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Val Thorens Apres Ski Report: 22nd February 2012

Party mode

featured in Nightlife reviews Author Andy Wilson, Updated

It is the second week of the French Holidays and Val Thorens is still very much in party mode (well, when is it not?). After a lengthy day on the slopes in the glorious sunshine that we are lucky enough to have at the moment, the tired skier is spoilt for choice in terms of the après-ski venues available to them in our lively resort. The air has certainly warmed up since the chilling temperatures of the last two weeks, making après-ski and nightlife far more viable and pleasurable.

If you are interested in grabbing a hot chocolate or a bite to eat at some significant altitude, head up the Funitel de Peclet to Les Aiguilles de Péclet for some Savoyard mountain hospitality. With its decked balcony standing proud of the slope, this is a great spot to relax with a beverage and a stunning view of the valley. In the early afternoon, there is no better place to stop on the slopes than Chalet du Thorens. The well organised, deceptively large complex has a wide variety of cuisine on offer. From the stir-fry at Wok Ski, to the magnificent pizzas and burgers within the chalet, to the tasty crepes and waffles available on the decking, there’s something to keep every peckish skier happy. When the weather is fine (so, always) there is a live singer on the decking, providing nice ambient entertainment for those enjoying their hot chocolates or frosty beers. A little further down is the adjoining Bar360 which, with its large dance-floors, heated seating areas, two bars and a good variety of music from Dubstep to House, is the most comfortable place for an après-ski drink and dance.

Back in resort, the reinvented Tango Bar is still making excellent progress in establishing itself as a stellar après-ski location. On Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the excellent in house jazz band performs jazz covers of popular songs to the cocktail slurping clientele. Whilst much of the live music on offer regularly in Val Thorens is good, these guys are particularly idiosyncratic and obviously very talented musicians with a particularly engaging front man (sporting more than a little bit of Jarvis Cocker vibe). Of course, a big draw for the venue is the daily happy ‘hour’ which runs from 10pm until midnight during which the bar staff demonstrate their flair with two-for-one cocktails. The ‘Atomic Dog’ is always a good bet.

Also good for a bit of variety is Café Snesko, a stone’s throw down the road from Tango, just next to The Frog and Roast Beef. The small Danish bar has a great atmosphere and extremely friendly and welcoming staff. Whilst being obviously popular with the Danish workers in resort and those on holiday, the vibe in Snesko is particularly multi-cultural, perhaps thanks to the fact that it neighbours a very English establishment on one side (The Frog) and a kebab take-away on the other.

With the warm air and a further six straight days of sunshine predicted, the coming week should be as busy off the slopes as it is on. There are a couple of notable family entertainment events organised for the end of this week. On Thursday, travelling clowns/magicians Coco and JP are putting on a children’s show in the Forum Joseph Fontanet with magic tricks, sketches and some mystery guests. There are also the regular toboggan and mountain bike evenings on Wednesdays and Thursdays which can be booked at the Chalet du Toboggan. As for next week, there is an event at Place Caron throughout the day on Monday in support of Cystic Fibrosis. From 3pm the ESF and the association “Etoiles des Neiges” (Snow Stars) will be selling torchlights (electric ones for children), gadgets and hot drinks in support of the foundation, culminating in a torchlight descent and firework display.

Location

Map of the surrounding area