Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

Val Thorens (2300m) opened its slopes a week ahead of schedule on Saturday, Nov. 14 due to excellent early snowfall.

The resort opened 10 slopes last weekend, including green, blue, and red runs. The runs are set between 2300m and 3000m and served by five ski lifts (two chairlifts, two drag lifts and the Funitel de Péclet).

Val Thorens is reporting 55cm of snow in the village and 85cm on the summits. The slopes have been groomed for the last 10 days so offer a good quality underlay.

Marinoël Turc, director of Val Thorens Tourist Office, told OnTheSnow: "Val Thorens opens as soon as the conditions allows it, even if the opening date is officially determined a year before. This year, the conditions are optimum, which also allows us to welcome several champions 90 days before the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, ski clubs from Savoy, and numerous local skiers that are fond of winter sports. This winter, again, the quality and quantity of snow didn't let us down."

Early skiers will benefit from start-of-season special rates: from Nov. 14 to 22, it is €21 for an adult day pass and €17 for a child day pass.

Val Thorens is also set to host the Ski Force Winter Tour Nov. 21-22 where skiers and snowboarders will be able to try, for free, the new range of the 15 biggest ski brands and benefit from the advice of professionals.

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