Val Thorens Apres Ski Report: 18th December 2014

On Christmas eve in each resort (Val Thorens, Les Menuires and St Martin) there is a torchlight descent and if you look closely you might just catch a glimpse of the man in red - I’m not talking ESF, there’s plenty of those! Father Christmas also pays us a visit in Belleville before he begins his rounds.

The big question on everyone’s lips, does he ski or board? Well, who knows this year but last year in St Martin your man was on touring ski’s, there’s no end to his talents! Watching the parade gives you a lovely warm Christmassy glow inside, helped along by the free mulled wine and hot chocolate to keep you toasty. Hopefully if the snow continues then St Martin will open this weekend and still be able to hold the parade, otherwise Father Christmas might be mountain biking down!

After that there’s a great range of restaurants in each resort and I would recommend that you book in advance. Generally the parade starts at 6.30pm and finishes around 7pm, however check with the local tourist office nearer the time for the precise timing.

There is everything in the Three Valleys from good pizza restaurants La Voute (St Martin), Tex Mex (Les Menuires), Face West (Val Thorens) right up to the 2 Michelin Star restaurant, La Bouitte if you are treating yourself this year. They even have a helipad nearby if you are taking your chopper there!

If you want a more French experience this Christmas then there are some great farm restaurants in the valley. You could try Chez Pepe Nicolas (Les Menuires) which you can ski into when conditions are good. Otherwise there is a car park close by and it’s just a short snowy walk up to the cosy restaurant for great local dishes generally involving cheese, cheese and more cheese! Also, just below St Martin in Chatelard there is a quaint family restaurant, Chantacoucou where all produce is made right there on the farm - there is no menu you just get the day’s offerings, a truly fab experience that isn’t common on a ski holiday.

If it’s something more lively you’re after and you’re feeling like celebrating Christmas in style then treat yourself to some champagne après and dancing on the tables at La Folie Douce or Bar 360 in Val Thorens. In St Martin Le Billig Bar is having a Christmas eve fancy dress party so if you’ve ever wanted to dress as a turkey or Christmas tree then now’s your chance. Then if your ski legs still have some dancing life left in them, head to Malaysia in Val Thorens for the usual late night shenanigans which is open until 4am.

Wherever you are staying I am sure you will have a truly magical and very merry Christmas!