The La Tania Ski Blog
Latest news, snow, pics, gossip and information from the locals in La Tania – latania.co.uk
All the latest news from around the Three Valleys from the La Tania locals. A real blog since 2006, not just endless re-posts for search engine optimisaton! Photos, gossip, snow reports, what's on and all the latest on the Apres Ski scene... Now fully optimised for iPhone, Touch and Android Mobiles - just go to latania.co.uk/blog and view on your phone. Our other past blogs & favourites here
Fantastic April Skiing for those hiking up and the new World Cup L’Eclipse Piste skied
Private Ski Instructor Martin Hemsley based in Méribel has been ski touring around some of our favourite pistes and sharing his efforts in his blog at: www.mh2ski.co.uk/ski-blog
Last week he made his way up to Col de la Loze and skied fresh untouched powder on Dou des Lanches just above La Tania…
At the end of March, Martin was one of the first to ski the new World Cup Piste named L’Eclipse after it was prepared for inspection by the various racing committees. Next Winter will see international events prior to the Alpine World Cup Finals in February 2023 with the Men’s Downhill, Super G, GS and Slalom events held on L’Eclipse. The women’s events are held on the Roc de Fer piste in Méribel.
Set to be one of the most challenging, fastest and steepest race pistes in the World with no respite for racers in any “gliding” areas – this will be full on, flat out lunacy… A detailed view by Martin of the new piste made up of the top section of the Bouc Blanc (with an S shaped curve) and the old, black Jockeys piste (regraded, widened and straightened) is available in his blog here
One of Méribel’s most respected Private Ski Instructors. Martin enjoys sharing his passion for the sport and mountains. Instruction is delivered whilst being patient, safe and considerate. Martin always respects the needs and requirements of his clients. More at: www.mh2ski.co.uk
Introducing Ski First Tracks Catered Chalets in La Tania
Who would be crazy enough to start a brand-new catered ski chalet business in the face of the lethal Brexit/Coronavirus cocktail that has all but devastated the ski industry?
It seems Cheryl (Chez), Moira, Melinda and Jonty are…..
La Tania is one of the best kept secrets of the Three Valleys and the four experienced chalet hosts loved it there. It is a close-knit winter community. Many of the skiers come back year after year and they had made some great friends both with their fellow seasonal workers and their guests. They were sad to think they might never go back there after their previous winter employers ceased trading.
Eventually, after sitting around for a while and feeling sorry for themselves got a bit boring, they started to think about what they were going to do. It looked like the 2020/21 season was not going to happen, but what about 2021/22?
Months of versions of “Brexit’s made it impossible”, research, false starts, and setbacks later, Ski First Tracks was born. The business has two chalets in La Tania; Melinda and Jonty will be your hosts in Chalet Jacqueline and Moira and Chez will look after you in Chalet Amber.
They promise you a ’great value, home-from-home holiday’. But what does that mean? “A really warm welcome, great food and a friendly, companionable atmosphere. Our job is to make you feel completely at home as soon as you walk in the door – without the chores, of course!” says Jonty. “We’ve been on a few chalet holidays and some can be a bit pretentious and make you feel slightly awkward – they did me, anyway! That’s not us. When you stay with us, you’ll feel like you’re staying with friends for the week.”
Looking at the feedback they’ve had from previous guests, you won’t be disappointed:
“What fantastic hosts! The food is of a restaurant standard. We will definitely come back if you are hosting.” (Melinda and Jonty);
“Well looked after every day with fantastic food (WOW!) and I can cook! The entire stay from start to finish was amazing.” (Moira);
“What a fantastic week and it is you who have made it so! In 30 years of chalet holidays this has been the best food yet!” (Chez).
Ski First Tracks was introduced to the skiing market in February. “The support and goodwill we’ve had from people desperate to get back on the slopes has been incredible” says Jonty, “but more important is the optimism of the people who have already booked, despite Covid still being a big issue. In fact, we have been so overwhelmed with the response that we wanted to say ‘thank you’, so everybody that has booked with us by 31st May will be included in a draw for a free, full Three Valleys lift pass.
What if Covid is still an issue by December? “Our main concern is that everyone (including us) is safe. We have taken the decision that all guests must be fully vaccinated when they come and stay with us. This means that guests must be able to show us that they have had their full two doses of the COVID‑19 vaccination at least 14 days before their holiday departure date. And, if our guests are prevented from travelling because of national or local restrictions, or Courchevel or the lifts are closed, then everyone will be offered a full refund or the option of booking the same week in 2022/23.”
For more information about Ski First Tracks, have a look at www.skifirsttracks.co.uk
Also, you’re welcome to join the Ski First Tracks community at www.facebook.com/groups/skifirsttracks
Winter 2022 Opening Dates & Lift Pass Prices – Let’s Look Forward!
A bit of positivity and we can start looking forward to Winter 2022 with the opening dates and 3 Valleys lift pass prices released. La Tania is not included in the below generic Courchevel date but almost certainly will be Saturday 11 December 2021 – unless of course they’re thinking (correctly) we’re desperate to ski and opening everywhere a week earlier…
A 3 Valleys 6 day pass rises by 2.8% to €330 for Winter 2022 to ski in the largest ski area in the world and the one day pass is up from €64.50 to €66, a 2.3% rise.
3 Valleys Season Passes and the 3V one day extensions from a single valley pass have not yet been released and we’re still waiting for the Courchevel prices too.
All the lift pass prices and downloads will be available at www.latania.co.uk/skiing/passes.htm
Main Season 18 December 2021 until 15 April 2022
Low Season 04-10 Dec, 11-17 Dec & 16-22 Apr
Good News! Col de la Loze Cycle Track opening for Ski Bus access for Skiers & Snowboarders
Despite new lockdown news there’s more downhill skiing available in Courchevel from this weekend. With private car and taxi access / parking already enabled for downhill skiing on the pistes down from the Altiport above Courchevel 1850, the next logical step was to run shuttle buses up to Col de la Loze.
This will allow downhill skiing from 2304m down to Le Praz (including using the brand new L’Eclipse World Cup Piste) – A vertical descent of over 1000 metres!
A huge operation clearing snow from the cycle track that was used from the Méribel side in last year’s Tour de France has taken place to allow skiers to enjoy a decent amount of downhill skiing over the Easter Holidays (for the few who are already there or allowed to travel as new lockdown measures come in to play from Saturday).
On the Méribel side the Pic Blue piste will be the only maintained piste. Due to the additional avalanche risk and control measures required (especially at this time of year in warmer weather on this sun facing slope) the Boulevard will remain closed off – there is a large amount of snow above this piste and it often has to close in the afternoons anyway at this time of year. In addition the black Tetras piste will be closed as it is suffering from inadequate snow cover due to the warm temperatures of the past week.
The new electric, autonomous, driverless Shuttle Bus / Snow Plough from Navya (and trialled in Val Thorens but currently in dispute with unions over the loss of driver jobs) will run from 09:30 until 12:00 and after lunch from 15:00 to 16:45 for €10 per person per trip payable on-line via the Apr App. There are no reductions for kids or OAPs but ski instructors, ski guides, ski area workers, public relations reps, media organisations, mountain restaurant staff, ski patrol, medics, coaches and those training travel free.
Hikers / Snow Shoeing passengers are allowed but strictly no sledges are to be taken on board.
Pistes down to La Tania, Le Praz and 1850 will be maintained in this controversial move with critics pointing to the fact that for example, single use chairlifts (currently not allowed) would be a great deal safer and Covid Secure than people packed on to Shuttle Buses…
How to Bet on Ice Hockey
Although ice hockey doesn’t enjoy the same level of popularity in the UK as sports such as football, rugby, and cricket, there is a section of the population that is dedicated to following ice hockey domestically and in the US and Canada. The Elite League is the UK’s premier ice hockey competition, and thanks to many betting websites found on sites like Find Betting Sites or Google, punters can follow high-profile ice hockey matches from the NHL online. This post will show you how to bet on ice hockey and let you know about the things you should understand before wagering your money.
Understanding ice hockey: the basics
Before betting on any sports online, you should ensure you have a basic understanding of the sport before you bet, to make sure you aren’t wasting your money. Ice hockey is competed between two teams of six, and matches last one hour, which is divided into three twenty-minute periods. Each period starts with a face-off, from which the players try and outscore their opponents, much like many of the other team sports we enjoy. When placing bets on ice hockey, there are many markets to choose from, including:
League/Tournament winners
As with many sports, perhaps the most common bet you can place on ice hockey is an outright bet on a particular league or tournament winner. Internationally, you can bet on The World Championship of Ice Hockey, which is held annually. You can also bet on your favourite nations at the Winter Olympics, held every four years.
Domestically, there are many tournaments and leagues to choose from, the most popular being the NHL in the US. The NHL is split into conferences so that you can bet on the divisional winner of each conference. The top teams in each conference then compete in an exciting playoff tournament, and you can bet on the winners of the playoffs each season once the standings have been announced. The winners of each conference then go on to compete for the most coveted prize in all of ice hockey: The Stanley Cup.
Match results
If you don’t want to see a season through and just fancy a bet on a specific match, then you can place a bet on the result of a particular match. But be careful! In ice hockey betting, you need to stipulate whether your bet is for the end of regulation time or including overtime. It’s essential to recognise that draws don’t exist in professional ice hockey, so you will need to pick a winner. If you think a golden goal might settle a match and it’s tight to call, you will be better served betting on the match result after overtime to ensure you don’t miss out on your winnings!
Puck line handicaps
Puck line handicaps are unique to ice hockey, as the title suggests. However, in essence, they are a form of spread betting, and the same logic can be applied. A point spread is applied to the favourite and the underdog, the latter usually receiving a puck line handicap of +1.5 goals. This means that they must not lose by more than two goals if you are to win, and vice versa if you bet on the favourite. Spread betting is an excellent way of mixing up your betting card, and in ice hockey, if this interests you, be sure to look for puck line handicaps.
Goal totals
This is a common betting market in football and gives you the option of predicting how many goals are scored in a particular match. If you fancy each team’s offense, then you can bet that more than six goals will be scored, for example, by marking +5.5. Of course, you can predict that each team’s defense will come out on top, and you can bet on less than a certain amount of goals scored. Either way, this can be a great bet if you want to keep a neutral interest in the fixture but still fancy a wager.
Correct score
This is a popular team sports market and can provide some big odds. If you feel confident that a particular scoreline will occur, you can make a bet that the score will prevail. Again, just be careful that you indicate whether or not you think this result will be the case after regulation time or after overtime. This is essentially one of the only ways you can bet on a tie in ice hockey, as you can predict a draw after regulation time and bet on this market if you desire.
Courchevel to stay open until at least 18 April and activities & services confirmed to continue
IMPORTANT RESORT OPENING INFORMATION
The resort will remain open until at least 18 April, the date of the X3 Triathlon.
The following activities and services (managed by Courchevel Tourism and The Mairie) will be maintained:
• Alpine Skiing, the downhill piste from the Altiport.
• Millet Ski Touring and Biollay hiking routes (open everyday).
• Loze, Signal and Plum KV routes (open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays).
• Cross-country ski tracks, pedestrian & snowshoe trails and sledging runs.
• Free bus shuttles between the resort villages all day.
Events on 20/21 March:
Millet ski touring final.
Millet everest challenge 2021.
Mountain Day at Courchevel 1650 Moriond.
For all activities offered by private providers, please consult the relevant websites.
9 Simple Tips for Taking Care of Your Skin While Travelling
When traveling, your skincare routine might not be at the top of your to-do list. But if you have spent a considerable amount of time mastering the art of skincare, you don’t want a vacation to be the thing that makes you lose track of what you are doing—or results in a flare-up, sunburn or breakout.
That’s why it’s crucial to find a way to keep your skincare routine uninterrupted while traveling—and to keep your skin healthy while you are spending a few nights away from home, on the road, or in the air.
To help you through your journey to happy, healthy skin while traveling, here are some simple skincare tips from our dermatologists:
1. Know your skin type
To achieve Flawless Skin, all you need to do is take care of your skin. The very first step of skincare is the skin type identification test. Skincare treatments and facial products depend on the skin type of individuals. Identifying your skin type is of paramount importance. The product that works well on oily skin might not be equally useful for normal or combination skin. Take a test to know the skin type you’ve.
Taking care of your skin is the only way to make it look flawless, and there is simply no shortcuts. Performing the basic skincare treatments regularly makes the change. Routine skincare not only retouches the defects but delays ageing as well.
2. Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage
Always use sunscreen when going outside and wear protective clothing. Reduce the amount of time spent outdoors from ten till four pm since this is when the sun’s rays do the most damage. Wear makeup that contains sunscreen, and remember that sun damage expedites skin ageing.
3. Eat Healthily
Eat foods that are low in fats and carbohydrates and rich in nutrients; things like nuts, fish, fruits, and green veggies have minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and other essential nutrients that help slow down ageing making your skin look younger and radiant.
4. Practice Good Hand Hygiene
It’s important to wash your hands often and touch your face less frequently if you’ve acne because squeezing, poking, and picking at your face increases infection and scarring chances. Apply the acne skin treatment product and let it do its job.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Getting eight hours of uninterrupted sleep allows your body enough time to repair and regenerate its cells. Sleeping away from electronic devices avoids interference with your body’s bioelectrical systems.
6. Exfoliate Your Skin At Least Once a Week
Weekly skin exfoliation eliminates dead skin cells that make your skin look dull by altering your normal complexion. Upon skin exfoliation, all the dead skin cells are stripped off, making your skin look more youthful and fresh. Among different exfoliation processes, Scrubbing is common and popular. Scrub cleaners gently take the dead cell layer off your skin.
7. Wash Your Face Properly
Always wash your face in the morning and evening using a cleansing product made for your face, not a bar of soap. There’re quality skin cleansers made for oily, dry, and combination skin. Oily skin is prone to blemishes and breakouts and requires a product that will cleanse the skin. Use a hydrating face cream that helps restore the skin’s moisture and radiance after washing your face.
8. Stay Hydrated
Another important skin care tip is hydration; dry skin is prone to premature ageing. However, water helps to hydrate the skin; it also gets rid of toxins from your body. It’s important that you drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
9. Use Quality Skincare Products
CBD oil is obtained from the cannabis plant (aka marijuana, weed or pot). CBD has been shown to cure common skin problems by lessening inflammation and boosting nutrients. Advantages to the skin also include improved sleep, potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that can help treat conditions like psoriasis and eczema and reduce acne.
As a healing cannabinoid, there’re many holistic advantages we can enjoy from using CBD oil. When added to cooking or bath treatments, it triggers gentle detoxification. You’ll enjoy fewer breakouts and a healthy glow.
Evidently, the use of cannabis products is also one of the most affordable methods of fighting skin ailments. Check with your doctor and find out if cannabis products are a viable option for your condition. There are different ways to consume cannabis. The best consumption method is highly dependent on the cannabis product you’re using; for example, sensi seeds are top quality cannabis seeds that can be enjoyed with high-quality vaporizers at Zamnesia. Generally, consumption methods include: topical, sublingual, vaporization, oral and inhalation.
Conclusion
As a result of the hectic lives we lead in this fast-paced world, we easily forget to take care of our bodies and health in general. The skin is one of the many casualties of this tragedy. If we are stressed, worn out, or even just lacking sleep, all these unhealthy occurrences take a toll on our skin. The skin hides nothing. As we continue to tolerate these, our skin continues to degenerate. Following these simple skin care tips can help you have wonderful, youthful-looking skin longer.
School Holidays now over but loads of activities available across The 3 Valleys
This strange ski season continues with lots of skiing and other mountain activities on offer. You can drive up to the Altiport and ski down, hike, snow shoe, ski tour or cross country ski to the many mountain restaurants that are open, while kids ski schools are still operating and some “magic carpet” lifts are allowed (in Val Thorens it appears anyone can use them), terraces are open at bars & restaurants with “standing up” tables too, the ski buses are rammed (suspended daytime in Meribel) but you can’t have an individual chairlift…
Meanwhile France has imposed some weekend lockdowns in certain areas but are hoping that the curfew and vaccine will prevent a national lockdown being needed. However infection rates have plateaued and the vaccine rate nationally is pitifully slow (to be fair though all the over 50 residents in La Tania will receive their first jab this week).
What’s on auto translated…
Courchevel
From 8th March to 5th April, the resort offers you a myriad of activities. On the sliding side, the Altiport slope will be open and groomed every day! The Millet Ski Touring and Biollay ski touring itineraries will also be open every day. In addition, the Loze, Signal and Plum KV routes will be open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.The Nordic area (cross-country ski trails, footpaths and snowshoe trails) and the toboggan runs will continue to be maintained daily to welcome you in the best possible way!The ESF in Courchevel Moriond, Courchevel Village and Courchevel 1850 welcomes you as well. Concerning events, Courchevel is organising the Millet Everest 2021 challenge on 20th and 21st March. The goal is to climb the world’s highest peak ascending elevation between Courchevel Le Praz and Courchevel 1850! The same weekend will see the Mountain Day in Courchevel Moriond: a 100% women’s snow and mountain day. Finally, to make your travel easier, free shuttles connect the villages of the resort throughout the day. In total, more than 20 activities, 35 restaurants and x hotels are waiting for you!
Mèribel
These next few weeks you can always enjoy:
- Two marked and secure hiking routes,
- Cross-country ski slopes and biathlon of Altiport and Tueda,
- Walks, snowshoe, horseback, mountain bike, sled dog or snowmobile,
- Cross country skiing, biathlon, snowboarding and beginner alpine skiing lessons,
- Free animations (sleds, badminton, wooden games, etc.) ),
- Big air bags, tubbing, inflatable castles and other trampolines,
- Gastronomic specialties to go and shops,
- Relaxing moment with yoga and massages,
- and many other activities…
Val Thorens
Departure of the following carpets: Musaraigne – Campagnols – Castor & Pollux confirmed from 6 to 14 March, to glide even more. We recommend to wear a smile under your mask for departure and we remind you that access is free and unlimited from 10:00 to 17:00. This rule does not exempt a crépe tasting upon arrival!
La Tania Snow Front Development Update: Swimming Pool stays, both new lifts for public use and a new sledge run…
As far as we can tell this is all now signed off and the go ahead has been given with building permits approved for the construction of the 2 new covered magic carpet / travelator type lifts and the removal of the Troika drag lift and the 2 small, uncovered travelator lifts.
Key points on the diagram above
- Separation of the Folyères Piste from the new beginners area providing an excellent facility for first time skiers and young children.
- Both lifts are for public use.
- The ESF will have exclusive use of the area on the skiers right of the new magic carpet lifts (red arrows).
- Public access to beginners area on the skiers left of the carpet lifts (blue arrows).
- The purple area is for a new sledging area (purple arrows).
- Snow cannons will be moved and new ones put in place to help distribute cannoned snow (dual and single cannons marked on the diagram above).
- No raising of the piste so easy access maintained around Le Farcon / Ski Lodge and to Tourist Office etc.
- Swimming Pool to stay in place.
The approval document states “the project was developed guaranteeing access to services and shops in the resort center while retaining the use of public equipment such as the swimming pool”.
