The highest ski resort in the Alps, a purpose-built, mostly car-free village at the top of the vast Three Valleys area in Savoie. Here's what Val Thorens is like, when to go and how long to stay.
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Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
At around 2,300 metres, Val Thorens usually opens in late November and stays open into early May, so it's one of the safest bets for snow at both ends of the season. January can be very cold and windy, so pack good layers for children. February half-term is the busiest time. March and April bring sunnier, milder days with snow still good, and Easter weeks are popular with families. The resort has a short summer season in July and August for walking and mountain biking. Out of season it's largely shut.
Ski passes cover Val Thorens and Orelle, or all of the Three Valleys with Les Menuires, Méribel and Courchevel. That's one of the biggest linked ski areas in the world.
Several ski schools, including ESF, teach children from about four. Beginners start on gentle slopes right by the village, so there's little walking in ski boots.
A large cable car up to over 3,000 metres, with views across the Alps as far as Mont Blanc on a clear day.
A long toboggan run and sledging areas give non-skiers and tired children plenty of fun in the snow.
An indoor pool, climbing wall and courts for days when the weather closes in at the top.
Most accommodation sits right on the slopes, and the centre is mostly car-free, which makes getting small children out each morning much easier.
Yes, especially for families who want guaranteed snow and doorstep skiing. The beginner areas are close to the village and ski schools are good. It's high, treeless and can be bitterly cold in midwinter, so it suits children who are already happy in the snow.
A week, with six days of skiing. Most apartments and chalets run Saturday to Saturday, which also means busy roads on changeover day.
Fly to Geneva, Lyon or Chambéry, then take a transfer of about two and a half to three and a half hours. By train, travel to Moûtiers in the valley, then take a bus or taxi up, about an hour.
It can be in January, when temperatures at the top often drop well below freezing. March and April are much milder and better for little ones.
Put Val Thorens on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.