puddles, i hear you man. i went there in 2000/1 and in 2006/7. i stayed at La Tania during my first trip and i wanted to get to Val Thorens. I had to carefully plan my trip to make sure i get back home that day. i left at 8:45am and got back around 4:45pm. it took me all day. made 2 stops. 1 for lunch at the summit of Cime de Caron and another for a beer at the base of Val Thorens. i got lucky that day and got a clear view of the Mont Blanc from the Cime de Caron summit. awesome place.
i highly suggest you check out Val Thorens your next trip. looks like you had a good time.
