Where to Ski And Snowboard - Val Thorens expands for 2012

Val Thorens expands for 2012

4th April 2011, by Chris Gill

Expanding Val Thorens

Val Thorens is already looking ahead to next winter, when they plan to have a new lift, runs and two new hotels in business by the time the season starts.

The biggest news will be the installation of a fourth funitel lift in the resort – which will feature a two-series of two cabins carrying 33 people each, along the short two-minute ride.

The lift will run from the top of the Portette chair to the ridge at the Col de la Montée du Fond (a few metres along the ridge from the Col de Rosaël). Its addition is to allow the resort to construct two new pistes: one red, one blue. These will run either side of the lift and meet up with those slopes served by the Portette chair.

As well as expanding the ski area, Val Thorens is also due to unveil two new places to stay next season: a hotel, Altapura, and new 5-star chalet-style residence Montana Plein Sud.

The Altapura hotel will be a 4-star, with 88 modern rooms. It will be typically defined by the latest wood / stone styles and incorporates solar panels as part of the trend towards eco-friendly lodging. Those visitors looking for a variety of eateries will find three different restaurants, including cheese dish special and a chic bistro. Two bars will complete the après and evening entertainment. And to encourage families, there will be indoor and outdoor pools, spa facilities, children’s play areas and snow garden.

The Residence Montana Plein Sud is also under construction (hopefully to open next season too), the resort’s first 5-star self-catering apartments. These are located close to the Village Montana residences. The chalet-style buildings will include 40 luxury apartments sleeping four or six people, with wifi internet in each. And as a feature of most smart apartments these days, there will be a wellness area with pools, saunas, massage rooms etc.

So, quite a lot planned for Europe’s highest resort next winter … which has seen quite a lot of recent investment in the ski area, in particular. The new beginner areas are an obvious and welcome improvement.