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Val Thorens Activities - Families & Kids
| Activities in Val Thorens for Families & Kids |
Val Thorens is a child-friendly resort, making it suitable for families to visit. Obviously the main activity in winter is skiing and snowboarding and there are a number of ski schools who offer kids' lessons and may also arrange child-minding, pick-up services, and other activities.
The Tourist Office organise regular children’s shows and events (usually only in French). For details, visit the Tourist Office. The sports centre has a childrens funpark and aqua-club, and there is an area set aside for tobogganing at the Place Caron in the centre of town. |
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| Valley Multi-Activity Card |
The sports centre issues a multi-activity card during the summer months. For 35 € per week (24 € for children under 6) the card gives you access to the best activities in Val Thorens, Les Menuires and Saint-Martin de Belleville. Included in the price are:
- lifts for pedestrians and mountains bikers in the valley
- free entrance at the Sports Centres in Val Thoren and Les Menuires for the aqua-club (swimming pool, jacuzzis, saunas, hammam, solarium)
- free entrance at the indoor Fun Park (trampolines, inflatable castles, balls pool)
- the Kid's Club for those aged from 6
- the Skate Park
- tennis courts, volley-ball court, outdoor basket-ball and beach volley pitches
- accompanied activites : archery, fitness training, jogging, various tournaments.
- accompanied hiking with the local guides
- a multitude of other outdoor activities : roller, archery, gym, jogging, ping-pong, basketball, volleyball... most of these activities under control of instructors
- the main evening entertainmentsat the Forum Fontanet (guides' slideshow, cabaret parties, camp fires).
Holders of the Multi-Activity card can also enjoy 10% to 30% reduction for many activities:
Spaces welfare centres • Sports equipment rental Sogevab • Elastic Jump • Les Menuires Adventure sensation • Val Thorens Bowling • Altanabike Paragliding • Lugeland Les Menuires • The Club Piou Piou ESF Les Menuires • L'Institut des Neiges • Guides Office • The Forest Venturer • Miniature golf • Mini club and daycare ESF Val Thorens • Concerts Festivals • Internships tennis • Bus excursion • Mountain hut La Chasse. |
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last updated 25-Apr-2008 |
| Canyoning |
A not-so-gentle but extremely refreshing summer activity is one way to describe canyoning! Plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents, jumps and natural water slides – just make sure you choose a warm day! You will make your way along rivers and rapids, using the river bed as a natural obstacle course.
Not suitable for very young children, but anyone over the age of about 8 can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning. With the safety of a guide everyone can abseil down cascades, splash into pools and ride the river rapids. You can choose from short beginners’ routes or longer ones for the more adventurous.
Hydrospeed is an alternative to rafting where you shoot down the river on a kind of inflatable body-board. Half-in half-out of the water you are closer to the action and guaranteed a soaking!
Different companies will have their own policies on age limits but usually, unless they are booked onto a children's activity course, anyone under the age of about 14 years old will have to be accompanied by an adult. A basic level of swimming ability is required for safety reasons.
There are a number of local companies that offer guided descents down the local waterways.
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last updated 9-Apr-2008 |
| Childrens' Area |
There is a new toboggan area reserved for children (from the age of 2). It is situated in the heart of the resort at Place Caron and parents can watch their children play from the nearby terraces. A second toboggan run, which is the longest in France, is for anyone over 8 years old.
The 'Junior Area' has been created for children over 12 years old, to discover mountain fauna (marmotte, ibex, mountain hare) in the form of riddles. It is one kilometre long, and is situated on the 2 Lacs sector.
Children's shows are put on throughout the winter season, organised by the tourist office. During the school holidays, there is a special rendez-vous in and around the children's sledging area, where you can enjoy a delicious hot chocolate offered by the tourist office, every Friday at 5.15pm. |
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last updated 1-Feb-2008 |
| Farm & Crafts |
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Ever wanted to milk a goat?! At Chalet la Chasse, high up in the Val Thorens pastures you can help milk the cows and goats and learn how to make 'tomme' cheese, a Savoyard speciality. The chalet is open throughout the summer from 5am until 10pm, milking takes place at 3.30pm and cheese making at 4.30pm. |
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last updated 22-Aug-2008 |
| Fitness & Sports Centre |
The Val Thorens Sports Centre was refurbished in 2003 with great facilities and offers an aqua-club and a sports hall. The aqua-club contains a small swimming pool, turkish showers, a hamman, saunas, and a relaxation area. You can play tennis, squash, football and ping pong in the sports hall, practice your swing in the indoor golf simulator or scale the heights of the indoor climbing wall. A fitness zone is run by fitness professionals and offers cardio-training, fitness-training, and weights machines. A 'Fun Park' area for children has trampolines, bouncy castles, and a plastic ball pool.
Les Menuires also has a sports centre with similar facilities, with the added bonus of a heated outdoor swimming pool.
The centres are open every day during the summer and winter seasons. Val Thorens centre shuts for lunch during the winter season except on bad weather days.
Val Thorens Sports Centre Website
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last updated 2-Jun-2008 |
| Hiking & Walking Trails |
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In summer, there is an endless variety of choice for walkers. There are around 50 marked paths which add up to around 250km of trails. The summer scenery is beautiful; look out for mountain lakes, local wildlife such as marmots and ibex, alpine wildflowers and remote alpages. Several of the lifts are open, so the casual walker can take the lift and enjoy the vast panoramas with little effort, while the keen hiker can scale the peaks and save their knees on the journey down! Please see Val Thorens Summer Lift Passes for details of prices and opening/closing dates.
For the more experienced hiker it is possible to take a mountain guide for a half or full day expedition to climb the local peaks, or for longer periods to access the Vanoise National Park. These can include hikes on the glacier and nights in a ‘refuge’.
Below are a few descriptions of some walks in and around Val Thorens. For more walks in greater detail please see the walking guides published by Val Thorens Tourist Office; they can be bought at the Tourist Office, the Mountain Guides Office and at various shops throughout resort.
- One of our favourite hikes is up to Mont Perron in Vallée des Encombres. It involves an early start with a car, setting off from St. Martin towards Le Chatelard, then onwards into the Vallée des Encombres, driving pretty much as far as you can go. Once you have parked up you simply follow the marked trail. Watch out for temperature variations, it can be -2 degrees with patches of snow at the bottom and 30 degrees at the top! It is quite steep in places, but your average fit adult should be able to do this one. It’s about 4.5 hours up and 2.5 hours down.
- The second favourite hike can start either from St Martin or from Béranger and goes up to La Croix Jean-Claude. If you start from St Martin the path takes you up the other side of the valley through Villarabout, Le Roux to Béranger. Alternatively you can drive up to Béranger, or take the télécabine from St Martin. Béranger is a small traditional hamlet dating back to the 11th century. From Béranger the circular trail up to La Croix Jean-Claude is well-signposted and a much gentler climb than the walk up from St Martin. Allow about 2 hours to get from Béranger to the ridge and around 4h30 to complete the whole circuit.
- For a short but picturesque walk set off from the Hotel la Marmotte in Val Thorens. Follow the signs in the direction of la Combe de Thorens for a circuit walk that should take arounf half an hour with views of the lakes and mountains.
- A longer lake walk is the Circuit des Lacs de la Masse. You take the Masse lifts 1 and 2 and then begin the descent down past Lac Longet, Lac Noir and Lac Crintalia. It should take around 4 hours to reach the bottom of the Masse 1 lift station. To turn it into a full day hike you could start at the bottom of the lift station and take the path to the left that takes you up to Pointe de la Masse, then follow the same descent as before to make a circular hike. Bear in mind that the elevation of this walk is 1100m, so it is quite strenuous.
Interactive Hiking & Biking Trail Map
Three Valleys Summer Trail Map
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last updated 7-Oct-2008 |
| Miniature Golf |
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For some gentle exercise on a sunny day why not have a game of mini-golf? With the Valley Multi-Activity card you can claim a discounted rate on the course at St Martin. |
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last updated 22-Apr-2008 |
| Montagne Aventure |
Swing, jump and scramble high above the mountains on a circuit of zip lines, monkey bridges, ladders and ropes. You can travel through the forest without touching the floor, safely strapped into a harness and attached to a secure safety line. These eco-friendly adventure parks are created around the trees without damaging them in any way and can be dismantled if necessary, leaving the forest as though untouched. Both adults and children can enjoy this activity with different circuits for different ages and abilities.
Val Thorens has the highest adventure park in Europe; consisting of 15 stages of varying difficulty going around and across Lac de Grenouilles. See here for details. |
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last updated 8-Apr-2008 |
| Paragliding (Parapente) |
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Didier Goujon offers flights with ‘Libre Envol’ on a 2-seater paraglider with qualified instructors. The instructor manoeuvres the parachute while the passenger enjoys the ride and fantastic views. Taking off is the only scary moment: once you have been equipped with a helmet and strapped to the instructor behind you in a rather intimate way, both of you simply point your skis (or board) downhill, and carry on getting faster and faster until the parachute lifts you into the air. One then peacefully glides above the pistes for ten to twenty minutes, aiming to catch thermals to keep you up for longer. Landing is very gentle and no more of an impact than jumping off a step. ... see "Val Thorens for Paragliding" for more |
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
| Snow-Mobile (Moto-Neige) |
Photo Credit: Snow-Biker.Com
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Those who enjoy speed will love riding a powerful snow-mobile (like a motorbike with caterpillar tracks). Seated either one or two per bike, one follows the guide up the pistes, around a specially prepared circuit, over jumps and bumps, and sometimes off-piste through the powder. Half way through the hour-long outing driver and passenger swap places, and off you speed again. More experienced snow-mobilers can take a more advanced outing.
Val Tho Motoneige is situated on Place de Caron and they take clients out every evening after 5pm. They can be contacted on +33 (0) 479 00 21 46; book in advance for this popular activity.
Remember to wrap up warmly especially if you go after dark, and bring goggles if there is fresh powder. This is excellent fun for speed lovers, but perhaps not for the timid! |
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last updated 8-Jul-2008 |
| Snowshoe Walking ('Raquette à Neige') |
Strap lightweight plastic snowshoes to your feet, and walk effortlessly through deep snow. Either set out on your own, or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and explore the hidden parts of the valley. On these half day group outings you will get off the beaten track to follow animal footprints, discover mountain flora and fauna and learn the history of the valley. Snowshoes and ski poles are usually provided. See Action, Fun & Sports for details of guiding companies.
You can also hire snowshoes from most Sports Shops, grab a trail map and head off on your own adventure. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go. The trails around Lac du Lou and Col de Tempêtes are particularly nice.
This is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions, or for non-skiers; walkers and nature lovers will love these outings. Don't forget to take energy bars and wear comfortable boots.
Snowshoe Website for France & Switzerland
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
| Summer Activity Club |
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There are so many things for kids to do in Val Thorens throughout the summer that sometimes the only way to make the most of it is to enrol them in a summer club! The Bureau des Guides des Bellevilles run a week-long activity course for 6 to 14 year olds that includes climbing, hiking, orientation, wildlife observation and other alpine adventures. The course runs from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, except for one night when they will camp out in a mountain refuge! |
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last updated 24-Apr-2008 |
| Swimming Pool |
The open air pool in Les Menuires
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There is an outdoor swimming pool at Les Bruyères in Les Menuires. It is open every day from 2.30pm to 7.30pm, except on Saturdays. The Les Bruyères swimming pool is heated to a toasty 29°, so it is welcoming even on a chilly day - just have a big towel handy for when you get out!
The sports centres in Val Thorens and Les Menuires contain aqua-clubs, both of which have small indoor swimming pools plus hydro fun areas, children's paddling pool and Jacuzzi. Swimming lessons are also available.
Belleville Valley Sports Centres website
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last updated 4-Jun-2008 |
| Tennis & Squash |
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Val Thorens sports centre boasts 2 squash courts, 2 badminton courts, 11 outdoor tennis courts and 3 indoor multi-sport grounds that can be used for tennis, football or volleyball.
Les Menuires sports centre is just as well-equipped with 2 squash courts, 2 badminton courts, 13 outdoor tennis courts and 2 indoor multi-sport grounds.
Both centres are open from 30th June to 1st September and then they reopen for the winter towards the end of November. The opening hours are 9am-9pm. The Multi Leisure card costs 35€ per week for an adult and 24€ for a child and allows you discounted access to a wide range of sports facilties throughout the valley. |
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last updated 22-Aug-2008 |
| Tobogganing |
The Val Thorens toboggan run is a mammoth six kilometres, with an altitude drop of more than 700 metres. The run is 5 metres wide, and is open to children over 8 years old and adults. Children between 8 and 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
You must use the equipment (toboggan, helmet and helmet lamp for the evening descents) supplied by the SETAM (Val Thorens ski lift company). The sledges seat one or two persons, are modern and are equipped with steering and brakes. It takes you about 45 minutes to go down the run.
You can find the toboggan run in the Tête Ronde sector, next to the imposing Péclet Glacier. When you arrive at the top of the piste "Tête Ronde", turn right and you will see the departure point situated just slightly down the slope.
Be sure to wear warm clothes, sunglasses, gloves and mountain shoes as the departure of the run is situated at 3000 metres altitude.
It costs 10€ for sledge rental and descent for those in possession of a valid ski pass, and 16€ for those without a ski pass. A 50€ deposit or a passport must be left for the hire of the equipment.
Please note that the toboggan piste may be closed in case of bad weather conditions.
Just for the kids is the new toboggan area at Place Caron. Specially designed for little speed demons over the age of 2, the area is safe and reserved only for children. Parents can keep an eye on them from the nearby terrace. |
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
| Via Ferrata |
If climbing up sheer rock on the end of a piece of rope sounds a bit scary then Via Ferrata climbing offers an element of security that still allows beginners to enjoy the achievement of having scaled a mountain! This form of climbing was invented by Italian soldiers in the Dolomites who used it to enable them to scale vertiginous faces easily and quickly. These days it is a popular sport that makes the thrill of mountain climbing more accessible to children, beginners and those who want a bit more security when they climb.
Following marked routes through the mountains you are helped along by steps, bridges and ladders whilst being roped up for extra safety. Suitable for adults and children over the age of 8; guides can be arranged on request.
Beginners can take their first steps at Levassaix, near to Les Menuires, where you will find fairly easy routes on which to find your head for heights! There are more challenging routes at Le Cochet in St Martin de Belleville, and some beautiful views of the vallley to be enjoyed. More Via Ferrata routes can be found throughout the Three Valleys. |
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last updated 23-Apr-2008 |
| White Water Rafting |
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If you haven't experienced this before then this is a definite 'must try' on your list of activities to do! Val Thorens has a number of trained guides who will let you experience some of the best white water rafting available in the Alps. From the middle of May until September, the mountain rivers flow furiously as they are fed from the melt waters running off the glaciers high above the town. There are various options available from a 3 hour adrenaline rush to a full days excursion - this activity is guaranteed not to disappoint. |
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last updated 24-Apr-2008 |
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