Hotel Altapura is opening in Val Thorens in two weeks time – on 29 November. It will be the first 5-star hotel in this high-altitude, snow-sure French resort, located in Les Trois Vallees.

The new ski-in-ski-out Altapura has already been voted “best new hotel in the world” by Condé Nast Traveller, and it has been dubbed “the Highest Skipalace”.  It is certainly well-situated at the base of the resort, facing the Plein Sud chairlift and just a short stroll from the main village.

The elegant décor is perhaps best described as ‘Nordic-chic’, with a predominance of wood and stone.  Its 72 luxurious, hi-tech rooms and 16 suites are decorated in light woods, strong warm fabrics and state-of-the-art mineral-inspired bathrooms.

Despite its 5-star rating, the hotel is surprisingly welcoming to children, with a devoted Children’s Area, full of fun and games, and even a Kid’s Concierge!  There’s also an Extreme Sports Concierge for activities on- and off-piste.

The fun play area is devoted to children aged 3 to 8 with a supervisor daily from 12.30 to 20.30 daily (for no extra charge).  There is also a separate area where 9 to 12 year-olds can hang out together.

The hotel organises surprise children’s evenings with dinner served at the Table des Enfants, and there’s a small bath-water-warm outdoor pool for apres-ski fun.  There’s nothing more thrilling for kids than to be swimming in the open air surrounded by snow or, better still, when it’s actually snowing!

While your children are making new friends in the various play areas, you can be soothing your aching ski muscles or simply relaxing in the Pure Altitude Spa – 1,000m of unadulterated pampering, with an irresistible range of treatments using alpine plant extracts and essential oils.

Double rooms start from €250 per night (up to €760 for the deluxe suite, which also contains a bedroom cabin for two children).  Several of the rooms are interconnected, providing a perfect combination of privacy and proximity to your children.

Prices for children sharing a room with two adults on a half-board basis are €55 (3-6yrs); 80€ (7-12yrs) or €105 (13-17yrs).  From 30 November-21 December, 6 January-8 February, 17-29 March and 14-27 April children aged 3-6yrs are free (if sharing a room with two adults).

FamilySkiNews.com are looking forward to visiting the hotel in mid-December – to find out more about the hotel and, in particular, the spa.  We also hope to meet the Extreme Sports Concierge and to find out what it takes to be a Kid’s Concierge.  So be sure to come back before Christmas to read our report!