Updated November 2025
The perfect cure for winter blues is a trip to the French Alps, where snow-dusted mountains, crisp mountain air, and festive charm combine to create a true winter wonderland escape. Christmas in Val Thorens offers the ideal mix of outdoor adventure and cosy Alpine memories, from skiing and snowboarding on snow-sure slopes to enjoying hearty Savoyard cuisine.
We’ve visited Val Thorens several times, from campervan trips in spring to December stays in Les Balcons Résidence Le Val Chavière. Perched at 2,300 metres, Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort, guaranteeing snow throughout the season and offering access to the expansive 3 Vallées ski area.
Visiting in December adds an extra sparkle with festive lights, seasonal events, and the rush of skiing during the magical Christmas season in the French Alps. In this guide, we’ll share why Val Thorens is a magical Christmas destination, from ski tips and family-friendly activities to events, dining, and experiences that make the French Alps unforgettable.
Why visit Val Thorens in December?
Visiting Val Thorens in December has its unique charm. Early in the season, you can enjoy quieter slopes before the peak holidays start. While school holidays bring more visitors, early to mid-December is an ideal time for a quieter Alpine escape.
Snow conditions in December are generally reliable for early-season skiing, as a result of the resorts’ high altitude, which is the highest in Europe. The resort usually opens in late November, often making it one of the first French ski destinations to welcome skiers each season. Other early-opening resorts include Tignes, but Val Thorens is known for its consistent snow and well-maintained slopes from the start of the winter season.
What’s the weather like in December in Val Thorens?
Perched at 2,300 metres, Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort, which means December temperatures are very cold. Daytime highs often hover around -5°C to -10°C, while nighttime lows can drop below -15°C. The high altitude also ensures reliable early-season snow, making it a great choice for skiing and snowboarding before lower resorts open.
Snowfall is common in December, and checking the Val Thorens webcams can help you plan your days on the slopes and track real-time snow conditions. Don’t forget to pack thermals, gloves, hats, and waterproof layers to stay warm while enjoying all the winter activities the resort has to offer.
What to expect in Val Thorens at Christmas?
Visiting Val Thorens in December feels magical. Christmas in Val Thorens has such a festive, lively atmosphere. There are several events to keep you entertained throughout the month, from opening parties, competitions, parades and festive celebrations.
Some of the highlights of events in December:
Freestyle and Ski Festivals | We caught part of Ski & Boarder Week, seeing freestyle competitions and live music. It was interesting to watch people try out the latest ski and snowboard gear while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Winter Sports Competitions |During our visit, the Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup and the Andros E-Trophy were happening. Even from the village, the thrill of the races was easy to feel.
Torchlit Descent | We joined the crowd at Place Caron, watching ski instructors descend the slopes with fire-lit torches. The glowing torches against the snow-covered mountains, combined with the scent of pine and hot chocolate, created a truly memorable scene.
Skiing on Christmas Day | The slopes remain open over the holidays, allowing visitors to enjoy skiing in a snowy winter wonderland.
Christmas Village & Festive Menus | Restaurants throughout the resort offer seasonal menus with classic French dishes, while the village sparkles with Christmas lights and decorations.
Other Seasonal Activities | Each December, Val Thorens hosts concerts, light shows, fireworks, parades, and opportunities to meet Père Noël (Father Christmas) in his igloo.
Temperatures in December are very cold, typically ranging from –3°C to –12°C, with regular snowfall. Packing thermals, layers, and waterproof gear is essential to stay warm while exploring the slopes and village.
What is there to do in Val Thorens in December?
Skiing and Snowboarding
The main attraction is arguably skiing and snowboarding in Val Thorens, which is part of the 3 Valleys ski area, known as the largest connected ski area in the world. The 3 Valleys ski area is like a huge playground of skiing fun to enjoy, where you can easily hop from one resort to another.
Read our detailed guide to Val Thorens, which includes everything you need to know about skiing and snowboarding in Val Thorens, including a resort map, information for beginners and the best spots to ski and snowboard.
Winter walks
Even if you don’t ski, Val Thorens offers plenty of activities for non-skiers, including dedicated winter walking routes. Some of these require you to purchase a pedestrian pass, which allows you to enjoy the incredible mountain views while walking on foot.
During our stay, we walked the Montagnette Path, which was the only route open at the time. Starting from the Balcons district, where the local shuttle bus turns around, the trail climbs one of the highest roads in the resort and offers stunning panoramic views of the Péclet massif.
The route crosses the Traversée de Montaulever piste and passes one of the iconic Val Thorens red signs, a perfect photo opportunity. The footpath continues to a wooden mountain hut, providing a beautiful viewpoint over the Belleville valley.
On a sunny day, the walk is breathtaking, especially at sunset and the benches along the route make it an ideal spot to watch the sunset. The Montagnette Path is popular with dog walkers and locals, as it doesn’t require lift access and is free to enjoy.
Before heading out, check with the Val Thorens tourism office in the village centre to see which trails are open during your stay, so you can plan your walk and make the most of your visit.
Fly down a Zipline
An alternative option for going down the slopes for skiers and non-skiers is the La Bee zipline which is a double zipline, from the top of the Moutière chairlift and the cost for your ticket as a pedestrian covers the lift up in the chairlift and descent via the zipline.
There is the option to zipline as a snowboarder or skier with your gear attached to your back for the ultimate James Bond experience!
Relax in the spa
The newly upgraded Le Board Sports Centre is found in the heart of Val Thorens and offers an indoor swimming pool, wellness area, soft play area for children, gym and fitness, tennis courts, saunas and steam rooms.
Book a massage at one of the many spas in Val Thorens, we both enjoyed massages at Les Balcons de Val Thorens Spa which were some of the best massages we’ve ever had. After you massage enjoy the panoramic views in the spa area and newly renovated outdoor hot tub and sauna. Guests of Les Balcons have free access to the spa area which includes saunas, hot tubs, a swimming pool and relaxing areas.
Hit the shops
Looking for the perfect souvenir or gift? Then make sure to browse the shops in the Péclet shopping centre along Rue Caron and others found around the village. There are numerous outdoor shop brands including North Face, Superdry, Intersport, Picture, Quicksilver, Fusalp, Napapijri, Rossignol and many more.
Several gift shops sell cute cuddly toys, snow globes, t-shirts, jumpers, alpine crockery, fridge magnets, jewellery and prints. One of the best perks when visiting France is in our opinion, of course, the produce, whether it’s the cheese, sausages or delicious baked goods you’ll find plenty of options to choose from in Val Thorens.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays each week, there is a local market on Grand Rue which is next to the church where there is a selection of stalls selling local honey, handcrafts, local Savoie cheeses, meats and clothes.
Luge your way down the slopes in Val Thorens
You can bring your own toboggan or hire them from most ski rental shops across the village to enjoy a luge in Val Thorens. There are dedicated toboggan runs to enjoy for free including the Piste aux Extoiles which has a magic carpet adjacent to it making it very easy to get back up to the top again!
If you’re looking for a more challenging and more enduring course then you have to experience the Cosmojet toboggan run that lasts 6km and currently holds the record for being the longest toboggan run in France.
For the ultimate unique experience of the Cosmojet toboggan, go at night for more of a challenge and the chance to ride under a starry sky in the mountains without other skiers crossing the piste. Evening rides are available only from Wednesday to Friday from 4:45pm till 6pm and are the perfect chance to coincide with sunset at the top of Peclet cable car.
Tickets are sold at the top of Campagnols carpet, from the Val Thorens centre the best way to Cosmojet is to walk down Castor & Pollux magic carpet and then cross the Roc piste to the ticket booth straight ahead.
Make sure to wear snow boots (snowboard boots are allowed) and a good pair of gloves, helmets, toboggan and the Peclet cable car ride are included in the ticket price.
Perhaps you’re travelling in a group or with family and looking for a toboggan experience you can do altogether that’s a little different, then try out Snake Gliss where all the sledges are held together and you descend the mountain as you guessed it in the shape of a snake!
Climb to the top for mountain views
Pedestrian passes are available for you to explore the mountains without the need for skis. It is worth noting that for chairlifts you can only use them for getting up the mountain and there is no option to use them for descending however, cable cars allow you to go both ways.
For the Moutiere chairlift, there is the option to descend either by La Bee zipline or the Moutière trail. The Cascades chairlift also only allows you to take it up the mountain and you can return via the Marine trail.
A must-see attraction is climbing up to the top of Cime Caron, boasting some of the most magnificent views in the Three Valleys where you can see Mont Blanc on a clear day. From the village, access is via both the Caron and Cairn cable cars to reach the large Cime Caron cable car so you will take a total of 3 cable cars.
Pedestrian passes can be purchased for a day pass or individual lifts and are available at the many ticket offices located across Val Thorens.
Learn all about piste maintenance
In the evenings after a day out on the slopes, you may have noticed the snow groomers who work tirelessly throughout the night to smooth the pistes ready for you to enjoy the next morning.
Val Thorens offer you to experience a snow groomer at work, where you’ll understand their important role in a ski resort and the hard work behind the scenes to ensure everyone can enjoy a great ski the next day.
After an educational ride, you will stop and taste a Savoyard aperitif after returning to Val Thorens. This experience is only available after the 26th of December on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Race on an ice track
There is a dedicated race course in Val Thorens that you can experience for yourself, try ice karting for the first time or enjoy driving a sports car on ice. The Alain Prost circuit is located opposite the Plein Sud chairlift and Parking P3 and guaranteed place to get your heart racing.
Take to the skies
If you don’t mind heights then there are many ways to get up and see Val Thorens from above. Try paragliding with an instructor during winter to see the spectacular snowy landscape from a birdseye view but there is a twist you will have to put on your skis and come down a slope to take off!
Perhaps you want to fly even higher in the valley, then take a microlite or paramotor to the skies to give you an impressive 360 panoramic view of the French Alps. Or for an even more luxurious experience, take a helicopter tour of Belleville Valley and the surrounding Three Valleys area for an unforgettable ride in the sky.
Explore the slopes by Snowmobile and bike
Once the sun sets, most skiers will be enjoying some form of aprés-ski fun in Val Thorens, the slopes are silent and waiting to be explored at night. Discover Val Thorens at night with a snowmobile where you will follow a guide and uncover a winter wonderland under a starry sky.
Another option is to try an electric mountain bike or fat bike on the snow and your guide will take you to a nearby trail to go on an adventure on the snow!
What do you need to know before visiting Val Thorens in December?
December is a busy time in Val Thorens, so book accommodation, restaurants, and lifts early. Lift passes can be purchased online in advance, from resort-only passes to full 3 Vallées access, including options for beginners and families. Check current prices and buy passes on the official Val Thorens page.
Where to hire your gear
There are many ski hire shops across Val Thorens, and our go-to rental shop is usually Intersport as they are found across most resorts and offer good service and price.
This year, we were invited to try the newly opened North Face rental shop, located in a very convenient location right next to our accommodation in Les Balcons Val Chavière. We were kitted out by Arthur, a fellow campervan enthusiast and passionate boarder who set us up with new Salomon boards, boots and helmets.
The North Face shop is set over three floors, showcasing a huge range of North Face goodies from skiwear to cosy jumpers and so much more. Make sure to check out their store when you are in Val Thorens and tell Arthur we sent you!
Driving to Val Thorens
Driving to Val Thorens offers flexibility, but it comes with some winter challenges. We drove from Geneva, which took around 2.5 hours, and stopped along the way at Lake Annecy and Albertville for sightseeing and supplies. If you plan to stock up on groceries, it’s best to stop at a supermarket before arriving, as prices in the resort are higher.
Preparing for Mountain Roads
When driving in the French Alps, winter tyres, snow chains, or snow socks are mandatory. If you are renting your car at the airport, request to have a car with winter tyres as this is the easiest option and is a legal requirement in France.
Since 2021, drivers in mountain regions, including the Alps, Vosges, Jura, Pyrenees, Massif Central, and Corsica, must comply with police checks along the route. Look out for the blue circular sign showing a tyre with a snow chain to indicate where it is required.
The road up to Val Thorens (D117) is regularly cleared by snow ploughs. Give them priority and check the regional road conditions map before setting off.
Tips for driving in Snow
Driving in snowy and icy conditions will require more attention and preparation. In the UK, after snowfall, most places come to a standstill with public transport disruptions and school closures, we turn into a state of panic as we are usually unprepared and not equipped to deal with the situation.
Here are some simple tips for driving in the snow and ice:
If you have snow chains, test them out before setting off on your journey so that you feel confident with putting them on and taking them off. There’s nothing more stressful than trying to figure out how to put on snow chains with heavy snow falling!
Another good idea is to make sure you have a full tank of fuel. When snow falls, it can cause disruption on the roads, as cars slow down it can take much longer along your route and is worth having more than enough fuel to get you to your destination.
Driving on snow requires a slow speed, shifting down in your gears and taking a slow and steady pace is best. By driving slowly, you will have more time to react if you need to brake and allow you to have more control of the vehicle. We passed many vehicles on the way to Val Thorens of cars that had come off the road - don’t rush leave plenty of time!
Aim to arrive before dark, we know this may not be possible depending on flight times etc. However, it is worth planning to arrive in the daytime as visibility is better and make sure to give yourself plenty of time to travel to your destination.
Dress appropriately when driving in snowy conditions. Wear sensible shoes, warm layers, waterproof gloves and a hat to keep warm if you have to wait in traffic, put on snow chains or push the vehicle.
Turn on your headlights for visibility and for others to see where you are.
Keep a good distance from you and the vehicle in front of you, it will take longer to brake in snow and ice conditions.
For more tips on driving in the snow check out the Val Thorens website.
Parking in Val Thorens
Val Thorens is pedestrian-focused, so street parking is prohibited. After dropping off your luggage, move your car to a designated parking area.
The main car parks are:
P0, P1, P2 | Upper village, closest to lifts.
P3, P4 | Lower village, accessible via free shuttle.
Booking in advance via Valthoparc is highly recommended, ideally two weeks before arrival. Online booking closes seven days prior; aim to book at least 2 weeks before your arrival. Covered parking is convenient in winter to avoid de-icing. Costs for a week’s parking range from approximately €85–92, with P0 being the most central and covered option.
Staying safe in Val Thorens
Safety is paramount in the mountains, especially during winter with the risks of avalanches, snow blizzards and icy conditions. Val Thorens has a medical centre open daily from 9 am until 6 pm, with resident doctors available for emergencies.
If you plan to ski, snowboard, or take part in any winter sports, make sure your travel insurance includes winter sports cover. Visitors from the UK should also bring their GHIC card (replacing the EHIC card after Brexit).
For emergencies, dial 112 from any phone. If there’s an accident on the slopes, notify the ski patrol at the top or bottom of the piste, or call +33 479 00 01 80. There’s also a pharmacy in the Galerie Péclet, open 8:30 am to 7:30 pm daily.
What to Pack in Val Thorens in December?
We’ve put together a list of the essential items you will need to bring with you to Val Thorens in December, don’t worry if you do forget anything you most likely will be able to get it in the resort, but be prepared to pay a slightly higher price tag for the convenience.
Check out our beginner's guide to snowboarding which talks about what gear you need *coming soon. Layers are key to keeping warm in snowy, cold conditions and with temperatures dropping to a maximum of -16°C at night, it’s worth bringing plenty of warm clothing so you can still get out and explore in the evenings.
Thermals
Salopettes (snow trousers)
Ski/snowboard jacket
Down jacket
Woolly hat
Warm waterproof gloves
Buff or Balaclava to keep your neck warm
Goggles
Sunglasses
Snow boots/walking boots
Several pairs of wool socks (ski socks are slightly higher)
Underwear
T-shirts
Cosy Fleeces
Leggings/trousers
Lip salve
Suncream SPF50
Go Pro mount & Go Pro
Go Pro stick
Helmet (if you have your own)
A small backpack - useful to carry water, snacks, suncream and a first aid kit
How to get around Val Thorens in December?
Most of the facilities in Val Thorens are easy to access on foot with supermarkets, shops and restaurants within a stone's throw from each other.
You may need to carry ski equipment back to your accommodation or if you have children or a longer way to walk the shuttle bus runs all day from 8am to 8pm, making it even easier and quicker to reach the far ends of the resort.
Where to stay in December in Val Thorens?
There are many types of accommodation in Val Thorens from self-catering apartments, chalets and hotels to choose from, there is something for everyone’s preferences. Earlier this year we stayed at Les Baclons Platinum residence in the Les Balcons district and wrote all about our stay with Tia and Skye here.
La Résidence Le Val Chavière
In December, we stayed at La Résidence Le Val Chavière which is part of the Les Balcons family and is close to the central hub of Val Thorens. The location of the La Résidence Le Val Chavière is right next to Place de Caron, the heart of the village with easy access to the slopes and ski-in and ski-out facilities.
This year Les Balcons celebrated 30 years since its creation and La Résidence Le Val Chavière was the first of their accommodations to be built in Val Thorens. It was recently renovated to celebrate this anniversary and were lucky enough to be some of the first to stay in the newly spruced-up apartments.
We stayed in apartment 13, which sleeps up to 12-14 people and each apartment looks out over the mountains with a balcony in the main living area and some of the rooms.
There is no dedicated parking available when staying at La Résidence Le Val Chavière and the nearest car parks are P0 and P1 which we would recommend booking at least two weeks before arriving at Val Thorens.
When you arrive in Val Thorens, you can drive outside the apartments and park the car on the street to unload your bags and food and there is a handy lift to save you from carrying your luggage up flights of stairs!
A reception is found on floor 3, with staff to help you with any requests you may have during your stay. Free firewood is available from the wood store on the ground floor, perfect for a cosy evening by the fireplace after a day on the slopes.
Our 14-16 person apartment was set over two floors and came with a fully-equipped kitchen (oven, hob, kitchen utensils, pots, large fridge freezer), a comfy lounge and fireplace, dining table, comfortable bedrooms and bathrooms. Our apartment also came with its very own sauna, perfect for some aprés-ski downtime!
We were also welcomed with a beautiful Christmas tree which added a magic touch to the space and filled us with excitement for our trip together and the holidays ahead. Once you pick up your ski gear, the apartment has its dedicated private locker on the ground floor with easy access to the slopes.
The location of the apartments is very convenient with many amenities nearby including a Carrefour food shop, fantastic bakery, pharmacy, restaurants, shops and everything you’ll need during your stay a short walk away without the need for a car.
A perk of staying at La Résidence Le Val Chavière is that you have access to the spa wellness area at Balcons de Val Thorens. Since our last visit, there were new additions including an outdoor area with a hot tub and sauna overlooking the slopes. The spa area is only a short 5-minute walk and why not combine it with an evening dinner at L’Auberge des Balcons for some delicious Savoyard dishes!
My nephew stayed with us and we got a baby cot and highchair saving plenty of space when flying and is a family-friendly place to stay! There is also the option to rent raclette and fondue sets for a typical Savoyard night which we would highly recommend for a true French Alps experience.
The apartment comes with free Wi-Fi for you to enjoy during your stay, a TV to relax in the evenings and you will be provided with bed linen and towels when you arrive. All of Les Balcon’s apartments are pet-friendly which is a massive bonus and gives you extra flexibility if you’d like to bring them with you on your adventure to the mountains.
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