Slopeside luxury, delicious fondue and beautiful mountain views in the French Alps.
If you’re looking for a hotel that combines a beautiful setting with great food, stylish interiors and a truly ski in-ski out location in the largest ski area in the Alps, Altapura in Val Thorens is well worth considering.
We stayed here before we had children and had a lovely time. From our room overlooking the slopes to the excellent restaurants and the sunny terrace, it was a hotel that got so much right. And while I’d happily return as a couple, I also think it could make a wonderful family ski holiday for those travelling with slightly older children.
The location
When it comes to choosing a ski hotel, location is everything. You can have the most beautiful room and wonderful food, but if you’re having to trek across the resort in ski boots every morning, it can quickly take the shine off the experience.
Altapura gets this absolutely right. Located in Val Thorens, at an altitude of around 2,300 metres, the hotel sits right on the slopes, offering a true ski-in, ski-out experience. You can practically step outside and onto the pistes, making it wonderfully convenient for getting out skiing first thing and returning to the hotel at the end of the day.
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe and forms part of Les 3 Vallées, one of the world’s largest linked ski areas. With an extensive network of runs and a high-altitude setting, it’s an excellent option for anyone who wants to make the most of their time on the mountain.
For me, the location is one of Altapura’s biggest selling points. There’s no complicated morning routine involving shuttles or long walks with equipment. You’re right where you want to be, surrounded by the mountains and ready to head straight out onto the slopes.
The hotel and rooms
Altapura has a contemporary alpine style, with interiors that feel a little more design-led than your traditional cosy ski chalet. Inspired in part by 1970s mountain architecture, the hotel combines natural materials, warm textures and modern touches to create a space that feels both stylish and welcoming.
Our room overlooked the slopes, which was a real highlight. There’s something lovely about waking up to views of the pistes and watching the activity on the mountain from your window. It immediately puts you in the mood for a day skiing.
The hotel offers a range of rooms and suites, including larger family accommodation. Its Duplex Family option can accommodate up to two adults and four children, making it a useful choice for larger families who would prefer to stay together in one space rather than book separate rooms.
For families travelling with younger children, cots and baby equipment can be requested, and connecting rooms are also available subject to availability. However, I’d recommend looking carefully at the different room categories when booking to make sure you have enough space for everyone and the right sleeping arrangements.
Food and drink
The restaurants were another highlight of our stay. Altapura has several dining options, so there’s plenty of choice whether you’re looking for a relaxed meal after skiing or something a little more special in the evening.
We particularly enjoyed La Laiterie, the hotel’s fondue restaurant. After a day out in the cold, there’s something wonderfully comforting about sitting down to a traditional alpine meal, and this was a real favourite for us. If you enjoy cheese fondue and raclette, I’d definitely recommend making time for it during your stay.
Casa Alta is the hotel’s Italian-inspired restaurant, serving a mix of Italian and French Alpine dishes, while Altayaki offers a more contemporary fusion menu. Having several restaurants within the hotel is a real plus, particularly if you’re staying for a week and want a little variety.
Breakfast is served buffet-style, giving you the chance to fuel up before heading out onto the slopes. And if you’d prefer to have your evening meals arranged in advance, the hotel offers a half-board option, although it’s worth checking the current restaurant arrangements and exactly what’s included when booking.
The bar and sun terrace
One of my favourite things about Altapura was the bar and sun terrace, with its lovely views across the pistes.
There’s something rather wonderful about finishing a morning on the slopes and settling down on a sunny terrace, watching the skiers make their way down the mountain while enjoying a drink. It’s a big part of the pleasure of a ski holiday, and Altapura is a particularly good spot for it.
The bar also makes a lovely place to unwind once you’re back inside, with a relaxed atmosphere that feels well suited to a post-ski drink.
If you’re lucky with the weather, I’d definitely make the most of the terrace. The mountain views are beautiful, and it’s a lovely place to pause and enjoy the setting rather than rushing straight from skiing to dinner.
A family-friendly ski hotel?
Although we visited before having children, Altapura is certainly a hotel I’d consider for a family ski trip, particularly with school-age children.
The biggest advantage is undoubtedly the location. Being able to ski straight from the hotel makes the daily logistics much easier, especially when everyone is carrying equipment and keen to get out onto the mountain.
The hotel also has a dedicated Kid’s Corner for children aged three to twelve, with an organised activity space for younger children and a separate area for older ones. It provides somewhere for children to spend time away from the slopes, although it isn’t a creche for babies and toddlers.
This is an important distinction if you’re planning a ski holiday with little ones. Altapura doesn’t offer a creche for babies or younger toddlers, so if you’re hoping to ski while your children are looked after, you’ll need to make alternative childcare arrangements. For that reason, I’d say it’s best suited to families with children old enough to attend ski school or ski with their parents, rather than those looking for a hotel with comprehensive childcare for very young children.
For older children, though, it has plenty going for it. The combination of easy slope access, family accommodation, restaurants and the swimming pool makes it a good option for a family holiday that balances time on the mountain with a little relaxation back at the hotel.
The spa and swimming pool
After a day skiing, a little time to relax is always welcome, and Altapura has an impressive spa offering.
The Spa by Codage includes an indoor-outdoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, gym and treatment rooms. The pool is particularly appealing, with views of the surrounding mountains creating a lovely backdrop for a swim.
It’s worth noting that children are not permitted to use the swimming pool after 6.30pm, so families should factor this into their plans.
For adults, the spa is a lovely addition to the hotel and gives you somewhere to unwind after a day on the slopes. Whether that’s a swim, a treatment or simply some time to relax before dinner, it adds another layer to the experience.
Is Altapura worth a stay?
For anyone planning a ski holiday in Val Thorens, I’d certainly recommend considering Altapura.
For us, the highlights were the ski-in, ski-out location, our room overlooking the slopes, the excellent choice of restaurants and, in particular, the lovely fondue restaurant. The bar and sun terrace were also a real pleasure, especially for enjoying the views across the pistes.
It’s a stylish, comfortable hotel that makes the most of its mountain setting, and the location really is hard to beat. Everything feels geared towards making the most of your time skiing, while still offering somewhere lovely to return to at the end of the day.
For families, I’d recommend it most for those with children who are old enough to ski or attend ski school, rather than families looking for a creche or dedicated childcare for babies and toddlers. The larger family rooms are a useful option, and the swimming pool and restaurants give you plenty to enjoy away from the slopes.
Would I return? Absolutely. Altapura is a lovely choice for a luxury ski holiday, whether as a couple or with older children. With its unbeatable location, beautiful mountain views and excellent food, it’s a hotel that makes a ski trip feel that little bit more special.
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