Val Thorens, France (life, driving, German, beautiful)

[SammieJean]

My husband is taking me to Val Thorens, France in Feburary. I am so excited. We have been skiing in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria before. I am taking my brother with me but he has never been over seas. I want to make the trip so memorable and magical for him. We will be flying into Frankfurt (which is where I live) and driving down to France.

Has anyone ever been to Val Thorens? I know that it is the highest European ski resort. But I want to know what there is to do there after we get off the slopes.

Any info, memories, anything will be helpful.
thank you so much!

SJ

[wrightclan]

I skied Val Thorens about 15 years ago. Unfortunately, I can't help much with the Apres Ski scene because I was alone, on a tight budget, and only interested in skiing.

I will say it was very remote (as you might guess, being the highest resort in Europe). Food prices were quite high due to its remoteness. It was very beautiful in a "top of the World" sort of way.

Skiing was spectacular. I spent one day skiing across all the resorts in "Les Trois Vallees." I would only recommend doing this if you're a pretty serious and fast skier. I made it back to Val Thorens with only about half an hour to spare before the lifts closed. When I reached Courchevel about midday, I noticed prices were lower, temps were warmer, and it had more of a typical Alpine atmosphere if you know what I mean. IIRC, Courchevel was known more for the trendy/chic/celebrity set. May still be the same, I don't know.

Sorry, I couldn't be more help with the Apres Ski side of your question. But, as with just about any Alpine Ski resort, I'm sure there's plenty of opportunity for nightlife if that's what you're after.

[caseras]

Originally Posted by wrightclan

I skied Val Thorens about 15 years ago. Unfortunately, I can't help much with the Apres Ski scene because I was alone, on a tight budget, and only interested in skiing.

I will say it was very remote (as you might guess, being the highest resort in Europe). Food prices were quite high due to its remoteness. It was very beautiful in a "top of the World" sort of way.

Skiing was spectacular. I spent one day skiing across all the resorts in "Les Trois Vallees." I would only recommend doing this if you're a pretty serious and fast skier. I made it back to Val Thorens with only about half an hour to spare before the lifts closed. When I reached Courchevel about midday, I noticed prices were lower, temps were warmer, and it had more of a typical Alpine atmosphere if you know what I mean. IIRC, Courchevel was known more for the trendy/chic/celebrity set. May still be the same, I don't know.

Sorry, I couldn't be more help with the Apres Ski side of your question. But, as with just about any Alpine Ski resort, I'm sure there's plenty of opportunity for nightlife if that's what you're after.

I've been there 6 years ago, and I don't think the things have changed a lot. Actually I can back up everything you say, excepted the prices are still higher than before.

As for the things to do after skiing, well..... I'd say nothing excepted to go to the pub, I think now there is a club but I'm not sure. there're some shops but it has little to do with a city center of any city , the trade is based on "souvenirs " and skiing.

Bonne vacances !