If you’re looking to wring the dregs out of winter with one last week of shredding the pistes in the French Alps, Val Thorens has got everything you need and more. Along with some awesome slope action, this power-packed resort has a pretty heavy après scene as well. From hitting the dance floor on the highest open-air club in Europe to downing pints in an authentic British pub, if you think you’re ready for the ultimate party to send out the season, Val Thorens is ready for you! Oh, and don’t forget your skis…
The Skiing
With more than 140kms of pistes on the doorstep, and a total of 300km spread over the Three Valleys at your disposal, you’re not going to be short of a challenge!
There are eight big, beautiful black runs close to the resort around the Cime de Caron (including a 3km downhill that’s 15 minutes of unadulterated adrenaline hit) and a total of 32 if you tackle the rest of the Three Valleys head on. But if fresh and funky powder off piste is your thing, you’ll reach Nirvana on the supreme 1,400m vertical descent of the Lac du Lou or on the glacial slopes of La Vanoise and Maurienne.
For boarders, zip up, strap on and head over to the snow park on the Plateau for as much fun as you can handle over 70 hectares of rails, boxes, tabletops and a crazy-fun big air jump to top it off.
The Nightlife
Oh… the nightlife! Val Thorens is heaving after dark (and before dark too during early happy hours) and, as a popular destination for uni ski trips and other fun-loving Brits, it’s beer, beats and babes all the way.
La Folie Douce & La Fruitere
You’d be hard pressed to find any die-hard powderhound who hasn’t heard of the legendary La Folie Douce. The one in Val Thorens is actually a sister venue to the famous Val d’Isère club, but it’s just as much fun and its status as the highest open air club in Europe has seen its reputation as an après hotspot go through the roof – or perhaps the sky. Open from midday, it’s always party time on the deck as DJs and musos keep the crowds pumped.
Le Saloon
Did someone say cocktail? If you’re looking to expand your drinking style, Le Saloon‘s mixologists serve up some wicked cocktails and shooters against the soundtrack of live music. But if your reputation as a beer monster isn’t under threat you can also get some pints in for cheap, because happy hour turns plural here – cheap beer is up for grabs from 3-5pm. It’s not surprising that Le Saloon is one of the busiest bars in the Three Valleys – it’d be rude not to…
Cafe Snesko
Situated right in the thick of the action where many of the best bars are, on Rue de Gebroulaz, Café Snezko is one of the more lively venues. There’s a nightly pyrotechnic show to keep company with live music, a young crowd and cheap drinks during the happy hour. While a Danish-inspired bar in the middle of the French Alps may seem a little out of place, those Scandinavians sure know how to party.
Frog & Roast Beef
This traditional Japanese bar is a splendid fine dining establishment with a lovely library nook…just kidding! With a name like Frog & Roast Beef you can be pretty sure you’ll be getting at least half of what’s on the tin here! This very British pub (allegedly the highest in the Alps) is loud, proud and serves ale by the yard. ‘Nuff said. Except this: if you’re ready for a rematch you can come back for a full English in the morning.
Le Malaysia
If you’re up for the challenge, Le Malaysia can keep you dancing ’til 5am on the biggest dance floor you’ve ever laid eyes on – 700 sq. metres if you’re asking. One of the resort’s three nightclubs (and laying claim to being the biggest in the Alps), Le Malaysia attracts some big name DJs, with the calibre of Calvin Harris and Nicky Romero taking their turn at the decks while happy punters drink until dawn.
How to Get to Val Thorens
You won’t waste any valuable slope time getting to Val Thorens, with a flight time of around an hour and 40 minutes from the UK to a choice of airports, including Chambéry (CMF), Geneva (GVA), Grenoble (GNB) and Lyon (LYS).
Whichever airport is the most convenient for you, when you land, the best way of getting you and any ski equipment straight to Val Thorens is on one of Shuttle Direct’s prebooked, fixed price ski transfers. From Chambéry Airport it will take just two hours to get to the door of your accommodation, so you can be out on the slopes (or in the bar) in no time.
If you’re arriving by train Val Thorens is within easy access of both Moutiers and Lyon Saint-Exupéry stations. You can prebook a Shuttle Direct transfer to meet you at the station and take you the rest of the way to the resort.
Where to Stay:
Les Olympiades: Within walking distance of three ski lifts as well as the bars and restaurants of the resort, Les Olympiades is the perfect comfy and cosy accommodation in Val Thorens. It’s got free Wi-Fi, a kitchenette, fantastic views of the mountains and room to move if you’re bringing your mates!
Val Thorens Appartment: With everything you need to make a winter home from home, Val Thorens Appartment is right in the middle of the action, so you won’t waste any time getting to the slopes. With a private balcony to enjoy the views, free Wi-Fi throughout the apartment and a well-equipped kitchen, you can party in your own place or walk the short distance to the bars and restaurants.
Odalys Tourotel: Ski-in ski-out at the fabulous Odalys Tourotel and enjoy all the comforts of home without breaking the bank. Close to ski lifts and bars, you can also enjoy a wind-down game of pool in the hotel’s social lounge. With great views and access to the slopes, the hotel offers simple, friendly accommodation in the best possible position.
About Shuttle Direct:
If you’re jumping on a flight and heading to the French Alps, Shuttle Direct can get you and any ski equipment direct from the airport of your choice to the door of your accommodation in the resort. With a wealth of experience in ski transfers and a service to suit any budget and group size, Shuttle Direct offers a range of private or shared services to and from any airport or train station in the Alps.
Book online through our easy to navigate system and our friendly, expert team will take care of all your arrangements, leaving you free to concentrate on the fun parts of your holiday. If you let us know what you’re bringing at the time of booking, we’ll even transport your ski equipment for free.
