Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

Val Thorens has released its calendar of events for the 2008-09 winter season and is bursting with fun and festivities for all ages.

The French ski resort of Val Thorens kicks off the winter season with the Ski Force Winter Tour Nov. 22-23, 2008. This event offers skiers and snowboarders a chance to test the new models of more than 15 top ski manufacturers for free and benefit from professional advice.

Val Thorens also offers plenty of fun and celebrations at Christmas and Easter. Children can meet Father Christmas with his sack full of presents and sweets Dec. 20-27. Christmas Eve will be bursting with festivities with a musical fairytale, a firework display, and a torchlight descent. Children can enjoy a teddy bear parade, treasure hunt, and numerous chocolate eggs during Easter Week, April 11-18, 2009.

Another popular event for families is the Val Thorens Luge Cup April 8. This is a unique tobogganing competition on the longest toboggan run in France with over six kilometres of descent for different categories, including: children, adults, couples, and pros.

Young party-goers will enjoy the Festi Val Tho March 25-27. This spring festival takes place at an altitude of 2,400 metres and features a freestyle competition with open-air concerts, DJs, and shows.