The highest ski resort in Europe is Val Thorens, which means a lot of climbing is to be done to make it to the top. For now, only accessible from the Tarentaise Valley, starting in Moutiers, it’s a 31 or 36-kilometer climb, depending on which way you choose. A massive climb either way.

Most people, familiar with Val Thorens, will know the main road, which is the longer, but slightly easier, version. Basically, it’s divided into pretty much three equally long and steep sections of 10 kilometers with two descents along the way. The first section takes you up to Villarly, where you descend to the other side of the beautiful Doron de Belleville gorge. The mid-section is more of a straight-away grind to Les Menuires, where the final part, with a lot of switchbacks, starts.

Like most ski resorts, Val Thorens is no aesthetic wonder, but it’s not too bad either.

There are plans to make Val Thorens accessible from the Maurienne Valley, from Orelle via Parking de ‘Arcelin.