Val Thorens Pre-Opening Day for Club Val Tho Members

Details of the Club Val Tho pre-opening day in Val Thorens on Friday 21 November 2025 have been released.

The free to join club has been running this ever since COVID and although there is limited skiing available it’s a free day with free parking, free breakfast, a free lunch and a great atmosphere the day before the official opening day.

Registration is required and the deadline is noon on 3 November 2025. Register here

There’s also coach services from Ski Mania from Lyon (leaving 05:30am) & Chambéry (subject to availability) plus Altibus shuttle from Moûtiers. Details available from the registration page.

Full Program

Franglish Comedy Festival 02-06 February 2026

The third edition of the Franglish Comedy Festival takes place in and around Méribel on 02-06 February 2026 this season – if you’re on holiday that week you’re in for a treat!

Once again, Méribel will play host to this gloriously unique bilingual festival, where some of the finest French and English stand-up comedians take to the stage after a day on the slopes. It’s high-octane fun — the stuff of postcards (or WhatsApp messages)!

Previous editions have featured performances by Mark Steel, Rachel Parris, Andrew Maxwell, Lou Sanders, Marcus Brigstocke, Tatty Macleod, and Tez Ilyas, cementing the festival’s reputation for blending established names with rising stars.

Now in its third year, the Franglish Comedy Festival continues to grow as one of Europe’s most distinctive cultural events — a week where languages collide, audiences connect, and comedy takes centre stage in the French Alps.

Early Bird VIP Passes are on sale now for €60 (standard price €85), offering access to all festival performances. Passes are limited and expected to sell quickly. Headline acts will be announced over the coming weeks, so stay tuned across all Franglish Festival social media channels and the festival website (and for tickets) at www.franglishfestival.com

The 5 days of laughter will include spectacular gala shows at the Auditorium in Méribel Centre and late night Stand Ups in various venues across the Méribel area. Watch French comedians performing in English, English comedians trying their hand at French, plus international acts on stage in their own native languages.

We’ll have some competitions to win free tickets in January (if you win and have already bought tickets because you don’t want to risk missing out on sold out shows you’ll get a refund!). Enjoy…

New EU EES (Entry / Exit System) Starts Today – We attempt to check it out!

The much delayed EU EES (Entry / Exit System) starts today with a “soft launch” (it can be suspended if there are issues ) and is designed to track access of non-EU citizens access to the 29 countries in the Shengen area. Ultimately it will make travel easier and enhance security.

An initial one-off registration is required with photographs and finger prints taken, either at an automated kiosk or by Border Control.

Concerns about travel delays have been widespread, so we’re travelling from the UK to EU on it’s first day to see what happens (if anything, as full implementation is not required until 26 April 2026). England are also playing in Riga, Latvia for the first time ever on Tuesday so it seemed a good idea at the time. La Tania does Football (and yes, we’ll all be heading to USA26).

A mobile phone App to do self registration prior to travelling has been developed by the EU but this has also been delayed and will not be available for the launch date.

Passports will continue to be stamped until the full implementation by April 2026.

While the port of Dover and Eurostar / Le Shuttle have announced their timetables for their usage by French Border Control, the rest of the EU implemetation has not been revealed. Quite why a simple database recording passport and biometrics has taken nearly 10 years to implement is beyond us – something a teenager could knock up in an afternoon with a cloud service providing all the relevant security and resilience, think about the data Google, Meta etc handle! EU bureaucracy no doubt…

Exemptions

There are many exemptions including…

• Nationals of the European countries using the EES, as well as Cyprus and Ireland
• Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card and are immediately related to an EU national
• Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card or a residence permit and are immediately related to a non-EU national who can travel throughout Europe like an EU citizen
• Travelling for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, exchange schemes etc.
• Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City
• The likes of Diplomats, NATO forces, train crew etc.
• Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas

That last one refers to long-stay visas, quite a few La Tania seasonaires use these so they are not restricted to the 90 days within 180 days (rollling) rules. In effect entitled to 90 Schengen Days, 180 French Long Stay Visa Days followed by another 90 Schengen Days all consecutive if they wanted it. Will be interesting how this works but the exemption is detailed on the Official European Union Travel to Europe site.

Our guide to obtaining a French Long Stay Visa

ETIAS – The other new system

ETIAS – European Travel Information and Authorisation System is a visa waiver system similar to the USA ESTA which is a pre-approved travel authorisation you must have before travelling.

No start date for ETIAS has been released yet, some sources say 6 months after the full implementation of EES which would be the end of October 2026 while others say the end of 2026. Delays are to be expected though!

The cost will now be €20 for the 3 year authorisation (it was €10 when planned in 2016) but under 18s and over 70s are free – they still need to apply though!

Sun 12 Oct 2025 – How did we get on?

Arrived in Riga at 23:00 and thanks to a random last minute online check-in on Ryanair (they didn’t mange to sell the expensive seats) we ended up in row 3 for free!

So first off the aircraft just about, there was hardly any queue anyway.

At first we thought they’re not running the new system but sure enough they were. It did take around 2 minutes (maybe 3 minutes max if they had to redo the fingerprint scan) for the scan of 4 finger prints (at the same time) and a photograph – plus the usual scan and stamp of the passport.

I sort of wanted to show a French long stay visa to see if I was exempt but really just wanted to get the process done (and an #EnglandAway fixture is probably not the right time!).

So we’re sorted – done it! No kiosk or self serve type operation here, all done by the Border Control Staff – I bet they really appreciate their job trebling overnight!

Hopefully more kiosks, a smartphone App and a lot more people through the system by the time the Ski Season comes along. There will be some delays though. Glad we’ve done it – but it does beg the question: If you’ve done this EU EES Registration will there be a seperate queue? Or can you use automatic machines lile the French have recommended?

One other thing – COME ON ENGLAND!

The Return Journey – Wed 15 Oct 2025

Didn’t think there would be a further update to this blog entry but the trip back was not as smooth as we thought it would be.

The whole process of finger printing and taking photographs was repeated on leaving Riga – we understood it was a once only registration so we don’t really understand what is going on. Long passport queues quickly built up as hung-over England Fans arrived at the airport to return home after the 5-0 win over Latvia last night.

Hopefully things will become more clear in the coming weeks…

The AI Response

You’re right to ask — the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a big change, and there is some confusion around how exactly it works. But based on the rules, what you experienced (being asked for fingerprints on arrival and departure) is consistent with EES, at least during the rollout period. Here’s how it works and why you might be asked more than once:

What is EES, and what does it require?

• The EES is a system the EU is introducing to replace passport stamping for non-EU / non-Schengen-area nationals.  
• It will automatically record entries and exits (date, time, place) plus biometric data (fingerprints, facial image).  
• For people who don’t need a visa to enter Schengen (e.g. many UK travellers), EES requires fingerprints + a photo the first time you cross a Schengen border under EES.  
• On subsequent entries/exits (within the validity period), typically only your facial image is checked (i.e. verification) rather than full re-registration of fingerprints.  
• The biometric registration is held for a period (three years, or until your passport expires) for border checks.  

Why were you asked for fingerprints on both arrival 

and

 departure?

Here are a few likely reasons:

1. Rolling / phased implementation
   EES is being rolled out gradually at different border locations over time. 
   In some places, border posts may require full biometric capture not just on arrival but also at exit during the initial phase, to ensure the system logs both legs of your journey.  
2. First time at that border / in that region under EES
   Even if you’ve done biometric registration elsewhere, the particular border point (or country) may treat the departure as a “first encounter” under EES in their system, and request the fingerprinting step.
3. System verification / redundancy
   To ensure the exit is correctly matched with the entry record (and avoid abuse, overstays, identity fraud), some border authorities might capture fingerprints on exit to double-check your identity against the record.
4. Passport or identity change
   If your passport changed (you have a new one) or your presented identity differs from what’s in the EES record, the system may require re-verification (including fingerprints) to reconcile the data.
5. Transitional / fallback procedures
   During roll-out, border officers might err on the side of caution and take fingerprints even if not strictly required (especially early on) to make sure the system works reliably.

Is EES just a “one-off registration”?

It’s often described that way (i.e. you do the biometric registration once) for simplicity, but that is somewhat idealised. In practice:

• You will give fingerprints + photo on your first EES occurrence.  
• But on return trips you are still subject to verification (face, or in some cases fingerprint if conditions require).  
• If it’s been a long time since your last crossing (beyond the period the record is kept) or you have a new passport, you might need full re-registration.

So it’s not purely “one and done” in all cases — there’s verification every time, and under certain circumstances biometric capture might be repeated.

If you like, I can check whether Latvia / Riga borders specifically currently require fingerprinting on both arrival and departure under EES during the rollout. Would you like me to check that for your specific trip?

YES

Here’s what I found regarding the EES in Latvia / Riga — and whether your experience (fingerprints at both arrival and departure) is expected there:

What the official Latvian sources say

• Latvia has confirmed that from 12 October 2025, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) starts operating at all border crossing points in Latvia.  
• Under the EES, third-country nationals (i.e. non-EU / non-Schengen nationals) making short stays (up to 90 days in any 180) will have to register biometric data (fingerprints + facial image) plus travel document data and entry/exit dates.  
• At the “initial stages” of EES operation, travellers should expect longer border checks, especially when their biometric data is first being recorded.  
• Latvia’s State Border Guard notes that during the first border crossing after EES goes live, biometric data (facial image and/or fingerprint) must be registered.  
• Once registered, subsequent entries and exits should involve verification rather than fresh full data capture.  
• As of 14 October 2025, about 3,797 third-country nationals had been registered under EES in Latvia in the first days of operation.  

What this implies for your case (in Riga)

Given the above, here’s how your experience could align with the rules or with transitional / practical realities:

1. First registration may occur at either border crossing (entry or exit)
   The rules say that biometric data must be captured when the traveller first crosses a Schengen external border after EES goes live. For Latvia, that’s at any border point in Latvia. If that “first crossing” happens to be on exit (say, because you entered earlier from elsewhere in Schengen), authorities might capture at departure.
2. During rollout, border posts may capture biometrics on both arrival and departure
   Because Latvia is just starting EES, and the “initial stages” foresee extra caution and longer checks, border posts may still capture fingerprints at both ends to ensure matching and consistency, especially while staff and systems stabilise.
3. Verification mode for subsequent crossings
   After your biometric data is already in the system, future crossings into or out of Latvia (or other Schengen states) should mostly involve verification (face scan, possibly fingerprint match) rather than full re-capture. This matches the general EES principle.  
4. Local systems / practices might vary
   Border guards and systems (especially in the early days) may differ in how strictly they apply “only first capture” vs “capture again” depending on their readiness, staff training, or to double check identity. Also, if your passport changed or there was any mismatch, they might require new biometric capture.
5. Use of ABC gates for EU / EEA citizens
   Latvia mentions usage of Automated Border Control (ABC) gates for travellers from the EU / EEA / Swiss who hold biometric passports. For exit, those aged 18+ may use ABC gates. But this is for EU citizens, not relevant in your case as a third-country national.  

So in short: Yes, your being asked for fingerprints both on arrival and departure in Riga / Latvia is consistent with what’s happening during the initial rollout of EES there. It might not be permanent, but during the first crossings the authorities are likely to be cautious and perform full biometric capture on both legs.

If you like, I can check whether any travellers have posted recent (2025) reports from Riga confirming they had to give fingerprints both ways, to see how it’s playing out on the ground. Do you want me to dig for that?

YES

I wasn’t able to find any reliable first-hand traveller reports or forum entries specifically from Riga / Latvia confirming that people have had to give fingerprints both on arrival and departure under the EES.

Here’s what is found, and how it aligns (or doesn’t) with your experience:

What I did find

• The Latvian public media site states that during the first border crossing after EES is introduced, a third-country national will need to register biometric data (fingerprints + photo).  
• The same source says that on subsequent crossings, only verification should be needed (i.e. border guards will check fingerprints or facial image, rather than collecting anew).  
• The official EU “New Entry/Exit System went live” announcement says that travellers are required to provide passport information, facial image, and fingerprints upon their first entry or exit. For subsequent entries/exits, only a “quick verification” is expected.  
• The Latvian Ministry / Embassy page confirms that from 12 October 2025, EES will operate at all Latvian border crossing points, and biometric data will be collected from third-country nationals.  
• The Travel-Europe (EU) FAQ states that biometric data might not be collected at every crossing point immediately — it depends on deployment:
  “travellers’ biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) might not be collected at every border crossing point right away …”  

Interpretation & possible explanations

Because I didn’t find confirmed traveller reports from Riga, I can’t definitively say your experience was typical, but the available evidence and rules make your scenario plausible, especially during the initial rollout. Here are plausible explanations:

• You may have been treated as a “first crossing under EES” in two senses (arrival and departure) if the exit side system was not yet confident of linking your entry record.
• Border posts may err conservatively and collect full biometrics on exit as a fail-safe while the system is new.
• Local practice may vary: in a less busy or newer border point, the officers or technical setup might still require full biometric capture when in doubt.
• Since rollout is gradual, some exit controls might not yet fully support “verification only” mode everywhere; thus, full capture may still occur at some exits.

How to get a discounted 3 Valleys (or Courchevel / La Tania) Season Pass for 2025/26 without being a worker or resident

Update: The S3V Website won’t be fully operational to process the discount codes until 3/11/25

Due to the classification of ski lifts being “Public Transport” a few years ago, the idea of locals being given discounts was seen as discriminatory. The way around this was to become a member of an association and in effect they get a group discount. While Courchevel and Meribel associations still insist on proof of local employment, residency or tax payment records the association in Bozel does not. Anyone can join the Association Loisirs Bozel – ALB and benefit from the discounted rates but you must complete it before 21 November 2025.

The Steps are:

1. Join the ALB for €10
2. The ALB will send you a code for the S3V website
3. You buy the pass from the S3V website with the code that gives you the discount

Season Pass Prices

For Example – Adult (30-75) unlimited 3 Valleys Season Pass Winter 2025 / 2026
Normal Price €1580
Discounted Rate €1106

For comparison – say you did a week at Christmas and a week in February plus a cheeky weekend in March it would cost you more! €1107.60 (two x 7 day passes €944 plus a 2 day €163.60).

Remember that season passes are valid in Summer too

The prices & options for single valley, under 30 (only €774.20 for 3V or €472 for Courchevel / La Tania), 2 out of 7 days, 3 out of 7 days, 10 lifts a week, pedestrian season passes etc are detailed below.

1 – Join the ALB

Join the Association Loisirs Bozel – ALB on this link:
https://www.helloasso.com/associations/association-loisirs-bozel/adhesions/adhesion-alb-2025-2026

Complete the onlne form with your name and address (UK is fine), date of birth and email address (twice). Upload a copy of your passport and proceed to the payment page for the €10 fee. There is a donation option which you can edit if required.

You’ll get instant confirmation plus a receipt and membership card to download. Emails confirming you payment and a link to activate your account with a password are also sent. Having a Hello Assoc account allows you to view your purchase history from previous years and view membership card etc.

2 – Receive the Discount Code via Email

The ALB will send this out via email starting in mid-October.

3 – Purchase your Lift Pass (before 21/11/25)

You purchase your lift pass from the S3V site, use your discount code and make payment – you can add Carré Neige insurance here too – a bargain at €49 for the season, it would be mad not too unless you have a very comprehensive ski season policy.

You can update an existing season pass, have it delivered (allow 8 days for UK) or collect at a ski pass office.

https://saison.skipasscourchevel.com

Note that this link is not expected to be operational for discount codes until around the start of November. Direct all enquiries regarding purchase on this site (delivery, credit card issues etc) to S3V not ALB.

Further Information

Association Loisirs Bozel – ALB https://www.helloasso.com/associations/association-loisirs-bozel

ALB Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580261430675

Carré Neige Insurance https://carreneige.com/en/

Season Pass Purchase https://saison.skipasscourchevel.com/en/

Guide to purchasing your season pass 25/26 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_-mpAS1yayqtb3WkVz3ARMtALNbUgH3q/view

All the 2025 / 2026 Lift Pass Prices and Options https://www.latania.co.uk/skiing/passes.htm

Courchevel Season Fun Association https://www.saisonfunasso.com/
(for season workers only, includes Aquamotion deals and other discounts but proof of employment paperwork is required)

New Pump Track at Aquamotion

A new pump track next to Aquamotion is under construction and approaching completion. It’s situated next to the hairpin bend opposite the Erin Blanc hotel.

Another new activity for Summer as Courchevel seeks to increase the Tourism options in the Summer months.

Helmets compulsory and for the use of BMX, Mountain Bikes, Scooters, Skateboards and In-line Skaters – strictly no motorbikes (electric or petrol)!

Thanks to Andrea at Snow Retreat for the pics.

Opening Day 25/26 plus the first 2 Weeks Lift Opening Schedule Revealed

The special “preview” day on 5 December in Courchevel will have the Praz gondola (for access only), Verdons, Saulire and Marmottes open – as expected, although we thought they might try out the new Chenus gondola!

Lift opening schedules are always subject to change, snow conditions, weather, staffing, resources, maintenance etc.

Some lifts are dependent on hotel opening, tourist office events, Mairie approvals and Club des Sport usage. There are also plenty of caveats this year around Chenus, Plantrey and Epicea dependent on all work being completed on the new Chenus gondola and the boulevard towards Plantrey along with the necessary sign offs. In addition there will be some piste closure in place where snow cover is poor or necessary safety work has not yet been completed – always follow signage and obey instructions from Pisteurs.

Saturday 6 December to Friday 12 December

Most of the ski area scheduled to open from Saturday 6 December with just the Chanrossa sector being the main area closed. Some main chairs not open still but access to the area served is still possible (Chapelets, Bouc Blanc, Tovets, Marmottes and Foret for example).

Saturday 13 December to Friday 19 December

The Chanrossa sector opens plus the Bouc Blanc chair above La Tania is open. Main lifts remaining closed are Chapelets, Foret, Tovets and Marmottes.

All lifts scheduled to open from Saturday 20 December (except minor lifts, Stade competition lifts or other duplicates subject to demand etc.)