Alpining For You

Fancy Christmas in a crisp white winter wonderland? If spending the most wonderful time of the year on the slopes sounds like a fairytale festive break, you’ll want to be sure there’s plenty of snow as well as things to do. 

Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe at 2,300 metres above sea level, making it one of the most reliable when it comes to the white stuff. This almost 50-year-old resort is also one of the world’s largest in an area that is both vast and beautiful – on a fine day both the Mont Blanc massif and the Barre des Ecrins are visible. 

But it is not just the beauty and reliability of snow that marks out Val Thorens as a great family ski resort. The atmosphere is known to be more laid-back compared to the more frantic resorts in Val d'Isère or Tignes. This chilled vibe is even more clear over the festive season. Each year it celebrates a Magical Christmas week as the resort becomes an enchanted festive village complete with Santa's grotto, treasure hunts, candlelit processions and more.

For those looking for festive cheer on the piste, a stay at Le Val Thorens is a shining example of early ski pioneer hospitality. Striking the perfect balance between mountain authenticity and modern convenience (and straight out of a Wes Anderson film) Le Val Thorens has recently been fully renovated, but with more than a gentle nod to its original 1971 opening. This is a masterpiece in 1970s Alpine chic, with wood panelling, rich fabrics, stone feature walls, and a mountainous regional menu featuring raclette, tartiflette and, of course the 1970s favourite, fondue.

Poste-piste pampering is also very much on the Le Val Thorens agenda, there is obviously a classic sauna reimagined, but the spa is world class in terms of treatments and facilities. The  High Altitude Signature Massage €195 is a must, while the pool and its views have to be seen to be believed. 

The beautiful terrace enjoys an exceptional location facing the slopes, making it the perfect spot to sunbathe and relax. Or you could find a cosy nook in one of the lounges to read.

So if you are considering an Alpine Christmas, think about going as high as possible to Val Thorens.

EasyJet flies from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Geneva. Transfers from Geneva to Val Thorens take approx 3 hours.