I am often amazed by comments putting a lot of importance on the looks of a resort. Granted, a little traditional village always looks better than a purpose-built monster but the latter has many advantages: less distractions, incomparable practicality, closeness to the pistes, price...

If you are like me - crazy about skiing and not about the "accessories" around it, you will love Val Thorens. The pistes are open, wide, long, not too busy and incredibly well groomed - perfect for long carving turns that will put a smile on your face for a very long time. The views are amazing. The snow is reliable. The off-piste is everywhere. And this is pretty much all a skier needs.

Bottom line is this - if you go there for the skiing itself Val Thorens/Orelle/Menuires is truly amazing. If you go skiing because you want to show off that nice brand new jacket or because you want to experience traditional French culture then go somewhere else.