Val Thorens - eat-drink-party

Mountain restaurants

Chalet des 2 Lacs (00 33 479 00 28 54) at the top of the 2 Lacs chair is a good spot for lunch for a mixed-level ski group, as a green run leads from here back to the centre of town. There is a great sun deck and the portions are generous.

Try the plat du jour at Paillote (00 33 479 00 01 02), popular with ski instructors. Take the Retour drag and then head down the street on the left (usually skiable). If the wind is whistling through the mountains and vin chaud is in order, head to Le Caribou just near the top of the Moraine chair.

New this year is the dual concept ‘Club Open Air’ at 2400m, comprising the Folie Douce and the Fruitière. Until 3.30 pm, organic local produce will be served. After that, it’s time to mountain party…!

Restaurants in town

For pub grub, head to the Frog and Roastbeef. For good French food, head to Le Scapin (00 33 479 00 05 94). Chef Jean Sulpice at L’Oxalys (00 33 479 00 12 00) has an excellent reputation. Go all out, or, try the €48 La Lauze menu (with dishes such as poached sea bass with Thai basil or rack of lamb with artichoke) or the €30 lunch menu.

A buzz surrounds La Bouitte (00 33 479 08 96 77), a restaurant with an excellent reputation, down the valley in St Marcel (above Saint Martin). It has two Michelin stars and is the place for a very special occasion.

Après-ski and nightlife

Val Thorens is a lively resort and a good place to party once the lifts stop for the evening. The Frog and Roastbeef is Brit-central and is the highest pub in Europe. Expect dancing on the tables and football on TV. From the highest bar to the highest nightclub in Europe, Dicks Tea Bar (formerly The Underground) is the place to dance until dawn.

FestiValThoPhoto: L. Brochot