Stayed at St Jean de Maurienne in the Maurienne valley and used the access to Val Thorens from Orelle. Big advantage is that the telecabine from Orelle starts from about 900m so no having to struggle up and down the road to the 3-Valleys in a snowstorm and having to put on chains. The telecabine rises to 2400m over a run of 5km. The link to Val Thorens is at 3000m so one has to be aware of the developing weather. St. Jean is only 3 hours from Geneva or Lyon using RN and two hours or less on the autoroute. Plus it is very cheap, only 400 Euro for six nights half-board at the Hotel Nord. Of course, there is a lack of apres-ski but this was compensated by the Michelin guide food. If one needs a change from Val Thorens there are 18 other resorts in the environs of the Maurienne valley. La Norma and Val Frejus are the easiest to get to and provide enough skiing above 2000m for a very good days skiing. Expensive day pass at 39 Euros but as commented by others the lifts and perfect snow ensure value for money.