The 2024-2025 winter season is coming to an end at Val Thorens... but not without a last hurrah. On 3 and 4 May, Europe's highest ski resort is organising "La Grande Dernière", a weekend of entertainment, skiing and festivities to celebrate the end of the season in style. Last turns, last laughs, last runs full of momentum before putting away the skis: here, winter comes to a close in an explosive atmosphere.
The highlight of the weekend, "La Big Der", will be held on Saturday 3 May. This is a derby-style race, with waves of four skiers starting from the summit of the Cime de Péclet. It's a three-kilometre descent, with a 675-metre vertical drop, finishing at the foot of the Yannick Richard stadium... and a single goal: to cross the line first.
The course is open to skiers aged 18 and over, with helmets compulsory. Registration includes breakfast, a welcome gift, a post-race meal, goodies and a unique race number. Bonus: €25,000 worth of prizes will be up for grabs between the pro, amateur, men's and women's podiums.
Free events for all
For those who have not yet booked, there are still 300 race numbers up for grabs (€35 on their own, or €84 with a day's pass). Registration is open online until midday on May 2, then on site at the Tourist Office on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning.
READ MORE: Val Thorens: resort, ski area, ski passes, activities... Winter guide 2025
But the event isn't just for skiers looking for a challenge. "La Grande Dernière" is also a giant playground open to everyone. All weekend long, free entertainment will be on offer on the snow front: waterslides for the more daring, snow buoys, inflatable games, barbecues, DJ sets... The atmosphere promises to be as relaxed as it is exhilarating.
The season may be drawing to a close, but the spirit of the mountains is still very much alive. It's a time for holidaymakers, seasonal workers, families and friends to get together in a resort that combines sport and pleasure, entertainment and good humour.
As winter fades, the party continues
Val Thorens is extending the magic right up to the last day with this now cult event. Between the spectacular competition on Saturday, the entertainment for all and the mountain village atmosphere in "after ski" mode, "La Grande Dernière" is much more than just a closing weekend. It's a celebration of skiing at its most festive, most free and most joyful.
So, one last waterslide? One last full-throttle turn? One last wetsuit selfie against a backdrop of melting snow? The winter season isn't over yet - it's ending with a bang at Val Thorens.
To register online, click here.
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