Val Thorens in summer: what to do and how to make the most of the resort?
At 2,300 m altitude, Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe. In summer, its mineral landscape opens out onto the lakes, glaciers and great peaks of the Belleville Valley. The resort and its ski lifts welcome holidaymakers from 4 July to 28 August 2026.
From Val Thorens, visitors can access the 50 hiking routes and 300 km of marked trails in the Belleville Valley. Cyclists can enjoy 40 routes covering 321 km, between 660 and 2,800 m altitude. The Belleville Valley is also home to 16 lakes, 3 mountain refuges and around 200 ibex.
WHAT TO DO IN VAL THORENS IN SUMMER?
Summer activities in Val Thorens are a wonderful way to discover the high-altitude landscapes of the Belleville Valley on foot, by bike or from the air. Hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, zip wire, Lac du Lou and ski lifts come together in a programme suited to families and sporty visitors alike.
| Activity | Short description | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking | 50 routes and 300 km of marked trails for exploring the Belleville Valley. | All levels |
| Mountain biking, e-MTB and cycling | 40 routes over 321 km, around twenty downhill and enduro trails and 2 high-altitude cycle paths. | Beginners to experts |
| Ski lifts and Cime Caron | The Val Thorens ski lifts take you up to the high-altitude landscapes, including Cime Caron at 3,200 m. | Everyone |
| Glacier hike | A guided outing on the Péclet glacier, in a high-mountain setting at around 3,100 m. | Sporty visitors |
| La Bee zip wire | A 1,800 m aerial route in 3 sections, flying up to 65 m above the ground. | From age 14, subject to conditions |
| Paragliding | Tandem flights with an instructor to discover Val Thorens and the landscapes of Les 3 Vallées from the air. | Adults and teenagers |
| Lac du Lou | A hike to a high-altitude lake in the Belleville Valley, perfect for a walk and a waterside break. | Families and hikers |
| Kart, Trott Xperience and swimming pool | A 3 km route with 318 m of descent, complemented by Le Board’s heated indoor swimming pool and its 2 x 20 m swimming lanes. | Families and sporty visitors |
SUMMER HIKES IN VAL THORENS: THE MUST-DO ROUTES
At 2,300 m altitude, summer hikes in Val Thorens follow marked trails with open views of the surrounding lakes and glaciers. A route map is available from the Tourist Office to help you choose a hike suited to your level.
| Route name | Level | Duration | Elevation | Start point | With children |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentier des 3 Lacs | Family-friendly | 1 hr 30 | 175 m elevation gain | Place Caron | Yes, for children who are used to walking |
| Lac du Lou | Moderate | 2 hr 15 | 300 m ascent and descent | Place Caron | Yes, depending on age |
| Lac Blanc | Difficult | 2 hr 30 | 510 m ascent and descent | Rue de Gébroulaz | Fit, experienced children |
Practical tip: Due to the altitude, weather conditions can change quickly: bring good walking shoes, warm and waterproof clothing, water and sun protection. Before setting off, also check the weather forecast, any remaining snow cover and the condition of the trails.
OPENING OF LES 3 VALLÉES SKI LIFTS FOR THE SUMMER 2026 SEASON
Open from Saturday 4 July to Friday 28 August
COURCHEVEL VALLEY
Ski lifts open 7 days a week from 04/07 to 30/08
Saulire cable car: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Verdons gondola: 9:30am – 4:40pm
Praz gondola: 9:30am – 4:45pm
Chenus gondola: 9.30am – 4.40pm
Forêt chairlift: 9.30am – 12.30pm / 1.30pm – 4.45pm
MÉRIBEL VALLEY
Ski lifts open 7 days a week from 04/07 to 29/08, except Pas du Lac* (see note below)
Tougnète 1 gondola: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Tougnète 2 chairlift: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Pas du Lac 1 & 2 gondola: 9:30am – 4:30pm *(closed on Saturdays)
BRIDES-LES-BAINS
Ski lifts open 2 days a week from 05/07 to 24/08
Olympe gondola: 9:30am - 4:30pm (open Saturdays and Sundays only)
LES MENUIRES and SAINT-MARTIN-DE-BELLEVILLE
Ski lifts open 7 days a week from 04/07 to 28/08, except the Pointe de la Masse gondola, closed from Thursday to Saturday inclusive
Saint Martin 1 gondola: 9:30am - 12:45pm / 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Saint Martin Express chairlift: 9:30am - 12:45pm / 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Roc 1 gondola: 9:30am - 12:45pm / 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Pointe de la Masse gondola: 9:30am - 12:45pm / 1:30pm - 4:30pm
VAL THORENS
Ski lifts open from 04/07 to 28/08
Caron gondola: 9:30am - 4:25pm
Caron cable car: 9:45am - 4:15pm
Deux Lacs gondola: 9:15am - 4:30pm
Castor & Pollux magic carpet: 9:15am - 4:30pm
ORELLE
Ski lifts open 7 days a week from 04/07 to 30/08
Orelle gondola: 9:30am - 4:30pm (last departure Plan Bouchet - Orelle: 4:30pm; last departure Orelle - Val Thorens: 3:30pm)
Orelle-Caron gondola: 9:45am - 4:15pm (last departure Plan Bouchet - Val Thorens: 4:00pm; last departure Cime Caron - Orelle: 4:15pm)
*No link between Orelle and Val Thorens on 29 and 30 August
THE VAL THORENS GLACIER IN SUMMER: AN EXCEPTIONAL LANDSCAPE TO DISCOVER
The Péclet glacier towers above Val Thorens. It can be seen from Lac Blanc, at 2,749 m, or approached on a guided glacier hike. Some outings take place at around 3,100 m altitude.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of experience | Glacier hike with a guide |
| Fitness level | Ability to walk for up to 5 hours |
| Stated minimum age | 10 or 11, depending on the provider |
| Guide price | From €72 or €99, depending on the option |
| Equipment | Mountaineering boots, crampons, harness, helmet and ice axe |
| Conditions | Route adapted according to the weather and glacier conditions |
ZIP WIRE IN VAL THORENS IN SUMMER: FLY ABOVE THE PEAKS OF LES 3 VALLÉES
The La Bee zip wire in Val Thorens starts at around 2,500 m altitude and covers 1,800 m in 3 sections. Suspended up to 65 m above the ground, the route offers an aerial thrill and open views over the high-altitude landscapes of Les 3 Vallées.
| Practical information | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | From age 14 |
| Minimum height | 1.40 m |
| Minimum and maximum weight | From 50 to 100 kg |
| Length | 1,800 m in 3 sections |
| Starting altitude | Around 2,500 m |
| Maximum height | 65 m above the ground |
| Opening dates | From 4 July to 28 August 2026 |
| Opening times | From 9.45am to 4.30pm |
| Price | €22 |
| Booking | Recommended in July and August |
| Opening conditions | Opening subject to weather conditions |
FLYING OVER LES 3 VALLÉES
PARAGLIDING IN VAL THORENS IN SUMMER
PARAGLIDING IN VAL THORENS IN SUMMER: FLY ABOVE LES 3 VALLÉES
Paragliding in Val Thorens in summer lets you experience the freedom of flight above the Belleville Valley on a tandem first flight. From the heights of the resort, the experience opens up views of the surrounding peaks and is subject to favourable flying conditions.
| Practical information | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of flight | Tandem first flight |
| Advertised days | Saturday and Sunday only |
| Maximum weight | 100 kg |
| Price | €95 per flight |
| Video option | €15 |
| Booking | Required by telephone |
| Contact | Justin on +33 (0)7 51 72 52 98 |
| Conditions | Flight subject to favourable flying conditions |
LAC DU LOU IN VAL THORENS: A MUST-DO SUMMER WALK
Located at 2,035 m altitude between Val Thorens and Les Menuires, Lac du Lou lies at the heart of an unspoilt valley surrounded by peaks. From Val Thorens, a balcony trail leads to this high-altitude lake, 17.50 m deep, and to the nearby mountain refuge.
| Practical information | Details |
|---|---|
| Lake altitude | 2,035 m |
| Access on foot | From Place Caron in Val Thorens |
| Distance | 5.3 km |
| Duration | 2 hr 15 |
| Level | Moderate |
| Elevation | 300 m ascent and 300 m descent |
| Access by ski lift | No, the Lou valley has no ski lifts |
| Indicative period | From 1 June to 30 September, depending on snow cover and weather conditions |
| Price | Free access |
| Swimming | Not permitted |
| Picnic | Possible by the lake, provided the site is respected |
| With children | Yes, for children who are used to walking, depending on their age and level |
| Dogs | Allowed on a lead |
| Food and drink | Refuge du Lac du Lou nearby |
WEATHER IN VAL THORENS IN SUMMER: WHICH PERIOD SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
At 2,300 m altitude, the weather in Val Thorens in summer remains cool, especially in the morning and evening. Temperatures and conditions can change quickly in the mountains: July and August are the most favourable period for enjoying the resort and its summer activities.
| Month | Average low | Average high | Days with precipitation | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | 4.9°C | 13.3°C | 14 days | Cool temperatures and the resort still in the shoulder season. |
| July | 6.6°C | 16.6°C | 9 days | Start of the summer season, with activities opening from 4 July 2026. |
| August | 6.5°C | 15.9°C | 9 days | Summer activities and events until 29 August 2026. |
| September | 3.6°C | 12.2°C | 11 days | Cooler conditions return after the resort’s summer season. |
Practical tip: Val Thorens is the highest resort in Les 3 Vallées. Even in July and August, bring warm and waterproof clothing, sun protection and water. Check the local weather forecast before each hike or high-altitude activity.
Temperatures and precipitation: averages calculated from monthly records for 2018-2024 from the Météo-France VAL THORENS_SAPC weather station, located at 2,277 m. A day with precipitation means a total of at least 1 mm.
VAL THORENS SUMMER 2026 CALENDAR: EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
The Val Thorens summer 2026 calendar combines sporting competitions, family activities, discovery of life in the mountain pastures and festive events. From July to August, these events offer different ways to enjoy the resort and the Belleville Valley.
JULY 2026
| Date | Event | Location | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 June to 28 August | Activities around life in the mountain pastures | Chez Pépé Nicolas, Val Thorens road | Depending on the activity, registration required |
| 30 July to 2 August |
Grand Raid KIPRUN 3 Vallées - Moûtiers Formats from 10 to 170 km |
Les 3 Vallées and Moûtiers |
Registration required to take part |
AUGUST 2026
| Date | Event | Location | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 to 9 August |
Val Tho Summit Games Children’s trail run, vertical kilometre, trail races and family walk |
Val Thorens | Registration required to take part |
| 16 August |
Les Folies de Val Thorens Activities and fireworks |
Place Péclet, Val Thorens | Free, open to all |
Programme updated in July 2026, subject to change.
PLAN YOUR STAY
VAL THORENS IN SUMMER
PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR YOUR SUMMER STAY IN VAL THORENS
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Access by car | Take the N90 to Moûtiers, exit 40, then the D117 to Val Thorens, around 37 km away. |
| Access by train | Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains station, then travel on to Val Thorens by bus, taxi or private hire vehicle. |
| Chambéry Airport | Around 122 km |
| Grenoble Airport | Around 194 km |
| Lyon Airport | Around 199 km |
| Geneva Airport | Around 201 km |
| Summer parking | Free in the streets of Val Thorens, provided you do not obstruct traffic or waste collection. |
| Belleville Valley shuttle | Free service between Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Les Menuires and Val Thorens, every day from 4 July to 31 August 2026. |
| Shuttles to the lifts | Free services from Place des Arolles to the 2 Lacs gondola lift and P4 car park, from 4 July to 28 August 2026. |
| Camping and motorhomes | No campsite or motorhome area is open in summer in Val Thorens. An equipped area is available in Les Menuires. |
| Tourist Office | Maison de Val Thorens, 818 Grande Rue - +33 (0)4 79 00 08 08 |
| Summer opening hours | Every day, from 9am to 12 noon and from 2pm to 6pm. |
| Pets | Dogs are allowed on pedestrian trails and on ski lifts open in summer. They must be calm and kept on a lead; a carrier bag may be required depending on their size. |
| Resort map | Available from the Tourist Office and to download from the official Val Thorens website. |
ACCOMMODATION IN VAL THORENS IN SUMMER: WHERE TO STAY?
A range of apartments, holiday residences and hotels is available for a summer stay in Val Thorens. Thanks to the resort’s compact layout, accommodation remains close to the shops, services and main summer activities.
| Type of accommodation | Price range | Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or apartment | € to €€ | See available apartments |
| Holiday residence | €€ to €€€ | See available residences |
| Hotel | €€ to €€€€ | See available hotels |
Price ranges are given as a guide only. Prices and availability vary according to stay dates, number of guests, length of stay and selected services.
WHERE TO EAT IN VAL THORENS IN SUMMER?
| Type of dining experience | Description | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Caron 3200 | Restaurant, panoramic rooftop and wine bar at 3,200 m, with 360° views over more than 1,000 peaks. | Everyone |
| Chez Pépé Nicolas | Mountain cuisine and local produce. Open from 4 July to 13 September 2026, 9am to 11pm from Monday to Saturday and 9am to 6pm on Sunday. | Families and food lovers |
| Refuge du Lac du Lou | A high-altitude break near the lake, at 2,035 m. (closed on Mondays). | Hikers |
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO VAL THORENS IN SUMMER
- Be aware of the effects of altitude: Val Thorens is located at 2,300 m and Cime Caron at 3,200 m. Build up your effort gradually.
- Bring warm and waterproof clothing, even in July and August, as temperatures remain cool at altitude.
- Protect yourself from the sun with sun cream, sunglasses and a hat, as exposure to UV rays increases with altitude.
- Check the weather forecast before each outing: conditions can change quickly at 2,300 m.
- Prepare your hikes by checking the distance, elevation gain, trail condition and any remaining snow cover.
- Wear good walking shoes to reach Lac du Lou: the moderate 5.3 km route starts from Place Caron. Swimming is not permitted in the lake.
- Use a professional for glacier outings, which require suitable equipment and supervision by a qualified high-mountain professional.
- Book guided activities in advance, especially the zip wire, paragliding and high-mountain outings.
- Check ski lift opening times, opening conditions and the time of the last ascent on the day itself.
- Respect natural environments by staying on marked trails, taking your litter with you and following instructions near herds.
Frequently Asked Questions about Val Thorens in Summer
Top highlights include hiking, Lac du Lou, Cime Caron, the La Bee zip wire, mountain biking and Le Board sports centre.
July and August are the best months to visit, when the lifts, activities and summer events are all open.
The 3 Lacs Trail, Lac du Lou and Lac Blanc are among the most popular walks from the resort.
No. The ski area closes in spring and there is no summer skiing in Val Thorens.
In summer 2026, the Caron Gondola, the Cime Caron Cable Car, the 2 Lacs Gondola, and the Castor and Pollux magic carpets are open from 4 July to 28 August.
A Les 3 Vallées one-day pedestrian pass is available from €23.50 per adult. Prices vary depending on the pass selected.
Summer 2026 features Caron 3200, new hiking routes and mountain experiences at high altitude.
Hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, the La Bee zip wire, paragliding, guided glacier activities, swimming, karting and scooter riding are available, depending on conditions.
Discover Les Menuires, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Lac du Lou, mountain refuges and the hiking trails of the Belleville Valley.
Val Thorens is renowned for its altitude, spectacular scenery, world-class ski area and year-round outdoor activities.
No. Swimming is prohibited in Lac du Lou.
Yes. The resort is surrounded by several glaciers, including the Péclet Glacier.
The main glacier overlooking Val Thorens is the Péclet Glacier.
Prices vary depending on your dates, length of stay, group size and accommodation type. Up-to-date prices are available through the online booking engine.
Summer favourites include Caron 3200, Chez Pépé Nicolas and the Refuge du Lac du Lou. Please check opening dates before your visit.
The La Bee zip wire is 1,800 metres long and split into three sections, reaching up to 65 metres above the ground.
The La Bee zip wire costs €22, including lift access.
Val Thorens in summer at a glance
Val Thorens in summer is a chance to experience the mountains at 2,300 m altitude, in the highest resort in Europe. From 4 July to 28 August 2026, the resort offers hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, paragliding, the La Bee zip wire and activities at Le Board.
The Belleville Valley has 50 hiking routes and 300 km of marked trails, as well as 40 mountain biking and e-MTB routes over 321 km. From Val Thorens, walkers can reach Lac du Lou, follow the Sentier des 3 Lacs or discover high-mountain landscapes on a guided glacier hike.
The summer ski lifts provide access to high-altitude panoramas and Cime Caron, located at 3,200 m. In the resort, Le Board swimming pool, Kart and Trott Xperience complete the outdoor activities.
Summer 2026 is also shaped by the Grand Raid KIPRUN 3 Vallées - Moûtiers, the Val Tho Summit Games, Les Folies de Val Thorens and activities around life in the mountain pastures.
New activities, places and experiences also add to the season: