There are heaps of events held throughout the year in Val Thorens and the Three Valleys, ranging from small and quirky local festivals, to world renowned sporting events. Music festivals are also hugely popular during the summer months and provide a great excuse to make a quick trip out to the Alps. In this section, we bring you information about the major annual events in Val Thorens, and don't forget to check out our weekly what's on calender.
During the winter months, The “Classical and Jazz” musical association organises weekly concerts in the Val Thorens chapel. The programme consists of classical concerts including piano recitals on the Steinway grand piano, chamber music, and lyrical concerts. Jazz (Vocal, New Orleans, Blues, Gospel) and evenings devoted to French songs also feature in the programme. The concerts are held each Tuesday at 18h30.
The Andros Trophy (early December)
This car and motorbike race on ice marks the beginning of the Val Thorens season. The ice circuit in Val Thorens is the highest in Europe and the competition attracts ice racing specialists and well known names from the worlds of motorsport and show business. Alain Prost is a regular among other Formula One drivers. The Trophy Andros spectacle includes shows and fun, to which drivers and spectators return year after year. Our intrepid video resort reporter covered the 2007 race for your viewing pleasure, and you can check out the race by clicking on the link below.
Val Thorens' own snow, sport and music festival with skiing and snowboard freestyle competitions, demonstrations, free equipment tests, and concerts. Competitions include Freeskiing Tour - Slope Style, Pro-Am snowboard contest (30 000 € prize money!!) and "Chill and Destroy Contest" Ski and Snowboard boardercross and slope style for 10 to 30 year olds. In 2007, there was a Freestyle Motorcross show, where some of the best FMX European riders were in Val Thorens.
You can have a go in the mini snowpark that has rails and modules, where amateurs are helped by the pros to do their first freestyle figures. In 2007, Snowkite came to the Ski & Boarder week. This new sport can be tried on skis or on a snowboard, combined with an ultra light sail. Introduction to the sport, demonstrations and pro advice was available to anyone. The atmosphere is enhanced with daily entertainment from DJs and groups on the piste in front of the Groove Bar.
Wondering what to do this Christmas and New Year? The festive season in the snowy Alps is always magical and every year there is some sort of celebration in resort to mark the occasion. Christmas is a far less commercial event in France than in the UK and so you won’t find things publicised for months in advance - but you can always be sure of a glass of vin chaud (mulled wine), a few carols and perhaps the odd firework or two!
Many of the restaurants will put on a special festive menu with champagne and traditional French dishes, so book in advance if you want to treat yourself to a meal out. Likewise, planning ahead is advised if you have your heart set on ringing in the New Year in a particular bar or club – many of them are ticket-only, so enquire in advance to avoid disappointment!
The week leading up to Christmas sees Val Thorens sparkling with festive cheer! The lights are up throughout resort, the Christmas Village is in full swing and Father Christmas himself may even put in an appearance! Christmas Eve is celebrated with a torch lit descent of the pistes and a firework display.
The New Year is welcomed in Val Thorens with a party at Rond Point des Pistes. The night usually starts around 20h30 with a torch lit descent of the pistes by the ESF instructors, followed by vin chaud and fireworks. The night is often rounded off with live music and dancing in Place Péclet.
To find out exactly what Val Thorens has in store this year have a look at our What’s On Calendar. To get a feel for what Val Thorens nightlife is all about, take a look at our Dining and Going Out Guide.
Respect Festival Tour with Mountain Riders (end February)
Val Thorens hosts a stage of the Respect Festival Tour organised by the Mountain Riders Association. The aim of the tour is to raise awareness of environmental issues, such as sustainable resources, eco-citizenship and responsible tourism. Educational entertainment will be given by the participating associations, professionals and companies from 2:00pm to 10:00pm, and a bio beer bar will be available! More fun stuff and competitions with snow sports (Bank Slalom), along with an end-of-festival concert makes this event a must for all you eco-ski warriors. The Mountain Riders Association was created in 2001 by mountain lovers, and has made its name by organising rubbish collecting in the mountains with the aim of making the pubic aware of the environmental crisis.
Already a popular type of event in Switzerland and Austria, the Luge Cup is a fun tobogganing competition for all the family. There are categories for adults, children, couples and professionals, making it a truly inclusive event! The toboggan run in Val Thorens, at 6km, is the longest run in France, and it is prepared especially for this competition. Over 150 competitors take part, and all are rewarded at the end of the run with a huge, specially prepared raclette at the bottom of the piste.
The North Face Ski Challenge Final (mid April)
The North Face Ski Challenge is a new open competition for free-skiers between the ages of 12 and 18. Participants compete in both freeride and freestyle on a slope style course to find the overall winner. Competitors between the ages of 16 and 18 can win a contract from sponsors The North Face, Dynastar and Lange. The North Face Ski Challenge will be on tour all winter throughout Europe for the qualifying events and the final will be held in Val Thorens.
Fete de la Musique - 21st June
Fête de la Musique is the celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21st June in cities, towns and villages across France. More than a music festival, the Fête de la Musique is a free event that spills out from the bars and restaurants onto the streets and encompasses every type of music imaginable, from local amateur teen bands to professional classical musicians, from club DJ’s to traditional folk bands.
Launched in 1982 by the French Ministry for Culture, the Fete is different from a music festival in that all the concerts and performances are free to the public and none of the artists are paid.
The Fete de la Musique is now celebrated all over the world, where it is more commonly refered to as World Music Day.
Fête de la Musique is one of those certain nights throughout the year when the French authorities waive normal licensing laws, allowing the revelry to continue as long as there are people with the stamina to enjoy it – it is definitely one of the not-to-be-missed events of the summer social calendar!
Every summer France is gripped by the biggest and best cycle race in Europe - Le Tour de France. The Alps have played a large part in the race over the years with the gruelling mountain climbs providing some of the most exciting spectacles of the event. The route changes slightly each year, taking in different towns and villages along the way. Even if the race doesn't pass near to where you are this summer you can guarantee that it will still be avidly watched in bars and cafés around the country with everyone joining in to cheer on the famous yellow jersey! ... see "Le Tour de France" for more
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