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It’s the highest resort in Europe - within its largest ski area, the Three Valleys - and it offers some of the world’s best skiing. Superlatives come easy to Val Thorens, and we haven’t even mentioned the après.
If you’ve been, you’ll already know. But for the uninitiated, it’s worth reiterating that Val Thorens' bars and clubs are legion. From the mountainside mayhem of Folie Douce to the all night party of Malaysia, there are more than 40 to choose from.
Indeed, the nightlife is as varied as the skiing: live music, live sports, nightclubs, karaoke, Irish bars - and even craft ale - are all within a few minutes walk of each other.
If you haven’t got a whole season to explore everything on offer (with more than 40 bars, you'll probably need it!), check out our pick of the best après ski bars and nightlife hotspots in Val Thorens to make sure you have the best week partying - and skiing - in the mountains.
Our must-visit après ski bars and nightlife hotspots in Val Thorens are:
1. Folie Douce
2. Bar 360
4. The Frog
5. Saloon Bar
6. O'Connells
7. Malaysia
8. Au Perchoir
9. The Red Fox
Discover why these bars are the go-to drinking places if you’re heading to Val Thorens for a ski holiday this year.
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The best bars for mountain partying
Picture the classic après mountain bar: skiers and boarders fresh off the slopes, dancing on tables with pint in hand, and groups of mates seeing off rounds of shots.
That’s Folie Douce, the premier Val Thorens mountain bar. Conveniently located on a blue run back down to the resort, the party is on from 12pm until the slopes close - every day of the week. Expect electro, soul, funk, house, rock, and several hours of great vibes.
Bar 360 - another mountain bar with a massive terrace on the other side of the valley - is also not to be missed, and tends to attract a young, lively crowd. You can find it at the bottom of 2 Lacs or Cascades and enjoy DJs and MCs from 2pm till 6pm.
Best bars for live music
Live music in Val Thorens isn’t hard to find, but our top picks have to be The Frog and Saloon.
The Frog holds the distinction of being the highest pub in Europe, serving up classic British pub grub and a great selection of booze to the soundtrack of live guitar bands and jungle DJs. And if that’s not enough, it also shows most major football and rugby matches live.
Saloon also features live bands, performers and DJs every day of the week. The party starts with happy hour at 4pm, so you could leave Folie Douce and head straight to the Saloon without stopping - evening sorted. It also shows all the big sports matches on its big TVs.
Cheapest bars in Val Thorens
There is a cost to lugging kegs so far up the mountain, meaning there aren’t as many cheap bars in Val Thorens as some other resorts. Nevertheless, our two top live spots are also great for affordable alcohol thanks to their happy hours prices. The Frog and Saloon strike again.
Best nightclub for partying till the early hours
Malaysia is the last word in clubbing in Val Thorens, and probably in the whole Alps. Open every night until 4 or 5am, Malaysia attracts some of the biggest names on the circuit, including Calvin Harris and Pendulum.
Special mention must also go to Klub Summit, for all night partying from Monday to Sunday, and Baramix, which hosts some fantastic themed nights in the heart of Val Thorens.
Best bars for watching sports
With its big TVs playing not just all major football and rugby matches but also Scandinavian handball, Saloon should be your go to for sports.
However, most Irish bars are also good sports destinations. Speaking of which…
Best Irish bar (not just for St Patrick's Day)
Just a few doors down from The Frog, is O’Connells, which, of the two Irish bars in Val Thorens, is probably the best. If you’re looking for a pint of Guinness or beer and a cosy atmosphere, O’Connells is the place to go.
The Shamrock, which has a happy hour every day - as well as football matches on the TV and live music - is also worth a look. It’s a bit more lively and open until 2am.
Best bar for craft beer
Those looking for a more gentle après vibe and a decent selection of craft beer should head straight from the slopes to Au Perchoir - just 300m from the Place Péclet shuttle stop.
Deep sofas and chairs give this bar a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and guests can enjoy panoramic views from its terrace or relax with a board game.
Best karaoke bar in Val Thorens
Karaoke can be hard to track down in Val Thorens, but there are rewards to be found for the intrepid. Your best bet is probably to head to The Red Fox, which hosts the occasional karaoke night. It also offers live music, football on the TV, and bar games.
Where to stay if you want to be near Val Thorens' partying hotspots
If you want to make the most of Val Thorens après and nightlife, you have a few options for where to stay. Your main concern should be which bars or clubs you’re likely to want to go to and how easy your journey back will be.
The Frog, Saloon, and O’Connell’s, are all on Rue de Gebroulaz, so you’ll have your pick of live music and sports hotspots if you stay in the surrounding area, which is home to a number of decent hotels. Au Perchoir is only a 5 minute walk away as well - if you fancy a chilled one.
If lively mountainside après is more your thing, Folie Douce and Bar 360 won’t disappoint, but you might want to think about your journey home after as they are on opposite sides of the valley. If Folie sounds fun, accommodation on Rue des Balcons and the surrounding roads is your best bet. Or, for 360, look for accommodation around Rue de la Lombarde or Rue du Slalom.
Wherever you stay, the great thing about Val Thorens is that the resort centre is relatively compact, so nothing is ever too much of a trek if you want to try somewhere new.
Discover the Val Thorens Apres Scene with Iglu Ski
If this round up of bars and nightlife hotspots in Val Thorens has whet your appetite for a good time, you can go some way to satiating it by booking your next ski trip today. Table dancing and beers on Folie Douce terrace are only a few clicks away.
At Iglu Ski, we can help you find the best Val Thorens ski holiday for your needs and budget - from catered and self catered chalets, to affordable or luxury hotels, to apartments of all sizes.
Even if you don’t end up sleeping much, you’ll at least have somewhere to leave your bags.
Want to find out more about Val Thorens?
Discover some of the best mountain restaurants to head to after a morning on the slopes
Read our list of top things to do in Val Thorens if you don't fancy putting on your ski boots.
Find out what the après and nightlife scene is like in other resorts:
