As the highest of the Three Valleys resorts, Val Thorens offers guaranteed snow, a long season from November into May, superb accommodation choices, and a great après and gastronomical scene.
Ski Independence, an award-winning, independent tailor-made ski holiday specialist, with over 20 years’ experience, offers skiers a bespoke way to make the most of this brilliant resort, taking care of everything from flights and airport lounge access, through Fast Track security access, executive transfers and first-class accommodation, down to private ski school bookings and lift pass delivery service.
Ski Independence has worked closely with Val Thorens for a number of years and it is consistently one of the company’s best-selling European destinations. In recent years the quality of accommodation has been improved beyond recognition: a huge range of high-quality hotels and apartments are now available, which are largely ski-in/ski-out in this amazingly convenient, snowsure resort.
So here are five tips to make Val Thorens your perfect ski holiday choice this winter.
Choose a great place to stay
Val Thorens is the definition of doorstep skiing, and with early booking discounts including up to 20% off self-catering apartments and up to 25% off luxury hotels, now is the time to grab a bargain. Why not try one of the brand-new Koh-I Nor Chalets for ski-in/ski-out luxury? Chalet Orlov, Chalet Cullinan and Chalet Golden Jubilee are owned and run by the 5-star Hotel Koh-I-Nor. Each chalet is decorated with the most luxurious fabrics and fittings and all have full length, south-facing windows to take in the spectacular views from the top of the resort. Throughout your stay here, you can choose from a menu of optional extras including the services of a private chef, valet services & on-site spa treatments to complement your stay.
ski-i.com/france/val-thorens/koh-i-nor-chalets
Book a ski tour with a difference
The world’s largest connected ski area boasts some of the best high-altitude skiing in all of the Alps, but even if you’ve ticked off every ski run from Saint Martin de Belleville to Courchevel 1850, the ‘3 Vallées Gourmet’ tours by Ski Cool offers skiers the opportunity to discover some of the most unique and amazing dining experiences available in the Three Valleys. Instructors from the Val Thorens-based ski school take groups of skiers for either one- or three-day ski guiding excursions paired with visits to some of the resorts’ very finest on-mountain dining destinations, such as Le Bistrot de l’Orée in Méribel.
Explore the gastronomic delights
Val Thorens prides itself on being a thriving hub of quality dining. With over 60 restaurants and a huge variety of cuisine on offer from the trendy to the traditional, your gastronomical needs will be well taken care of here whether you’re in the mood for brunch, dinner or après. Everything from buzzing slopeside eateries, to refined Michelin-starred restaurants, put together with a uniquely welcoming atmosphere only found in the mountains will introduce you to the joy of discovering your inner foodie. For a spectacular dining experience in resort, we recommend trying out Les Explorateurs restaurant in the Hotel Pashmina (one of their elegant creations pictured above!), or if you want to explore a little further afield, sample La Bouitte, a proud recipient of 3 Michelin stars over in St Martin de Belleville.
Be among the first to explore new ski runs
Val Thorens has two new pistes for 2018, topped by a new red that makes La Cime Caron, the legendary 3 Vallées summit, accessible to all. At 3.2k over a 570-metre vertical drop, this new red run is a major new addition to the Val Thorens piste map. The Boismint sector, loved by early morning skiers, has also been expanded with the addition of a new black run. And ski tourers will relish the four new itineraries. Choose between climbing opposite Péclet’s majestic aiguilles or La Cime Caron for a complete change of scenery that lets you rediscover the Val Thorens ski area.
Get fired up or chill out!
The excitement doesn’t have to stop once you’ve taken off your skis. Try one of Val’s other high-octane activities such as snow mountain-biking, ice-driving, taking a ride on the highest zipline or longest toboggan run in Europe. Or if well-being is your thing, this is the place to de-stress as Val Thorens’ My Serenity label, created in collaboration with stress specialist Philippe Rodet, showcases products, activities and experiences that help guide you towards a state of sustainable serenity.
More information from the Val Thorens tourist office or online at valthorens.com
BOOK NOW: We recommend the ultra-stylish 5-star Hotel Altapura, located right at the foot of the slopes, arguably Ski Independence’s, and our customers’, favourite Val Thorens hotel.
Price: From £1265pp, based on 2 sharing a Club Room on a B&B basis, SWISS flights from London Heathrow to Geneva and shared return coach transfers. Dep 1/12/18.
BOOK NOW: For a self-catering option, we recommend the 4-star Residence Le Hameau du Kashmir, for great quality apartments, slopeside access and great on-site amenities.
Price: From £750pp based on 4 sharing a 2 bedroom (4) apartment on a room only basis, SWISS flights from London Heathrow to Geneva and shared return coach transfers. Dep 9/3/19.
Take the trip
To book your Val Thorens ski holiday, call Ski Independence for a tailor-made quotation on 0131 243 8097 or visit ski-i.com/france/val-thorens
