Val Thorens
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Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe, located in the French Alps at 2300 meters altitude. It is located in the commune of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville in the Savoie département.
The high altitude provides for a very long ski season with the ski infrastructure typically closing in early-middle May. Many of its slopes face north and north-west, providing for good snow conditions. This means that the slopes are not as sunny and thus the resort attracts a crowd more interested in skiing than "terracing". However, the resort itself is southfacing, and many tourists enjoy sitting in the sunshine outside after skiing.
While there is some evidence of pre-tourism structures and huts used by shepherds in the Alpine pastures, it is safe to say that Val Thorens is a purpose-built ski resort. Some of the original late- 70s and 80s architecture is being redecorated to provide a more alpine look. More recent constructions attempt to avoid any notion of modern architectural design and favor chalet style wooden structures. Lodging is mainly based on self-catering apartments. There are also 10 hotels, including one 4-star hotel, and more than 50 restaurants including a 1 starred Michelin dining at L'Oxalys restaurant. Many of the hotels and residences are ski in, ski out.
Val Thorens is surrounded by several high peaks of near or over 3000m and a number of its cable cars and chair lifts go almost as high. The highest skiable peak is Cime de Caron, 3200m, with its cable car with the same name. The skiing is varied and offers something for all levels of ability. Ski schools provide instruction for children inside reserved areas.
Val Thorens is the most international ski resort in France, with more than 70% of its visitors coming from from other countries. While one can find people from the whole world visiting, Dutch, British, Belgian, German and Scandinavian tourists seem to be the biggest fans.
Val Thorens is part of the 3 vallées ski domain which is connected with a common ski pass.
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