Ski in and out chalets in Val Thorens

When asking people what is the most important thing about their skiing holidays, we will more often than not be told that being on the slopes or being able to ski in and out of a chalet is definitely one of the main things groups require. Val Thorens ski resort is perfect if you are looking for a chalet that is located close to the slopes. The majority of the chalets are ski in and ski out or within a few minutes walk to the pistes and the lift systems. Ski in and out benefits everyone especially families with youngsters who struggle with carrying equipment and walking long distances in ski boots. Especially when you have to be at the ski school meeting point at 8.45am! Waking up, having breakfast, stepping outside, strapping in and skiing down to the lifts/ski school is a huge benefit! Here is a small selection of what is on offer for ski in and out convenience in Val Thorens.

Recommended chalets for your Val Thorens, Ski in and out holiday:

Chalet Hayley -Les Menuires- Sleeps 12-14

This chalet is part of the Chalets de Bruyeres complex in Les Bruyeres which is situated between Les Menuires itself and Val Thorens. These chalets are located literally right on the doorstep of the Bruyéres gondola lift in Les Bruyeres which is situated between Les Menuires itself and Val Thorens. The gondola lift takes you to the peak above the Meribel valley (Mont de la Chambre at 2850m) from where you can ski down into Val Thorens, Meribel or Les Menuires and right to the back of the complex the Chalet Hayley is located. Unbeatable!!

Chalet Catherine – Val Thorens – Sleeps 18

There are only a handful of detached chalets in Val Thorens, and this super property is certainly one of the very best. Chalet Catherine sells out every year thanks to its unbeatable location. Skiing is literally to and from the door, as the chalet is located right on the side of the nursery slopes in the centre of the resort.  All rooms are fully en suite and there is also a sauna for added relaxation.

Chalet Olivier – Val Thorens – Sleeps 12

Chalet Oliver, like its slightly larger sister Chalet Catherine, is a hit every year. Its superb ski in/out location is second to none and only a short walk from the village centre. All rooms are fully en suite and you have easy access to the sauna on the ground floor.

From St Martin de Belleville through De Bettaix and Les Menuires all the way up to the breath taking heights of Val Thorens centre nestled at 2300m above sea level, the Val Thorens Valley and its neighbouring resorts of Meribel and Courchevel make up one of Europe’s largest and most sort of ski areas. So how did it all come about….?

The History of Val Thorens Ski Resort

In the 1960s the potential of Val Thorens to be transferred from a small mountain village into a location for a purpose built ski area was noted. The first area to be developed was the lower area of Les Menuires beginning in 1967. In 1969 the access road was extended up to Val Thorens so that development of the resort could start. In 1970, Joseph Fontanet President of the council and mayor of Saint Martin de Belleville created a mix trade union of Belleville in association with the Department of Savoy and the neighboring towns.

This trade union’s goal was to analyze and implement the huge project developed by Pierre Schnebelen: creating on one side an important tourist resort and on the other side the massif de Péclet Polset which would include 2 winter resorts: Val Thorens on Belleville side and Val Chavière in the south, in the Vallon du Planay situated in the Park de la Vanoise in Modane. The goals of this massive project was, on the one hand, dealing with the connecting the region with a network of ski lifts and ski trails thus helping the development of the tourist economy of Modane (most of its activities were already slowing down). On the other hand creating as in Austria a vast summer ski complex on the glacier around the summit of Péclet (3650 m).

To their dismay the project Val Chavière went against the regulations of the Park de la Vanoise which did not allow any urbanization. After many protests and governmental involvement the project Val Chavière was abandoned. The project for Val Thorens -outside the park- was allowed and the first construction works started with outstanding dynamism. Within a year, the department built an 8-kilometer stretch of road between the Menuires and Val Thorens.  On 18th December 1971 the fist of 3 drag lifts was installed, followed in 1972 by the opening of the first ski school. Like many 1960’s purpose build resort in the French Alps, Val Thorens suffered from a lack of architectural guidelines in the early days, leading to an over dependence on concrete, making the resort not particularly aesthetically appealing and giving it its very ‘purpose built’ feeling.

In 1979 a second neighborhood was created called : “Caron”

Year after year, Val Thorens continued to develop and gain international recognition. For instance, the opening of the cable car of Caron in 1982 , was at the time the largest cable car in the world. The construction of this cable car put Val Thorens in the category of “top European winter resorts

Thus in less than 10 years, with an average annual investment of 10 million Euros, the ski lift park of Val Thorens stands out as the most modern in Europe : This included dozens of new generation chair lifts (4 X 6 seats), a cable car with a capacity of 150 people, as well as many technical innovations such as the double boarding ability on the chair-lifts and two funitel (Péclet and Grand fond), that are unique around the world.

In the meantime, the winter resort takes an architectural turn in the 1980’ : The modern style of the 1970’s is altered to create the architecture and charm of a mountain village. Despite the after-effect of the “concrete years”, Val Thorens has returned to its original Savoy style by repairing the façade, covering the walls with stones and wood, and assembling of double-pitch roof.

To help achieve this change, a church was built in 1993 and the appearance of the new area was composed of only chalets. Compared to some of its fellow purpose built resorts such as Les Arcs or Tignes, Val Thorens has a definite charm about it. The fact that it is the highest resort in Europe and it is there for one reason and reason only makes it a very appealing choice for all level of ski abilities. Its architectual turn around in the 80’s, now makes Val Thorens more appealing to the eye. This young resort has everything to offer. Everything apart from trees.

February Half Term is arguably the most popular week of the season amongst British holiday makers. With the vast majority of British schools now taking the same week off, competition is fierce to secure the perfect chalet. As a result, the prices soar and late deals become virtually impossible to find as most chalets get booked up well in advance, some as early as the previous Summer. Early booking is not only advised but nigh on essential! Don’t be put off though; if you have the budget, February Half Term is one of the most exciting weeks of the season in resort and being just about at the midway point in the season, usually makes for some superb snow conditions!

Val Thorens is outstanding for family ski trips with terrain to satisfy complete beginners right up to the most adventurous of experts. There are plenty of wide undulating greens and blues that all the family will enjoy and with some of the leading ski schools in the Alps based here, Val Thorens really does stand out as a firm favourite with families. The experts among you will not be dissapointed; with 600km of piste to explore, there’s plenty to test the most experienced and adventurous.

Plenty to do off the slopes as well including tobogganing, bowling, a sports centre and parapenting means the kids have plenty to keep them amused! Val Thorens ticks all the boxes for a memorable Half Term family skiing holiday!

Below I’ve put together a range of chalets to suit a range of popular requirements. If you’d like to give us a call to discuss in further detail, we’d be happy to help. Our team have worked seasons in Val Thorens as well as many other resorts and are on hand to help organise your perfect February Half Term skiing holiday!

Recommended chalets for your Val Thorens Half Term skiing holiday 2011   

Chalet Olivier,  Val Thorens – Sleeps 12

Arguably the best located chalet in not only the Val Thorens but the whole of the Trois Vallées. Chalet Olivier is a very comfortable 12 sleeper chalet literally sitting right on the piste in the centre of town.  With all en-suite rooms and the advantage of a sauna to rest your aching muslces at the end of the day, Chalet Olivier with be a brilliant luxury home away from home for the week.

Chalet Chloe, Val Thorens- Sleeps 8 to 10

This brilliantly located ski in ski out chalet is brand new to our books this season and being construted as we speak. This 4* luxury ski chalet is being built to a high standard. All rooms with modern en-suite facilities and access to a sauna. The location is ideal, close by the Plein Sud blue piste which runs down through the village and you can ski or walk the 50m from the doors across to the piste.

Chalet Catherine, Val Thorens – Sleeps 18

This spacious 18 sleeper could not be in a better location for your luxury ski holiday. Situated only a couple of minutes walk from the town centre and you can literally ski to and from your doorstep. The rooms are cosy and comfortable, offering all en-suite facilites and access to a sauna on the ground floor.

Chalet Bonhomme de Neige,Val Thorens – Sleeps 28

Chalet Bonhomme de Neige is popular due to its proximity to the slopes and for those more adventurous at heart and capable of off-piste, you can ski in and out. The closest bars and restaurants are only a couple of minutes walk away. All rooms have en-suite facilities and access to a balcony. To top it off at the end of the day you have free access to the sauna and swimming pool facilities.

Call us now to speak to one of our expert resort advisors so we can help plan your perfect Val Thorens ski holiday 2010/11.