In Val Thorens, there are three main types of lift pass – the 3 Valleys Pass (which covers the full 3 Valleys area),  the Belleville Valley Pass (which covers Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville giving you 186 miles (300 km of runs)  and the Val Thorens-Orelle pas which gives you the resort area and access to the small ski area of the 4th valley of Orelle. The 3 Valleys Pass is the most comprehensive and is recommended for all but beginner skiers.

Children under 5 years and adults over 75 years are free but you will need to show proof of age to get these passes. These passes need a photo (though this can be taken at the lift office counter) and there is a 3 euro charge for the ‘hands-free card’.

There are discounts for families based on 2 adults and a minimum of 2 children and for 2 or more passes bought for 6 days+ for the same ski area. You can also buy a daily beginner mini-pass for drag lifts on the nursery slopes and a pedestrian pass for anyone who prefers walking to skiing or who wants to join for a skiers’ lunch up the mountain. And there are free lifts for beginners in the Cascades and 2 Lacs area.

There aren’t any cross-country ski tracks in Val Thorens but there are 17 miles (28 km) of marked trails between Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville.

You can add ski insurance to your lift pass to cover you in case of accidents but you do need to check against your holiday insurance to see if you need this additional coverage.