Val Thorens: restaurants and entertainment Editors" choice We've had several good lunches in the rustic table-service section of the Chalet de la Marine (0479 000186), repeatedly endorsed by readers, including two this year. It has a big terrace with "funky" music. The self-service section below has a wide choice. And the loos are "the best on the piste." The self-service Folie Douce and table-service Fruitière are modelled on the Val d'Isère originals, the latter with an interesting menu, well executed when we lunched there. Reporters in 2012 confirm that the après-lunch party is "mental" - "not to be missed." The piste map shows picnic areas. Eating out Star quality We've had several good lunches in the rustic table-service section of the Chalet de la Marine (0479 000186), repeatedly endorsed by readers, including two this year. Worth knowing about The Chalet des 2 Ours is repeatedly recommended for food ("great homemade pasta"), service and views. The rustic Chalet des 2 Lacs is also a reader favourite; a regular visitor found service slack last year, but a 2012 reporter loved its "homely feel, good food and log fire." Apres ski Livelier than you might expect Val Thorens is more lively than most high-altitude ski stations. The action now starts up the hill at the Folie Douce (see "Mountain restaurants") or on the terrace of Club Med in the village. The Red Fox up at Balcons is crowded at close of play, with karaoke. The Frog and Roastbeef at the top of the village is a long-established British ghetto - though two reporters this year hated it ("sleazy," "overrated"). The Saloon and the Downunder bar (formerly the Viking) are lively. Quieter bars include the cosy Rhum Box Cafe (aka Mitch's). Later on, the Malaysia cellar bar rocks from 11pm until the early hours with "top quality" live bands and dancing. Off the slopes Could be worse Val Thorens is not ideal for non-skiers. But there's a sports centre with small pool, saunas, hot tubs, gym etc and a leisure centre with bowling (pricey) and pool tables. Free weekly concerts are held in the church (recommended by a reporter), and there are twice-weekly street markets, a small cinema and an ice-driving course. The toboggan run (longest in France) is "great fun." Pedestrians can get to some mountain restaurants, and the panorama from the Cîme de Caron is not to be missed. Buses to St-Martin and Les Menuires run four times a day except Saturdays. The Monday night welcome festivities are well done.