Val Thorens Apres Ski Report: 25th January 2012

Moreover, it’s not all about partying. The Tourist Office prides itself in offering a varying selection of sports, games and live entertainment suitable for a wide age group. In terms of sports activities, the toboggan nights (typically from 5pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) are very popular for adults and children. Beginning at the top of the Funitel de Peclet and continuing for 6km back down, Val Thorens boasts the longest toboggan run in France. For the ages 5 and up (those between 5 and 10 need to ride with an adult) this is an event which can be enjoyed by families as well as groups of adults. At €19.20, it’s not the cheapest activity on offer and for families with groups of children, it could end up being quite a pricey affair. Nevertheless, it is a rather unique opportunity 45 minutes of guaranteed fun.

Toboggans are a fun way to look at the pistes in a different light but if you really want to try something different, why not go along for the mountain bike descent, held on the same nights as the tobogganing. With prices starting at €40, this activity is perhaps more suited to small groups of adults and biking enthusiasts. Both the tobogganing and the mountain biking should be booked in advance at the Chalet du Toboggan.

As for après drinks and nightlife, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to partying in Val Thorens. There are the mountain-side heavyweights with which you are likely familiar. Gracing the Plein Sud piste is La Folie Douce, “the dance floor on top of the world”, the resort's most highly publicised entertainment venue. Whilst the daily DJ set/live entertainment can get repetitive after multiple visits, the novelty of dancing in the sun on top of a mountain whilst being showered in champagne as barmen breath fire is still too intoxicating to resist. Chalet du Thorens’ Bar 360, accessed via the Cascades chairlift, is a less explosive alternative but no less inviting. In the cold shadow of the mountains it is usually less busy than La Folie, but with an excellent resident DJ, two bar areas, a well heated dance floor and places to sit and relax, 360 has enough tricks up its sleeves to draw significant crowds. Moreover, the adjoining restaurant is frequently used by tour operators as a venue for mountain meals. Catching the last chairlift up, you can enjoy après drinks at 360 before sitting down for a fondue with chips, salad and red wine and then making a torchlight descent down to the glittering resort. All for around €30.

Coming up on the calendar there are the usual weekly activities (toboggan and mountain bike nights, family entertainment at Place Caron on Friday afternoon) as well as a handful of unique events. The Polycultural Hall will host a classical concert from pianist Axel Lenarduzzi at 6:30 on Tuesday which, as per usual, is a free event but welcomes donations. With a love for Tchaikovski, Brahms and Liszt, the event is sure to be popular with fans of 19th Century Classical and Romantic music. Why not take a break from your own skiing to watch some professionals on Saturday at the biggest event of the week, the Skicross French Cup. Beginning at 9:45am and continuing until 1:30 at the Boardercross, accessed via the 2 Lacs chairlift, this will be an exciting thing to witness for snowsports enthusiasts. The Awards ceremony will be held at the finish area.