Where to Ski And Snowboard - Skiers vote Val Thorens the best

Skiers vote Val Thorens the best

23rd November 2014, by Abi Butcher

Former pro snowboarder Chris Moran surveys the snow in Val Thorens

The French ski resort of Val Thorens was celebrating last night — after being named “world’s best ski resort” for the second year running. Last year the resort in the Three Valleys was named Best Resort in the World Ski Awards, and last night it retained the title for another year.

It was yet another reason for the Val Thorens tourist office to celebrate — yesterday more than 10,000 skiers turned out for a record-breaking opening day.

“We sold 8,500 ski passes, more than ever before for an opening weekend – and incredible given that eight other ski resorts in France are open,” Emily Rouzaud from the Val Thorens tourist office told WTSS. “Unlike other resorts that are just open at weekends, we are now open full time until 10 May 2015.”

There was good snow yesterday on the upper slopes in Val Thorens, with a good number of lifts open including 2 Lacs, Portette and Grand Fond. We even found a few places to pop off and grab some freshies in the powder — but not many, and there needs to be a lot more snow and colder temperatures before the season proper begins.

The recent snow has left many other resorts in great shape for early season skiing. This weekend Courchevel opened to skiers for the day, Morzine opened for the weekend, and Montgenèvre too. Over in the States, Aspen has opened ahead of time and Vail has opened some terrain, too.

The slopes were busy here in VT yesterday, but quite how many people will be out today remains to be seen — the resort threw a massive, open-air party last night that was still going strong when we left a respectable distance after midnight!

If you fancy an early season trip to the slopes, there are some fantastic deals on right now — £249 for a catered chalet including flights and transfers. Visit our bargains page for more details.