent lungs make a real difference here.

Winter is the reason to go: Val Thorens usually opens in late November and runs into early May, making it one of the best bets for early- and late-season skiing. January brings the coldest, quietest snow; March and April bring sunshine and spring snow. Summer is limited — some lifts and trails open in July and August, but it is a ski town first.

Most people fly to Geneva (around 2.5–3 hours by transfer), Chambéry or Lyon. By rail, take the train to Moûtiers, then a bus or taxi up the valley for roughly an hour. Once you arrive the resort is compact and largely car-free, with most accommodation ski-in ski-out.