Here 4 the Apres

Val Thorens Extravaganza: Exciting Outdoor Activities for Non-Skiers

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So you’re trying to convince your significant other or other friends that don’t ski to accompany you to Val Thorens? There are plenty of other outdoor activities available to do at Val Thorens to keep them busy if they don’t like skiing! Full disclosure, I’ve tried none of these because I have my priorities straight when I go to Val Thorens! Ski, apres ski, eat, repeat!

Zipline

1800m Double zipline at the top of Moutiere lift call the La Bee. Drop is 65m. minimum weight is 50kg with maximum weight of 120kg including your gear. They will strap your skis or board to your back for you. It runs from 9:45am to 4pm, until 4:30pm after early Feb. 40 euros you can pay at the machines at the top of the zip line which includes the pedestrian ascent on the Moutiere chairlift for those of you without a ski pass that day. Reviews do say that the landing is very abrupt and I did see some injuries listed. It is subject to weather and wind. There will be a picture for additional purchase will be taken at the bottom 1/3 of zip line, so make sure to smile

There is another zipline called the Tyrolean traverse in the Val Thorens Orelle ski area with a 1300 m long flight, dropping 250m and lasting about 1 minute 45 seconds. speed can range from 65 to 105 km per hour. The cost is 56 euro, but view looks amazing and there are only a limited number per day.

Toboggan

Val Thorens is home to the longest toboggan run in France. it more than 6km long and takes 45 minutes to get down. daytime prices are 28 euro for one run, 28 euro for 2 runs, and 38 euro for all day which includes the sled and helmet rental. It is free for children ages 5-8 on the sled of an adult of legal age. No one under 5 or under. Everyone must wear a helmet and gloves. In order to use, you must meet Chalet Cosmojet just above the Casades chairlift station, buy your tickets, and then take the Peclet gondola.

On Wednesdays to Fridays, there is an opportunity to try the luge at night. Its open from 4:45-6pm, and then until 6:45pm after early February. They need at least 40 participants to be registered for the night time run to happen. it costs 28 euros for one run with the luge and helmet rental, including any child 5-9 years old riding on the luge with the adult. This is subject to cancellation in event of adverse weather conditions.

For younger children, aged 2 and over, there is Space Games Playground. There is also La Piste aux Etoiles which is 250m long run with 45 m drop available for children 2-5 years old.

Snake Gliss

Snake Gliss is similar to luge, but it a individual sleds assembled together up to 10 sleds, piloted by an Val Thorens professional. it is a 45 minute descent from the top of Peclet taking down the Tete Ronde and Bleuet trails. It costs 25 euro per person, with a minimum age of 8 years old at 120 meters tall. Helmet, warm gloves, warm snow boots (snowboard boots are allowed but not ski boots) and a ski pass are mandatory.

Snowtubing – Moon Xperience

There are two snowtubing runs between the end of the Campagnols carpet and the Cascades chairlift. This activity doesn’t require prior booking and is available Saturday to Tuesday at 10am-4:15pm, or until 4:45pm by early February, and Wednesday to Friday from 12:15pm-6:45pm, or until 7:15pm in February. Tickets are sold in 30 minute to one hour increments ranging from 13-20 Euro depending on amount of time and group size. Gloves are mandatory, whereas helmets are not but highly recommended.

Electric Fat Bikes

ESF Val Thorens leads Electric Fat Bike outings around 5-7pm Monday through Friday. Don’t worry, the bikes are equipped with lights so you can enjoy the ride after dark. The price starts from 75 Euros. They recommend ski clothing, warm shoes, and gloves. A Ski helmet is also recommended.

Evolution 2 also has a similar Electric Mountain Bike activity from 5-7pm Monday through Friday. Prices range from 35-75 Euro depending on length of activity and if its group or private.

Snowshoeing

For those of you that already have experience snowshoeing, there are various options ranging from easy to difficult and one hour to four hours. Here is more information about the paths, descriptions, and a map here.

ESF Val Thorens also offers guided snowshoeing tours in Val Thorens. The prices range from 35 to 170 Euro depending on duration. The snowshoeing tours include rental of lightweight snowshoes and poles.

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Ice skating rink

There is an ice skating rink at Val Thorens over on the east side of town, near Pleclet part of town. It is supposed to be open everyday from 5pm to 8pm, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone skating in it. An adult can skate for 9 euro including skate rentals, but there are also options without skate, weekly admission, or season pass. Prices for children are slightly lower.

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Snowmobile

Val Thorens has a nighttime snowmobile option. Departures are every evening after the slopes close at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 7:55pm. Prices are approximately 160 Euro per snowmobile for up to two people. You can find more information about how to book here.

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Ice Driving

Val Thorens has an ice driving school just outside of the main town near Parking lot P3. You can grab the shuttle from town to get there. There are various classes available, the Ice Driving Fundamental Class which is one hour costs 295 Euro. A package of all five modules of Mastery & Safety in Ice Driving which you can take over one to four days costs 1700 Euro.

Ice Karting

The Ice Driving Val Thorens Driving School also has ice karting. Its available for children from 7 years old. It is available everyday all week from 8:30-10am and 4-7pm. The price is 60 Euro for a 20 minute session. More information can be found here.

Paragliding

Val Thorens also offers tandem paragliding. You’ll actually ski to start with your gear and attached to an experience paraglider pilot. The departure is from an altitude of 3000m with a 650 meter vertical drop. You will need to be able to ski down a blue run and have ski gear and gloves. This is available to those age 8 and over, minimum weight of 40 kg, usually between the times of 10am to 4pm but will depend on weather conditions. A couple companies run this activity, but you can book online through the Evolution 2 website, and it runs at about 90 Euros.

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