With miles of sweeping runs, endless off-piste opportunities, and everything in between, the Val Thorens ski area is one of the best and most varied in the world.
But what if you’re not a skier? Or what if you just want to do something different for the day? Well, Val Thorens offers variety there too, in spades…
This purpose-built winter holiday destination caters to all ages, budgets and interests, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for your next fix or you just fancy a spot of shopping or a trip to the spa.
Read on to discover our recommendations for the best things to do in Val Thorens if you don’t fancy skiing.
What are the best things to do in Val Thorens?
1. Fat biking
2. Snowmobiling
3. Snowtubing
4. Glacier hiking
5. Free diving under the ice
6. Ziplining
7. Spa and wellness
8. Cinema and shops
9. Sports centre, bowling, and children’s fun park
10. Free festivals
11. Ride on a snow groomer
Discover more about these activities below!
Best alternative mountain activities in Val Thorens
There are many ways to enjoy the mountain that don’t require you to have planks strapped to your feet.
Fat biking
For example, have you ever wondered what it would be like to swap your skis for a bike with massive tyres? If so, we have good news for you. Electric fat biking offers a whole new way to explore the extensive ski area of Val Thorens. Led by an experienced instructor, you’ll head out on the mountain astride your two-wheeled snow steed, which is equipped with lights so you can enjoy the activity safely after dark.
Guided snowmobiling
Alternatively, if you’re over 8 years-old, you could try guided snowmobiling. It costs €160 per hour per snowmobile, or you can pay a reduced rate of €80 to be the guide’s passenger.
Snow tubing
If you’re after a more accessible way to enjoy the slopes, snow tubing is available to anyone over the age of 5, with 2 specially designed runs that start from the bottom of the Campagnols carpet. Prices start from just €13.
Glacier hiking and freediving
The most intrepid holidaymakers should take a look at glacier hiking with ice axes or freediving under the ice. The latter starts with a snowshoe hike to Lac du Lou, far from the hustle and bustle of the resort, followed by full immersion in the frigid but serene Alpine waters. All equipment is provided and beginners are welcome.
Ziplining
Lastly, be sure to check out the La Bee Double Zip Line. This chain of three double zip lines allows you to fly over 1,800 metres, up to 65 metres above the ski slopes. You can do a solo or dual flight and it’s €40 per person.
Best resort activities to do
The resort also offers plenty of more relaxing activities.
Spa treatment
To truly unwind, book yourself into Le Board’s Wellness Area, which offers saunas, a hammam, and thermal mineral pools, as well as massages and facial care. The wellness area also has cold plunge pools if you want to reap the benefits of a chilly dip without having to hike across the mountain to Lac du Lou and don a wetsuit. Entrance is €21,00 or €84,00 for a six day pass.
Cinema
In the evening, you could take in a movie at the Lac Blanc cinema. There are two screenings a day at 6pm and 9pm, and, if the weather is bad, an additional one at 2.30pm. The films on the schedule which have VOST after them are shown in English with French subtitles.
Shopping
There are also plenty of shops to explore. You can update your ski gear at Intersport Les Balcons and Chamois Sport, discover unique regional products at La Grande Cave and Red Square, or stock up on groceries at the Sherpa Supermarche.
Best cheap/free things to do in Val Thorens
There are loads of cheap and free things to do in Val Thorens for both adults and children.
The Sports Centre
If you’re feeling active, your best bet is to head to the Le Board sports centre, which offers a variety of racket and ball sports for €8. The bowling alley is great for families. A lane costs €12 per person, and there are plenty of other cheap activities in the bowling area, including pool, table football, and even an F1 simulator. For younger children, try the Fun Park, which features slides, ball pits and trampolines, and costs just €10.
Val Thorens market
If you’re looking for a free way to soak up some Alpine atmosphere, you could browse the twice-weekly market in Val Thorens. Located on Grand Rue in the centre of the resort, you can find stalls selling clothing, craft items, food and drink, and local cheeses and honey.
Free events
Make sure to keep an eye on the events calendar for the resort’s regular festivals. For example, the annual electro music festival. Festi Val Tho is free to attend and takes place across 3 days at the resort’s bars.
Best night time activities in Val Thorens
Val Thorens is well known as a party destination, but there are many ways to enjoy your evening at the resort that don’t involve alcohol.
On the slopes
If you’re a bit of a thrill seeker, why not try night time snowmobiling, fat biking or tobogganing on the longest toboggan run in France? All are available after dark. Or if you want to learn more about how the slopes are maintained, you can even book a 2-hour ride on a snow groomer, which includes a stop at Lac du Lou refuge or the Setor restaurant. Just be aware that this trip is French language only.
Cinema and bowling
The cinema or the bowling alley are also great places to while away the evening. The cinema’s last screening is at 9pm and you can use the bowling lanes until 2am.
Grab something to eat
There’s no end of fantastic restaurants in Val Thorens. For family-friendly fare, Le Close-Up and L’Etoile are highly-rated and popular with visitors. Or for a special occasion, book a table at the Michelin-starred restaurant Explorers in Hotel Pashmina, or Le Diamant Noir, which is perched at the summit of the resort.
Discover our fantastic range of Val Thorens ski deals
The above barely scratches the surface of all the fun ways you can enjoy a Val Thorens holiday that don’t involve skiing.
To make the most of all Val Thorens has to offer, why not book an apartment, chalet or hotel right where the action is? Whether you want to be a stone’s throw from the spa or as close to the lifts as possible, we’ve got great Val Thorens ski deals to suit every budget and preference.
Want to find out more about Val Thorens? Take a look at our guide to Val Thorens' après scene and our guide to Val Thorens' mountain restaurants to get more of a feel for Europe's highest resort.
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