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

 


 

Fresh Snow – Monday 4 March 2024

ESCAPADE 2024: Jacopo & Paolo from Italy complete the challenge

28 February 2024

Congratulations to Jacopo & Paolo

Paolo and I, 23 and 24 years old from Italy, completed the Escapade on the 28th of February.

We started from Val Thorens (departure of Pionniers chairlift) at 9 a.m. and it took us 7 hours and 23 minutes.

Low visibility in the morning but opened up in the afternoon. We had lunch on a chairlift to minimise time and kept the Orelle Valley until last so that we were free to decide whether to finish the Escapade or quit (in case it got too late).

Lastly, at around 4.10 p.m., we took the Funitel Péclet to hit the final checkpoint and we returned to the starting point.

Beautiful experience! Thank you very much!

Jacopo and Paolo

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…..

ESCAPADE 2024 – The 12 villages and 12 perimeters/peaks used as checkpoints

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 – A suggested route. Click on the images for the full size pics

Still Freshies if you know where to look & Chamois on Chanrossa

A beautiful day and great skiing today in The 3 Valleys – still fresh tracks to be made if you know where to look, this from somewhere above Les Menuires….

Four Chamois spotted on Chanrossa this afternoon too, it’s Meteorological Spring tomorrow!

Some queues at peak times at the traditional bottlenecks as half term school holidays continue in France – the 30 minute queue for the Tougnette Gondola in Méribel today in the pics below.

French Skiers – A Story of Persistence, Success, and Versatility

Les Trois Vallées, i.e., The Three Valleys, is one of the most renowned ski areas in Europe. Set in the Savoie department and partly situated in Vanoise National Park, this region is close to Italy and Switzerland.

Such a geographically attractive position has been fertile soil for tourism and winter sports.

Hence, La Tania and its surroundings have served as the training ground for many successful French skiers. In this article, we’ll remember some of them and their competitive success.\

Laure Pequegnot

Laure Pequegnot has been one of the most prominent female French skiers in the last 25 years.

During her senior career, Pequegnot participated in three Winter Olympic Games, having won a silver medal in slalom at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

That same year, she won “the small crystal globe” in slalom, which was her biggest success in World Cup competitions.

At her peak, she competed against some wonderful skiers, like Croat Janica Kostelic and Swede Anja Paerson. In many World Cup and Olympic races at that time, it was almost impossible to predict the winner. Today, the competition is not that harsh but guessing the results in advance is not much easier. If you like to watch skiing and wish to place a bet or two, take a look at the results from previous races, check out the standings, and scan the web for the best odds. As the Olympics approaches, you might find certain bookmakers are offering hugely improved odds for a specified event, skiing may be included. Sometimes, the money won in excess of the normal odds is paid as bonus money, so always check the terms before placing any bets on these promotions (source: https://safestbettingsites.co.uk/).

Marielle Goitschel

Born in 1945, Marielle Goitschel is one of the most successful woman skiers in the 20th century, not only in France but also on a global scale.

The shiniest trophies in her cabinet are the gold medals from the Winter Olympic Games in Innsbruck (giant slalom) and Grenoble (slalom) in 1964 and 1968, respectively. She also won a silver medal at the 1964 WOG in Innsbruck.

Even more impressive are the seven gold medals she won at World Championships between 1962 and 1968 in all official disciplines at that time: slalom, giant slalom, downhill, and combined.

 

Luc Alphand

Born in Briançon in 1965, Luc Alphand was the most prominent French skier in the 1990s and has remained one of the most notable winter athletes originating from France.

His senior career lasted from 1987 till 1997, and he has been on a constant rise during that period. Alphand won the overall title in 1997, plus the small crystal globes in super G and downhill. It was his threepeat in terms of downhill World Cup titles, as he had already won the downhill title in 1995 and 1996.

At the peak of his skiing career, Alphand decided to retire and soon started pursuing a racing career, from the European Le Mans Series to the FIA GT Championships. In 2006, Alphand won the Dakar Rally, as the first and only (former) skier with such an accomplishment.

Jean-Claude Killy

Born in a Parisian suburb in 1943, Jean-Claude Killy is one of the most awarded male French skiers of all time. Having originated from a non-mountainous part of France, he first needed to attend some intensive skiing lessons to become a competitive junior skier.

A competing contemporary of Marielle Goitschel, Killy won three gold medals at the 1968 Winter Olympic Games in Grenoble (downhill, giant slalom, and slalom) and won another six golds at the Alpine Skiing World Championships between 1966 and 1968. Note down that at that time, medals from the Olympic Games counted together with medals from World Championships (the same goes for Ms. Goitschel above). Despite these overlapping medals, Killy had one of the most impressive skiing careers in the 1960s and has been remembered as an all-around alpine skiing specialist.

The Best Of The 3 Valleys – All Year Round

The Three Valleys, also known by the fancy moniker Les 3 Vallées, this spot is a dream come true for winter sports fans and nature buffs. Right in the middle of the French Alps, this place is famous for not just a humongous ski field—the biggest on the planet, might we highlight—but also it’s cool culture. From the snowy peaks to the vibrant green valleys, let’s start a year-round tour, shall we?

The Cosy Wintertime

When winter visits, the 3 Valleys become a wondrous snowy retreat. Skiing and snowboarding rule here, with miles of well-kept tracks and cool non-track options for all skill levels. But it gets better; expect unique winter experiences like upbeat snowparks and peaceful snowshoe paths. 

And, don’t forget, no ski day ends without diving deep into the après-ski lifestyle, it’s filled with snug mountain huts and fun events, including the exhilarating Casino 3 Vallees, home to the most popular slots games and classic tables. It’s fun for all (who are of age!) and adds a dash of excitement to the mountain feel.

The Beauty Of Spring

When the snow slowly leaves, the valleys show off their lively spring faces. This season is awesome for late skiing, with softer snow and sunny days. But, when the final snowflake disappears, the mountains buzz with the sound of celebrations and the start of walking and bike paths. Watch the rebirth of plants and critters, a pure display of nature’s strength and beauty.

Summer Activity

The 3 Valleys in summer is an adventurer’s paradise. You’ll find endless hiking and biking trails in the mountainside. Up in the sky, paragliders can take flight. Live events such as music festivals and sporting events pump up the atmosphere, while serene alpine lakes provide a calming respite.

Autumn Vibrance

Autumn colours the mountainside with a blend of burnished shades, setting a picturesque outdoor scene. This season is great for a hike among the vibrant foliage or cycling in the sharp mountain air. Foodies will enjoy seasonal food and wine festivals that highlight local tastes.

All-Season Attractions

The 3 Valleys offers year-round activities. You can explore local history at museums and historical sites, or try out regional cuisine. For relaxation, you should check out the thermal spas and nature retreats. The Casino 3 Vallees presents an exciting diversion amidst the varied attractions, where visitors can play slots and traditional casino games in a truly alpine environment.

Need-to-Know Info

3 Valleys is a must-visit, whether you love adventure or peace. Accommodations, from luxury chalets to functional flats, cater to everyone’s needs. With a close ski area and environmental-friendly transportation, journeying through the valleys becomes a breeze.

Final Thoughts

The 3 Valleys are a one-of-a-kind mix of fun, history, rest, and thrill, making it an unmatched spot anytime. Be it white with snow or under warm summer brilliance, the valleys call guests to check out the various features of the resort. Time to pack and start your adventure to uncover the best of the 3 Valleys—where each season narrates a fresh chapter, and every trip leaves you wanting more.

ESCAPADE 2024: Half Term and Soft Snow, but Kev and Josh Succeed

20 February 2024

Congratulations to Kev and Josh

My son and I are staying in La Tania with my wife and daughter. My wife and I have skied all four valleys in a day several times (normally at quieter times such as January), but never quite to the extent of the Escapade with all the lower villages – normally we’d try to stay high as we worked our way across. 

I’d seen the Escapade online before we came out, so after a couple of days to rediscover our ski legs today seems like the day to try as the forecast seems worse for the rest of the week. 

Given the very “Easter” snow conditions, and the half term queues, we were not confident we’d manage it but wanted to give it a try. We were aiming to get to the first lift for 8:45 but at breakfast our chalet host warned us the queues would be awful for half term, so we got there earlier…. 8:25. Nobody else arrived until 8:45! We chatted to another group in the queue who were also attempting (unfortunately they ran out of time – trickier as they had 2 skiers and 2 boarders). 

We got the first lift at 9:01 and were please to find 2-3cm fresh snow. We got to St Martin at 10:07. Big queues for La Masse, but we got to the summit at 11:15. Again, big queues for Reberty chair. I think we were on Bruyers2 at 11:55.  Queues were bad again for Funitel Peclet in VT, but not as bad as La Masse. After that, things went well until Mont Vallon, which was poor visibility and very chopped up. Creux also pretty similar with poor light and chopped/bumps. From there onwards it is just determination. Sometimes you think there is no chance to make it, then an lift or run goes well and it seems achievable again.

We had a good run from Altiport to Courchevel Villages, but then the red down to La Praz was truly awful (like Easter). We got to the bottom of the Forêt lift at 4:23pm. So then it was a relaxed zoom down Folyeres for a very welcome beer or two back at the pub!

Thanks again for the detailed maps and lift lists. 

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…..

ESCAPADE 2024 – The 12 villages and 12 perimeters/peaks used as checkpoints

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 – A suggested route. Click on the images for the full size pics

Summer Update from Courchevel Tourist Office

If you’ve never visited The Alps in Summer, there’s loads to do and the scenery is absolutely spectacular. See our Summer Life in La Tania page.

The La Tania, Praz, Verdons and Vizelle gondolas will be open from 6 July 2024 until 1 September 2024 for hikers and mountain bikers.

The Punta Bagna Custom Motorcycle festival returns to Courchevel on opening weekend from 05 to 07 July 2024. Some 20,000 visitors are expected (and a lot of them on motorcycles) with plenty of events, entertainment and live music promised.

In Summer there’s a Fête just about every weekend in one of the villages and plenty of events and activities organised to keep everyone busy (or just relax on a sunny terrace drinking Rosé). The Summer Ski Jumping World Cup event in Le Praz is another highlight – you thought learning to ski on a dry slope was hard?

A new promotional video currently being show on Eurosport has been created by Courchevel Tourism – focusing on the skiing for a change, rather than the luxury hotel palaces and Michelin starred restaurants.
Watch it here

Winter 2025 opening dates for Courchevel 1850 have been announced (usually just the main lifts up Biollay and Saulire and maybe Chênus or Plantrey too).

Courchevel will be open from 06 December 2024 to 21 April 2025

Unusually they are opening on a FRIDAY to coincide with a Spanish holiday, and the closing date is a Monday (Easter Monday).

La Tania is usually a week later (on a Saturday) so we would expect 14 December 2024 but this is not confirmed.

Falcon Goggles from Outdoor Master with ZEISS Lens

We’ve been trying out the latest goggles from Outdoor Master over the last month – The Falcon with a ZEISS lens. Astounding clarity!

Carl Zeiss AG is one of the leading lens manufacturers in the World – they started making microscopes back in 1846, developed focal imaging eyeglass lenses in 1912 and were the largest camera manufacturer in the world by 1914.

The ZEISS lens does create a super HD like effect when you first look through it – everything seems to become sharper and more in to focus. On a sunny day, the appearance through the lens is that it is even brighter when putting the goggles on (although obviously there is full UV400 protection) – I suppose you’re not squinting in direct sunlight.

The MagKlick one second lens swap is so easy to use (and they come with a spare flat light Yellow lens) so changing lenses even in bad weather with gloves on is really easy. Or even more likely – you can actually be bothered to change the lens because it is so easy and effortless. For example, that last run at the end of the day down the Saulire bowl when it is all in the shade and the light has gone completely flat – now enjoy it for the sake of a few seconds changing your lens rather than thinking I’m nearly home it’s not worth the faff!

Misting up almost seems a thing of the past with the dual layer lenses, triple layer foam for optimised air flow and a special coating that absorbs moisture. The need to go faster to clear your goggles is no longer required…

The goggles come with a spare lens, pouch and a sturdy box with several colour lens options available. They seem to fit really snugly around all the helmets we’ve tried and can be used over most types of glasses too.

For less than £90 they are excellent value for a top end goggle and if you use code Latania you can get 15% off Falcon Cylindrical Zeiss Lens Ski Goggles

More great deals on goggles, helmets, gloves, ski socks, bags etc at www.outdoormaster.com

French Long Stay Visa for UK Non-Workers – An Update

For those stuck in the 90 out of 180 days Schengen rule and not working in France the solution is the French Long Term Visa. This allows a straight 180 day stay (multiple entry & exits are allowed) as long as you can prove you have a valid passport, proof of funds, somewhere to stay and promise not to work.

Our original post from October 2022 on the application process

You could still have 90 days in a Schengen country before or after this of course and with no system yet in place, the chances of getting caught overstaying are slim (counting dates with passport stamps is not an easy task – but does happen very occasionally, England fans visiting Poland last year for example). Penalties, including being banned from the country, make it not worth the risk but of course with very limited border checks between EU countries it’s up to you to prove your are in (or not in) France.

The new ETIAS European Travel Authorisation System has now been put back yet again until mid-2025 according to the ETIAS Website (in place but not taking applications yet) plus the EU EES (Entry Exit System) is now scheduled to be introduced in Autumn 2024 following a request from France that it be delayed until after the 2024 Paris Olympics.

EES replaces passport stamping and automates border control procedures but also identifies travellers who have no right to enter or who have stayed in European countries using the EES for too long. In addition it makes it easier to detect travellers using fake identities and helps to prevent, detect and investigate terrorist or other serious criminal offences.

In December 2023 a new immigration law was passed by the French parliament with an amendment that would give UK second home owners an automatic right to a long stay visa. In January 2024 this was thrown out as being “unconstitutional” on a technicality that several amendments expanded the scope of the original bill too much. MPs say they will start again but who knows how long this will take, the Long Term Visa looks the way ahead for the moment.

France Long Stay Visa Application – The Process

  • An online form to be completed on the French Government Visa Website
    • Make sure you are applying for the Long Term greater than 90 days Visitor Visa
    • Double check passport number, email address and phone number – they can’t be changed
    • You will need to put a French address where you are staying. State if second home
  • Arrange an appointment at a TLSconnect office in London, Manchester or Edinburgh
    • You’ll need the reference number from submitting the online form to book
    • You pay a €55 service fee on-line (this is not the Visa fee)
    • The further in advance you can book the more available slots – Edinburgh had loads of availability in Feb 2024 compared to October 2022.
  • At the TLS appointment:
    • Documentation is checked
    • If applicable there is a new second home owners form to complete (not available on-line)
    • Passport photos are stapled to a form and signatures taken
    • Photocopies of documents are inspected and put together in a folder with your passport
    • Payment for the visa is taken (contactless) for €99
    • Fingerprints (electronic scanner) are taken and a receipt issued
  • Your passport and application are sent to the French Embassy in London for processing.
  • Your passport is then sent back to the TLS office for collection or via courier for home delivery.

TLSconnect are a third party used to process applications, they also offer enhanced services (at a cost), such as help with filling in the forms for £15 and photo copies at 30p a sheet.

The “Express Courier” service charge is £30 even though they use the Royal Mail Special Delivery by 1pm service (worth £7.35). Also bare in mind that the London Embassy sends out to the TLS Office and then TLS send out, so collection is slightly quicker if you need it fast. 

A premium lounge (probably with no queues) is available for €100 and Saturday appointments for €60.

Note that the decision on your application is by the French Embassy not TLS

Documentation Requirements

A check list is provided once your on-line form is submitted at france-visas.gouv.fr

  • Passport (issued less than 10 years ago, with 2 blank pages and at least 3 months left before expiry)
  • 2 Passport photos
  • Declaration that you are not going to work and proof of your status eg. retirement / second home owner / funds available etc. (write & sign a letter with the details)
  • 3 months of Bank Statements / Other proof of finances
  • Proof of accommodation / rental agreement / homeowner etc.
  • Travel health insurance – valid EHIC or GHIC
  • Photocopies of your passport (plus any previous visa) and EHIC / GHIC needed – these copies will be kept by TLS.

Timescales

TLSconnect state that the aim is to get your passport back in 15 working days, but it depends on the London Embassy ultimately. Applications in October 2022 took around 14 days, in February 2024 an appointment on Monday had the passport delivered back via courier on the following Tuesday (just over a week).

Appointments in Edinburgh were widely available in Feb 2024 with only 2 weeks notice. An 09:00 appointment is probably best to avoid queues if they overrun during the morning. In October it appeared to be primarily UK applicants sorting out working visas while in February it seemed to be 95% Japanese students applying for “normal” visitor visas!

ESCAPADE 2024: Iain J, a solo effort starting from 1650 Moriond

07 February 2024

Congratulations to Iain

Iain J completed the 2024 Escapade route on 7 Feb 24 starting/finishing in Moriond, taking advantage of the final few quiet days before the start of the holiday season.

This is the second time that I have completed the Escapade, the first being the old route in 2013.  That time, I just sneaked back in time before the last lift closed.

Since then, I think that the new fast Point de la Masse bubble, and the ability to take the Cime de Caron checkpoint by coming out of Orelle on the new bubble lift, rather than risking delay on the Caron cable car, has made a big difference to getting around the course, and I was pleased to get back with an hour to spare.

Iain

Date 2024-02-07
Start/finish 08:01:07 – 11:39:22
Duration 3 : 38 : 15
Max./min. height 2855 / 1254 m
Max. mean/top speed 55 km/h / 64 km/h
Max/min climb rate 3.48 / -3.74 m/s over 60s
Total distance 74.70 km

Date 2024-02-07
Start/finish 11:39:35 – 14:34:21
Duration 2 : 54 : 46
Max./min. height 3235 / 1593 m
Max. mean/top speed 57 km/h / 63 km/h
Max/min climb rate 3.77 / -3.37 m/s over 60s
Total distance 57.79 km

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…..

ESCAPADE 2024 – The 12 villages and 12 perimeters/peaks used as checkpoints

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 – A suggested route. Click on the images for the full size pics