Val Thorens Travel by Car
We’re sure you have already had a look at a map or Google Earth or maybe played around with your Sat Nav. So we’re not going to tell you what you already know but instead only mention the important bits and of course our tips on driving to Val Thorens.
So, lets start with getting over the channel (if coming from the UK). Sadly due to financial problems we have lost some of theferry companies we once could use. There are basically three options to cross the channel P&O ferries, DFDS and the Channel Tunnel.
From Calais it will take about 10-12 hours depending on how many stops you make and the speed you go. “People” have done it in 7 hours, however, they might have broken a law or two. You can drive it all in one day but many people prefer to stop over to break up the journey.
A popular place to stop is at L’Chavel Blanc Hotel near Dijon. If you can recommend somewhere else or can review this recommendation we would love to hear from you. Don’t hold back tell us the truth!
Using the Autoroute (the French version of our motorways) is not free sadly, this year it will cost about £55 each way for a standard car.
Having a car has it’s advantages though and one not to be missed is when you arrive in Albertville or Moutiers is to stop off at a supermarket and buy your shopping. It is a lot cheaper than in resort. We have more information about Shops in Moutiers and Albertville for you on their pages.
This is also true with fuel, it is much more expensive in Les Menuires or the Val Thorens fuel station. Bear in mind that when you leave Val Thorens you probably do not want to stop off and get fuel at the start of your journey home, therefore we recommend you fill up ready in advance.
It will take you about 45mins to drive up to Val Thorens from Moutiers, you can do it quicker but we don’t recommend it. After all, you are most likely tired from your long trip and could easy make a mistake, the drops are a long way down!
We know this road extremely well and have seen cars crashed where they have slipped off the road. We have even seen cars on their roofs, 3 in one night is the record!
Please don’t be put off driving up there, the road is very good just use your common sense especially when it snows. When driving in France there are certain items you need to carry as well as some we recommend:
GB Sticker (This would be silly though if you are not British, substitute with your countries sticker)
Headlight divert sticker
High visibility vest, one per person in the car!
Your vehicle registration (log book)
Driving licence
Insurance certificate
Snow chains (see note below)
Top up your Anti-freeze both for radiator and windscreen wash
Val Thorens often drops to -10 and sometimes even -20 degrees. A warm jacket and gloves (needed if you need to put on snow chains)
Torch
The Belleville valley (Val Thorens is part of this valley) has very good road clearing machines. They can move masses of snow off the roads very quickly. However, it can snow so much not even the machines can clear it all. It is so IMPORTANT to have snow chains, the police will not let you up the road if you don’t have a set if it is snowing. If you have a big 4×4, something like a Land Rover, Landcruiser or Shogun the police are not as strict and will most likely let you up without chains.
When you need to put chains on it will be cold (because it’s snowing, ahem) and most likely dark (as you have travelled all day and turning up in the resort in the evening). Snow chains are never that easy to fit but doing it in the dark with gloves on is even harder! We recommend having a go with them at home on your drive before you leave. Make sure you have some gloves and a good torch.