Altus Val Thorens 2025
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Edito – Altus Val Thorens – Les Ménuires 2025

“The mountains offer man everything that modern society tends to forget.” (Boris Vian)

Altitude has never been more captivating, more alluring. The last bastion of freedom, the mountains offer the possibility of escape from a hectic daily life. Nature reveals itself in its full force, inviting humility and authenticity. This makes it a place conducive to reunions, whether with family or friends. Some cherish childhood memories in their beloved resort, a grounding connection. Everyone comes in search of unforgettable moments, experiences unique to the mountains.
The mountain is a muse, inspiring athletes and artists, like the photographers we followed on their journey through the peaks over 4,000 meters in this issue. They capture moments suspended in rare intensity. More than a vacation destination, the mountains are a multi-faceted experience. Skiing and the joys of sliding remain essential, but there are other challenges, other ways to enjoy the altitude. Each at their own pace, drawing from the array of activities available.
Like the high mountain guides we met in this issue, adaptability is the key quality of mountaineers—adapting to climate, visitor expectations, and current trends. From this positive dynamic, new projects, inspirations, and ways to reinvent a constantly evolving ecosystem emerge. Everyone becomes a part of the change. Interactions between residents, visitors, and professionals foster new, unexplored paths, gradually shaping a new version of the mountains. A living mountain, true to its roots, and with eyes toward the future.

Roland Claude Durand-Terrasson
Editor-in-Chief

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NEWS

NEW FAMILY PASS

This winter, the 3 Vallées passes are evolving! The popular Family Pass (two parents + two children) is getting a modern upgrade and becomes the Family Flex, now open to three people (one to two adults + one to six children aged 5-17) starting from five days. Whether you’re a single-parent family, a traditional family, a blended family, or simply with one or more children, with or without family ties, everyone skis at child rates and receives a bonus day. No matter the type – child, adult, veteran, or Family Flex – you get six days of skiing in the 3 Vallées for the price of five!

LA CROISETTE GETS A FACELIFT

In Les Ménuires, La Croisette is getting a facelift for its 60th anniversary! Comprising around sixty shops and services, as well as nine residential buildings, it is a key hub of the station. Significant work has been done on signage and traffic flow to modernize the 1,640 m² of this gallery. “We have redesigned the entrance and exit identification, inspired by airport boarding gates: a red area on the wall with large numbering for snow-facing entrances, and human-sized silhouettes of athletes for access to residential areas,” explains Emmanuel Ritz, architect of the project. “This ensures it is understandable by all nationalities and all ages. Throughout La Croisette, along the snow-facing shop windows, we’ve opted for red LED pathways on the ceiling and dynamic patterns on the floor.” At a glance, you’ll know whether you’re on the slopes side or the valley side!

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BOARD THE NEW 2 LACS CABLE CAR!

This winter, the new 10-seat cable car of 2 Lacs in Val Thorens replaces the previous chairlift of the same name. The arrival station has been moved higher to allow for direct transfer to the Grand Fond funitel and the Cime Caron cable car. Designed specifically to make it easier for children to board, this modern and comfortable facility promises a smooth and enjoyable ride in just four minutes, with a doubled capacity of 3,500 passengers per hour to avoid waiting. A dedicated entrance is available for young skiers taking lessons, along with a small room where they can warm up, prepare, and rest. At the arrival, a section of the slope at the top of Moutière has been modified to be more accessible for beginners heading back down to the station.

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FWT STOPS IN VAL THORENS

After an eight-year hiatus in France, the Freeride World Tour has chosen Val Thorens for its grand return from January 27 to February 1, 2025! The Savoie resort and its iconic Cime Caron will be the playground for competitors at the only French stage of this 18th edition. The world’s top freeriders will launch themselves from dizzying peaks to descend pristine slopes, showcasing technique and creativity. We’ll be closely following the performance of French star Victor de Le Rue at this event, the 2024 world champion who has already won the Freeride World Tour three times in snowboarding. Reminder: the FWT 2025 comprises eight stages in total, starting on January 18 in Baqueira Beret, Spain, and culminating in Switzerland at the legendary Xtreme of Verbier, scheduled from March 22 to 30.

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ICE CROSS, EXTREME SKATERS

In partnership with ASTX (All Terrain Skate Cross) and the French Ice Sports Federation, Val Thorens hosted a World Cup Ice Cross stage from December 5 to 7, 2024. In this high-speed, extreme skating competition, participants race in groups of four down a frozen track filled with obstacles. This challenging event tests the skaters’ control, speed, and bravery. A frantic race, featuring tight corners, jumps, all held at night—adrenaline was definitely in the air!

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Adventure

Glacier de Gébroulaz, the Hidden Gem of the 3 Vallées

The summit of the 3 Vallées, Péclet-Polset, is adorned with glaciers. In the background of its iconic silhouette, always well-covered with snow, slopes unfold their white carpet to backcountry skiers. In this pristine setting, free from any lift pylons, flows the Gébroulaz glacier. It’s here, amidst the heights, that the authentic essence of the mountain comes alive, where each turn brings us closer to a raw and magnificent nature.

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Discovery

In the depths of La Masse

Welcome aboard one of the fastest gondolas in France! At the top of La Masse, head to the machine room, a space that will immerse you in the secrets of the construction and operation of a state-of-the-art lift system.

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Ski areas

Tailor-Made White Coat

An essential addition to the white gold of our mountains for several decades, artificial snow – a simple blend of air and water – ensures a reliable guarantee for holidaymakers. With the help of snow cannons, ski resorts can offer high-quality skiing throughout the season.

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Terroir

Beaufort, King of the Alps

It is one of the oldest mountain cheeses still produced today. Available in winter, summer, or chalet versions, Beaufort entered the prestigious AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) circle more than half a century ago. Thanks to passionate men and women, it has become one of the gems of Savoyard gastronomy.

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