Here 4 the Apres

General setup of Val Thorens

Val Thorens town is actually quite small and can walk to almost anywhere in about 10 minutes within town depending on where you are staying. While most of the resort is ski in ski out, because it is built into the mountain, it quite hilly, which is tough with elevation and heavy ski gear. Without the right shoes at night, you can also easily slip.

Below is the best map I could find of the resort broken down by section. It also lists most hotel and apartment building (Les Residence) in Val Thorens.

Just as a reference here are the local parties in town:
La Folie Douce & 360 Bar: on piste, so not on this map
Cafe Snesko: Center of F/G and 1/2
Wild and Savage: D2, inside of the Center Sportif
Malaysia Bar: D2, right outside of the Center Sportif
Klub Summit: G2 upper half

Below are some descriptions of the areas of town, with colors corresponding to the map

Soleil

This is down below the main bus stop in Val Thorens, you can cross a bridge and take an elevator down into this area. I’ve never stayed in this area, but it seems easy to get your luggage in and out of this area, and walk to the bars at night thanks to the elevators. There is also a Spar Supermarket in this area.

Arolles

Last time I stayed at Hôtel Club MMV Les Arolles (Can’t find it on the map, but its around. This was an extremely convenient location, a five minute walk to Val Thorens bus station, the top of the Cairn gondola stops in right at this hotel, but there was also ski in ski out access. It is an easy relatively flat walk from MMV Les Arolles to the night parties at Wild and Savage and Malaysia Bar. Cafe Snesko, Jackie’s, Klub Summit, Rhum Box are a bit further, but only 10 minute walk at the most.

Plein Sud

This is perched higher in the town, off the Plein Sud run making it easy to return home from La Folie. If you decide to go to 360 Bar instead of La Folie Douce, it will be longer walk home uphill, especially if you get back after Castor Pollax is closed. It could possibly be quiet to stay here, but difficult to lug your bags unless you time it to catch the shuttle which runs every 20 minutes, and then there is still a bit of hike depending on your accommodations.

Peclet

This part of town is very lively, or you can read this as LOUD! I stayed at this beautiful newly renovated apartment in Les Glaciers (Map area G1, #5). When I arrived to my apartment late on Saturday, there was a drunk half awake guy in the hallway lying on the floor. I’m pretty sure he propositioned me. Since my bags got lost, I didn’t have to lug a heavy ski bag, so I just walked over from the bus depot. On the way home I took a shuttle back to the bus stop to get my ski bag there. It was a short walk to a ski out path, but it is a bit difficult to get home. I would ski over to Farenheit Hotel, and then take the path to the elevator next to Carrefour.

Caron

This area is basically the center of town right next to the bus stop, Sports Center, near 2 grocery stores, and the mall area with many restaurants and bars. It is also very close to Wild n Savage and Malaysia Bar, and short walk to Thirsty Street. The main drawback of this area is that it will be very loud at night.

Balcons

This area is perched high in the hills. There is a shuttle bus stop there, so you might need to wait for this to get your luggage to your accommodations. It is ski in ski out, but the piste to ski home is very steep and icy. Also fairly difficult to get to and from the nightlife.

Slalom

Depending on where your accommodations are, this area is far from the shuttle bus and grocery stores. It isn’t too far from Thirsty Street, but quite the hike from Malaysia Bar. Skiing home could be pretty convenient depending on your accommodations.

Lombarde

This part of town is a bit harder to get your luggage in and out if you’re not arriving by car because the shuttle bus doesn’t go down into this area. You can walk downhill from the Place Plecet bustop. For the return you can take the elevator next to Carrefour, and walk to same stop. Returning home from skiing shouldn’t be too difficult, and thanks to the Carrefour elevator, it is easy to Thirsty Street. Wild n Savage and Malaysia Bar would have a bit more of an uphill hike. Since I’ve never stayed here, unsure how loud it is.

Val Thorens Town Free Shuttle Bus

The Val Thorens town shuttle bus runs 8am-8pm everyday but has extended hours on Saturday from 6:15am-10pm, when most people arrive or leave Val Thorens.

Shuttle Bus Map

Schedule of shuttle bus

Zenbus App for the Suttle Bus

Looks like Val Thorens now uses Zenbus app to track their shuttle buses. I haven’t tested it out yet, but it has terrible reviews on the Apple apps store.

Pros and Cons of Hotels vs. Apartments in Val Thorens – new blog post coming soon!