Your friend is knocking on your chalet door. It’s 8.15am, and you’re exhausted from yesterday’s ski/snowboarding session, but you get up regardless. You open the curtains, and to your delight, it’s a bluebird day - fresh powder snow has fallen overnight. After a few hours of ripping it up, you grab a bite to eat and a hot chocolate. You hear a quiet droning noise in the background, and as you get closer to the sound, you see arms waving in the air and the sound of champagne popping. The next 3 hours are a wonderful blur.
Sound familiar? You’ve probably been to La Folie Douce.
The legendary après chain was dreamt up in 2007 in Val D’Isere – at the time, it was a brand new concept, allowing people to enjoy open-air clubbing in the snowy mountains at high altitudes. The smaller Val Thorens branch opened in 2009, and has since seen notoriously high-octane parties from 2-5pm.
We caught up with Leonor Aublin, a manager at La Folie Douce in Val Thorens…
There are 4 versions of La Folie Douce, which started in Val D’Isere - How does Val Thorens differ from the other 3 branches?
Firstly, we are in Val Thorens. A young and international resort, well known for being the biggest ski domain and its partying atmosphere. Therefore it attracts a crowd between 20 – 30 years old that has the energy to ski and party intensely… Faced to this audience, we have to be up to the task. And our artists know perfectly how to bring a crowd to peak excitement.
“The PartyMakers” composed of DJ Lyrics, Mister Fluo, Caps and saxophonists Fabien Kisoka and Laurent Audinos go from 2PM to 5PM every day of the week. Secondly, our Folie Douce differs by size; it is smaller, thus cosier.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on the terrace?
I’ve never seen anything strange, but I can say that people surprise me every day… whether it be a lady the age of my mother having the time of her life dancing on the table, a kid with the best dance moves, guys writing love messages on their backs for the singer and of course the most creative fancy dress costumes I’ve seen in my life!
What happens at the venue over summer?
We’re closed!
What’s the highest bar bill you have ever had, and what was that customer like?
I couldn’t really say, We’d have to go dig up all the receipts! All I can say is that, what I love about this place is that it’s for all types of wallets. You can come have a beer or go crazy in the VIP spraying Jeroboams of Champagne on the crowd…
Finally, what are the top 3 events you are most looking forward to at La Follie Douce this season?
The Closing Party on the 27th April
The Eletro Carnaval on the 4th March
And the whole Danish week which is always insane
If you want to be dancing on the table tops in Val Thorens this year check out our latest ski deals for Val Thorens.
