Just got married and expecting our first child. Both really excited and happy :-)) Unfortunately j...
Just got married and expecting our first child. Both really excited and happy :-)) Unfortunately just lost my job because of the bump, who said that pregnant women have rights.
Member since:29.01.2006
Reviews:3
If you are a novice boarder of have never ventured to Val Thorens then this is the review for you. I went for a week over new years this year. Best new years i have ever had. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ValThorens is boasted as being the highest ski resort in Europe at 2300 m altitude and is also the summit of the 3 Vallées, the largest ski area in the world.
I stayed at Le Portillo, located towards the top end of the village. It's smack bang in the middle of everything. Reasonablly priced as well. I had a kitchenette room which meant that i saved money by not eating out every day.
Ski Passes ---------------- An adult half day pass for Val Thorens slopes costs 27 Euros with a full day costing 34 Euros. Make sure that you ask for insurance with these at an additional 2.50 Euro a day. This covers you if you need to be taken off the mountain by blood wagon. Dependant on driver some of them won't touch you unless you have this or give them money before taken off the slopes. Can be a pricey ride. They have a new system now which means you don't have to show your ski pass. Leave it in your pocket and it is electronically read. Don't
have more than one pass in your pocket as it messes the system up and invalidates your pass. It easier to buy a ticket for a few days rather than one but if the weather turns bad you can't get your money back.
Ski Hire -------------- Have a look around for cheap deals and also look in your hotel. Our hotel had a deal with 'Ski Lou' giving a 20% dicount. Here board, boots and helmet cost 108 Euros for six days. A bargain.
Ski Lessons ----------------- If you are new to skiing or boarding then this is a must. I was stubborn and determined to learn for my self. One month on i still can't put any full weight on my knee. I booked a couple of lessons with Pro Neige and had one to one tuition, the best. Beware cause most of the ski schools are at the bottom of the village. I advise you to walk to them. Not walking means that you'll have to cross the bussiest junction where five runs meet and interweave. My tuition cost 74 Euros for two hours with a fab instructor who really boosted my confidence. Be wary of taking lessons in the afternoon as the nursery slope gets packed, although it is cheaper.
Slopes ---------- There are 70 or so runs, 10 beginner and 20 (ish) intermediate. As long as your'e not afraid of heights and chair lifts you'll be fine. Some of the green runs are nice and long and you can really build up your confidence. Just try not to get too annoyed when a group of tiny children whizz past skiing perfectly. If snow has fallen overnight get out really early. Lifts open at 9am. This way you get the slope to yourself and the powder means that it doesn't hurt as much when you land on your butt.
Equipment ---------------- Invest in some thermals, i wasn't prepared for the -17 C. It's not a fashion show out on the slopes and everyone wears what they are comfortable in. You'll need warm hat, goggles, ski jacket and salopettes and gloves, thick socks. Also a nice warm jumper and a thinner one to go underneath. I also invested in some knee and wrist pads (too late to help my bad knee) and some silk gloves. Now the silk gloves are the vest buy i have evermade. They fit under your normal gloves providing an extra layer of warmth.
Resturants ---------------- There is definitely no shortage of resturants here. La montagne-Located to the side of one of the lower slopes in the village, this place was great for lunch. Burgers, omelletes, Jacket potatoes quite reasonably priced. Can't remember the name of it but it is avery small restuarant just down from the hotel i stayed in. Mainly american food. If you get the chance try the 21oz burger. It's a belly bloater. Nice and cheap to eat here but you will need to book. It get's very busy very quickly.
Most of the resturants i went to, the food was fantastic. Very rich food though so be prepared for a bit of a dodgy tummy.
Shops --------- Tuesday and Thursday afternoons there is a market at the top end of the village. Thy sell (compared to the shops) cheap priced goods. Fleeces, hats, scarves etc. Also has food and wine to sell. This is moderatley priced. There are two indoor shopping areas, one at each end of the village. The top has a chemist and tabac but other than that they are about the same. It pays to window shop first and always play shops off against each other. A great way to get a bargain. If boutique shopping is your thing then there are some great places for that. A little expensive but at least you know no one will be wearing it back home. Male clothes shopping is ok but don't hold your breath. There are two supermarkets in the top end of the village. One is shut between 1pm and 4pm and the other opposite it is open all day. If you are in self catering then these are your shops. Food is pretty expensive as is beer and wine in the shops. If you are going to buy new board gear then you really need to shop around. Remember to play shops off against each other. You really will get a bargain then.
Clubs ------- I only went to El Gringo, in the centre of the village. Fantastic nights spent in there. Really good music, mix of r&b and chart stuff. I went on new years eve so dancing bar man, flaming sambucas, tequillas and lots of sweaty dancing. It is usually free to get in but new years eve cost 5 Euros. It is however always free to dance on the bar!!!
Pampering yourself --------------------------- Located at the bottom end of the village is the sports centre. They have a small spa area inside open from 2pm. The early you go the cheaper it is, about 9 Euros. It has two Jacuzzi's, three saunas, steam room, showers and a relaxing area where you can lie down in the warmth and forget about how cold it is. Be wary to go when the weather is bad. It gets uncomfortably busy and there are alot children. Paying the spa price also means you can use the moderately sized swimming pool. Good value.
Most hotels offer a massage services or have their own spa. If you are feeling lazy then get a therapist in to your hotel room. Men treated as well.
Do's and Don'ts ---------------------- Do try and attempt to speak French. They appreciate that you're trying. Don't make out you know what you're doing if you don't. There's always someone willing to help. Do get up quickly if you fall over on a slpoe. Lot's of people may crash into you. Don't swerve unnecessarily when going down a slope. You'll get hit from behind and they won't be happy. Do wrap up warm. There's nothing worse than being stuck at the top of mountain freezing cold. Don't drink the tap water unless you have a cast iron stomach. Even some of the locals stay away from it. Do heckle prices down in the shops. It's a great way to get a bargain. Don't believe that you can clip a board to your feet and off you go. (Tryed and tested). Make sure you book a couple of lessons.
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I had the best week in Val Thorens. The people were friendly, the scenery beautiful and the boarding was excellent. If you are thinking of going soon, then check the weather reports to make sure there will be some good snow. There is nothing worse than trying to baord on ice.
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Great review, I've been to VT a few times now, and it has some of the most reliable snow in Europe... BTW 'Do try and attempt to speak English' ?? I know it's a popular destination for folks from the UK, but this one's a typo, surely?? ;-) x
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Jan 31st, 2006
(Feb 1st, 2006)
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