Val Thorens works well for families who want reliable snow and short walks. The village is compact, most hotels are on the slopes, and the beginner lifts are free. The main things to weigh up with small children are the cold and the altitude.
Is Val Thorens good for families?
Yes, with a couple of caveats. What works:
- Snow you can count on, from late November to early May, so school-holiday weeks at either end of the season are less of a gamble.
- Short distances. Most hotels and apartments are ski-in/ski-out, so you’re not carrying skis through town.
- Free beginner lifts in the village, and many hotels, restaurants and shops carry the Famille Plus label.
The caveats: at 2,300 m, December and January can be bitterly cold, and on stormy days there are no trees to hide in.
Ski schools and kids’ lessons in Val Thorens
Children can start from age 3, and there’s a choice of schools:
- ESF Piou-Piou club, in the Montana or Roc de Péclet snow gardens: about an hour of skiing per half-day, with indoor activities the rest of the time. Lunch can be added.
- Prosneige Little Bears, in groups of six. Equipment can be hired on site and left there overnight.
- Evolution 2 Yéti Park, in groups of eight, with first slides through supervised games.
- Prosneige Mini Riders: snowboard lessons from age 4, with a parent present.
Book early for school holidays. The youngest groups fill up first.
Childcare and nurseries in Val Thorens
- The ESF micro-crèche takes children from 3 months to 3 years, from 8.30 am to 5 pm. Meals are cooked on site, and the free shuttle stops outside. It’s limited to 12 children, and you’ll need an up-to-date vaccination record.
- The ESF Kids Club is for 3 to 5-year-olds in the afternoons during school holidays, at the Montana daycare, with up to 8 children.
- Some hotels run their own clubs, including Club MMV Les Arolles (ages 4 to 17, plus a baby club) and Altapura.
Best beginner areas for children in Val Thorens
- Three free carpet lifts by the village: Campagnols, Musaraigne and Castor & Pollux.
- The VT Fun slope and space-themed fun zones, where children can practise with themed features.
- A Beginners Pass at half the public rate when they’re ready for green and blue runs from five lifts.
Val Thorens lift passes for families
- Children under 5 ski free. Bring a recent colour photo and proof of age to collect their pass.
- The child rate applies from 5 to 17.
- FamilyFlex: groups of at least 3, with one or two adults and up to six children, all pay the child rate on passes of 6 to 21 days.
- Buy a pass for 5 consecutive days or more and you get an extra day free.
Things to do with kids in Val Thorens off the slopes
- Cosmojet, a 6 km space-themed sledge run, from age 5 with an adult.
- La Piste aux Etoiles, a sledging track off Place Caron, reached by the free Castor & Pollux carpet. It’s secure but unsupervised.
- A play area on Place Caron for ages 2 to 6, with two slides.
- Moon Xperience snow tubing from 5, and dog-sled rides from 2 with a parent.
- An ice rink on Place Péclet, from age 3.
- Le Board, the sports centre, with a paddling pool, a hydro-play pool with jets and waterfalls, and an 18 m pool. There’s also a cinema and bowling.
Best family hotels in Val Thorens
Club MMV Les Arolles (kids’ club from 4, plus a baby club) and Altapura (kids’ club, indoor and outdoor pools) are the standouts. Koh-i Nor, Le Val Thorens, Le Hameau du Kashmir and the more affordable Le Sherpa are all ski-in/ski-out with the Famille Plus label. See where to stay in Val Thorens for the districts and the full list.
Tips for skiing in Val Thorens with kids
- Dress for the cold. Proper layers, mittens, neck warmers and goggles make the difference for small children at this height.
- Take the altitude slowly. Some people feel it for the first day or two. Keep children well hydrated and plan an easy first day.
- Pick your weeks. French and UK school holidays, especially February half-term, are the busiest and most expensive. Late March and April are warmer, quieter and still snow-sure. See our Val Thorens ski resort guide for season dates.
