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The quintessential antidote to tackling those winter blues is planning a winter wonderland escape to the heart of the French Alps, where snow is guaranteed and that Christmas feeling will suddenly rush over you from head to toe. A Christmas trip to French Alps is the perfect combination of outdoor adventure and cosy winter memories making it the ideal way to relax and get your dose of fresh mountain air.
This year, we returned to Val Thorens in December, to stay in Les Balcons Résidence Le Val Chavière, an alpine winter wonderland paradise. Previously, we stayed in Les Balcons de Val Thorens and were invited to return in December.
Val Thorens is popular throughout the ski season as a result of its snow-sure guarantee thanks to its position as the highest ski resort in Europe, perched in the mountains at an altitude of 2,300 metres.
We previously visited Val Thorens in April in our campervan with our two cats and were instantly impressed with the snow conditions, especially when compared to lower valley resorts in France where unfortunately some had to close early, evidence of the real challenges of climate change.
In comparison to the previous season, the 2023-2024 season has had a strong start with a large blanket of fresh snow at the beginning of December in Val Thorens. The resort opened a week earlier than planned due to the amount of snow, allowing visitors to experience this wintery phenomenon where snow is not guaranteed for Christmas back in the UK.
This guide will share with you the alluring charm and magic spark of visiting Val Thorens in December, from the quiet ski slopes to heavenly Savoyard cuisine. There are many events and activities to keep you entertained in December and by the end of reading this, you may just consider visiting the French Alps at Christmas.
Get ready to discover why a visit to Val Thorens in December is a wonderful idea, especially before Christmas that will create unforgettable memories against the backdrop of a snowy spectacle of the French Alps. This guide will also include what events are planned in Val Thorens at Christmas if you are considering spending it in France for something a bit more magical with family, friends or your partner.
Why visit Val Thorens in December?
A visit to Val Thorens early in the winter season has its unique charm, especially the absence of huge crowds of skiers and other visitors to the resort. You can benefit from quieter slopes whilst visiting outside of the school holidays and the beginning of December is a great time to visit.
Snow conditions in December are mostly reliable for this time of year, this is due to the high altitude of Val Thorens and being the highest ski resort in Europe. The opening day of Val Thorens is usually at the end of November and this year it opened on 25th November 2023 and is usually one of the first resorts to open in France (Tignes is another French resort to usually open around this time).
As Val Thorens sits at a high elevation, the weather in December in Val Thorens can get very cold and daytime temperatures can drop to a chilly -10°C during the day and -16°C at night. There is an average of 11 days of snowfall in December and is a much more reliable resort for snow when compared to other ski resorts nearby.
It is worth checking the local webcams in Val Thorens to check snow conditions and weather forecast for your trip and do not forget to pack your thermals to keep toasty from the cold temperatures expected in December.
In December there are plenty of events and activities to keep you entertained during your stay in Val Thorens. There are opening parties, competitions, parades and festive celebrations at Val Thorens throughout December, our visit coincided with the Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup and The Andros E-Trophy which is a car rally race on the ice where the cars are all 100% electric.
Other events during December include Ski and Boarder Week, a festival where there is live music, parties, a chance to try the latest gear, and participate in or watch the freestyle competition. Every Tuesday during the winter season, there is free live music in the church in Val Thorens played by the Classic and Jazz Association.
What to expect in Val Thorens at Christmas?
From the 23rd of December, Val Thorens hosts a week of festive activities including the chance to meet Père Noël (Father Christmas), a winter concert, fireworks, light shows and a Christmas village on top of the Sports centre.
The Christmas lights are turned on the 1st of December and many of the restaurants will offer a festive menu with some French classics for this time of year. In the only church in Val Thorens, there is a special Christmas service open for anyone to attend.
One of the unique things about staying in Val Thorens over Christmas is that the slopes remain open and you can catch the ski lifts on the day for a memorable Christmas day, skiing in a winter wonderland. There are also celebrations at the end of the year with light shows, live music and fireworks.
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, there are plenty of activities for non-skiers including dedicated walking routes some of which you will need to purchase a pedestrian pass to enjoy the incredible views and get to walk and admire the mountain scenery.
We enjoyed walking along the Montagnette Path, which was the only route open at the time and offers beautiful panoramic views of the Péclet massif. The start of the walk is from the Balcons district, where the local shuttle bus turns around and one of the highest roads in the resort.
You will have to cross over the Traversée de Montaulever piste and will pass one of the Val Thorens red signs which makes a great photo spot. Continue along the dedicated footpath until you reach a wooden mountain hut for a beautiful viewpoint looking down the Belleville valley.
The walk is beautiful on a sunny day and is one of the great places to watch the sunset on one of the many benches dotted along the route. La Montagnette walk is popular with dog walkers and other residents in Val Thorens as it does not require any lift access to the starting point and is free for everyone to enjoy.
Check with the Val Thorens tourism office in the centre of the village to see which trails are open during your stay so that you can plan accordingly 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?
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 a 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 Ski wear 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
We drove from Geneva to Val Thorens which takes around 2.5 hours in total. There are many opportunities to stop along the way including Lake Annecy and the old city of Albertville in Cité Médiévale de Conflans. Before arriving at Val Thorens, we’d recommend stopping at a supermarket on the way to do your food shop as it is much more expensive in Val Thorens.
When driving up to Val Thorens you must have either snow socks, snow chains or winter tyres. 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.
In 2021, new rules were added that now require all drivers to have snow chains or winter tyres to be fitted whilst driving in the mountain regions of France which include: Vosges, Jura, Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central and Corsica. You will see a blue round sign with a tyre and snow chain to signal the beginning of these roads and the Police carry regular checks along the route to Val Thorens.
The road up to Val Thorens (D117) is cleared by snow ploughs on a regular basis. The snow ploughs take priority on the road, make sure to give them space on the road. It is worth checking the road conditions before making the journey up via the regional road conditions map.
Be extra careful when driving up to the resort, leave plenty of time to arrive and make sure you have plenty of snacks if the traffic is bad! Regular Police checks are carried out on the way to Val Thorens, stopping cars without snow chains or winter tyres which is for your safety.
If you are arriving on a Saturday, there will be considerable traffic on the stretch of road from St Martin de Belleville to Val Thorens. When we arrived there was a huge amount of snow that was not forecast, meaning the roads had not been groomed. Many drivers were sliding on the snow, including us even with winter tyres, probably due to the weight of our van in the back. We drove slowly, keeping momentum and have included some tips below for driving in the snow.
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
The resort is pedestrian-focused and limits the amount of cars in Val Thorens. You must either park your car in one of the dedicated car parks in Val Thorens or at your hotel or apartment if there is dedicated parking.
When you arrive in Val Thorens, drive to your accommodation and drop off your luggage outside where you are staying. After unloading your luggage you must take your car to your chosen designated parking spot.
Street parking is prohibited and is not worth leaving it on the street as you risk the chance of being towed. It also is a massive inconvenience to snow ploughers who regularly clear the roads for you to safely enter and leave the resort.
There are four main car parks in Val Thorens, P0, P1 and P2 car parks are located within the main upper village of Val Thorens and P3 and P4 are lower car parks where you can catch a free shuttle bus back into the resort.
Book your parking online with Valthoparc to guarantee your parking space before arriving at Val Thorens. Online booking closes 7 days before your arrival date, so make sure to book at least 2 weeks before you plan to arrive at Val Thorens to get a parking place.
We would recommend booking a covered car park for convenience as if you park outside you will most likely have to de-ice and scrape snow off your vehicle. Valthoparc will ask about the height of your vehicle and where you will stay and will select the closest car park to your accommodation. The total cost to park a car for a week in Val Thorens is approximately €85 to €92 with P0 as the most expensive car park which is a covered car park in the heart of Val Thorens.
Staying safe in Val Thorens
Safety is paramount when in the mountains, especially in winter with the risks of avalanches, snow blizzards and ice. Everyone wants to return home safe and sound without injury. A medical centre was opened in 2016 in Val Thorens where resident doctors are on call for those who need medical assistance open from 9 am until 6 pm.
If you will be skiing or snowboarding or taking part in any winter sports activities you must add this to your travel insurance. This is usually referred to as ‘winter sports cover’ and costs a little extra cost to your policy. If you are visiting from the UK, ensure you have your GHIC card which replaced the EHIC card after Brexit.
Call 112 from any landline or mobile for all emergency services in France. If there is an accident on a slope, make sure to notify the ski patrol either at the top or bottom of the piste or call this number (+33) 479 00 01 80. There is a pharmacy in Val Thorens in the Galerie Péclet which is open from 8:30 until 19:30 all week.
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.
