In the early years of Val Thorens’ relatively short history it was known as a place that was functional and bleak, with a relatively subdued atmosphere off the slopes. Nowadays, as more and more people head to the higher and more reliable snowfields, the resort has shaken off its utilitarian image to become a great destination for revellers. It proudly boasts the highest après ski in Europe, at over 2300m in altitude, and has a very cosmopolitan feel compared to neighbouring Meribel (which is distinctly British!). Val Thorens attracts almost equal numbers of French, Brits, Scandinavians, Dutch and Russian visitors, and the range of food and drink in resort reflects this. There are now over 20 bars, 3 nightclubs, 40 restaurants, and even the highest Michelin Star Restaurant in Europe!
There are many fashionable hangouts and plenty of venues that stay open in to the early hours of the morning. A few of the bars even look like they could have been lifted off a UK high street and dropped in the Alps – comforting for some visitors, cringe-worthy for others! In summary, there is pretty much something for everyone when it comes to après ski and dining, except possibly those people who enjoy the historical ambience of a picture postcard resort. These people would be better off looking further down the valley towards St Martin.
