"Val Thorens, ski "Mekka"" Massif de la Vanoise by Veghel

At an altitude of 2,300 m Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in the Alps. Ski lifts are open until the first week of May.

Val Thorens and Cime de Caron (3,195 m)

I stayed in Val Thorens from 23 to 30 April 2005 and it was on one world marvellous! Excellent skiing with still 140 km of groomed runs available. Less that the usual 600 km of runs earlier in the season, but still very good considering the time of the season. Val Thorens is perfect for skiers of any level, though I would recommend beginners to go to a cheaper place.
The big advantages of Val Thorens are that there is lots of always snow and most of the accomodations are ski in - ski out. The village is runned professionally: you don't feel like being in France except for the language! Though many people do speak English. In fact, it would not surprise me if the majority of the businesses are not runned/owned by the French. The village consists of only large to even larger buildings and has less charm than the average resort in Austria or Switzerland. Still it could be worse: at least they have used some wood instead of just concrete! ;-) And the scenery is magnificent; at daylight of course, but also overnight when the highest mountain (Aiguille de Péclet 3,562 m) is partly illuminated.

Val Thorens and Pointe de la Masse (2,804 m)

Another advantage of Val Thorens is that it is part of the biggest ski area in the world and there are excellent off-piste opportunities.
Disadvantages are the altitude, so it may be very cold, especially mid winter. It is also more expensive than average, although you definitely can get a very good deal in the early or late season.