Stu Brown is based in Liverpool, works in Digital Marketing and is a keen skier. His blog, Lifetime Backpacker, is a world travel and food blog, documenting his adventures in the UK and abroad. Earlier this year, Stu hit the mountain in Val Thorens, France – and loved it so much he wrote this article about the best bits.
Why Visit the Three Valleys?
The winter sports community is a large one and with so many of us hitting the slopes every year, it’s no wonder that ski resorts across the world are constantly getting bigger and better. With upwards of 500 kilometres of adventure to discover on one lift pass, Les Trois Vallées is one of the most impressive ski areas in an increasingly formidable industry.
Situated within the largest connected winter sports area on earth, Val Thorens could be described as the boldest place in the valley. It’s got fantastic slopes and scenery, but there’s more to it than that…
Val Thorens History
The late 1960s marked the beginnings of something special, when an important section of land was highlighted high in the Tarentaise Valley. After much negotiation and deliberation the area was cleared for development of what remains the highest ski resort in Europe at 2300m. Ski lifts, hotels, bars and restaurants followed and the first ski school and tourist office opened only a short while later.
A low-quality image that looks like it might have been taken a long time ago. Historical.
Over 45 years of operation, this world-leading location has come from humble origins to win many awards for the exciting holiday experience it provides.
Visiting Val Thorens Today
The French Alps are home to some amazing places to spend the winter months; the quality of piste, accommodation and all round experiences here are often described as some of the best on the planet. But what makes VT stand above the rest? Whether you like a chilled out vacation, a party blow-out week, or a snowy adventure you’ll find a holiday that suits your needs here.
With 68 runs, you definitely won’t be bored. There are:
– 8 green runs for the more relaxed, less experienced skier or snowboarder
– 25 blue for those of us who have a bit of a handle of the slopes
– 27 red for the more daring
– 8 black for ultimate powder veterans
And it gets better still – not only is there a style of slope for everyone, but almost the whole resort features ski-to-door accommodation, saving you heaps of time and energy.
Accommodation with a lift-side location in VT.
Things to do in Val Thorens
On your visit there are not only skiing and snowboarding moments to be made. Enjoy a touch of luxury relaxation? Want some fun things for the kids to do? Just want to party your socks off? Val Thoren’s got you covered.
There are more than 15 luxury spas available during your stay to relax, unwind and iron out those stiff, post-piste calves. Fancy a swim? The Hotel Pashmina’s got your back, with a wealth of treatments and an indoor pool available.
Want to keep the young ones occupied with anything other than skiing or snowboarding for a while? Why not a toboggan? The longest in the country is here, and it is definitely worth checking out. Six kilometres in length, it takes you eight minutes to reach the start line on the lift and then 45 minutes of twists, turns and icy fun takes you to the bottom!
Live a life of luxury at the Hotel Pashmina.
Finally, for those of you whose ideal ski holiday involves a serious approach to après, you’ve come to the right place. The resort is home to Le Malaysia; the largest nightclub in the French Alps. You can also find somewhere in the region of forty – 40! – other bars in which to spend your time.
Accommodation and Getting There
From five star hotels to more basic accommodations, you’ll find places to suit most budgets on your visit. There is also the brilliant option of being able to book private chalets and studios for a more exclusive winter vacation experience.
Val Thorens is a truly amazing experience for all, and the views from the highest resort in Europe are some not to be missed, and never to be forgotten.
This article was written for Crystal Ski Holidays by Stu Brown over at Lifetime Backpacker – Stu and his colleague provide freelance content, social media and digital marketing services. Check them out at www.lifetimebackpacker.com or on Facebook & Twitter.
If you’ve been to Val Thorens, let us know what you thought in the comments, on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
This post first appeared on Ski Blog | Ski Info, Tips And Opinions From Ski-buzz, please read the originial post: here
