What's New in Val Thorens 2024-25

The latest changes and developments in Val Thorens and the 3 Valleys in advance of the Winter season 2024-25.

1) What's New in Val Thorens 2024-25: Caron 3200 Building

There is to be a new building at the top of the Cime de Caron, called Caron 3200. It is billed as a place to eat, meet and rest.

The restaurant will have 130 seats. There's to be a wine bar and a rooftop with a bar and panoramic terrace.

Over recent years, there have been a lot of changes to the Cime de Caron. The Orelle-Caron telecabine is certainly useful, but it obliterated the old restaurant and panoramic terrace.

Blocking off the walk up to the table d'orientation and viewpoint ruined one of the highlights of a trip to this peak. A cramped indoor view through perspex is no substitute.

Let's hope the rooftop of the new building gives really good views.

2) What's New in Val Thorens 2024-25: Stage of the Ice Cross World Championships

Val Thorens is to host a stage of the Ice Cross World Championships from 5th to 7th December 2024.

This is a speed skating competition, but instead of a flat track there are bumps and obstacles.

It takes place in the heart of the resort in the evening, so it should make for great spectating.

3) What's New in Val Thorens 2024-25: 2 Lacs Gondola

The 2 Lacs chair, which was a Val Thorens institution, is replaced by a 10-person gondola.

The reason for replacing the chairllift with cabins is that it will be easier and safer for children in the early stages of learning to ski. There's to be a special entrance for children.

Les 3 Vallées say that the arrival point will be higher up - at the start of the Bee zipwire.

On the face of it that is a problem, as it means tackling a steeper slope - albeit technically still green - immediately after getting off the lift.

4) What's New in Val Thorens 2024-25: Petite Sud and Grande Sud Ski Touring Trails

Val Thorens tourist office says that two new ski touring trails will open in 2024/25, called Petite Sud and Grande Sud.

It's not clear exactly where they are. The names Petite Sud and Grande Sud suggest that they could be in the Plein Sud sector.

5) What's New in the 3 Valleys 2024-25: Saulire Cable Car Reopening

The Saulire cable car in Courchevel is to reopen.

We are promised new cabins, which will be comfortable and give panoramic views.

Also in Courchevel, there's to be a Bouc Blanc rope tow to connect the summits of Chenus and Bouc Blanc.

6) What's New in the 3 Valleys 2024-25: Relaxation Area at the Bottom of Saint Martin Express

The Chill Zone at the bottom of Saint Martin Express will have picnic tables and views of the Belleville valley.

Note that the views are not new in 2024-25, but were already there.

Saint Martin will also get new accommodation in the shape of luxury 5-bedroom Chalet Snowfall.