All Courchevel, Méribel & 3 Valleys Lift Pass Prices for Winter 2022

Confirmation that as is stands now, there will be no workers or residents discounts and no Aquamotion options. According to the lift companies these discounts are now deemed illegal across France as they are discriminatory as lifts are ”public transport” so the treasury can expect full VAT on every pass. Discriminating against 31 year olds is allowed though it would appear – it will be interesting to see if all resorts follow…

After plenty of incorrect information on social media we can confirm that La Tania lifts are scheduled to open on Saturday 11 December 2021. There had been some speculation that lifts may have opened a week earlier when the Courchevel 1850 lifts open on Saturday 4 December.

A 3 Valleys adult 6 day pass in the main season is €330 (2.8% increase) with a Courchevel 6 day pass €295 (up 3.1%).

A 3V day upgrade from a single valley shoots up to €40 (a 14.3% increase) so they’re really pushing you in to the 3 Valleys option.

A couple of new 3 Valleys flexible season pass options and a huge 30% off season pass prices for those under 30 have been added.

Although aimed at season workers the flexi passes are open to anyone and have either a 2 day a week or 20 lifts a week option (but hefty penalties if you go over this – the full €66 a day or €10 per lift). Priced at €665 they will work out for some people but some keen skiers can do more than 30 lifts in a day and many workers like to get out for a few runs before work or for an hour or two when on a split shift – the 20 lifts a week pass is only 3 lifts a day!

For comparison a full adult 3V Season Pass is now €1404 (up 2.5%) and Courchevel Season Pass €1190 (up 3.3%) with under 30s paying €982 and €833 respectively.

Duo and Tribu discounts continue when buying 2 or 3 passes of the same type and duration saving around 3 or 4% and the pay as you go Liberty Pass with its limited discount structure is as before.

Family passes continue with all the family from 2 adults and 2 kids paying the same under 13 child price but on a family pass kids are classed as under 18 – you don’t have to ski together!

There’ll be further analysis and breakdown plus news of other passes on our ski pass page at: latania.co.uk/skiing/passes

Job Opportunities in La Tania for this Winter

The experiences, memories and friendships will last a lifetime – or you may never go home! Of course it can be hard work and you won’t earn a fortune (but food, bed & skiing may be thrown in), but a season in the mountains is something you have to experience before you can even try to explain it…

Pub Le Ski Lodge and La Taiga
One of the most sought-after positions in The Alps must be working behind the bar in the Ski Lodge – The social hub of La Tania, you’ll be a very popular person and get to know everyone! There are currently a number of roles available here and in their sister business, La Taiga including Bar Staff, Waiters, Sous Chef, Chef de Partie and Kitchen Porter.
Further information and on-line application form at publeskilodge.com/jobs

The Sherpa Supermarket in La Tania
The Sherpa are looking for two shop assistants with experience for the Winter Season. Accommodation is provided in La Tania.
Send your CV, covering letter and photo to the following email: gilles.pecchio@orange.fr

The Alpine Generation Catered Chalets
Alpine Generation are currently recruiting for Resort Managers in La Tania and Le Praz. They are also looking for experienced Chalet Hosts in particular for a role in one of their Signature chalets. Applications are open to EU passport holders and French residents, but they will also consider exceptional applications from UK passport holders.
More information at: thealpinegeneration.com/work-with-us

The Freeride Republic Catered Chalets
Freeride are looking for chalet couples to work in their chalet operation in La Tania and Méribel this Winter. Duties include provision of a high quality 6 day menu for 14 guests plus the meeting & greeting of guests on arrival day, daily cleaning & room servicing, a full chalet clean on changeover day, basic DIY duties and the daily maintenance of chalet hot tubs. They can only accept two candidates applying as a couple for this role who hold EU passports or an existing Carte Sejour for France.
Apply with a CV, menu plan and covering letter to ralph@thefreeriderepublic.com

Ski Someday Catered Chalets
Ski Someday are looking for enthusiastic applicants for a Chalet Host / Chef for the upcoming Winter Season. The role is very hands on and you will spend a lot of time socialising with the guests as such applicants must have a basic level of English.
For further information and to apply click here

Ski Magic Catered Chalets
Ski Magic are looking for Chalet Hosts – experience in catering for groups in a dinner party environment or restaurant is preferable. You’ll have time on the slopes mosts days (except changeover days!).
To apply send a CV, covering letter & sample 6 day 3-course menu plan to jobs@skimagic.co.uk

Snowbound Transfers
Snowbound are now hiring airport transfer drivers for this coming winter. You must have an EU passport and a clean EU driving licence – experienced professional drivers with qualification and Winter driving experience are preferred. Hourly rates are above the basic wage, uniform is supplied and you get at least 3 days off per week with no cleaning toilets on changeover day!
Contact info@snowboundtransfers.co.uk to apply.

The Soap Box Launderette & Cleaning Service
The Soap Box are looking for full time and part time workers to join their team for this Winter along with self-employed cleaners looking to top up their hours.
Email info@soap-box.fr for further information

Alpine Resort Nannies
Resort Nannies are always on the hunt for independent fun and committed Nannies/Childcare Providers to join them for the Winter 2021/22 Season with positions available across the Alps.
More information here

Le Bouc Blanc Restaurant
The Bouc Blanc have positions in their kitchen, bar, restaurant and snack bar for this Winter (and they only open during the day, keeping your nights free!).
Contact them via email at leboucblanc@orange.fr

Lodge du Village – Méribel Village
Recruiting for Chefs (All levels) and an experienced KP for the upcoming Winter Season 21/22 with full and part time positions available.
Further information here

Alp Leisure Ltd – Private Luxury Chalets and Villas
Alp Leisure are recruiting for their 5 star chalets in Courchevel and Meribel this winter. They’re looking for; Chalet Manager, Chef, Chalet Host and Chalet Chauffeur. Singles and/or couples welcome in any combination of the above.
More at: alpleisure.com/luxury-skiing/recruitment

More information on looking for a job in La Tania at: latania.co.uk/resort/Employment

Latest on New Developments in La Tania

Prior to our comprehensive round up of everything new in The 3 Valleys which we’ll put out in October, here’s some news on the latest developments in La Tania.

The Moretta Village development on the car park area near to the gondola is finally going ahead. This is a large, complex, 3 year project with hotel, apartments, season accommodation, bar/restaurant, commercial and retail outlets plus a new snow front at the bottom of the red Moretta Blanche piste.

Rumours of Club Med (now owned by the Chinese) involvement have been replaced by Israeli investors and we understand that the plan is to upgrade the La Tania gondola rather than install an additional chairlift as originally outlined.

Work on access roads, parking (there will ultimately be a new underground car park) and preparation is to start soon but unlikely to have an effect on anything this Winter. As we guessed the replacement car park will be on the land created at bend in the road at the entrance to the village from the Alpinium car park dig out in Le Praz. Permission to dump the excavation of this development on the bottom section of the red piste and re-shape it has already been granted (access to the green run that crosses here will be improved too).

The new snow front in La Tania village is coming along – ultimately it will look like this and all will be completed by December:

First impressions are that the higher lift doesn’t go as far up as expected and the main piste is raised up considerably at the top of the development – it also comes closer to the apartment building than we realised too!

Meanwhile new, modern street lights are going up in La Tania and there are some temporary bins in place as the wall below the back of the Montana Hotel slips! Oh and The Christiana Apartment block is being painted on the village side via painters dangling on bungees! Attention to detail as always…

Crystal Return to La Tania plus their bespoke Holiday Checklist launches

Crystal Ski Holidays are returning back to La Tania for Winter 2021 / 2022 with full package deals including transfers and flights plus a local rep service.

TUI Flights to Chambéry include departures from Manchester, Exeter, Birmingham, Bristol, Gatwick, East Midlands, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Accommodation is with Hotel Montana and the apartments of Residence Le Britannia.

Crystal have also launched an interactive bespoke holiday checklist so you won’t forget those important items like phone chargers, sunglasses, headphones, sun block, hats etc. Crystal Ski Holiday Packing Checklist

For those that are comfortable booking flights and transfers themselves check out the Private Apartments & Self-Catering Availability plus The Special Offers Page. All accommodation options are listed here.

Speak to Ambra at Hotel Montana for the best prices on any accommodation only deals at the hotel.

40% off Carte Neige

If anyone bought a Carte Neige insurance last year and renew it before 31st December 2021 they get 40% off.

Auto translation below:

Dear licensees,

We have all had a difficult 2020-2021 season. Administrative closure of ski lifts, curfews, limitation of movement… regardless of our favorite sliding activities, we have all had to face restrictions in our sporting practice.

However, when possible, our clubs remained mobilized and our volunteers were able to maintain an activity for our licensees, in particular for minors. I can only salute the spirit of resilience and solidarity that we have all shown and I would like to sincerely thank our 10,000 volunteers for their dedication.

Despite the uncertainties, you continued to show your membership in the FFS by subscribing your license. Many young graduates were able to ski, some were able to discover cross-country skiing or ski touring.
Others, too far from the stations, could only practice off-snow activities.

Also, and in order to take into account the consequences of the health crisis and to recognize the level of activity and commitment of each, the general assembly of the FFS voted to implement a reduction on the renewal of licenses. up to 40%, depending on the type of license (reduction not applicable to licenses purchased through ESFs).

Also, as 2020-2021 licensees, you will be able to benefit from a reduced rate on your 2021-2022 license, if you subscribe to it in your club before December 31, 2021.
As the entire system is computerized, this reduction will apply automatically when your club registers your license.

You will soon receive all the practical details related to the implementation of this measure, but the Federation’s services are already at your disposal for any preliminary questions.

I sincerely hope that this device will help relaunch our activities and encourage all of you to show your loyalty to your club.
It should be noted that this assistance for the renewal of licenses is part of a broader plan to relaunch our federal activities, which we wished to be proactive and ambitious, in the service of clubs and licensees.

We are a big family and I am delighted that in the coming weeks we will be able to resume our activities in our clubs and (re) fully live our passion for skiing.

I wish you all a good season.
Sportingly,

Cable going on the new top to bottom La Masse Gondola

The new gondola will open in December this year with a fast route up, directly all the way to La Masse summit making this a much more popular spot for skiers and quick access to the great off piste that is Lac du Lou.

World Cup Summer Ski Jumping Programme Fri 06 & Sat 07 August 2021

This Friday & Saturday see the Le Praz round of the Summer Ski Jumping World Cup (live on Eurosport) with the Ladies jumping on Friday and the Men’s competition on Sunday. A total of 115 competitors from 15 countries are taking part.

A not to be missed event with big crowds watching the skiers land on the heavily watered, plastic “long astroturf” type matting – looks seriously scary and they appear to jump as far as they do on snow!

There’s a beer tent, entertainments and in the evening live music, DJ and fireworks. An air display featuring a US Air Force F86-Sabre, the Army Aerobatics Team and Adrenalin Flights take place each day from around 16:00.

Full Programme – Friday, Ladies Competition
9.00 – 10.00 Official training – 1st jump
10.00 – 11.00 Official training 2nd jump
11.00 Qualifications
16.30 Trial jump
18.00 Competition jump
19.00 Final
20.00 Trophies ceremony

Live music on Friday Evening featuring The Al Jones Band and DJ Fred.

Full Programme – Saturday, Men’s Competition
9.00 – 10.00 Official training – 1st jump
10.00 – 11.00 Official training – 2nd jump
11.00 Qualifications
16.50 Trial jump
18.00 Competition jump
19.00 Final
20.00 Trophies ceremony

Live Music on Saturday Evening featuring Pas Riche Hilton and DJ Fred plus closing fireworks display from around 22:30.

There’s an additional free resort bus service planned back to La Tania from Le Praz at 22:55 (other services at 21:25, 22:45 & 23:45).

Note that proof of Covid vaccination or recent negative test will be required using the TousAntiCovid App as a condition of entry following the latest French Government regulations for large events.

The NHS QR Codes can be uploaded to the French App but unfortunately the TAC Verif App used to check the code validity is not yet compatible. The NHS App or Paper certificates are acceptable – note from French Consulate General here.

UPDATE: 04/08/21: The French verification app (TAC Verif) now reads England NHS QR codes uploaded to the French TousAntiCovid App – although you could upload from the start of the week the verification app has just been updated to work with them.

You may need to regenerate NHS QR code and re-upload it to French App in case it has expired – they last a month.

Note that you must upload NHS QR codes to the French App, TAC Verif will not read direct from NHS App, Apple Wallet or Google Pay.

Hannah Buckle raising money for Sebastian’s Action Trust

Regular visitor to La Tania, Hannah Buckle performing a sponsored tandem Parachute jump raising money for Sebastian’s Action Trust, one of our Charity Day chosen charities – it was her birthday too, which is normally spent in La Tania… Well done Hannah!

One of Hannah’s clients benefits from staying at a respite centre run by Sebastian’s Action Trust, a brilliant charity that offers a complete programme of support to families of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Meet Sian your local La Tania / Courchevel Leggett Estate Agent

Introducing Sian Maher
After arriving in Courchevel in 1995 for my first ski season I instantly fell in love with the mountains and all they have to offer. One winter soon became many and then, in 2006 I made Courchevel my permanent home with my two children and husband. With the children at local schools and Courchevel Ski Club, and running a busy physiotherapy business (Ski Physio) as well as our own property portfolio I have developed a sound understanding of the local housing market and opportunities available. I am sure I can help you find your Alpine dream too. 

Leggett is a french business with British roots who are the leading International estate agency in France. The huge range of marketing used will put your property in front of  the biggest range of buyers possible, from someone in the same village to someone on another continent. A team of agents who are all local, know the area and are French and English speaking.

The Leggett agents will work with you all the way through the sales process helping both buyer and seller to understand the French system. This includes an initial estimation, taking photos, collecting the information for a sale, organising obligatory diagnostic tests, marketing the property, organising buyer visits, negotiating the deal and preparing the sales papers for the buyer and seller for the notaires to write up the legally binding documents necessary for the sale. The agents will be there right to the end of the sales process, until you either get the keys to your new property or receive you funds from the sale.

Property is selling very well at the moment and Leggett are getting requests for La Tania so are looking for more properties in and around La Tania, so why not contact Sian on Sian.maher@Leggett.fr or phone 0033 (0)668 570 099 to see how she can help you with either selling your property or helping you find a property to fit your needs.

Sian’s property portfolio available online here

Leggett Buyers Guide

Leggett Vendors Guide

Travelling to France and back from England – what you need to know…

UPDATE 17/09/21: From Mon 4 Oct, if you’re fully Vax’d you won’t need a pre-departure test before arrival into England from a non-red country and from later in Oct, you will be able to take a cheaper lateral flow test rather than the “2 Day” PCR Test

UPDATE 14/09/21: If flying to Geneva you still require a PCR “fit to fly” pre-departure test but crossing the border in to France is straight forward enough.

UPDATE 10/09/21: Expert Medicals have had their licence withdrawn apparently. Was the cheapest by far and free for those who didn’t get sent a test (but got the all important reference number at time of booking) and then did a charge back on their credit card…

UPDATE 19/08/21: Nationwide Pathology have put their Day 2 test back to £40. We’ve also seen Expert Medicals with a Day 2 test for £28 – reviews aren’t great though…

UPDATE 11/08/21: NWP have put their Day 2 test up from £40 to £65. We’ve used TESTING FOR ALL successfully- they charge £48.

UPDATE 10/08/21: How to get a French COVID certificate if vaccinated abroad (non-EU). If vaccinated in Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom (England and Wales only) then you already have Digital Covid Certificate which is valid in France.

Advice from the gov.uk site here too www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/coronavirus

Vaccinated non-EU tourists, including those from Scotland and Northern Ireland, can request a QR code for domestic use from the French government if travelling to France. To be eligible, you will need to provide the following evidence by email:

• A vaccination certificate
• A valid passport
• Return travel tickets
• A completed application form

This system is initially open to those already in France or arriving on or before 15 August. Subsequent arrivals will be processed at a later date. 

UPDATE 10/08/21: Fully vaccinated travellers back to the UK from France (after 4am on Sunday 08/08/21 when amber quarantine rules changed) are still getting text messages telling them to quarantine for 10 days and take 2 further tests. This is an error, no quarantine is now required for fully vaccinated and only a Day 2 test is required once you have returned home.

UPDATE 09/08/21: The TAC Verif App which is used to check the French Covid Pass for validity now reads NHS QR Codes directly (from NHS App, Apple Wallet, Google Pay or paper copies) and no longer requires them to be uploaded to the French TousAntiCovid App.

UPDATE 05/08/21: France off the Amber Plus list from 4am Sunday 8 Aug – no longer a requirement to quarantine on return to the uk for those fully vaccinated. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-58079107

No longer a requirement for a Day 8 test just the pre-departure and Day 2 tests plus a completed PLF required.

Cheapest Day 2 test we can find (which you need to pre-order to enter ref no on PLF) is from Nationwide Pathology for £40. SEE UPDATE, NOW £65. Testing For All charge £48.

Pharmacy in Courchevel 1850 charges €25 for an anti-gen test and sends results via test message and link to PDF file within 30 minutes. You can do a walk-in but it may be best to book. Call +33 (0)479 080537. Open in Summer Mon-Sat 09:30-12:30 and 15:30-19:00. No tests on a Sunday.

UPDATE 04/08/21: The French verification app (TAC Verif) now reads England NHS QR codes uploaded to the French TousAntiCovid App – although you could upload from the start of the week the verification app has only just been updated to work with them.

You may need to regenerate NHS QR code and re-upload it to French App in case it has expired – they last a month.

Note that you must upload NHS QR codes to the French TousAntiCovid App as TAC Verif will not read direct from NHS App, Apple Wallet or Google Pay. (Now fixed see update 10/08).

UPDATE 03/08:21: A Covid Pass will be required for the Summer Ski Jumping World Cup in Le Praz and is already being asked for at Aquamotion. Mairie website claims La Tania Swimming Pool also requires Covid Pass but this wasn’t enforced yesterday – this may be to do with the low number of customers.

UPDATE 02/08/21: The NHS Covid Pass can now be uploaded from the NHS App to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay for ease of use and off-line access.

UPDATE 01/08/21: Although NHS QR Codes can be uploaded successfully to the French TousAntiCovid App, the Tac Verif App used to verify codes by cinemas, museums, etc and ultimately all bars & restaurants does not yet recognise them. NHS proof of (full) vaccination is accepted however. French Embassy Confirmation here

UPDATE 26/07/21: Check that your passport number is on pre-departure test certificate – officially it is not required (just name as on passport plus date of birth is needed) but some ferry companies insisting on it we hear. Also some issues with maiden names on French docs, carry marriage certificate if necessary.

UPDATE 30/07/21: Aquamotion in Courchevel 1550/1650 is now requesting a Covid Pass prior to entry.

UPDATE 24/07/21: Crossed back over to France from the UK via Eurotunnel yesterday – almost normal and busy. Queued for 20 minutes at first ticket check then straight through customs check and passport controls (all on UK side now, straight out on French side). Was not asked for proof of vaccination or for the French Attestation document! 3 weeks ago you had to leave your vehicle and queue up to show all the documentation required.

UPDATE 22/07/21: Bozel Pharmacie no longer do antigen tests. Only Synlab in 1850, Bozel, Meribel and Moutiers by appointment . The social security code anyone can use on Synlab is 155555574102314. Thanks to Ralph, Willie, Liz and Joey for the info.

UPDATE 21/07/21: The French Government TousAntiCovid App will accept the QR Code of the NHS Vaccination Certificates so the proof can be uploaded in to the wallet on the App. It’s all in English and straightforward to use going forward as proof of vaccination when in France. There’s a “Border” display option for showing at Airports / Ports too. Thanks to Rosalind H for the heads up.

This info is correct from 19 July 2021 – as far as we know and always subject to change. Always check UK Gov Site and French Gov Site for the latest info.

PLEASE REFER TO UPDATES ABOVE.

Going Out from England to France:
If double jabbed then just the French Sworn Statement is needed (and a passport with 6 months left on it!). Children under 18 have the same status as parents (counted as fully vaccinated if their parents are).

Coming Back from France to England:
If double jabbed the following is needed along with a completed Passenger Locator Form (PLF).

1. A pre-departure test within 72 hours of leaving France.
   
2. A Day 2 and Day 8 test on return during a 10 Day self quarantine period. – SEE UPDATE, NO QUARANTINE AND DAY 2 ONLY REQUIRED.
   
3. Optionally a Day 5 “Test to Release” PCR test to leave quarantine early. – SEE UPDATE, NOW NOT APPLICABLE.

Pre-departure test
Within 72 hours of departure an anti-gen / lateral flow type or PCR test available across France (pharmacies in Méribel, Courchevel 1650 & 1850 plus Bozel, they charge €25 euros anti-gen for tourists). Synlab do PCR for tourists for £43 in Courchevel and Bozel but anti-gen is ok for UK. www.pds.synlab.fr/laboratoire/default.aspx

Day 2 and Day 8 Tests
Available across the UK – can be done by post too. Shop around Boots charge £160 while Testing for All charge £95. SEE UPDATE, DAY 2 ONLY REQUIRED.

Day 5 Test to Release
This is optional and allows you to leave quarantine following negative PCR test result received after full 5 days back in the UK. For example arrive in UK Monday then test Saturday. You still need to do the Day 8 test too. These Test to Release tests are available across UK, again check prices, some from as little as £59 and TUI, Jet2, easyJet, RyanAir all have deals with providers. – SEE UPDATE, NOW NOT APPLICABLE

Proof of Vaccine
Check the days after 2nd jab for validity (7 or 14 days or a month depending on vaccine) and use the NHS App for proof.

The French Covid Health Pass system for access to cinemas, museums and theme parks comes in to play this week and will be ultimately extended to shopping centres, leisure facilities, restaurants & bars. The NHS Covid Pass on the NHS App will be allowed instead of the EU Covid Digital Certificate according to the Consular General at the French Embassy – more here or take paper copy of NHS document. SEE UPDATES ABOVE, COVID PASS (and NHS pass) NOW ENFORCED.

Other Parts of the UK
Check for differences in the requirements if travelling to / from other parts of the UK:
Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland

Un-Vaccinated Etc
For anything else other than the above (like those un-vaccinated) you need recent pre-arrival tests and reason for the essential travel etc. Check the Government Websites for full information and the latest changes.