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Before high-tech layers, GPS watches and apps charting every vertical metre, the mountains were a little wilder, and the equipment undoubtedly a little clunkier. The idea of a day well spent was refreshingly simple: ski hard, eat well, turn up the music and see where the afternoon takes you. The 1970s brought a certain joie de vivre — an era of bold fashion, legendary après and a carefree outlook that still has a place at Le Val Thorens today.
Think back to the era when synthetics ruled the slopes and there is something wonderfully optimistic about Seventies ski fashion. Bright one-pieces, tinted aviators, skin-tight trousers and faux fur had no interest in blending into the landscape. Getting dressed was part of the fun, with as much thought given to making an entrance at après as staying warm in the snow.
These days, our ski wardrobes are considerably more technical, while helmets have thankfully replaced some of the more adventurous headwear. But there is no reason not to borrow some of the era’s confidence, where the mountains are your catwalk and the terrace your front row.
In the early days of Val Thorens, even getting uphill was an adventure. When the resort opened in 1971, just three drag lifts carried skiers towards the peaks, with long, cold journeys to the top and little of the infrastructure we now take for granted. The terrain was rugged, while the weather could be unforgiving and the whole place was still something of a frontier. One early description even called it a ‘snowy version of the Far West’.
More than half a century later, the lifts are faster, the skis are smarter and the pistes are impeccably groomed. Skiing itself has come a long way since those pioneering days, but some things remain reassuringly familiar. The rush of cold air. The vastness of the surroundings. And that feeling of freedom that comes from pointing your skis downhill with nothing much between you and the horizon.
If there was one thing the Seventies understood, it was the art of the après. The lifts stop, boots are loosened and everyone makes their way towards the nearest bar. There might be fondue. There will certainly be drinks. And, if the soundtrack is good enough, tired legs may find a surprising second wind.
Le 1971 likes to keep spirits high throughout the day. A pizza after the morning’s skiing can turn into an afternoon on the terrace, with live music and DJs carrying the mood towards sunset. Inside, the warmth of the fire makes a convincing case for staying a while longer. And when it is time for dinner, La Fondue keeps another great Alpine tradition alive: generous dishes, shared tables and plenty of reasons not to rush.
Walk through the doors of Le Val Thorens and there is a feeling that skiing was never meant to be quite so serious. The interiors pay homage to their Savoyard setting, with warm timber, stone, vintage piste maps and framed prints of legendary downhill heroes lining the walls. But alongside them are more playful nods to the resort’s era of retro-pop hedonism: a vintage jukebox, electric orange accents and velvet furnishings that bring a touch of ‘Seventies swagger’ to the slopes.
Perched 2,300 metres above sea level in the heart of the now-iconic Three Valleys, Le Val Thorens has an enviable position overlooking one of the Alps’ highest ski areas. And even though the lifts, equipment and infrastructure have changed considerably since its trailblazing beginnings, the appetite for adventure, good food and great après has not. From the first run to the last drink at Le 1971, Le Val Thorens knows how to make a day in the mountains count.
Discover the spirit of adventure that defined the golden age of skiing at Le Val Thorens this winter.
Val Thorens is one of Europe’s highest ski resorts, at 2,300 metres, and sits at the top of the vast Les 3 Vallées ski area, with 600km of connected slopes. Its high-altitude position offers reliable snow and skiing for all levels, from beginners to experienced skiers. Val Thorens has also been named the World’s Best Ski Resort 10 times at the World Ski Awards.
Le Val Thorens is a ski-in, ski-out hotel in the heart of the resort, with direct access to the slopes. After skiing, Le 1971 provides a lively setting for après-ski, with DJs, drinks and mountain views.
DJ sets at Le 1971 take place daily during the ski season, from 15:00 to 19:00, except Saturdays.
Val Thorens has a long ski season thanks to its high altitude, with skiing typically available from late November to early May. Contact our team to find the right time for your stay.
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