ESCAPADE 2026: Another late season Hot Escapade in a Day, well done Michiel!

06 April 2026

The hottest escapade ever?

Since learning about the Escapade last year, we had been wanting to give it a try. The only problem: we only visit Le Bettaix in the Three Valleys between Christmas and New Year and during the Belgian Easter holidays, which are both prone to lift closures and ‘lack of snow’ warnings. Fortunately, this year brought extraordinary spring snowfall, so we started hoping that we might actually have a chance during the Easter holidays. Two of us wanted to take on the challenge: snowboarder-transitioning-into-skier Lukas and myself, skier Michiel.

Arriving on Easter Saturday, the Courchevel lift closure schedule gave us limited options: Chapelets would be closed from Tuesday on, so only Easter and Easter Monday were viable days. Logically, we settled for the very last possibility of the season: Easter Monday. This meant we could spend the Sunday refreshing Lukas’s ski technique and refining navigational details (how do you get to Tortollet or Cospillot again exactly?). The weather on Sunday was extremely hot and Monday would be even hotter, so we knew that the lower sections of the resort would provide challenging conditions.

On Monday, we got up early and arrived at the Bettex lift at 8:35. Surely, we would be the first on the lift when it opened at 8:45? Instead, we arrived at a crowd of about 20 people who were already waiting in line. Most of then were dads trying to get their kids to ski school in Les Menuires by 9:00, but we even overheard others talking about the Escapade. Apparently, more and more people are becoming tempted by the challenge.

Instead of the planned first lift, we took the sixth, and after racing over icy pistes to Tortollet, we arrived just as this lift opened. We hit Pointe de la Masse at 9:15, just ten minutes after opening, but were already greeted by a pretty long queue. If crowds were like this everywhere, this could become a difficult day. Fortunately, the queue moved quickly and we could squeeze into a half-filled gondola to skip part of the line. We took the first part of the black Masse piste down to avoid having to push all the way around the peak of La Masse and then promptly lost the time we gained by choosing the ungroomed Longet piste, which was filled with icy moguls. All in all, not the greatest start.

Fortunately, the rest of the morning went smoothly: we breezed through Reberty and Bruyeres, took the Folie Douce route to Peclet and pushed through an ungroomed Christine to reach Moraine. On the whole Orelle part, we only lost a couple of minutes because of a sudden nosebleed on Face Nord (quick elevation changes), lingering fog on the peaks, medic training at Peyron and a brief breakdown of Orelle Caron. No queues at Pionniers or Trois Vallées, so we made it to Mont Vallon around 12:10, about ten minutes ahead of schedule. As noon hit, however, we knew things would get more complicated, as the remaining half was at much lower altitude and the heat was starting to become very real.

We pushed through the long Combe du Vallon piste, and were already thinking about lunch in the Pas du Lac gondola when the Ours piste hit us like a brick. The snow was like rubber, the slope felt more uphill than downhill and the only way to make progress was pushing like crazy. After what felt like hours, we finally reached Mottaret, dripping in sweat and cursing about taking Ours in spring. Perhaps choosing Campagnol and Plan des Mains would have been the better choice. Even if slightly slower, it would certainly have been less tiring.

After a fifteen minutes cooling-down and lunch session in Pas du Lac, we sped to Chanrossa, now almost 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Chapelets and Ariondaz fell quickly, but then we hit Gravelles, which posed similar uphill challenges as Ours and made us lose valuable minutes. We pushed through to Aiguille du Fruit, easily found Cospillot due to our Sunday preparations and dropped into the piste to Grandes Combes. This corner of the resort was totally unknown to us, but it certainly left its impression. First, an unfortunate manoeuvre by myself made Lukas crash right in front of the start of the lift. Then, after suffering though the slowest lift we had ever taken, a buckle of Lukas’s backpack got stuck in the seat and got ripped off at the top. Luckily, we survived with just a fall and a missing buckle.

Now certainly on our way back, we took Grangettes instead of the closed Tovets (hiking over indoor cobblestones and finding the piste again added some time compared to taking Tovets) and picked up the checkpoints of Le Praz, La Tania and Méribel Village. We were still nicely ahead of schedule, but our legs started to become seriously tired due to the heavy snow in the lower villages. We suffered through more slush down into Méribel, over Roc de Fer and down Verdet to the start of the Saint-Martin Express. By now, we knew we would complete the challenge, but still had to make it to the village in one piece. Almost everyone else took the gondola down into the resort, but we had to persevere through the heavy slush. No shortcuts on an Escapade.

At 16:12, we were back at the Saint-Martin Express with 48 minutes to spare before its closure. The rest of the route back home was familiar and before we knew it, we water-skied into Le Bettaix, where we were greeted by our families and could enjoy a well-deserved celebration drink. All-in-all, a great day of skiing.

Would we do it again? Sure, but maybe not on a summer day in April.

Michiel

• Bettex 8u45
• Tortollet 9u
• Pointe de la Masse 9u15
• Reberty 9u35
• Bruyeres 9u41
• Peclet 10u04
• Moraine 10u24
• Face Nord 10u38
• Peyron 10u53
• Bouchet 11u02
• Orelle Caron 11u20
• Pionniers 11u46
• 3 Vallées 11u53
• Mont Vallon 12u09
• Pas du Lac 12u36
• Chanrossa 12u57
• Chapelets 13u14
• Ariondaz 13u27
• Aiguille du Fruit 13u45
• Grandes Combes 13u58
• Grangettes 14u10
• Foret 14u25
• Tania 14u39
• Dou Des Lanches 14u51
• Golf 15u07
• Legends 15u25
• Olympic 15u37
• St Martin 1 16u01
• St Martin Express 16u12

ESCAPADE 2026 – What’s this all about…

The 3 Valleys Escapade was the lift company promotion of visiting (originally in 2006) 14 points across the Three Valleys and gaining a certificate & badge over the period of your holiday – doing it in a day was a bit tricky though!

It all started out as a late night “is it possible?” discussion – the history and our original route from 2006 are here

Originally punch cards had to be stamped at each check point until electronic passes arrived and then the use of a lift was recorded – now we use Apps such as Ski Tracks or Relive to prove our route.

Note that the Escapade is no longer officially promoted by Les 3 Vallees from Winter 2017 but we still record successful tracks for anyone who is interested in being in the sought after La Tania Escapade Hall of Fame

Send a pic of yourselves on the day with your successful tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk and you’ll get your place in the HoF.

The ESCAPADE 2026 Strava Flyover here (if you’ve a Strava login)

2026 Escapade Video inc Flyover

2025 Escapade Video with Relive

The original Escapade took 30 lifts, around 13000m vertical with 70km length and by 2016 reached 34 lifts, 17000m vertical (twice the height of Everest) and around 80km skiing (140km total distance). With the newer, longer, faster lifts we’re now at 32 lifts (depending on the route) ESCAPADE 2026 Route

Changes through the years
2006 – First year and cards with hole punches stationed at lifties huts are used.
2008 – Electronic lift analysis is now used – no use hiking out the 4th Valley now!
2010 – The piste map did not include the top of the 4th Valley and the Col lift in Val Thorens.
2011 – The X-Wing Discovery was launched but only had 10 check points and doesn’t count!
2012 – Peclet included and Biollay / Vizelle used for Saulire access.
2015 – Foret used instead of La Tania gondola.
2016 – Mont Vallon is included for the first time plus the Montaulever drag lift.
2017 – Chapelets replaced by Petite Boss drag and La Tania’s Bouc Blanc chair replaces Tovets.
2018 – The new Roc de Tougne chair replaces the drag lift of the same name.
2019 – Legends replaces Roc de Fer and the Montaulever drag in Les Menuires has been removed.
2020 – Cime Caron now back in use.
2022 – New Pointe de la Masse and Orelle-Caron Gondolas (for example) could be used.
2023 – Using the new lifts, we ski all the resorts, all the perimeters and classic peaks – ESCAPADE 2023
2024 – No changes to 2023 route!
2025 – No changes to 2024 route!
2026 – Grandes Combs and Tortollet are added – ESCAPADE 2026

ESCAPADE 2026: Antonio and his youngest son complete the Escapade in a Day…

02 April 2026

For years, we had dreamed of completing the 3 Valleys Escapade. Every winter, we talked about it, planned it, and then somehow never managed to make it happen. Until this year.

During our first days in Saint Martin, we quietly tested the waters within our group—who would be willing to try, and more importantly, who could last an entire day on skis without stopping. The conditions didn’t help at first. Snow fell steadily, and the peaks above 2000–2500 meters were buried in thick fog, making the route nearly impossible. But by midweek, the forecast promised clear skies. So we set our date: April 2nd.

We were four—two adults and two boys, aged 10 and 15.

The day didn’t start well. We left the house later than planned and immediately lost 15 precious minutes—minutes that would come back to haunt us. At 8:59 a.m., we finally set off, skiing down the Village slope to catch the Village drag lift. We were far from the first to reach Saint Martin 1, but once we began our descent, something clicked. We started overtaking everyone, gaining confidence—and time—all the way down to Bettex.

We were behind schedule, but with each lift and each run, we clawed back a minute here, two minutes there.

Then, at the Bruyères gondola, came the first setback.

The older boy wasn’t feeling well. Nausea.

We asked if he wanted to continue. “For now,” he said.

At the Péclet funitel, he was worse. By the time we reached the top, he admitted he might need to vomit. We lost nearly half an hour going to the medical post—no medication for nausea—and then to the bathroom. Things weren’t looking good.

At the end of the Christine run, he said he felt dizzy. His father made the call: they would return to Saint Martin.

And just like that, the mission changed.

It was now up to me and the younger boy to try and complete the Escapade alone.

Very quickly, I realized a new challenge. The younger one skied well—very well—but struggled on flat sections. He simply couldn’t maintain speed. Runs like Lory, Cime, Combe de Thorens, Lac de la Chambre, Ours, Cospilot, Forêt, and Doron became a test of patience. The poor kid kept asking me if he was too slow, if he was the reason we wouldn’t finish.

He wasn’t.

But I also had to manage navigation carefully, always skiing just behind him in case he fell—which, thankfully, he never did.

Meanwhile, his father took a different route back—skipping some lifts, taking others—and eventually rejoined us at Mont Vallon.

At that point, we were 20 minutes behind our original plan. The goal had been to reach the final lift, Olympic, at 4:35 p.m., just five minutes before closing. It didn’t look promising. Still, we pushed on.

Again, we started gaining time. One minute here, two minutes there. It felt possible.

Until we reached Tovets.

The chairlift was closed.

We had no choice but to take the Grangettes gondola, which dropped us into the middle of a shopping center we had never seen before. More confusion. More lost time.

From that moment on, we made a simple decision: we would head for the Olympic lift no matter what. If it was closed, we’d ski down to Méribel, take the Tougnète lifts—which close later—and try again another day.

But luck, finally, was on our side.

No more setbacks. No more delays.

We reached the Olympic lift… just in time.

One or two minutes to spare.

At the top of Roc de Fer, the relief was overwhelming.

To celebrate, we headed back up Saint Martin Express and, for the first time ever, skied down Liberty Ride—a run that had always been closed in previous years.

At the end of the day, the younger boy was glowing with pride. Over 90 kilometers skied. Nearly 16,000 meters of vertical descent.

An unforgettable achievement.

Next year, we’ll have to do it all over again—so the older boy can finish what he started.

Though, considering he spent the entire afternoon being sick… it was probably for the best that he went home.

ESCAPADE 2026 – What’s this all about…

The 3 Valleys Escapade was the lift company promotion of visiting (originally in 2006) 14 points across the Three Valleys and gaining a certificate & badge over the period of your holiday – doing it in a day was a bit tricky though!

It all started out as a late night “is it possible?” discussion – the history and our original route from 2006 are here

Originally punch cards had to be stamped at each check point until electronic passes arrived and then the use of a lift was recorded – now we use Apps such as Ski Tracks or Relive to prove our route.

Note that the Escapade is no longer officially promoted by Les 3 Vallees from Winter 2017 but we still record successful tracks for anyone who is interested in being in the sought after La Tania Escapade Hall of Fame

Send a pic of yourselves on the day with your successful tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk and you’ll get your place in the HoF.

The ESCAPADE 2026 Strava Flyover here (if you’ve a Strava login)

2026 Escapade Video inc Flyover

2025 Escapade Video with Relive

The original Escapade took 30 lifts, around 13000m vertical with 70km length and by 2016 reached 34 lifts, 17000m vertical (twice the height of Everest) and around 80km skiing (140km total distance). With the newer, longer, faster lifts we’re now at 32 lifts (depending on the route) ESCAPADE 2026 Route

Changes through the years
2006 – First year and cards with hole punches stationed at lifties huts are used.
2008 – Electronic lift analysis is now used – no use hiking out the 4th Valley now!
2010 – The piste map did not include the top of the 4th Valley and the Col lift in Val Thorens.
2011 – The X-Wing Discovery was launched but only had 10 check points and doesn’t count!
2012 – Peclet included and Biollay / Vizelle used for Saulire access.
2015 – Foret used instead of La Tania gondola.
2016 – Mont Vallon is included for the first time plus the Montaulever drag lift.
2017 – Chapelets replaced by Petite Boss drag and La Tania’s Bouc Blanc chair replaces Tovets.
2018 – The new Roc de Tougne chair replaces the drag lift of the same name.
2019 – Legends replaces Roc de Fer and the Montaulever drag in Les Menuires has been removed.
2020 – Cime Caron now back in use.
2022 – New Pointe de la Masse and Orelle-Caron Gondolas (for example) could be used.
2023 – Using the new lifts, we ski all the resorts, all the perimeters and classic peaks – ESCAPADE 2023
2024 – No changes to 2023 route!
2025 – No changes to 2024 route!
2026 – Grandes Combs and Tortollet are added – ESCAPADE 2026

ESCAPADE 2026: Mark Success after 34 Years…

07 April 2026

As we have sold our family place after 34 years I decided to do the escapade properly today on my own as a last hurrah (although I’ll obviously be back). Maybe I’ll get the crown of the last of the season. Realistically not sure how much longer some bits will be skiable.

Some additions were required including:

– Cherferie after Olympic because there was no way down to St Martin from the top, 

– an additional run up signal to get the top of signal/chaplets following a long plod out along the Bellevue trail when i got to the bottom of Chaplets to find it shut and needing to go along that awful path to Ariondaz. 

– Plan des Mains as no way down from mures rouge after Mont Vallon

Actually the worst bit was Plantrey being broken and Foret being shut meaning after wading down to Le Praz in an ocean of slush, the abysmal walk from the top of the bubble through the Croisette to Chenus. 

Tim reckoned it was going to be impossible so I happily took that challenge.

Mark

ESCAPADE 2026 – What’s this all about…

The 3 Valleys Escapade was the lift company promotion of visiting (originally in 2006) 14 points across the Three Valleys and gaining a certificate & badge over the period of your holiday – doing it in a day was a bit tricky though!

It all started out as a late night “is it possible?” discussion – the history and our original route from 2006 are here

Originally punch cards had to be stamped at each check point until electronic passes arrived and then the use of a lift was recorded – now we use Apps such as Ski Tracks or Relive to prove our route.

Note that the Escapade is no longer officially promoted by Les 3 Vallees from Winter 2017 but we still record successful tracks for anyone who is interested in being in the sought after La Tania Escapade Hall of Fame

Send a pic of yourselves on the day with your successful tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk and you’ll get your place in the HoF.

The ESCAPADE 2026 Strava Flyover here (if you’ve a Strava login)

2026 Escapade Video inc Flyover

2025 Escapade Video with Relive

The original Escapade took 30 lifts, around 13000m vertical with 70km length and by 2016 reached 34 lifts, 17000m vertical (twice the height of Everest) and around 80km skiing (140km total distance). With the newer, longer, faster lifts we’re now at 32 lifts (depending on the route) ESCAPADE 2026 Route

Changes through the years
2006 – First year and cards with hole punches stationed at lifties huts are used.
2008 – Electronic lift analysis is now used – no use hiking out the 4th Valley now!
2010 – The piste map did not include the top of the 4th Valley and the Col lift in Val Thorens.
2011 – The X-Wing Discovery was launched but only had 10 check points and doesn’t count!
2012 – Peclet included and Biollay / Vizelle used for Saulire access.
2015 – Foret used instead of La Tania gondola.
2016 – Mont Vallon is included for the first time plus the Montaulever drag lift.
2017 – Chapelets replaced by Petite Boss drag and La Tania’s Bouc Blanc chair replaces Tovets.
2018 – The new Roc de Tougne chair replaces the drag lift of the same name.
2019 – Legends replaces Roc de Fer and the Montaulever drag in Les Menuires has been removed.
2020 – Cime Caron now back in use.
2022 – New Pointe de la Masse and Orelle-Caron Gondolas (for example) could be used.
2023 – Using the new lifts, we ski all the resorts, all the perimeters and classic peaks – ESCAPADE 2023
2024 – No changes to 2023 route!
2025 – No changes to 2024 route!
2026 – Grandes Combs and Tortollet are added – ESCAPADE 2026

ESCAPADE 2026: Sean Again!

07 April 2026

I went out again yesterday with William Jones (age 10), Zara Jerram (age 11) and Margot Deschamps (age 10), starting from Le Praz.  Some slight changes to the usual itinerary due do closures of Foret (replaced with Praz & Plantrey) and Chapelets (skied by it and onward to Granges).

Vibes were high for most of the day (except the long skate out of a very slushy Ours!).

We finished with plenty of time to spare (~1620h), and requests from the kids to go to the family park for more skiing! 

Sean

ESCAPADE 2026 – What’s this all about…

The 3 Valleys Escapade was the lift company promotion of visiting (originally in 2006) 14 points across the Three Valleys and gaining a certificate & badge over the period of your holiday – doing it in a day was a bit tricky though!

It all started out as a late night “is it possible?” discussion – the history and our original route from 2006 are here

Originally punch cards had to be stamped at each check point until electronic passes arrived and then the use of a lift was recorded – now we use Apps such as Ski Tracks or Relive to prove our route.

Note that the Escapade is no longer officially promoted by Les 3 Vallees from Winter 2017 but we still record successful tracks for anyone who is interested in being in the sought after La Tania Escapade Hall of Fame

Send a pic of yourselves on the day with your successful tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk and you’ll get your place in the HoF.

The ESCAPADE 2026 Strava Flyover here (if you’ve a Strava login)

2026 Escapade Video inc Flyover

2025 Escapade Video with Relive

The original Escapade took 30 lifts, around 13000m vertical with 70km length and by 2016 reached 34 lifts, 17000m vertical (twice the height of Everest) and around 80km skiing (140km total distance). With the newer, longer, faster lifts we’re now at 32 lifts (depending on the route) ESCAPADE 2026 Route

Changes through the years
2006 – First year and cards with hole punches stationed at lifties huts are used.
2008 – Electronic lift analysis is now used – no use hiking out the 4th Valley now!
2010 – The piste map did not include the top of the 4th Valley and the Col lift in Val Thorens.
2011 – The X-Wing Discovery was launched but only had 10 check points and doesn’t count!
2012 – Peclet included and Biollay / Vizelle used for Saulire access.
2015 – Foret used instead of La Tania gondola.
2016 – Mont Vallon is included for the first time plus the Montaulever drag lift.
2017 – Chapelets replaced by Petite Boss drag and La Tania’s Bouc Blanc chair replaces Tovets.
2018 – The new Roc de Tougne chair replaces the drag lift of the same name.
2019 – Legends replaces Roc de Fer and the Montaulever drag in Les Menuires has been removed.
2020 – Cime Caron now back in use.
2022 – New Pointe de la Masse and Orelle-Caron Gondolas (for example) could be used.
2023 – Using the new lifts, we ski all the resorts, all the perimeters and classic peaks – ESCAPADE 2023
2024 – No changes to 2023 route!
2025 – No changes to 2024 route!
2026 – Grandes Combs and Tortollet are added – ESCAPADE 2026

Tue 14 April 2026 – Superb Conditions

The French Instructors Cross Country and Skier Cross competitions today. Some light low cloud about but overall there’s some fantastic skiing available.

Piste du Jour was Suisses and no less than 6 Marmottes were spotted near the excellent Creux piste. The #LaTania first lift crew were on the 08:55 bus down to Le Praz this morning.

ESCAPADE 2026: The Waterfields Successful Attempt!

03 April 2026

The Waterfields – Anna, Beth, Jenny (a previous youngest finisher at the age of 9 just before lockdown) and Ian – completed the Escapade last Friday 3 April, complete with the tortuous addition of the Tortollet lift (the kids wouldn’t believe us that all lifts used to be that slow) and with one substitution (Grangettes for Tovets that had already closed).

Still amazing conditions along the route, and time for a few extra laps of DDL before heading down Folyeres and some refreshments.

ESCAPADE 2026 – What’s this all about…

The 3 Valleys Escapade was the lift company promotion of visiting (originally in 2006) 14 points across the Three Valleys and gaining a certificate & badge over the period of your holiday – doing it in a day was a bit tricky though!

It all started out as a late night “is it possible?” discussion – the history and our original route from 2006 are here

Originally punch cards had to be stamped at each check point until electronic passes arrived and then the use of a lift was recorded – now we use Apps such as Ski Tracks or Relive to prove our route.

Note that the Escapade is no longer officially promoted by Les 3 Vallees from Winter 2017 but we still record successful tracks for anyone who is interested in being in the sought after La Tania Escapade Hall of Fame

Send a pic of yourselves on the day with your successful tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk and you’ll get your place in the HoF.

The ESCAPADE 2026 Strava Flyover here (if you’ve a Strava login)

2026 Escapade Video inc Flyover

2025 Escapade Video with Relive

The original Escapade took 30 lifts, around 13000m vertical with 70km length and by 2016 reached 34 lifts, 17000m vertical (twice the height of Everest) and around 80km skiing (140km total distance). With the newer, longer, faster lifts we’re now at 32 lifts (depending on the route) ESCAPADE 2026 Route

Changes through the years
2006 – First year and cards with hole punches stationed at lifties huts are used.
2008 – Electronic lift analysis is now used – no use hiking out the 4th Valley now!
2010 – The piste map did not include the top of the 4th Valley and the Col lift in Val Thorens.
2011 – The X-Wing Discovery was launched but only had 10 check points and doesn’t count!
2012 – Peclet included and Biollay / Vizelle used for Saulire access.
2015 – Foret used instead of La Tania gondola.
2016 – Mont Vallon is included for the first time plus the Montaulever drag lift.
2017 – Chapelets replaced by Petite Boss drag and La Tania’s Bouc Blanc chair replaces Tovets.
2018 – The new Roc de Tougne chair replaces the drag lift of the same name.
2019 – Legends replaces Roc de Fer and the Montaulever drag in Les Menuires has been removed.
2020 – Cime Caron now back in use.
2022 – New Pointe de la Masse and Orelle-Caron Gondolas (for example) could be used.
2023 – Using the new lifts, we ski all the resorts, all the perimeters and classic peaks – ESCAPADE 2023
2024 – No changes to 2023 route!
2025 – No changes to 2024 route!
2026 – Grandes Combs and Tortollet are added – ESCAPADE 2026

ESCAPADE 2026: The Wilson Escapade

05 April 2026

On Easter Sunday 5 members of the Wilson family – Toby, Matt, Ruth, Arthur, and Fred (15) – completed the Escapade. Starting on ice and finishing in heavy slush we managed it with 20 mins to spare, hitting the Foret chair at 16.30: enough time for a celebratory beer at the Bouc Blanc before a final blast down Folyeres and another drink on the terrace at the Ski Lodge.

Great day, great skiing and a visit to some never before seen areas of the 3vs.

ESCAPADE 2026 – What’s this all about…

The 3 Valleys Escapade was the lift company promotion of visiting (originally in 2006) 14 points across the Three Valleys and gaining a certificate & badge over the period of your holiday – doing it in a day was a bit tricky though!

It all started out as a late night “is it possible?” discussion – the history and our original route from 2006 are here

Originally punch cards had to be stamped at each check point until electronic passes arrived and then the use of a lift was recorded – now we use Apps such as Ski Tracks or Relive to prove our route.

Note that the Escapade is no longer officially promoted by Les 3 Vallees from Winter 2017 but we still record successful tracks for anyone who is interested in being in the sought after La Tania Escapade Hall of Fame

Send a pic of yourselves on the day with your successful tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk and you’ll get your place in the HoF.

The ESCAPADE 2026 Strava Flyover here (if you’ve a Strava login)

2026 Escapade Video inc Flyover

2025 Escapade Video with Relive

The original Escapade took 30 lifts, around 13000m vertical with 70km length and by 2016 reached 34 lifts, 17000m vertical (twice the height of Everest) and around 80km skiing (140km total distance). With the newer, longer, faster lifts we’re now at 32 lifts (depending on the route) ESCAPADE 2026 Route

Changes through the years
2006 – First year and cards with hole punches stationed at lifties huts are used.
2008 – Electronic lift analysis is now used – no use hiking out the 4th Valley now!
2010 – The piste map did not include the top of the 4th Valley and the Col lift in Val Thorens.
2011 – The X-Wing Discovery was launched but only had 10 check points and doesn’t count!
2012 – Peclet included and Biollay / Vizelle used for Saulire access.
2015 – Foret used instead of La Tania gondola.
2016 – Mont Vallon is included for the first time plus the Montaulever drag lift.
2017 – Chapelets replaced by Petite Boss drag and La Tania’s Bouc Blanc chair replaces Tovets.
2018 – The new Roc de Tougne chair replaces the drag lift of the same name.
2019 – Legends replaces Roc de Fer and the Montaulever drag in Les Menuires has been removed.
2020 – Cime Caron now back in use.
2022 – New Pointe de la Masse and Orelle-Caron Gondolas (for example) could be used.
2023 – Using the new lifts, we ski all the resorts, all the perimeters and classic peaks – ESCAPADE 2023
2024 – No changes to 2023 route!
2025 – No changes to 2024 route!
2026 – Grandes Combs and Tortollet are added – ESCAPADE 2026

ESCAPADE 2026: Sean and Camille (13y / 3rd Escapade)

03 April 2026

Camille Deschamps (13y / 3rd escapade) and Sean Deschamps.  6h56 – a record time for us even with the addition of 2 lifts for 2026.  Start/finish Le Praz.  Beautiful spring day with small crowds. 

Camille would not let me use the only photo I took, but screenshot of the stats below.

ESCAPADE 2026 – What’s this all about…

The 3 Valleys Escapade was the lift company promotion of visiting (originally in 2006) 14 points across the Three Valleys and gaining a certificate & badge over the period of your holiday – doing it in a day was a bit tricky though!

It all started out as a late night “is it possible?” discussion – the history and our original route from 2006 are here

Originally punch cards had to be stamped at each check point until electronic passes arrived and then the use of a lift was recorded – now we use Apps such as Ski Tracks or Relive to prove our route.

Note that the Escapade is no longer officially promoted by Les 3 Vallees from Winter 2017 but we still record successful tracks for anyone who is interested in being in the sought after La Tania Escapade Hall of Fame

Send a pic of yourselves on the day with your successful tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk and you’ll get your place in the HoF.

The ESCAPADE 2026 Strava Flyover here (if you’ve a Strava login)

2026 Escapade Video inc Flyover

2025 Escapade Video with Relive

The original Escapade took 30 lifts, around 13000m vertical with 70km length and by 2016 reached 34 lifts, 17000m vertical (twice the height of Everest) and around 80km skiing (140km total distance). With the newer, longer, faster lifts we’re now at 32 lifts (depending on the route) ESCAPADE 2026 Route

Changes through the years
2006 – First year and cards with hole punches stationed at lifties huts are used.
2008 – Electronic lift analysis is now used – no use hiking out the 4th Valley now!
2010 – The piste map did not include the top of the 4th Valley and the Col lift in Val Thorens.
2011 – The X-Wing Discovery was launched but only had 10 check points and doesn’t count!
2012 – Peclet included and Biollay / Vizelle used for Saulire access.
2015 – Foret used instead of La Tania gondola.
2016 – Mont Vallon is included for the first time plus the Montaulever drag lift.
2017 – Chapelets replaced by Petite Boss drag and La Tania’s Bouc Blanc chair replaces Tovets.
2018 – The new Roc de Tougne chair replaces the drag lift of the same name.
2019 – Legends replaces Roc de Fer and the Montaulever drag in Les Menuires has been removed.
2020 – Cime Caron now back in use.
2022 – New Pointe de la Masse and Orelle-Caron Gondolas (for example) could be used.
2023 – Using the new lifts, we ski all the resorts, all the perimeters and classic peaks – ESCAPADE 2023
2024 – No changes to 2023 route!
2025 – No changes to 2024 route!
2026 – Grandes Combs and Tortollet are added – ESCAPADE 2026

ESCAPADE 2026: Chilvers – Father & Sons Success

03 April 2026

Tim, Sam & Neil Chilvers – Escapade done.

Father (Neil) and sons (Tim & Sam). Sam and Neil on skis, Tim on the snowboard. Blue skies and sun all day—perfect conditions.

Full route completed and back to La Tania, just in time for Ski Lodge happy hour.

ESCAPADE 2026 – What’s this all about…

The 3 Valleys Escapade was the lift company promotion of visiting (originally in 2006) 14 points across the Three Valleys and gaining a certificate & badge over the period of your holiday – doing it in a day was a bit tricky though!

It all started out as a late night “is it possible?” discussion – the history and our original route from 2006 are here

Originally punch cards had to be stamped at each check point until electronic passes arrived and then the use of a lift was recorded – now we use Apps such as Ski Tracks or Relive to prove our route.

Note that the Escapade is no longer officially promoted by Les 3 Vallees from Winter 2017 but we still record successful tracks for anyone who is interested in being in the sought after La Tania Escapade Hall of Fame

Send a pic of yourselves on the day with your successful tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk and you’ll get your place in the HoF.

The original Escapade took 30 lifts, around 13000m vertical with 70km length and by 2016 reached 34 lifts, 17000m vertical (twice the height of Everest) and around 80km skiing (140km total distance). With the newer, longer, faster lifts we’re now at 32 lifts (depending on the route) ESCAPADE 2026 Route

Changes through the years
2006 – First year and cards with hole punches stationed at lifties huts are used.
2008 – Electronic lift analysis is now used – no use hiking out the 4th Valley now!
2010 – The piste map did not include the top of the 4th Valley and the Col lift in Val Thorens.
2011 – The X-Wing Discovery was launched but only had 10 check points and doesn’t count!
2012 – Peclet included and Biollay / Vizelle used for Saulire access.
2015 – Foret used instead of La Tania gondola.
2016 – Mont Vallon is included for the first time plus the Montaulever drag lift.
2017 – Chapelets replaced by Petite Boss drag and La Tania’s Bouc Blanc chair replaces Tovets.
2018 – The new Roc de Tougne chair replaces the drag lift of the same name.
2019 – Legends replaces Roc de Fer and the Montaulever drag in Les Menuires has been removed.
2020 – Cime Caron now back in use.
2022 – New Pointe de la Masse and Orelle-Caron Gondolas (for example) could be used.
2023 – Using the new lifts, we ski all the resorts, all the perimeters and classic peaks – ESCAPADE 2023
2024 – No changes to 2023 route!
2025 – No changes to 2024 route!
2026 – Grandes Combs and Tortollet are added – ESCAPADE 2026

ESCAPADE 2026: The Netherlands Team

28 March 2026

What a amazing trip!

We started last Saturday at Val Thorens, 9.15 at Peclet lift, and completed the full 3 Vallées Escapade following the 2026 route just before 16u30: a demanding, fast paced tour across the entire ski area. Snow conditions perfect, mostly sunny and good temperature, it was a perfect day after the storm the days before!

From Peclet we went to the Orelle section, and headed to Cime de Caron at 10.25. Pistes (nice groomed) with fresh snow! At 11am we took the Mont Vallon lift. No queues at all. At 12.12 we were at Ariondaz lift in Courchevel-Moriond. We headed to La Tania section, arriving at 13.19

A few lifts later, with temperatures still below zero and no queues at all we arrived at Golf lift (13.47), and Pointe La Masse 15.26 (off course with Bettex and Tortollet). Then after La Masse headed to Reberty, Bruyeres 1,2 and back to Val Thorens, arriving after 7hrs and 16 minutes, after 135,1km of pure skiing! Wonderful !!!

Throughout the day, we navigated all key peaks, valleys, perimeter sections and signature lifts included in the modern version of the Escapade. 

Conditions were excellent, which allowed for steady fast skiing, no large breaks and efficient transitions. 

At 16.30 we finished The Escapade tour, we even took the second ride in the Peclet lift, just to drink one beer in the restaurant on top, amazing!

The day remains a unique achievement, and we’re excited to submit this for inclusion in the La Tania Escapade Hall of Fame which continues to record successful tracks.

Greetz, Klaas Jan, Bart and Joost

ESCAPADE 2026 – What’s this all about…

The 3 Valleys Escapade was the lift company promotion of visiting (originally in 2006) 14 points across the Three Valleys and gaining a certificate & badge over the period of your holiday – doing it in a day was a bit tricky though!

It all started out as a late night “is it possible?” discussion – the history and our original route from 2006 are here

Originally punch cards had to be stamped at each check point until electronic passes arrived and then the use of a lift was recorded – now we use Apps such as Ski Tracks or Relive to prove our route.

Note that the Escapade is no longer officially promoted by Les 3 Vallees from Winter 2017 but we still record successful tracks for anyone who is interested in being in the sought after La Tania Escapade Hall of Fame

Send a pic of yourselves on the day with your successful tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk and you’ll get your place in the HoF.

The original Escapade took 30 lifts, around 13000m vertical with 70km length and by 2016 reached 34 lifts, 17000m vertical (twice the height of Everest) and around 80km skiing (140km total distance). With the newer, longer, faster lifts we’re now at 32 lifts (depending on the route) ESCAPADE 2026 Route

Changes through the years
2006 – First year and cards with hole punches stationed at lifties huts are used.
2008 – Electronic lift analysis is now used – no use hiking out the 4th Valley now!
2010 – The piste map did not include the top of the 4th Valley and the Col lift in Val Thorens.
2011 – The X-Wing Discovery was launched but only had 10 check points and doesn’t count!
2012 – Peclet included and Biollay / Vizelle used for Saulire access.
2015 – Foret used instead of La Tania gondola.
2016 – Mont Vallon is included for the first time plus the Montaulever drag lift.
2017 – Chapelets replaced by Petite Boss drag and La Tania’s Bouc Blanc chair replaces Tovets.
2018 – The new Roc de Tougne chair replaces the drag lift of the same name.
2019 – Legends replaces Roc de Fer and the Montaulever drag in Les Menuires has been removed.
2020 – Cime Caron now back in use.
2022 – New Pointe de la Masse and Orelle-Caron Gondolas (for example) could be used.
2023 – Using the new lifts, we ski all the resorts, all the perimeters and classic peaks – ESCAPADE 2023
2024 – No changes to 2023 route!
2025 – No changes to 2024 route!
2026 – Grandes Combs and Tortollet are added – ESCAPADE 2026