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Everything I learned hiring skis in Val Thorens: where to hire, how boot fitting works, 2026/27 ski pass prices and my exclusive Intersport discount code.
I know it can be tricky finding the right ski hire in Val Thorens for your holiday. Sometimes it can become information overload with terms such as ‘last’, ‘flex’ and ‘canting’ being thrown about by shop assistants. Trust me, I get as confused as anyone!
That’s why I wanted to write this detailed guide on everything you need to know before you go. This blog post includes how to find the right ski boots that fit perfectly every time to an exclusive ski hire discount code so you can save some money on your holiday.
Make sure you scroll down to see my exclusive Intersport discount code for the next ski season!
When I first went to Val Thorens I was very new to skiing, and I found everything about it equal parts fascinating and exciting. I was like a little kid riding a bike for the first time and I just didn’t want to get off. However, it can be hugely daunting and overwhelming too.
As I never went skiing with my parents or on any school/uni trips, I don’t have any of that experience or knowledge about skiing that you build up over the years. Basically, I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, especially when it comes to ski rentals.
That’s why I’m always hesitant when I walk into a ski shop. When they start asking me questions like “what length skis do you want?” and “what ski boot flex do you usually have?”, I just don’t know the answers.
So, if you’re like me and new to skiing, this is the perfect guide to ski hire in Val Thorens in France. Hopefully it’ll give you the confidence in finding the right equipment for your ski holiday.
If you’re planning another ski trip soon, then check out my guide to skiing in Chatel, skiing in Meribel and skiing in Madonna di Campiglio in Italy.
Quick overview
- Season: Val Thorens/Orelle is open 21 November 2026 to 2 May 2027, and the full 3 Vallées area is open 5 December 2026 to 18 April 2027
- Where I hired my kit: Intersport Soleil Cheval Blanc, Rue du Soleil
- Pick-up: from 4pm the day before your first ski day
- Best saving: book seven days online and the seventh is free
- My discount code: AnAdventurousWorldSki for an extra 6% off
- Ski passes: from €66.10 a day for adults
- Driving: parking in the resort car parks is compulsory, and you can book your space online up to seven days before you arrive
- Nearest station: Moûtiers, about an hour away by Altibus or taxi
How much does ski hire in Val Thorens cost?
I think ski rental in Val Thorens is good value, especially if you book ahead. When I checked for the 2026/27 season, an adult blue pack from Intersport started from €22 a day online. Prices change depending on the week you book, so it pays to compare dates if you’re flexible.
All five Intersport shops in Val Thorens work to the French AFNOR standard for ski rental. Your skis are waxed and sharpened, your bindings are adjusted, and your boots are dried and cleaned before you get them.
If you’re looking to save some money then I’d really recommend booking everything beforehand. Intersport’s online prices are cheaper than paying in the shop, and if you book seven days the last one is free.
How to save on ski hire in Val Thorens: Intersport discount code
If you’re looking to save some money then I’d really recommend booking everything beforehand. If you book online you can save up to 30% off which is a huge saving. Also, I’ve partnered up with the team at Intersport offering an exclusive ski hire coupon code just for my followers. This is such a good discount so I really hope you use it.
If you input the voucher code “AnAdventurousWorldSki” you’ll get a further 6% off your total basket price when you book from Intersport. How about that as a little saving for your ski holiday!?
Intersport discount code:
AnAdventurousWorldSki
How to book and collect your ski hire
I’d always book your ski hire online before you go. Your kit is picked out in advance, so you’re in and out of the shop much faster. You can book anywhere from one to 14 days. If you book seven days, the seventh day is free, so there’s no reason to hire for six.
You don’t have to wait until your first morning either. You can collect your equipment from 4pm the day before, which means you can be on the first lift rather than standing in a queue. Bring your booking voucher and a bank card. Some shops ask for a deposit before handing over your kit, so check the terms for your shop.
If your plans might change, add the Zen option. It lets you cancel up to 24 hours before your first ski day. I’d also add breakage and theft cover. It’s around €2 a day and has to be taken out when you hire, not after something goes wrong.
Which Intersport shop should I use?
There are five Intersport shops in Val Thorens, so pick the one closest to where you’re staying. It saves carrying skis across the resort in ski boots.
| Shop | Where it is |
|---|---|
| Soleil Cheval Blanc | Bottom of the resort on Rue du Soleil, next to the ski school |
| Caron | Caron shopping centre, in the middle of the resort |
| Péclet | Place du Péclet at the top of the resort, beside the slalom stadium |
| Haut des Balcons | 2 Rue des Balcons |
| Bas des Balcons | 1 Rue des Balcons |
Finding the perfect ski boots
If there’s one thing that can make or break your trip it’s ski boots. If they don’t fit and they’re uncomfortable then they’ll give you all sorts of problems like causing numbness of the toes or getting blisters. That’s why it’s so important finding the right boots.
It may sound obvious but everyone’s feet are different. In fact, your own two feet are completely different from one another. That’s why there isn’t a “one size fits all” kinda boot.
Some boots are wider, some have more flexibility, some have a thinner inner lining. However, there are some things that will help you find the right boot.
On my most recent trip to Val Thorens I got my skiing equipment from Intersport. Well, in their shop in Le Chevel Blanc they had this amazing machine called the BootDoc. Some Intersport shops now offer a 3D Foot Scan. It measures the length, width and arch of your foot in a few seconds, so it’s worth asking whether your shop has one. From there, the shop assistants can give you a ski boot that’s much more likely to fit your foot.
As I’ve got quite narrow feet with a medium foot arch, I needed a narrow boot. Also, as I was a new skier, I needed a boot with a softer flex. This is how stiff the boot feels when you lean forward into it. A softer flex is more forgiving and easier to control, which is exactly what you want when you’re still finding your feet.
One of the things I really liked about Intersport was their shop assistants explained everything to me like I was an 8-year-old. It wasn’t at all condescending and I actually found it really useful learning about all of this stuff. It made me feel very confident that I was getting the right boot for me.
Returning your ski boots
One of the common misconceptions with ski hire in Val Thorens is once you’ve got your equipment you can’t change it. Wrong! Most shops will allow you to return your equipment if you’re not happy with something or if your boots don’t fit.
While I was in Val Thorens I changed my boots twice. Once because my big toe was hurting so I changed them for slightly larger boots. However, after about 15 minutes of wearing these new boots both my feet had gone numb, so I went back to the shop to go back to my other boots.
I spoke to Sacha, the shop manager at Intersport, and he said I just needed to give the original ski boots a bit more time. In the end I felt like they were the perfect boots for me so I’m glad I listened to him and followed his advice. They are the experienced professionals for a reason! At Intersport, swapping your boots during your stay doesn’t cost anything extra.
Get a custom moulded inner sole
Another way to get the perfect boot fit is to get a custom moulded inner sole. A bit like with the BootDoc machine, the outline and size of your foot shape in created in heat moulds. Then the inner sole is sculpted to your foot shape so it fits perfectly.
Obviously this gives an added comfort to your feet and should prevent any aches and pains from occurring from the bottom of your feet.
The great thing about moulded inner soles is once your ski holiday is over, you can take them out and put them into your hiking boots for the summer! Win win!
Top tips for ski hire in Val Thorens
Allow plenty of time – If this is your first time hiring ski gear then allow plenty of time. After talking to the professionals, trying on a couple of different boots and picking up your skis, it can take a fair bit of time. I’d say allow at least an hour to do everything and leave feeling comfortable.
Get measured by a professional – I can’t stress this enough but it’s so important getting measured by a professional. It’s the only way you’ll ensure getting the right sized boot. You may as well tap into all that experience while you’re in the shop. It’s basically what you’re paying for!
Wear thin socks – I always thought you should wear thick socks when skiing. Oh how wrong I was. Because the ski boots lining is so snug and thick, you should actually wear thin socks when skiing. If you can buy a pair of ski socks beforehand then even better.
Walk around the shop – To make sure you’ve got a pair of boots that you’re comfortable with then walk around the shop a few times. Ski boots are made for skiing downhill, so lean forward in them or even pretend to ski. I know that sounds silly but if really will give you the best feel for the boots and whether they’re comfortable.
Don’t be afraid to speak your mind – I’ve made this mistake before, but don’t be afraid to speak your mind. If the boots don’t feel comfortable or there are pressure points, make sure you let the shop assistant know. You can try on unlimited boots and it’s important to find the right ones for you
It isn’t about fashion – Those bright red boots may look cool but this isn’t a fashion show. You shouldn’t be selecting ski equipment on whether it looks cool or not. Everything should be functional, not fashionable. Saying that, if they are bright red then that’s a bonus!
Getting a Val Thorens ski pass
Getting a Val Thorens ski pass (replace the section)
There are two main ski passes to choose from. The Val Thorens/Orelle pass covers the resort’s own 150km of slopes, while the 3 Vallées pass opens up all 600km, including Méribel, Courchevel and Les Menuires.
These are the 2026/27 prices:
| Pass | Dates | 1 day (adult / junior) | 6 days (adult / junior) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Val Thorens/Orelle | 21 Nov to 18 Dec 2026 | €66.10 / €54.20 | €330.50 / €271 |
| Val Thorens/Orelle | 19 Dec 2026 to 2 May 2027 | €73.50 / €60.20 | €367.50 / €301 |
| 3 Vallées | 5 to 18 Dec 2026 and 10 to 18 Apr 2027 | €75.70 / €62 | €378.50 / €310 |
| 3 Vallées | 19 Dec 2026 to 9 Apr 2027 | €84.20 / €69 | €421 / €345 |
Adult prices are for 18 to 74-year-olds and junior prices are for 5 to 17-year-olds. Children under five ski free, but you’ll need proof of their age.
The best deal is the 6-day pass, which costs the same as five days. If you’re skiing as a family, the Family Flex pass means everyone pays the junior price on passes of six days or more, for groups of at least three with no more than two adults and six children.
If you’re a beginner like I was, I’d go for the Val Thorens/Orelle pass. There’s more than enough to keep you busy for a week. If you fancy exploring further, a one-day 3 Vallées extension costs €51 for adults. Online sales for 2026/27 open in October 2026. It’s also worth adding Carré Neige insurance when you buy your pass, as it covers mountain rescue and medical costs.
The 3 Vallées pass also gets you over to Méribel, which you can read about in my guide to skiing in Meribel.
Getting the right ski equipment for you
At the end of the day it’s all about finding the right ski equipment for you. This doesn’t mean the cheapest, it means best value for money. It’s really important having things like ski hire insurance just in case the worst happens. I have broken a ski before and I was so happy I had insurance! Saved me €100 straight up!
Hopefully you’ve found this guide about ski rentals in Val Thorens useful and I hope it means you can enjoy your ski trip in the French Alps!
This post was in association with Intersport promoting their ski hire and equipment in France. As always, all views and opinions are my own.
Are you skiing in Val Thorens for your ski holiday? Have you got all your ski equipment sorted beforehand? Let me know if the comments below!
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