- ALTITUDE
Val Thorens is high: in fact, sitting at 2300m it’s Europe’s highest ski resort. Unsurprisingly, skiing in the resort is as snow-sure as you can get – without skiing on a glacier – and Val Thorens (or VT as it is known by locals) boasts one of the longest ski seasons in the Alps, opening in mid-November and not letting up until May. The resort also offers the highest skiing in Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest ski area, with the highest chairlift reaching 3230m.
- WHO NEEDS SKIING?
There is one issue with VT: it’s above the tree line, which makes for tough skiing conditions when it’s a whiteout day. But fear not. There’s loads to do in VT when the weather is against you. Head to the sports centre, which has a huge children’s play area if you have little ones in tow, or the bowling alley if it’s teenagers you need to please. And for adults looking for a thrill, why not head to the ice-driving circuit on the outskirts of the resort to get an adrenaline fix.
- STAY IN STYLE
There has been a stream of new and refurbished hotels opening their doors in VT, most notably the resort’s first 5« hotel, the Altapura (altapura.fr), which opened last year and houses a branch of the famous Parisian restaurant “Les Enfants Terribles”, as well as two other eateries and several bars. Last summer the 4« Hotel Val Thorens (levalthorens.com) underwent a full refurbishment, and is now a stylish place to reside in the resort.
- GET SET TO PARTY!
Nightlife in the resort is lively, by French standards. Après starts on the piste at the infamous Follie Douce, where the live jazz band has people dancing come rain or shine from 3pm. Once darkness falls, British skiers often frequent the Frog and Roast Beef pub, which is open late, before heading to the underground Malaysia nightclub.
- DIVERSITY
VT may have a reputation that precedes itself — yes, it is ever popular with university groups — but in reality it offers real diversity. As a resort, VT caters equally for all nationalities, diehard skiers, families, and those looking to party. It’s an attribute few resorts can boast, especially in Les 3 Vallées.