Val Thorens whilst no picturesque Alpine town, is an impressive feat of modern engineering and ingenuity, built at the spectacular heights of 2,300 metres, it is the highest resort in the Alps and enjoys unparalleled snow-surety and ski access. Found within the 600 kilometre domain of the Three Valleys, Val Thorens enjoys a lengthy ski season from November through to May. Approximately three hours from Geneva and Grenoble airports, whilst not a short transfer, the journey time is made up for with the excellent variety of slopes and snow conditions found here.
A resort that is suited to all, Val Thorens has extensive beginner slopes right in the heart of resort with magic carpets catering to beginners, whilst the higher slopes are perfect for progressing improvers and intermediates. Expert skiers are challenged not only by the sheer number of runs readily available from resort, but also from long red runs like those descending from the Peclet Glacier and the Cime Caron. Situated on the far side of the Three Valleys, Val Thorens enjoys a vast ski area in itself and also access to not only Méribel and the rest of the Three Valleys but is the best place from which to explore Orelle, the hidden fourth valley.
Val Thorens has a vibrant centre with a range of restaurants and bars. For a traditional French ambience and fondue, Le Vieux Chalet in the heart of resort on the Rue du Soleil is a popular option. On the mountain a rustic treat is found at Le Chalet de la Marine, with beautiful interiors and warming log fire serving traditional French dishes such as steak tartare with a modern twist and a dessert trolley that often proves too hard to resist.
For those who like to party, Val Thorens is up there with the best. For après ski there’s the world-famous La Folie Douce set on the Plein Sud piste, where you can find house beats blended with live saxophonist and dance performances and a party on top of the world. On the opposite side of resort you will find Bar 360, another popular après spot that blasts out a range of popular music as skiers fly past on their way back into resort. As the night goes on, popular bars include the Front and Roast Beef and Saloon Bar and no late-night trip is complete without a journey into the depths of Malaysia Club!
A snow-sure resort that caters to all skiers and entertains aplenty, part of one of the world’s best ski areas, Val Thorens is popular for very good reason.
