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Val Thorens resort information & après-ski
Après-ski
As with most aspects of Val Thorens, the après ski options in the resort continue to improve and the choice expand.
The Tango bar in Hôtel Tango (tel: +33 479 000 270; www.langleyhotels.eu) treats those fresh off the slopes to live music, while the Rhum Box Café (tel: +33 479 010 236; www.rhumbox.fr), is also popular with its impressive assortment of rums.
Later in the evening, clubbers should head to Klub Summit (tel: +33 479 064 822; www.klubsummit.com) and Malaysia (tel: +33 479 000 525; www.lemalaysia.com) to party into the small hours.
Those seeking some musical entertainment in the mountains should attend one of the weekly classical or jazz concerts held every Tuesday in the church.
There are around 60 restaurants in Val Thorens, mainly offering French cuisine focused on Savoyard regional specialities. However, a wider choice of cuisines is available, including Mexican, Italian and vegetarian.
Regional dining is on offer at La Joyeuse Fondue (tel: +33 479 000 388), which serves Savoyard specialities in an intimate setting, while Brasserie du Montana (tel: +33 479 002 130; www.restaurantmontana.fr) offers excellent French cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
At the top end, new gourmet establishments seem to be opening every year. The restaurant in the Koh-I-Nor hotel (tel: +33 479 310 000; www.hotel-kohinor.com) has Michelin starred chef Eric Samson at the reins, preparing an array of goods each day including a delicious ‘gouter’ dish with chocolate mousse.
One particularly enjoyable activity is dining at the foot of the Péclet glacier after arriving by snowshoe or snowmobile, and then returning by toboggan. The excursion can be organised by École de Ski Internationale Prosneige (tel: +33 479 010 700; www.prosneige.fr).
Resort Information
Val Thorens is a resort designed specifically for skiers (but has grown to also accommodate boarders), but there are several alternative activities. For example, Val Thorens Nature (tel: +33 609 567 500) and the École de Ski Français (tel: +33 479 000 286; www.esf-valthorens.com) organise half-day snowshoe outings, while Val Tho Motoneige (tel: +33 4 79 002 146; www.valthomotoneige.com) arranges snowmobiling tours. Tobogganing and snow mountain biking are also available.
Petrol heads, meanwhile, will enjoy ice karting or taking ice driving lessons on Europe's highest permanent ice circuit (tel: +33 674 782 513; www.icedrivingacademy.com).
A major attraction here is also the presence of the highest zip wire in Europe at the top of the Bouchet chairlift, an adrenalin-fuelled experience with the added bonus of incredible mountain views.
Among the various indoor activities, the SOGEVAB sports centre (tel: +33 479 000 018; www.sogevab.com) has a swimming pool, sauna and steam room in which to relax, as well as tennis, squash and badminton courts for sporty types.
Val Thorens has dedicated children's learning areas with magic carpet lifts at the base of the slopes. An introduction to skiing is available for children aged three and over, with full lessons from the age of four from the École de Ski Français (tel: +33 479 000 286; www.esf-valthorens.com), while younger kids can spend time at the school’s nursery and Piou Piou club.
On the slopes, the free Baby Fun toboggan area is open to the little ones over the age of two. Over-fives can whizz down the resort's 6km-long (4-mile) toboggan run, which plunges 700m (2,300ft).
Indoors the SOGEVAB sports centre (tel: +33 479 000 018; www.sogevab.com), has a trampoline and bouncy castle.
The shops in Val Thorens are unlikely to excite dedicated shopaholics, but there are a few options away from those catering to ski holiday essentials. The many shops in the Galeries de Caron and Péclet in particular cover a good range, but winter sports gear outlets predominate.
For a real taste of the region, La Belle en Cuisse (tel: +33 479 000 430; www.la-belle-en-cuisse.fr), stocks Alpine Beaufort cheese, cured game and other delicious Savoyard specialities, all locally produced.
Treat yourself to two-Michelin-star rated cooking at Restaurant Jean Sulpice (tel: +33 479 400 071; www.jeansulpice.com). Sample the eight-course Skiers Menu from chef Jean Sulpice, who produces a range of his expertly presented signature dishes, including two desserts.
Hotels
Val Thorens has a surprisingly good choice of accommodation for a purpose-built ski resort, with generally more comfortable and stylish options than most would expect. The availability of higher standard hotels and apartments is growing year on year, and there is now a large selection of apartments and hotels in Val Thorens.
Hotel Koh-I Nor is a 5-star hotel that features a range of luxury rooms, suites and apartments. Pampered guests here can enjoy two restaurants that are overseen by a Michelin-starred chef.
Rue du Gébroulaz,
F 73440,
Val Thorens,
France
This option was Val Thorens’ first 5-star hotel and has light and airy rooms with modern designer touches. Within this opulent 79-room residence are three gourmet restaurants and a luxury spa offering a range of treatments and relaxation areas.
Rue du Soleil,
F 73440,
Val Thorens,
France
Accommodation at Hôtel Le Sherpa is in the form of traditional Savoyard-style rooms that have plenty of charm. Among the amenities at this hotel on the fringes of the village are a wellness centre, sauna, hot tub and steam room.
Rue de Gébroulaz,
F 73440,
Val Thorens,
France
Boasting a guest-only spa area, a choice of eateries and lovely views of the surrounding mountains, the 4-star Hôtel Le Val Thorens exudes contemporary Alpine charm.
Place de l’Eglise,
F 73440,
Val Thorens,
France
Résidence Le Valset offers pleasant self-catering studios/apartments for two to eight people with kitchenettes and balconies. Entrance to selected sports facilities is included in the price for those staying here.
Place des Arolles,
F 73400,
Val Thorens,
France
Conveniently located for the amenities of the village, including the children’s nursery, this large ski-in/ski-out residence is part of a large complex with budget 2-star as well as 3- and 5-star rated sectors. Facilities include an on-site restaurant and a spa.
Rue du Soleil,
F 73440,
Val Thorens,
France
Getting there and around
Nearest airports: Chambéry Airport (CMF); Geneva International Airport (GVA); Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)
Distance to resort: 112km (70 miles); 160km (100 miles); 193km (121 miles) respectively.
Driving time: 2 hours; 2 hours 45 minutes; 2 hours 45 minutes respectively
Nearest railway station: Moûtiers.
Distance to resort: 37km (23 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour. 45 minutes
Heliport for transfers from airports available.
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