Val Thorens

After the most successful Varsity Trip to date in twentyten, Varsity Trip will be heading back to Val Thorens this December.

Val Thorens is one of the most prestigious resorts in the world and the highest in the French Alps at 2300m; nowhere could be better suited to hosting the world's largest student ski trip. The resort has a great nightlife, plenty of ski-to-door accommodation and, with links to the most extensive ski area in the world, it's hard to beat on the snowsports front.

The quality of skiing in Val Thorens is one of the main reasons it is perfect for hosting Varsity Trip. There are an astonishing variety of runs amongst the 140km of pistes, so there is something for you whatever your standard. For our many beginners, there are plenty of gentle slopes for you to develop your new skills. These include the runs straight to your ski-to-door accommodation – no daunting downhill back home at the end of the day!

For those of you who like to spend your days cruising about on blue and red runs, Val Thorens will not disappoint. Varsity Trip recommends you head up the Moraine lift for some sensational wide-open pistes.

You would think it couldn’t possibly cater for everyone but you’d be wrong. Val Thorens is a freeriders’ paradise with several sections of challenging off-piste. Head to the Cime du Caron area for some powder; you won’t be disappointed. For the freestylers amongst you, Val Thorens has a ‘ground built’ snow park and boardercross with snowmaking. This means that it should be open whatever the conditions.

Val Thorens is also part of the gigantic 3 Valleys ski area – the largest ski area in the world. If you want to explore, you'll be able to upgrade your ski pass for the whole week in advance for just £31 or in resort for a day for €15.50.

Check out the Val Thorens Piste Map for a taste of what's on offer.