Val Thorens Lift System & Passes

Due to its altitude, the Val Thorens ski area has one of the longest seasons in the Alps and it is even possible to get some autumnal skiing in on the Péclet glacier during November. Subject to snow conditions, for winter 2009/2010 the lifts will be operating during the following dates:

• Val Thorens - Skiing on the Péclet glacier from Saturday 21st November 2009 to Sunday 2nd May 2010.  The rest of the ski area is expected to open in early December.
• Courchevel 1850 - Saturday 5th December 2009 to Sunday 25th April 2010 inc.
• Courchevel 1650 - Saturday 12th December 2009 to Sunday 25th April 2010 inc.
• Courchevel 1550 & 1300 (Le Praz) - Saturday 12th December 2009 to Monday 25th April 2010 inc.
• La Tania - Saturday 12th December 2009 to Sunday 25th April 2010 inc.
• Meribel - Mottaret - Saturday 5th December 2009 to Sunday 25th April 2010 inc.

As is normal during early/late season, a reduced ski area will be in operation between 5th-18th December 2009 and 19th-25th April 2010 depending on snow cover. Lift pass prices usually reflect this reduction in the skiable area.

The lifts open at 9.00am, and start to close around 4.20 (the time varies for each lift). From February onwards the lifts stay open for a further half hour. You can find the exact closing times for each main lift at the lift stations. The lifts open every day of the week, even on Christmas and New Year's day.

In winter there are various different passes on offer, and the choice can be bewildering. All passes are now hands-free and don't require photos - they stay in your pocket and you no longer need to show your pass to the lift attendants.  You can buy your pass online here. ... see "Val Thorens Lift Pass Options - Winter" for more

There are a number of different lift passes available so that you can tailor your purchase to the ability and preferences of your group. The cost of your lift pass depends not only on which one you choose, but also on your age.  If you’re under 5 or over 75 then you can ski in Val Thorens for free! NB. Proof of ID is required for any reduced price or free lift passes.  You can buy your pass online here. ... see "Val Thorens Lift Pass Prices - Winter" for more

The Three Valleys lift system is scheduled to open from July 3rd to August 28th 2009, giving access to Belleville, Meribel and Courchevel valleys. Not all lifts are open every day of the week, please see the Summer Lift Schedule for more details on opening and closing times.

In the summertime, Val Thorens has a number of lifts open to pedestrians and mountain bikers which take you up to some spectacular trails and view points over the Belleville and surrounding valleys.  The resort offers a range of pedestrian and activity based lift pass options that are available for consecutive or non-consecutive day durations.  This summer, the lifts are open from 4th July to 28th August 2009. ... see "Val Thorens Lift Pass Options & Prices - Summer" for more

In the summertime, Val Thorens offers a range of pedestrian and activity based lift pass options that are available for consecutive or non-consecutive day durations. With such a variety of choices you are sure find one to suit your plans perfectly. You can find out more details on what each pass covers by clicking on the link below, and all passes and prices are valid until 29th November 2009. ... see "Val Thorens Lift Pass Prices - Summer" for more

Val Thorens and the Three Valleys are linked by a variety of different lifts. The lifts marked on the piste map using straight black lines are of four types; button tow/drag, chair, telecabine and telepherique. They have the corresponding abbreviations:

• TK - téléski (drag)
• TS - télésiege (chair)
• TC - télécabine (gondola)
• TPH - téléphérique (cable car)

For télécabine think bubble car and for téléphérique think cable car. Anything prefixed/suffixed with “Express” means a 6 person modern fast chair lift.

Val Thorens also has 3 funitels; the Bouquetin, Péclet and Grand Fond.  These are gondola-type cabins that are attached to two parallel cables, making them more stable in high winds.  The word funitel is a combination of the French words funiculaire (meaning inclined railway) and telepherique (meaning cable car).  A funitel travels faster than most gondolas and therefore has a mechanism to slow it down at either end so that passengers can get on and off while it is still moving.  The Péclet Funitel was built in 1990 and was the first in Europe.