Val Thorens innovates: a training academy and an autonomous drone for mountain rescue
How does a ski resort prepare for what comes next? In Val Thorens, winter 2026-2027 comes in the form of two innovations: the Val Tho Academy, the first training academy run by a mountain resort in France, and the deployment of a second autonomous rescue drone to support the ski patrol.
RevolutionR, communications and PR agency for Val Thorens, unpacks two stories that speak to mountain media, as well as tech and employment news desks.
Val Tho Academy: training the mountain's talent
The resort is creating the Val Tho Academy, with programs in management, artificial intelligence, customer relations and languages.
It provides a solid solution to the recruitment and upskilling challenges facing seasonal and permanent staff, and one that makes Val Thorens a high-altitude training laboratory.
An autonomous drone for off-piste terrain
Val Thorens is deploying its Second Autonomous Rescue Drone to support patrollers monitoring off-piste areas. Olivier Gardet, technical director of the Belleville Valley Piste Service, works where field meets technology.
As early as 2019, he helped create a drone unit used to monitor specific zones, analyze avalanche risk and carry out checks before committing a team. His principle is clear: "The machine provides valuable data, but knowledge of the mountain remains irreplaceable."
A resort that thinks beyond skiing
Both announcements belong to a wider culture shift: altitude is no longer only about the descent. Training, technology, wellness and outdoor activities extend the winter season and make room for visitors who want to come to the mountains without putting on skis.
About RevolutionR
Founded in winter sports 25 years ago, RevolutionR supports Val Thorens and many ski resorts such as Courchevel, Vars, Méribel, and Val Gardena in media relations, influence, content and events. We turn a resort's innovations into stories for national, regional and specialist media: an angle, figures, faces and access.
FAQ
What is the Val Tho Academy?The first training academy run by a ski resort in France, with programs in management, AI, customer relations and languages.
How are drones used for mountain rescue in Val Thorens?To monitor off-piste zones, analyze avalanche risk and carry out checks before ski patrollers are sent in.
Who handles communications for Val Thorens?The resort's media relations and influence are supported by RevolutionR, an agency specializing in mountain and tourism public and press relations.