Les Balcons Platinum Residence Spa | Val Thorens
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There is nothing better than staying in a chalet where you can ski in, ski out with ease. After a day on the slopes, it’s a real luxury to know it’s only a short ride back after a fun day on the slopes giving you more time for après-ski. Soak your aching muscles in a spa with views of the panoramic mountains for ultimate relaxation and pleasure. In the evening, get cozy on the sofa with the sound of a roaring fire and a drink to hand.
That’s exactly what is on offer at the comfortable and spacious Les Balcons Platinum Residence in Val Thorens ski resort. This guide will share what to expect whilst staying at Les Balcons Platinum Residence and help you decide if you will stay here on your visit to Val Thorens.
We’ve put together a detailed guide to Val Thorens including what a ski holiday in Val Thorens is like, what’s on offer for non-skiers and what you need to know before you visit. Val Thorens is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping with unique and exclusive experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
WHERE IS LES BALCONS VAL THORENS?
Les Balcons Platinum Residence is found in Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe sitting at 2300 meters and offering all year round snow. It is part of the 3 valleys area making it the largest skiable area in the world with over 600km of pistes.
To reach Les Balcons from the slopes, there is a steep section at the end of Plein Sud which gives direct access to the hotel, however if you are a beginner then we’d recommend you get the free bus shuttle from further down.
WHAT IS Les Balcons Platinum residence KNOWN FOR?
Located in the Val Thorens ski resort at 2300 meters Val Thorens is a snow sure ski resort. Les Balcons Platinum sits at the top of the resort presenting incredible and unobstructed mountain views with the option to ski in and ski out with ease. It offers 5 star self catering apartments for up to a maximum of 14 guests. This makes it possible for large groups of families and friends to stay together in the resort.
Private covered parking is included right next to the residence, avoiding the need to pay for parking. The residence has spa facilities, restaurants, ski hire shops and a mini-market making everything effortless whilst staying at Les Balcons.
HOW TO GET TO les balcons Platinum residence?
By plane
The nearest international airports to Val Thorens are Geneva and Grenoble which are within an 2 hour 30 minute drive. There are regular bus services that run from both Geneva and Grenoble to Val Thorens and we would recommend you book your tickets online in advance of your arrival. Alternatively, book a private shuttle for door to door service to the footsteps of Les Balcons in Val Thorens.
By train
The closest train station to Val Thorens is Moûtiers and can be reached via high-speed TGV rains from Paris. Eurostar also offers a ski train ticket making it more accessible to hit the slopes. Once you arrive in Moûtiers, there are regular bus services that take over an hour to reach Val Thorens.
By car
Val Thorens sits above Les Menuires ski resort and the 36 km mountain road from Moûtiers is an adventure in itself. The road from Moûtiers is well maintained and easy to drive for all abilities. Legally you are required to have either 3 peak winter approved tyres, snow chains or snow socks in the French Alps. We suggest always having snow socks or chains on hand even if you have winter tyres. Many French drivers during heavy snow still fit snow chains over winter tyres.
There is a covered car park located next to Les Balcons Residences which are included within your stay and you must reserve your spot before you arrive. If you’re vehicle is over 2.1 metres height then there is the option to park in the large car parks available in Val Thorens which will be at an additional cost. However, you can drop off your luggage to Les Balcons before parking. Then you will catch the free bus shuttle from the car park to Les Balcons.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT VAL THORENS?
Visiting any time between November to May should mean that you have good skiing conditions at the resort. We would recommend avoid the French school holidays during February as it will be busy during this month.
WHAT ARE THE apartments LIKE AT les balcons Platinum residence?
The rooms are spacious and comfortable offering either a double bed or twin beds. Options for rooms in Les Balcons Platinum residence start from 2 people up to a total of 14 guests. Our apartment had a large kitchen with double oven and stove and two dishwashers for a large group.
The apartment was set over three floors and each room had an en-suit bathroom with a shower and spa bath. We also had a personal steam room within the apartment and large wrap around balcony to look out over the slopes and enjoy mountain views.
The living room had a large dining table, big enough for all guests to eat together. Plenty of comfortable seating around the TV and large wood burning stove. The apartment also features radiators in every room and under floor heating to ensure that you stay warm during the cold nights.
Linen is provided for the beds and you will also be provided with towels during your stay reducing the amount of things you need to bring with you and is not charged at an additional cost.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Typically you have to book for the week from Saturday to Saturday. There is a private reception for Platinum residents and opens at 8:30 am till 12 and then at 3:30pm till 7pm. Check in is from 5pm on Saturday and check out the following Saturday is 10am. Check the Les Balcons website for offers and current up to date information.
How do I book LES BALCONS?
Prices for a 2-4 person apartment start from €1,225 and for a 4 to 6 person apartment start at €1,715. For the 12 to14 person apartment that we stayed in pricing starts at €4,375 for the week. Which when you breakdown to costs per person, Les Balcons is an affordable option approximately costing €61 per person per night for the 12 person apartment. Book your stay at Les Balcons Platinum residence online.
WHere to eat at Les Balcons Platinum residence?
Each apartment comes with its own kitchen making it effortless to save money on eating out. However, if you can’t be bothered to cook there are options at an extra cost for half-board (buffet breakfast and dinner), or 7 dinners for the week or 3 dinners at L’Auberge des Balcons restaurant.
L’Auberge des Balcons restaurant is a very short walk from your chalet with traditional savoy and italian dishes including Boîte chaude which we’d recommend. If you book these in advance of your stay, you will find discount prices. There is also La Cabane restaurant serving a gourmet selection and savoy dishes. On the complex you’ll also find a sherpa mini market for most of the things you’ll need during your stay should your supplies get low. There are also two Carrefour mini markets in the town that are a bit more affordable.
Other restaurants near les balcons Platinum residence
You will be spoilt for choice in Val Thorens as there are 60 restaurants located in the town and a further 10 restaurants located on the ski slopes. The types of cuisine on offer varies from pizzerias, traditional savoy dishes, Michellin star restaurants and mexican street food.
WHere to hire ski gear Les Balcons Platinum residence?
As part of the Les Balcons area, there are two Intersport rental stores that are extremely convenient and only used by hotel guest making hiring equipment quick and easy. The apartment has a private ski locker on the lower floor with direct access to the slopes making it very easy to get to and from the apartment.
WHAT FACILITIES ARE THERE AT Les balcons platinum?
If you are staying in one of the Les Balcons Platinum apartments you have access to a private spa area that is reserved only for Platinum guests. This spa is smaller than the main spa area and has saunas, showers and a hot tub and opens at 3:30pm everyday, ready for when you get back from the slopes.
You will also have access to the larger spa area within the main hotel. This spa area consits of a pool with panoramic mountain views, treatment rooms, saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs. There are also changing rooms within this spa and lockers for your belongings. The lockers are €1 coin activated or you can ask for a token at the reception.
Within the platinum apartments building there are private ski lockers located on floor number. Upon check in you will be given a key card which will give you access to your locker and you will be able to store your ski gear. The locker rooms also gives direct access to the slopes.
Wifi is available for the duration of your stay and if you are travelling with children, baby beds and high chairs are available upon request. There is no requirements to clean the whole apartment before leaving apart from the kitchen and all bedding sheets must be left on the dining table to help speed up the cleaning process.
What Non-skier activities are there in Val Thoren ski resort?
SNOW TUBING
No skill is required for Moon Xperience snow tubing and all you have to do is enjoy the fun ride down the slope and an easy magic carpet ride back up. A welcome break from the slopes or a great non-skier activity, snow tubing in Val Thorens consists of two tracks to choose from where you can gain speed to the bottom.
COSMOJET TOBOGGAN RUN
The toboggan run at Val Thorens is an adrenaline filled adventure. The run itself is the longest in Europe at a length of 6km. This was a real highlight of our time in Val Thorens and we highly recommend this exciting activity. There is some skill required to control the toboggan and as such smaller children will need to be accompanied by an adult.
fly OVER THE SLOPES
A unique and an adrenalin-fuelled experience from high above, fly at speed on La Bee. The zip line is accessible to both pedestrians and skiers running 1800 metres where you’ll be able to see skiers below from a birds eye view. A tip is that prices are cheaper in the morning, so head to the Moutière chairlift first thing and slide back in town without a care.
CLIMB TO THE TOP OF CIME CARON
A must whilst staying in Val Thorens is making your way to the top of Cime Caron via the Cime Caron cable car. You’ll be treated to panoramic mountain views everywhere you look and in addition to the views the cable car is an impressive feat of engineering.
Read our guide to Val Thorens which will help you decide whether this little corner of ski paradise is worth visiting and if you should plan your next ski holiday to Val Thorens.