TO VISIT than 1,000 peaks ! New cabins were installed in 2010 at this legendary viewpoint with a superb red ski run ( Col de l ’ Audzin ). « Les Chalets du Thorens » are small and beautiful residences at an altitude of 2,400 metres ( the highest in France ). They are unique and have an amazing view of the ski resort , are accessible by snowmobile , and feature traditional and Savoyard dishes at the restaurant .
For five-star hotels , there is the « Hôtel Le Pashmina », which redefines codes of luxury by resting on the simple and essential values which true mountain-dwellers adhere to . « Altapura », another five-star hotel , is situated right next to the ski slopes and just a stone ’ s throw from the village centre . The skipalace also has 3 restaurants , 3 bars , a sitting room with a fire place , a large terrace and a spa .
More information : www . valthorens . com
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VAL THORENS
Val Thorens , the highest village in Europe , is the perfect place for a wonderful holiday . Located at an altitude of 2,300 m , the village of Val Thorens is nestled in the heart of the French Alps and has a warm and cosmopolitan atmosphere . Snow is abundant and of high quality from November to May , an asset which makes it most popular amongst skiers and snowboarders from around the world .
The last of the great European winter sports resorts , Val Thorens was created from scratch in 1972 shortly after Avoriaz . While the latter was a real architectural success , Val Thorens , on the other hand , took its time to get a full makeover ( all cottages and buildings are now beautifully made of wood ). Recently equipped , Pointe du Bouchet , at 3,230 m , is the newest summit of the Three Valleys . Its two red runs ( Coraia and Bouchet ) are very beautiful and connect to the sunny area of Orelle ( 2,350 m altitude ).
Val Thorens is above all a paradise for skiing in all its forms . Thanks to exceptional snow and terrain , all levels of skiing are available . The easiest runs are located around the station and get gradually more technical further away from it . Its 25 summits have 78 tracks : 11 green , 29 blue , 29 red and 9 black . At the heart of the resort , 10 hectares of easy skiing equipped with ski mats are also available for beginners and children . In terms of other winter activities , the resort of Val Thorens also offers a snowpark , a snowboardcross , a 6 km long toboggan track , a junior area entirely dedicated to children and many other activities .
Restaurants and Hotels
The highest resort in Europe also fascinates visitors with its dream location at the foot of the Peclet and Cime de Caron glaciers , which , at 3,200 metres , offer a 360 ° panorama of more
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CHAMONIX
Chamonix is the largest and oldest resort in the French Alps . It is located 15 kilometres from the Swiss border and the same distance from Italy . The Chamonix valley stretches for 17 kilometres from Vallorcine to Servoz . It encompasses four municipalities and a number of interesting villages which are a good starting point for your trip around the Mont Blanc massif .
In 1770 , the first inn was opened in the valley . The conquest of Mont Blanc marked a real boom for climbers willing to tame this seemingly unconquerable mountain . Chamonix also hosted the very first Winter Olympics in 1924 . The town of Chamonix is located at an altitude of 1,000 – 1,200 metres while all the slopes are above 2,000 metres . So you wouldn ’ t really be able to ski right from the door of your hotel .
The 70 slopes of varying difficulty will satisfy both beginners and professionals alike . The resort , however , does not make up a uniform skiing complex linked by a network of ski lifts . All its different zones have separate cabins , chairlifts and drag lifts .
This is the location of the legendary 20-kilometre White Valley , one of the longest descents in the Alps . A 17-kilometre slope is available
54 / Hello Monaco Winter 2020 – 2021 www . hellomonaco . com