The 2026 Mitch Memorial Padel Tournament

Mitchell Hopkins Memorial Padel Trophy

Yesterday was a very special day as we came together for the annual Mitchell Hopkins Memorial Paddle Trophy, celebrating the life and memory of a much-loved colleague, friend, and very special member of the La Tania family.

We sadly lost Mitch in December 2024 when he was about to start his third Winter season with girlfriend Michaela after spend the Summer in La Tania enjoying the biking, hiking, climbing and of course Padel.

Mitch was someone who brought friendship, laughter and warmth wherever he went, and he was a great lover of Padel. Those who knew him will remember that he seemed to play with a smile permanently on his face. It therefore feels particularly fitting that we continue to remember him through a day of Padel, friendship, laughter and good times shared together.

Last summer, we held the first tournament in Mitch’s memory, with the simple aim of keeping his memory alive and bringing together the many friends who knew and loved him. Yesterday’s tournament continued that tradition.

This year we were fortunate to have the new courts at Aquamotion for the afternoon who very kindly donated them for the event and even provided a much-needed gazebo to give everyone some shade from the heat. A huge thank you to Thomas Truffin and everyone at Aquamotion for making that possible — it was very much appreciated. Also thanks to Ralph for organising everything and all those who took part sharing water, nibbles, beers, champagne and balls!

The draw was made at 2pm at the Ski Lodge, with Harriet doing the honours and drawing the names. Somehow, we ended up with an incredibly well-balanced set of eight teams, producing some excellent Padel with many very close and competitive games throughout the afternoon.

There was even a tiebreak to decide the winners of Pool 2, setting up the semi-finals and ultimately a cracking final between Ange & Wade and Richard & Natalie

In the end, it was Wade & Ange who came out victorious and lifted the Mitch Hopkins Memorial Padel Trophy. The third place play-off was won by Andrew & Christine beating Heather & Toffa (despite losing the previous tie break 7-1 for Pool 2 to Heather & Toffa).

But, as always, the result was really only part of the story. The most important thing was having so many of Mitch’s friends together, enjoying something he loved and remembering him in the way he would have wanted — with plenty of laughter, competition, friendship and a few beers afterwards.

And then, as if the day hadn’t already been special enough, we were treated to the eclipse before heading back to the Ski Lodge for more beers and more memories.

A wonderful day for a wonderful friend.

Mitch would have loved it.

Summer Ski Jumping World Cup

LaTania resident Maxim (a young ski jumper) had the honour of waving the Courchevel flag at the World Cup flag ceremony.

The New La Tania Gondolas Have Arrived!

The first batch of the new La Tania Gondola Cabins have been delivered this morning. We spotted the trucks bringing them up to the top station and checked them out when unpacking the first one. Comfortable 8 seaters (probably with 2 standing as well).

Karina & Jonny Wedding Day

#LaTania locals Karina & Jonny tied the knot at last! Massive congratulations from La Tania…

Click on the images for the full size pics!

Yet another La Tania hook up – there’s been a few… off the top of our head (there will be loads more but somehow it’s always La Tania’s fault….).

Lou & Cloggs
Suze & Jules
Billy & Sarah
Sandy & Becs
Lou & Gibb
Georgie & Martin
Rox & Phil
Russ & Bella
Andrea & Phil
Lol & Nadine
Aiden & Emily
Kirsty & Bru
Ollie & Michelle
Dave & Jane
Gazza & Bish
Howie & Elodie
Steve & Diane
Martin & Claire
Chris & Hannah
Jo & Shorty
Ferg & Sandrine
Barnie & Emma
Jonboy & Sarah
Mini & Daphs
Adby & Sophie
Ralph & Natalie
Sallyann & Bertrand
Stevie & Della
Nick & Joey
Rich & Angeline
Westy & Janey
Joey & Liv
Radfas & Mika
Anya & Edd
Rob & Jasmin
Rob & Monique
Eggy & Shazza
Paddy & Rachel
Tom & Laura
Harriet & Luke
Karina & Jonny
TBC…

Cheers to Ian & Rich for the great pics!

Team #LaTania White Water Rafting…

Another great activity during Summer – White Water Rafting just down in the valley below La Tania. This week’s sport of choice for those with a day off – paragliding next week?

Team #LaTania on the Lac Rosière Via Ferrata

This year without our guide Ben!

Via Ferrata is a rock climbing traversing route where your harness with dual carabiner lanyards is always attached to a safety wire running the length of the route. There are ladders, planks, wires to walk across plus footholds and handholds attached to the rock face so nothing is too difficult.

Harnesses and helmets (and a guide if necessary) are available from the cabin at Lac Rosière. Car park is chargeable by the way!

There is a difficult graded Via Ferrata “Croix de Verdon” way up on Saulire (the highest Via Ferrata in France) with a lot of exposure plus a medium graded “Via Cavo Del Mey” facing La Vanoise Glaciers near the Col de Mey on the far side of Valley des Avals.

New Snow Cannons and Regrading of Niverolle plus work on the Loze Reservoir

New snow cannon infrastructure being installed on the Niverolle piste along with regrading and landscaping of the slope towards the bottom making it a wider and less of an incline.

This is the piste running down from the Méribel side of Saulire where you ski across the far side towards Mottaret and then comes back across to end at the Pas du Lac mid-station. It also accesses the Grand Rosière black piste which we were lucky enough to have first tracks on fresh corduroy twice last season (it it very rarely posted – probably only 3 or 4 times a season).

There is also a lot of work on the Loze snow cannon reservoir which has been completely drained.

There has been a lot of dramatic headlines in the French press regarding the stability of the whole lake and even danger to “the hamlet below” (which we think meant La Tania). However water is pumped UP to this reservoir to store water – there’s very little collection of water on top of a mountain! – so the authorities have complete control the situation. It remains to be seen if repair work is possible to allow it to be used to full capacity next Winter.

Méribel: Rhodos Top Station Upgrade & New Cannons onTruite

After the bottom station upgrade and new cabins last Summer the top station of the Rhodos gondola (top of the second stage) is being refurbed and upgraded. The tarmac road is the Summer cycle track up to (and over) Col de Loze above La Tania.

There is also some major work going on at the Truite piste that links Mottaret to Méribel with new snow cannon infrastructure being installed. Work never stops improving the largest ski area in the world…

Courchevel 1650 Moriond – New Buildings and the end for Mamamia?

A wander around the new buildings in 1650 approaching completion – some fairly brutal architecture on view will divide opinion.

Sad to see one of our favourite restaurants in 1650, the Italian Mamamia all closed up with signage removed. We knew it wasn’t opening this Summer but weren’t expecting that. There is an Italian in the new building but we doubt that will offer the value for money of Mamamia.

The Funky Fox is opening at 15:00 and Le Tigre is opening for lunch this Summer.

Fête des Bûcherons in La Tania

The annual Lumberjack and all things wood Fête taking place in #LaTania today – Fête des Bûcherons…