New Sports & Conference Centre Opens in Val Thorens
21st December 2022
Last modified on December 27th, 2022
‘So what?’ you may ask. It sits in the centre of town & is set to be the diamond in the crown of the high-altitude French resort – an integral part of its future. PlanetSKI was at the official opening on Wednesday.
It is open summer & winter – hopes are high it will have a big impact on the resort.
It is more than just a sports and conference centre, and is seen as part of the resort’s future.
It cost €40m, and took 18-months to construct.
“Le Board is an integral part of our future, set in the heart of the resort. There are conference facilities, sporting facilities and party activities. It represents the very DNA of Val Thorens,” said the Director of the Tourist Office, Vincent Lallane, to PlanetSKI.
Vincent Lallane, Val Thorens. Image © PlanetSKI
“It will be a focal point for fun activities and the plaza area on top will be a must-visit spot in the winter,” continued Vincent.
Le Board, Val Thorens. Image © PlanetSKI
“We will be offering an altitude training base for sports clubs and we hope to attract elite teams.
“We have 26,000 beds in the resort and we will be using Le Board to bring in people for the summer,” added Vincent.
So, why is it called ‘LeBoard’?
It is named after the snowboard-shaped roof.
Le Board, Val Thorens. Image © PlanetSKI
It is a 3,205 square metre open-air affair.
With stunning views.
On my afternoon tour the technicians were preparing for the evening’s official opening.
Le Board, Val Thorens. Image © PlanetSKI
More of the music and pyrotechnics later.
Lets just say the launch lived up to expectations and more.
Le Board, Val Thorens. Image © PlanetSKI
So, what’s on offer inside?
13,795m² dedicated to sports, games, waterplay, public events and also business meetings.
More than 1,000m² of aquatic space with three pools, water games and a splash pad.
Le Board, Val Thorens. Image © PlanetSKI
There is also a wellness zone with tea room, sauna, hammam, hot tub, ice wall, cold water plunge pool, sensory showers, baths, a rest room and treatment rooms.
Le Board, Val Thorens. Image © PlanetSKI
A 1,385m² multipurpose “arena” that can host sports events, musical shows, cultural events or professional activities.
It is also convertible into courts for volleyball, table tennis, and badminton etc.
Le Board, Val Thorens. Image © PlanetSKI
A fitness area with a room for classes and stretching.
It includes treadmills, rowing machines, bikes, elliptical bikes and much more.
Le Board, Val Thorens. Image © PlanetSKI
Put in your headphones and warm up your muscles for a challenge which — as a bonus — comes with a great view.
Le Board, Val Thorens. Image © PlanetSKI
A fun park with trampolines and an adventure course with slides.
This is the ideal spot for stormy days, or to stay in shape, jump around and have fun with your children.
A space is dedicated to seminars and business events, with an auditorium seating 446 people and 12 break-out rooms.
There’s also a lounge space and a terrace with sweeping views of the mountains.
Le Board, Val Thorens. Image © PlanetSKI
Le Board, Val Thorens. Image © PlanetSKI
And if the meeting is a bit dull, there are worse windows to stare out of.
Le Board, Val Thorens. Image © PlanetSKI
The new bus station will be integrated in the building and have a waiting room, baggage area and welcome point.
It will allow a more fluid arrival of holidaymakers, helping them find their way to their accommodation easily.
The bag-drop will also be useful for people arriving early or leaving late.
Le Board, Val Thorens. Image © PlanetSKI
“Val Thorens is always looking to the future and Le Board symbolises this,” said the director of Les3Vallees Association, Olivier Desaulty, to PlanetSKI.
“Les 3 Vallees is all about innovation and offering new quality experiences to our visitors.
“It is open throughout the summer and we are certain it will bring more people to the area to enjoy Le Board and the summer mountain experiences.”
Olivier Desaulty, Les3Vallees. Image © PlanetSKI
Les3Vallees has launched a new online travel agency for this coming season and beyond.
See here for further details: Les 3 Vallées Travel.
Here on PlanetSKI we have covered all that is new in Val Thorens for this winter in this earlier article.
So what about that opening party on Wednesday night?
Wow.
Just wow.
Le Board, Val Thorens. Image © PlanetSKI
And then the fireworks.
Decent start:
And a fabulous finale:
Here at PlanetSKI we will be back in Val Thorens later in the winter and we look forward to experience what Le Board has to offer first hand and see how it enhances the resort.
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