Laurence ski touring in Val Thorens Our insider for Val Thorens is Laurence Perrin. Laurence has been living in Val Thorens for 5 years now and works in the resort's sales team, so knows the resort and ski area like the back of her hand.

How long have you lived in Val Thorens?
I have been living in Val Thorens for 5 years.

What is your favourite thing about the resort?

The easy access to everything. No need to use a car to reach all the amenities of the resort and since the resort is ski-in, ski-out, the access to the slopes is direct.

Where’s your favourite place to eat on mountain?
Hard to say: they are so many mountain restaurants and the ski area is so big! It really depends on which part of the ski area I am at lunch time.

And where’s the best food in town?
There is a very wide range of restaurants but, since “best food” makes me think of gastronomy, the restaurant L’Oxalys which has 2 stars in the Michelin Guide is definitely a reference!

Where would you ski on a powder day?
I would first check carefully the snow conditions. Depending on them, I would take my avalanche safety gear and ski in the “Cime de Caron/Boismint” area and in Orelle.

What is your favourite run in the ski area?
I love so many... but I think the black run “Combe de Caron” is great!

If you were to spend a full day treating yourself, what would you do?
I would first have a tremendous breakfast before starting my skiing day. At lunch time, I would choose a nice terrace in the sun. After skiing, I would enjoy a relaxing massage before going to the spa (sauna, hammam and jacuzzi). I would end the day by a good dinner in a restaurant and have a drink in a pub or a bar with some friends.

Any advice for families coming to the resort?
I would say to use all the amenities at your disposal: nurseries for babies from 3 months old, snow gardens, mini-clubs, ski lessons, Fun Park, activities for children... It’s so easy to organize a successful holiday for each member of the family!

Where do you like to go for a few drinks after a hard day skiing?
I always change the place because, depending on my mood, I like different atmospheres: lively bars with music, cosy tea rooms, bars with terraces in the sun...

Where would you take beginners if you had some to stay?
There are plenty of possibilities since Val Thorens is a ski-in, ski-out resort; but I would probably advise them to stay at the bottom of the resort, near the new beginner area.

What’s your favourite piece of Val Thorens related trivia?
When Val Thorens was not a semi-pedestrian resort with compulsory car parking, there were people spending hours to look for their car that was totally covered by snow!!

Any parting words of wisdom?
Holidays belong to the best periods in a life time, which is why it is so important to turn them into a success! By choosing to spend a week in the highest ski resort in Europe, hapiness is within ski tip range!