Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe. Its brilliant snow cover ensures amazing skiing throughout the season making it the ideal destination for adrenaline seekers and powder hounds. The resort’s range of terrain means that mixed ability groups love skiing here, there really is something for everyone.
Though you may have heard of Val Thorens as a ski resort, you might not have realised that its nightlife is pretty legendary too. The town is a hot spot for young skiers wanting to shred the slopes and then hit the clubs. Val Thorens is popular with university ski trips, as well as groups of students on their own holidays who fill its bars and clubs every night.
Here are the bars you’ve got to experience in Val Tho before you head home.
Val Thorens Bucket List Nightlife
Whatever kind of atmosphere you are looking for, a chilled beer in a nice bar or a round of shots in a heaving club, Val Thorens has something to offer. These are four places you should definitely try to tick off your Val Thorens Bucket List during your stay.
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La Folie Douce
La Folie Douce is the place to kick off your celebrations every day. From around 2 pm everyone who is anyone gathers on the stunning terrace to indulge in the après-ski festivities.
You’ll never dance anywhere more scenic than this – or more crowded. The club always has a great DJ set and its resident band, the Party Makers, have a quirky, fun style.
When you get peckish simply eat at one of La Folie Douce’s multiple food options. The Folie Food Ratrack is an old snow groomer converted into a food truck selling awesome burgers perfect to line your stomach for the night ahead, La Petite Cuisine is a fast-food style restaurant using local produce and La Fruitiere brasserie is where to go when you need a proper meal – you might need to book.
Ski in or access on foot using the Les Pionniers cable car. La Fruitiere serves from 12pm and you can book by phone.
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Le Zinc – Fahrenheit Seven
On weekdays this hotel bar is a great place to hang out and relax. The bar is open from 6pm and serves Grands Crus wines and a whole range of spirits, as well as tapas.
Le Zinc does have a couple of special nights in the week, each Thursday evening the bar hosts Le Zinc Show Case where a live band plays and Saturdays are known as DJ & More. Once a month a well-known musician or band is asked to perform at Le Zinc where guests can enjoy a live concert in an intimate setting – this is known as the Seven Party.
The bar closes each night at 1am in time for you to relax with a hot bath in your accommodation or move on to one of the town’s many clubs.
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Malaysia
This is a smaller venue but what it lacks in size it makes up for in quality music. For three decades this club has been setting the standard in the town, hosting live concerts every night from 11.30pm.
These epic shows are followed by incredible DJ sets running until 4.30am. Previous guest DJs include Calvin Harris, Eric Morillo and Afrojack, as well as artists famous on the Ibiza scene.
Malaysia has an industrial, warehouse-like vibe and a huge dance floor. For special occasions, or to celebrate your last night, why not pay for access to the VIP lounge areas. Door open at 11pm.
Top Tip: Happy hour is from 11pm to midnight.
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Les Chalets du Thorens
This huge complex includes a lounge bar with a live DJ, a pizzeria, a restaurant, a Belgian waffle place (do not miss!) and more. Its great for a group as everyone can find something here they want to do, whether that is shoving delicious pizza into their mouths or relaxing with a drink listening to live music.
You can reach Les Chalets on foot and ski.
Top Tip: Les Chalets du Thorens hosts amazing events throughout the season, so check what is on when you are there.
Where to Stay
Appartement Val Thorens – Just 300 yards from Cairn Ski Lift this self-catering apartment has everything you need for a comfortable stay. With two single beds and a sofa bed, it has flexible sleeping options. It is great value for money for this brilliant location.
Résidence Odalys Tourotel – This hotel is great for small groups as it has a range of self-catering apartments with their own dining areas. This ski-in ski-out hotel is also good value for money, meaning you have more cash to splash when you hit the town.
Langley Hôtel Tango – If you have a bit more cash to splash, the chic Langley Hôtel Tango is great for young travellers. The hotel’s own bar is a fun place to start your evening and its free, hotel-wide Wi-Fi is sure to meet all your social media needs.
Looking for more student-friendly skiing destinations? Check out this post on cheap and cheerful skiing in Bansko.
How to Get There
Getting to Val Thorens from the UK is really easy. Simply catch a flight to Geneva Airport – just an hour and a half from London. There are four airlines that fly direct and almost 200 flights a week meaning you have lots of flexibility when booking.
To reach Val Thorens itself, I recommend a Shuttle Direct transfer. They have unbeatable prices and are really reliable. Their shuttle bus option is great for sticking to a budget, and their private transfers take you straight to your door. They can also accommodate ski gear, just let them know what you’ll have when you book.
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct, our professional drivers deliver an efficient service that is great value for money. You can book online in minutes and travel with total peace of mind, knowing that your airport transport is in safe hands.
