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
End of season fresh snow…
La Tania turned all white overnight but very few ventured out first thing on Wednesday morning with poor visibility hampering progress.
This meant working out where the fresh snow lay on a good base or was just thinly covering bare ground (or a hybrid slush/frozen ground combo).
Why Businesses Need Custom Logistics Solutions to Succeed
In today’s fast-paced and increasingly globalised market, the difference between thriving and merely surviving often hinges on a business’s ability to adapt and innovate in its logistics operations.
Tailored logistics solutions represent the cutting edge of this innovation, offering a bespoke approach that caters to the unique needs of each business. This article explores why custom logistics solutions and services are not just advantageous but essential for modern businesses aiming for success.
The Evolution of Logistics
Historically, logistics operated on a one-size-fits-all basis, with standardized procedures that did not account for the diverse needs of different businesses. However, as the business landscape has grown more complex and varied, the demand for personalised logistics solutions has surged. This shift reflects an understanding that what works for one company may not work for another, underscoring the need for logistics that are as unique as the businesses they serve.
Technology has been a transformative force in the logistics industry, enabling the creation and implementation of tailored solutions. Innovations such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) have paved the way for advanced tracking, predictive analytics, and automation, revolutionising how goods are stored, managed, and delivered.
The Importance of Customisation
Customisation in logistics is about more than just preference; it’s about efficacy and efficiency. By developing logistics strategies that are specifically designed to meet a company’s individual needs, businesses can optimise their operations, reduce waste, and improve service delivery, ensuring they meet their objectives more effectively.
Tailored logistics solutions offer an unmatched level of efficiency and flexibility. They allow businesses to respond swiftly to market changes, adjust to supply chain disruptions, and scale operations up or down without sacrificing performance or customer satisfaction.
Key Components of Tailored Logistics Solutions
The backbone of any tailored logistics solution is its technology. Through automation and cutting-edge software, businesses can achieve greater accuracy, reduce manual errors, and speed up processes, from order fulfilment to delivery.
The success of a tailored logistics strategy also depends on the quality of service and support provided. This means having access to a team that understands your business’s specific challenges and goals and can offer insights and solutions that are genuinely beneficial.
A tailored logistics solution must not only meet current needs but also adapt to future growth and changes in the business environment. Scalability ensures that as a business expands or evolves, its logistics framework can adjust accordingly, providing continuous support without interruption.
Benefits for Businesses
Implementing tailored logistics solutions can lead to significant cost savings across various areas, including transportation, storage, and inventory management. These efficiencies translate to a better return on investment, allowing resources to be allocated elsewhere for growth and development.
By ensuring that products are delivered more quickly and accurately, tailored logistics can greatly enhance customer satisfaction. In today’s competitive market, this can be a crucial differentiator for businesses.
Tailored logistics provide a competitive edge, enabling businesses to surpass competitors through superior efficiency, agility, and customer service. This advantage is increasingly important in markets where consumers expect fast, reliable, and transparent service.
Implementing Tailored Logistics
The first step towards implementing a tailored logistics solution is a comprehensive assessment of your business’s specific needs, challenges, and objectives. This understanding forms the foundation of any effective logistics strategy.
Finding a logistics partner that can offer the requisite expertise, technology, and support is critical. The right partner will work closely with you to develop and implement a logistics solution that truly aligns with your business goals.
A tailored logistics strategy is not a set-it-and-forget-it solution; it requires ongoing assessment, feedback, and adjustment. Continuous improvement ensures that your logistics operations remain efficient, effective, and aligned with your evolving business needs.
Challenges and Considerations
While the benefits of tailored logistics are clear, businesses must also navigate challenges such as integrating new systems with existing operations, ensuring data security, and managing the cost of implementation. Careful planning and partnership with the right logistics provider can mitigate these challenges.
Future Trends in Tailored Logistics
The future of tailored logistics is likely to be shaped by further advances in technology, including AI and machine learning, as well as an increased focus on sustainability. These developments promise to make logistics solutions even more personalised, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
By leveraging advanced technology and personalised service, businesses can achieve significant benefits, from cost savings and improved ROI to enhanced customer satisfaction and a strong competitive advantage.
ESCAPADE 2024: Regular Visitor Greg Completes The Challenge (hard luck Heather!)
22 March 2024
Congratulations to Greg
We were coming out for a long weekend and I started looking into the possibility of doing the Escapade in a day. The forecast wasn’t great on Saturday or Sunday so it had to be day one!
I noticed on Thursday that both Verdet and Ours were shut so that was two extra lifts added to the plan!
Heather and I were outside Legends at 8:55 however when we got to Olympic they said it was delayed due to the pisteurs not back from checking the Face piste. We waited 10 mins for it to open!
It was forecast to be very warm and sure enough by the time we got to Bettex the lower slopes were getting heavier.
We lost some more time queuing for Peclet but the snow over in Orelle was very good. The high path to Mont Vallon/Plan des Mains was shut due to avi risk which cost a bit more time.
My wife had new lower volume boot liners to try out and she’d not cranked her boots enough to compensate so started to suffer with shin bang. Despite drugs she took the decision to bail at the bottom of Plan des Mains.
We were now about 45 mins behind schedule but I decided to crack on and see where I got to! I was at the top of Foret at 1630 so decided to keep going, Folyeres was in surprisingly good condition given the air temps and I made Dou Des Lanches with 5 mins to spare. I blasted down to Golf but that was shut, however all checkpoints were completed.
It was definitely harder with all the slushy bumps and cut up pistes I’d like to try it again with firmer pistes but a great day out!
Greg
ESCAPADE 2024 – 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
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 back down to 30 lifts and the age range for successful completion is from 8 to 76 years old! The latest ESCAPADE route
This is NOT a race
ALWAYS CONTROL YOUR SPEED. You do this entirely at your own risk, act responsibly, take full ownership for your own actions and all of those with you, respect other people (& the mountain), ski & ride within your limits, always obey the skiers & snowboarders code, observe all signs, pay attention to all notices, advice & instructions from Pisteurs, only ski off piste if fully equipped & knowledgeable, it’s not a race (you won’t be insured), think about the safety of others as well as yourself but above all, think of other people, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes wrong…..
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!
ESCAPADE 2024: Another Father and Son success Zen & Taiji
05 April 2024
Congratulations to Zen & Taiji
We started in Courchevel 1550 and it was me (Zen Okada, 15) and my dad (Taiji Okada, 51).
Piste closures made it tough, especially the run from Mont Vallon to Mottaret (Ours) being closed and the Fôret lift being shut. We just about beat the slush to finish with ten minutes to spare!
Zen
ESCAPADE 2024 – 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
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 back down to 30 lifts and the age range for successful completion is from 8 to 76 years old! The latest ESCAPADE route
This is NOT a race
ALWAYS CONTROL YOUR SPEED. You do this entirely at your own risk, act responsibly, take full ownership for your own actions and all of those with you, respect other people (& the mountain), ski & ride within your limits, always obey the skiers & snowboarders code, observe all signs, pay attention to all notices, advice & instructions from Pisteurs, only ski off piste if fully equipped & knowledgeable, it’s not a race (you won’t be insured), think about the safety of others as well as yourself but above all, think of other people, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes wrong…..
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!
Wildlife Spotting – Marmotte, Black Grouse, Chamois all before 10am this morning
First lifts and first tracks also gives you the chance to spot the local wildlife!
Plenty of people disrespect the Black Grouse breeding area fences below Lanches chairlift so really nice to spot this gorgeous looking bird this morning. The tail feathers used to be worn by Scottish regiments to denote rank.
We also spotted a fox (or was it a Wolf?) strolling around here first thing a few weeks ago.
Marmotte spotting has been pretty quiet so far this season but there’s always at least one in April near the chairlift of the same name – a good place to start looking along with under the St Martin chairlift.
A poor pic but there are a several Chamois that hang around the top ridge and cliff to the left of Chanrossa chairlift. Hard to spot but you can see them moving eventually!
ESCAPADE 2024: Another Father and Son success!
14 March 2024
Congratulations to David and Charles
David and Charles Nops, father and son, completed their fourth successful Escapade together on Thursday 14th March 2024.
First lift start from Courchevel 1650. Completion was done despite significant queues at the major lifts at Le Masse and Val Thorens, also a serious accident in the 4th valley involving the chairlift being stopped for a helicopter rescue. 3rd photograph taken from one of the highest points in the route – Cime run coming back from Orelle.
Many thanks, Jenny.
ESCAPADE 2024 – 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
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 back down to 30 lifts and the age range for successful completion is from 8 to 76 years old! The latest ESCAPADE route
This is NOT a race
ALWAYS CONTROL YOUR SPEED. You do this entirely at your own risk, act responsibly, take full ownership for your own actions and all of those with you, respect other people (& the mountain), ski & ride within your limits, always obey the skiers & snowboarders code, observe all signs, pay attention to all notices, advice & instructions from Pisteurs, only ski off piste if fully equipped & knowledgeable, it’s not a race (you won’t be insured), think about the safety of others as well as yourself but above all, think of other people, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes wrong…..
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!
Gatwick to La Tania door-to-door for less than £35 but using shared/private transfers is easier and more reliable!
Even during the school holidays there were some bargain flights to be had when avoiding weekends and if you can get in to Lyon early enough there’s a cheap direct train to Moûtiers that connects with the bus service up to La Tania.
But we missed the train, had to pay again, go later and longer – another reason to use one of our recommended Private and Shared Transfer Companies to La Tania.
And yes, we had no bags, weren’t in a rush, didn’t care where we sat and certainly had no kids in tow but it would take something to beat these prices.
Wizzair London Gatwick to Lyon £16.99
Variable pricing and a ridiculous 06:05 departure time but members prices start from only £12.99 (but obviously not on a Saturday). There’s also an easyJet option at 08:20 for a more reasonable departure time but generally costs a bit more. They both stitch you up if you have any kind of baggage bigger than a handbag / laptop size case to fit under the seat in front of you.
Ouigo Train Lyon Airport to Moûtiers €10
Departs daily at 12:34 from Lyon Airport direct to Moûtiers (although still via Grenoble and Albertville with some long stops at these stations) arriving 15:38 – so takes 3hrs 4mins. The RyanAir of TGV with dynamic pricing and charges for baggage, flexibility, seats etc.
S65 Service Bus Moûtiers to La Tania €10.80
Leaves Moûtiers at 15:55 arriving La Tania at 16:49 – this one goes via Méribel hence the journey time. Buying on the bus or ticket office costs £12.
So make that 16.99 + 8.55 + 9.24 = £34.78
The alternative if you miss this train (like we did this week due to a 2 hour delay with easyJet!) is to follow this itinerary which costs around £40.
Monday to Friday times
Lyon Airport to Grenoble (TGV) 14:06 – 15:13
Grenoble to Montmélian (TER) 15:33 – 16:08
Montmélian to Moûtiers (TER) 17:03 – 18:10
Moutiers to La Tania (S64/S65 Bus) 18:25 – 19:45 (although quicker getting off at Le Praz and using Ski Bus to La Tania from there).
The various trains (2 double deckers!) and stations en-route….
ESCAPADE 2024: Ex Seasonaire Lisa and brother Mark starting in Val Thorens
11 March 2024
Congratulations to Lisa & Mark
Bonjour!
2020 I was doing a season in La Tania and I heard about the Escapade. I planned to do it in March, but Covid put a stop to that. 4 years later I have finally come back and was determined to complete this time with my brother, Mark.
We got the first lift out of it VT, with blue skies and freshly pisted slopes awaiting us. We took a few deviations of the current planned route, to include the 2 peaks Mont de la Challe and 3 Marches. We were very lucky with the lifts, as there were very few queues.
The weather turned in the afternoon as we made our way back from Courchevel to VT. As we reached Point de la Masse the visibility got worse and the snow started to come in.
In Orelle we took the black down (only being able to see a metre in front of us) from Cime Caron so that we could get to Col de Rosael which we made with 4 mins to spare.
Our GPS watches died on the last run back, getting back to Pioneers at 16:50.
All in all a great day of skiing!!
Lisa
ESCAPADE 2024 – 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
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 back down to 30 lifts and the age range for successful completion is from 8 to 76 years old! The latest ESCAPADE route
This is NOT a race
ALWAYS CONTROL YOUR SPEED. You do this entirely at your own risk, act responsibly, take full ownership for your own actions and all of those with you, respect other people (& the mountain), ski & ride within your limits, always obey the skiers & snowboarders code, observe all signs, pay attention to all notices, advice & instructions from Pisteurs, only ski off piste if fully equipped & knowledgeable, it’s not a race (you won’t be insured), think about the safety of others as well as yourself but above all, think of other people, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes wrong…..
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!
ESCAPADE 2024: Nick, Rory and Rupert finally get to do the challenge
7 March 2024
Congratulations to Nick, Rory & Rupert
Having followed L’escapade adventures for many years, today I finally completed it with two others.
Rory, Rupert and myself completed it despite the horrendous queues in Les Menuires. It took 7hrs 53 minutes, in blue bird conditions.
We started in St Martin de Belleville, great fun.
The website is great, keep up the good work.
Best wishes, Nick
ESCAPADE 2024 – 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
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 back down to 30 lifts and the age range for successful completion is from 8 to 76 years old! The latest ESCAPADE route
This is NOT a race
ALWAYS CONTROL YOUR SPEED. You do this entirely at your own risk, act responsibly, take full ownership for your own actions and all of those with you, respect other people (& the mountain), ski & ride within your limits, always obey the skiers & snowboarders code, observe all signs, pay attention to all notices, advice & instructions from Pisteurs, only ski off piste if fully equipped & knowledgeable, it’s not a race (you won’t be insured), think about the safety of others as well as yourself but above all, think of other people, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes wrong…..
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!
ESCAPADE 2024: Solo Attempt from Steve
5 March 2024
Congratulations to Steve
After seeing many people complete the challenge, and having skied 3 valleys many times, I thought it was time to have a go (leaving the rest of our group for the day).
Started off in mainly sunny weather, and was making good time. But then the visibility dropped and the cloud came in just as I was leaving VT at 1330. Mont Vallon was a unique experience with zero visibility.
Tomorrow should be a good powder day after the heavy snow at the end of today
Got to Forêt at 16:17, then headed back to La Tania to get a deserved beer.
No deviations from suggested route.
Steve L
ESCAPADE 2024 – 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
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 back down to 30 lifts and the age range for successful completion is from 8 to 76 years old! The latest ESCAPADE route
This is NOT a race
ALWAYS CONTROL YOUR SPEED. You do this entirely at your own risk, act responsibly, take full ownership for your own actions and all of those with you, respect other people (& the mountain), ski & ride within your limits, always obey the skiers & snowboarders code, observe all signs, pay attention to all notices, advice & instructions from Pisteurs, only ski off piste if fully equipped & knowledgeable, it’s not a race (you won’t be insured), think about the safety of others as well as yourself but above all, think of other people, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes wrong…..
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!
