Val Thorens Skicross

The Skicross in Val Thorens is named after local champion Jean-Frédéric Chapuis.

It's used for World Cup events and other races, but the rest of the time it's open to anyone to ski it.

Val Thorens Skicross: Location and Access

See the location of the Skicross on the Val Thorens piste map.

It can be accessed from the 2 Lacs lift or the Moutière chair. Turn left at the top of either lift on Traversée des 2 Lacs, then left again on Les 2 Lacs, to reach the top of the Skicross.

Val Thorens Skicross: What is it Like?

The Val Thorens Skicross is a fantastic run.

It has rolling bumps on the top section, then a couple of jumps (which can be bypassed).

The lower part of the course is steeper, and there are banked corners. You're spat out at the bottom of the Chalets piste.

Val Thorens Skicross: Jean-Frédéric Chapuis

Jean-Frédéric Chapuis grew up in Val Thorens. His father was one of the people involved in building the Cime de Caron cable car.

Jean-Fred came through the Ski Club of Val Thorens, and raced in Alpine skiing before switching to skicross.

He won the gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games, and has won three overall Globe de Cristal World Cup titles in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Val Thorens' Skicross course is named after him.

Val Thorens Skicross: World Cup events

Skicross and Boardercross are Olympic and World Cup events.

The first World Cup Skicross in Val Thorens was held in December 2012, and there was another the following year.

Val Thorens is now a fixture on the World Cup calendar, with an event in December each year which involves two men's and two women's World Cup races, on consecutive days.

Dates of races are included in events.

Val Thorens Skicross: Videos

This video shows the World Cup in December 2016:

This video shows the World Cup on 9th January 2015:

This video shows the World Cup Skicross from December 2013:

Val Thorens Skicross: Skiing the Course

When the course is not being used for training or competitions, it is open to anyone to ski or board it. It's usually fine for children of Bronze Star level to tackle, and probably confident 3-stars.

It's remodelled every year, and before and after competitions, so the difficulty does change somewhat.

Also, it's easier first thing in the morning when perfectly groomed, before ruts are dug by the flags; and hard snow is a lot faster than snow which is soft because it's fresh, or because it's warm in the afternoon in spring.

Have a great time on the Val Thorens Skicross / Boardercross.