Masse Gondola – The Machine Room, well worth a look, great views and LEGO too!

The recently built “fastest gondola in the world” up La Masse named Pointe de la Masse has an exhibition area, machine room visiting area and an external viewing platform with amazing views.

Well worth a visit just to see the Lego models but the restaurant up there has improved greatly too!

Sadly La Masse doesn’t seem to be the secret, quiet spot it once was…

ESCAPADE 2024: A Solo Attempt – well done Roger

02 February 2024

Congratulations to Roger

I completed the escapade solo on Feb 2 following the suggested route.  On the La Tania bubble at 9:01 and finished at Foret chair at 15:34.   I have attached screen shots from my Garmin app and the clock at Foret when I arrived.  Next goal is to plot a course to do the route generally in reverse order.    

If this is worth of the hall of fame I have also included the most recent picture I have of myself from December.  Have a great day.

Roger

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!

The Last Snow Train of the Season – must do better

With the Eurostar / Thalys tie up we once again have a “Snow Train” where you can book without being part of an accommodation package. Unbelievably today 4 Feb 2024 is the last one of the season with the service ending before the half term holidays.

Eurostar direct services replaced the old disco carriage trains where people used to fall out of the train on to the platform at Moûtiers after abusing the all night bar – we kid you not. Even the Eurostar overnight services eventually placed a complete ban on all alcohol consumption on board.

When things finally restarted after Covid only a travel package deal including accommodation was offered by Travelski – essentially they chartered the Eurostar service.

This (half) season’s service runs from Moûtiers (plus Aime and BSM) to Lille where a change of train, chance of platform, passport control x2, security and customs takes place followed by a standard Eurostar service to London St Pancras.

For £94 (via TrainPal booked in Sep 2023 but with no railcard concessions or Senior rates) one-way including bags & skis with a short transfer, it’s not a bad price for a weekend in February but a lot of issues remain especially the fact it arrives on a Saturday and leaves on a Sunday ignoring the 90% of week to week bookings in the Alps and people having to fork out for a hotel for an extra night.

There are many massive fans of travelling to The Alps by train (some almost evangelical) and of course the environmental consideration will always win – although 5 people in an efficient petrol car never mind an electric car is another argument. Surprisingly Eurostar only uses 40% green energy in the UK (it’s 100% in Holland).

Comparisons between Train v Plane never seem to compare like for like and me, like many others will balance cost, time, comfort and convenience when it comes to travel.

Today’s Journey

A lift at 07:30 from La Tania from Ski Hame (thanks Annie) started the journey as the bus service to Moûtiers doesn’t start until 08:20 on a Sunday, arriving at 09:00 – the train departs at 08:52.

At 07:50 there’s coffee but no croissants yet from the little shack in the station, the main cafe not open – maybe it doesn’t on a Sunday, we are in France after all.

The Eurostar rebranded Thalys train is on time and despite the decor of a cheap Indian restaurant the seats in a 2-1 configuration are wide and comfortable, WiFi is pretty decent and eventually I discover where the power socket is.

The journey is very smooth, I see us get close to 300km/h on the online info page, but not quite…

A visit to the Eurostar cafe is very disappointing – the only (luke) warm food is a goats cheese curried tart and they don’t even have any red wine… Items on the menu are covered up because they’re not available. Maybe they could cater with a little nod to their 95% UK market with an M&S sandwich perhaps? We hear the food is much better if you upgrade however.

Around 5½ hours after leaving Moûtiers we arrive in Lille, everyone (and all their luggage) gets off the train and heads upstairs to the Eurostar area (Hall D) – here we queue for 30 minutes to get through ticket checks, passport control times 2 plus security (similar to airlines) and customs procedures.

The train configuration is different to what was booked so all the chosen seat reservations are cancelled and new ones re-issued as you check-in (with no choice).

The Eurostar holding area is as poor as the ones at St Pancras and Gare du Nord – maybe worse, there’s no bar at all here, just a glorified newsagent and as usual not enough seats.

When it comes to boarding the escalators are out so everyone has to carry baggage, skis, boots, hand bags etc down a flight of stairs (or queue for the one small lift) – a pretty chaotic scene.

At 15:30 one hour after arrival at Lille we board (with all our baggage) on to the London Eurostar service and in 90 minutes we arrive in St Pancras. Wifi not as good, seats not as comfortable – all seems a bit dated compared to the time I used it every week for 3 months travelling to Lille from Waterloo in 2007, just before it moved to St Pancras. It still seemed modern, new and exciting back then.

More escalator trouble on arrival with only one working so it takes a full 20 minutes to get everyone (and all their luggage) off the platform.

I have a 90 minute wait for my train to Newcastle as previous Eurostar experiences have always taught me to allow at least an hour for connections – unlike linked up plane journeys you can’t book onward travel cheap tickets (that are protected against delays) using Eurostar. I consider paying up and getting the earlier train (costs double) but head to Greggs instead!

Thoughts…

My main thought is my journey door to door is 16 hours and could have been 6 if I’d flown while I’ve driven it in 15 hours. But for once, no delays, no strikes, no floods, no station or track closures or even the wrong type of snow.

The Thalys train was comfortable and smooth – easy to work, sleep or watch videos.

It could be so much better though, surely a direct service (including onward travel with protection from delays) with decent food & drink and improvements to the checkin, luggage handling, passport control and holding areas (with proper restaurants and bars) could be made and still be profitable?

But if you have kids, a lot of gear, in a big group, live near or with easy access to St Pancras, want a day on the beers or really want to show off your environmental credentials then maybe this is for you.

We hear that Courchevel (and other French resorts) really want to improve rail links including Geneva – Moûtiers in the run up to the 2030 Winter Olympics. They say that compared to the Austrians and Swiss they’re way behind – hopefully there’ll be some infrastructure improvements made like the dual carriageway from Albertville constructed for the 1992 Olympics.

There are of course options using Eurostar via Paris (a change of station required) to Moûtiers but also a not widely publicised route using Eurostar to Lille and then onwards via Lyon to Moûtiers. The price of £400 one-way via Paris next Saturday (half term) suggests this route is still very popular!

The Euros in Germany this Summer have huge discounts for match ticket holders across Europe with discounted Interail passes, caps on fares within Germany and free travel on all regional public transport on match days. A brilliant initiative and one we’ll be taking advantage of.

It will be interesting to see what the “Snow Train” offering is next year – we’d do it again for sure, probably….

ESCAPADE 2024: A second attempt with a late start – just made it!

03 February 2024

Congratulations to Chris, Lee and Tony (again!)

Yesterday Chris, Lee and Tony completed the Escapade. A late night watching the Rugby in the Ski Lodge led to a 09:22 start, missing first lift… Could the Escapade still be done…

We visited all peaks and all towns so in theory it was a successful attempt, however bitterly disappointed to make it down to Forêt the last lift back to La Tania at 16:31 just six minutes after closing.

Short bus ride home from Le Praz and in to the Ski Lodge for a pint again.

Tony

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: Chrissy, Melissa & Simon – 2 days in a row (nearly)!

03 February 2024

Congratulations to Chrissy, Melissa & Simon

We did it today after my sister, Melissa, and I clocked 143km on Thursday but just missed Forêt as i’d cocked up missed Golf and were already on Legends so the detour back to rectify delayed us! 

Joined by husband Simon today and completed with plenty of time and also sneaked in an extra lift up Bouc Blanc.  

Kind regards,
Chrissy Blunt

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: Reinder, Bert, Reed and Gerard

01 February 2024

Congratulations to Reinder, Bert, Reed and Gerard.

Les Menuires, February 1, 2024

Today we skied the Escapade with my brother, my American brother-in-law and a good friend. We started from our apartment in Les Menuires (Reberty 2000) and skied to Bettex to formally start the Escapade at 8:45 am. From there we skied the suggested route. The first half of the Escapade was quite busy and we lost some time on the schedule there. Fortunately, we were able to make up for this in the second part and we were also in time to take the Doron ski lift so that we could ski back to our apartment. 

Finally, a special mention for Gerard (on snowboard!) and my brother-in-law Reed (who turns 74 in April!).

Strava file: https://www.strava.com/activities/10674950897

Regards,
Bert de Jonge
Reinder de Jonge
Reed Packer
Gerard de Lange (on snowboard)

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: An 8 Year Old Completes The Challenge!

28 January 2024

Congratulations to Sean, Camille and Margot.

Confirmation that Margot is the youngest ever person to complete the Escapade in a Day! Beating Toby Buckle (aged 10 in April 2009) and Jenny Waterfield (aged 9 in February 2020)

Reporting in after a successful escapade with my kids today.  We were: Margot Deschamps (8 years old and La Tania ski club skier), Camille Deschamps (11 years old) and Dad (Sean).

The day went almost exactly to the plan.  Some big queues at Pointe de la Masse otherwise we mostly kept to the planned schedule below. Consensus was the snow wasn’t great (mainly icy) except for in Val Thorens and Orelle, but the weather was perfect. 

We started (first lift forêt at 0905h) and finished in Le Praz (1622h) so 7h17.  We took lunch and snacks on the lifts. Margot wants to know if she’s the youngest to ski the escapade?

Regards
Sean Deschamps

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: Paul & Divinder

28 January 2024

Congratulations to Paul & Divinder

Managed to complete it today with little time to spare at the second attempt this holiday … we have a combined age of 109 so happy to complete the challenge!

Some long queues didnt help but the improving snow conditions did!

Paul and Divinder

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 100km. 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: The Belgians!

26 January 2024

Congratulations to Yves, Bert and Jeroen

Being lifelong friends we like to push our limits. We’ve been skiing together for almost 15 years now and we actually had our own version of the Escapade a few years ago. Last month we found out about the latania.co.uk version and the rest is history.

We started from Les Menuires, and first on the list was La Masse, then Val Thorens, L’Orelle, …

Bert & Jeroen, they were the Sherpas for me. They know the map like the back of their hand. I just had to say the next chairlift and they would bring me there. We actually missed the Pionniers chairlift because we were going fast and the slope was perfect and therefor we had to take an extra chairlift, luckily we could continue our journey and made it in time despite the setback.

In the end we had a lovely day out! It was sunny, it was very hot and it was very crowded but we had a good run.

On the picture from left to right:
Bert Swartelé (skiing), Yves Van Laer (snowboarding), Jeroen Horemans (snowboarding). We are all from Belgium!

P.S. We use the “Slopes” App to track our day! See below.

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 100km. 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: Al, Pete, Phil, Dan & Nik

25 January 2024

3 Valleys Escapade completed. Nine started and five completed. (Top gear rules applied).

Al Jones and Pete Middleton (second time completed in 2019 too) and Phil Leo, Dan Brenchley  (snowboarder) and Nik Mitchell.

Mixed conditions: run of the day was Lory in the 4th Valley, whereas Verdet towards Saint Martin was a teeth chattering nightmare.

Some delays on the lifts and quite a few crashes lost us some time. We made Foret with 1 minute to spare.  Such a blast. 

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 100km. 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!