The La Tania Ski Blog
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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
ESCAPADE 2026: Toffa goes solo and has a canny day out…
07 February 2026
Needed to check out the new 2026 route with the additional 2 chairlifts – The Saturday at the start of the French holidays looked to be the perfect time. Third year in a row I’ve done this alone – sounds weird but it was a great days skiing, no phone calls, messages, meeting points, lunch appointments etc – just me and the mountain, perfect for your mental health!
It is hard and difficult (and a long, long day) but a great sense of achievement. No big issues really – quite a big Saturday day trippers queue for La Masse and after that Reberty wasn’t running so I needed to use Doron, while Bruyeres stopped for about 10 minutes at one point.
Kept a steady pace, nothing mad and was on the first, first La Tania gondola bubble at 09:00 with every run skied top to bottom in one go (including Mont Vallon!). One loo stop in the 4th Valley Caron gondola mid station (very handy) and sandwiches / drinks on the gondolas had me arriving at Forêt for 16:05. Plenty of time to spare of course as Forêt was open until 16:50 for the rest of the season from today instead of 16:25 as the school holidays begin.
ESCAPADE 2026 – 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
Send a pic of yourselves on the day with your successful tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk and you’ll get your place in the HoF.
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 now at 32 lifts (depending on the route) ESCAPADE 2026 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….. Note that setting of record times and max speeds WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED.
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!
2025 – No changes to 2024 route!
2026 – Grandes Combs and Tortollet are added – ESCAPADE 2026
ESCAPADE 2026: Tomos, Ben & Hayley Success!
05 February 2026
“Our first attempt at the 3 Valleys Escapade went brilliantly, with conditions on our side from the start. We were on the gondola out of La Tania right at 9:00, making sure we were among the first up.
Everything was running smoothly until a near miss on the Biolley run down to St Martin, where one of the team almost sailed past a crucial turning. Thankfully, all the lifts were operational, and the only real delay we hit was a queue for the St Martin Express.
After leaving VT, it became clear that time wasn’t exactly on our side, so we made a quick push back towards Courchevel, dropping down to Le Praz to catch Forêt with just six minutes to spare before the lift closed.
A cracking day on the mountain — mission accomplished and rounded off perfectly with a well-earned pint in the Ski Lodge.“
https://strava.app.link/pZtgR46aw0b
ESCAPADE 2026 – 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
Send a pic of yourselves on the day with your successful tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk and you’ll get your place in the HoF.
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 now at 32 lifts (depending on the route) ESCAPADE 2026 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….. Note that setting of record times and max speeds WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED.
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!
2025 – No changes to 2024 route!
2026 – Grandes Combs and Tortollet are added – ESCAPADE 2026
ESCAPADE 2026: Hannes and 6 friends don’t quite make it
24 January 2026
Hannes started in Meribel and unfortunately was not able to do the Tania bubble and Golf lift. Instead they did Legends x2 (because Olympic was still closed) and Tougnete and descente to Le Raffort.
Good effort guys, next time….
ESCAPADE 2026 – 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
Send a pic of yourselves on the day with your successful tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk and you’ll get your place in the HoF.
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 now at 32 lifts (depending on the route) ESCAPADE 2026 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….. Note that setting of record times and max speeds WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED.
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!
2025 – No changes to 2024 route!
2026 – Grandes Combs and Tortollet are added – ESCAPADE 2026
The Official Opening of the new Chenus Gondola
Another big event today in Courchevel with the official “Inauguration” of the new Chenus Gondola. All the top people of Courchevel, the Tourist Office, the Mairie, S3V, POMA, National Press, Les 3 Vallées Association plus loads of ski instructors and Méribel Alpina & Sevabel lift company representatives were in attendance.
The new lift is a game changer – especially on poor weather days – for getting back to La Tania. Increased capacity from 4 to 10 seats, directly on the snow front so no ramps, less pylons, less impact, less noise, less power – but faster and a doubling of skiers per hour to 2,400.
This video shows the behind the scenes construction – it is remarkable, the removal of the old stations & pylons, the foundations, station construction work and guys hanging off ladders guiding second stages of pylons from helicopters to bolt them together then perched on top mounting pulleys and wheels. They show the installation of the cable too and how it’s spliced together! AMAZING!
Very impressive presentations from the people involved today including awards to some of the POMA staff who were perched on top of those pylons! Utilizing the latest technology, new AI CAD systems, state of the art electronic displays and management systems had one S3V liftie saying we’ve gone from a 2CV to a Tesla!
The snow front access, modern turnstiles and larger cabins also means access is much easier for pedestrians and those with disabilities (and can we suggest Mountain Bikes in the Summer too – please S3V?).
At the top there are new toilets and a fantastic indoor, warm, picnic area with tables, chairs, sofas, vending machines, microwaves, hot water, sinks and a coffee machine.
A great event, and good to see the municipality, Marie, tourist office, S3V, POMA, etc all working together in harmony and celebrating a great new asset for Courchevel – looking forward to the upgrade of the La Tania gondola starting this Summer and that “Inauguration“. Well done everybody…
The New Chenus Gondola
Courchevel focuses on innovation and sustainability.
After 55 years of faithful service, the Chenus gondola is entering a new phase of modernization. Scheduled for winter 2025/2026, this major transformation will provide Courchevel 1850 with a state-of-the-art infrastructure, designed to optimize the customer experience while respecting environmental concerns.
Designed by POMA, a world leader in cable transport solutions, this new gondola will accommodate 10-person EVO 2 cabins, offering a capacity of 2,400 people per hour. This advancement is part of an eco-design approach, with a route close to the existing installation, thus reducing the impact on ecosystems.
AN OPTIMIZED CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
In addition to increasing transport capacity, the project significantly transforms the infrastructure:
- At the departure station: Relocated to the heart of the Courchevel 1850 snow front, the new station will streamline passenger flow, notably relieving congestion in the Verdons queue and opening up the Croisette snow front.
- On the line: Thanks to an unchanged route, the construction will minimize the impact on the surrounding landscape, while offering greater wind resistance, ensuring increased availability.
- At the arrival station: Designed to be more spacious, it will incorporate additional services such as a picnic room, public restrooms, and a logistics area for freight transport. The goal: to reduce the need for snowmobiles and snow groomers to supply mountain restaurants.
A DUAL CHALLENGE COMBINING COMFORT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The aging Chenus gondola lift had cramped cabins, low capacity, and reduced availability on windy days. These factors made the renovation of this infrastructure, located on the Croisette snow front, essential.
The new project stands out for its refined design and eco-responsible innovations, such as the integration of solar panels (336 m² planned for the arrival station) and a rainwater harvesting system, capable of collecting 750 m³ of water annually. The project’s carbon footprint was also analyzed by experts, ensuring a controlled environmental impact. (The removed materials are sorted and recycled; aggregates extracted from the site are used for construction materials; water is recovered to supply the concrete plant; and a manufacturing platform is used to minimize transportation.)
A COLLABORATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE PROJECT
Launched in 2023, this project mobilizes a consortium of experts under the expert guidance of DCSA, the project manager, and with the participation of numerous engineering firms (fluid, energy, carbon, environment, snow science, hydrology, structural engineering, cost estimating, geotechnical engineering). The construction schedule spans two years:
- Summer/Autumn 2024: Preparatory work, including clearing and rerouting of utility lines.
- Winter 2024/2025: Maintenance of the existing gondola lift. • Summer 2025: Dismantling of the old installation and final implementation of the project for a December opening.
AN EXEMPLARY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT
In addition to reducing carbon footprint and integrating energy systems, the project includes concrete measures to preserve biodiversity: a construction schedule adapted to respect local wildlife, bird-marking devices to reduce bird collisions, dismantling of the Coqs chairlift, and planting of the redesigned areas with a mix of local plant seeds.
The dismantling of the Coqs chairlift, whose capacity will be taken over by the new Chenus gondola, is part of the overall approach to optimizing Courchevel’s lift network. This initiative also aims to reduce the visual impact by removing two stations and fifteen pylons, in accordance with the resort’s environmental commitment.
With this project, the 3 Valleys company is positioning itself as a leader in innovation and environmental responsibility in the ski lift sector, combining modernization, performance, and respect for the natural Alpine heritage.
- Total budget: €25 million (including VAT)
- Capacity: 2,400 people/hour (compared to 1,200)
- Length: 1,898m
- Vertical drop: 479m
- Number of cabins: 54
- Number of pylons: 11 (compared to 15)
- Photovoltaic panels: 336 m²
- Energy savings: -8%
ESCAPADE 2026: Jake, Ben, Tom & Carlos (Really First of 2026)
14 January 2026
It was only a matter of days after the 2026 Escapade Route was posted with “We’ve made the route harder” and there we were once again on our lads Ski trip pouring over the 3 Vallees piste map, checking the route and planning our adventure!
There was more than completion at stake, we had to improve on our 2023 effort when we made Foret with only 5 minutes to spare
We were a sharp and organised unit this time, we each had a role, Ben on the navigation, Jake tracking timings, Tom setting the pace, and Carlos a new member of our team advising on route choices based on piste conditions!
We were absolutely flying, hitting St Martin around 10am, Masse around 11am after some complex navigation around Les Menuires, dropping into VT shortly before 12am. The progress was hard to believe, we were wondering where the catch was. Completing Vallon at 2pm, we were now confident we had it in the bag but didn’t rest on our laurels. Heading back into Courchevel we were greeted by the rest of our group cheering us on, in slight disbelief that we’d skiid over 25kms in the time it took them to eat their burgers!
Finishing the final lifts in 1550, we carved our way down to Foret to finish at 3:39pm, an improvement of ~40 minutes on our previous attempt!!
But our day didn’t end there… our ‘fall line’ approach meant we’d only skied 88km and we felt somewhat under accomplished! So a quick Folyeres run, a bubble, and a chair later, we were lapping Pic Bleu to get the km’s up before heading to the Bouc Blanc for a celebratory beer (followed by a celebratory few in the Slodge!).
We loved the route changes this year and the addition of lifts in Les Menuires and Courchevel, as well as a reversed approach to Väl Thorens and Orelle!
Can’t wait to do it all over again when we’re next in La Tania!
From Ben, Tom, Jake and Carlos
ESCAPADE 2026 – 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
Send a pic of yourselves on the day with your successful tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk and you’ll get your place in the HoF.
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 now at 32 lifts (depending on the route) ESCAPADE 2026 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….. Note that setting of record times and max speeds WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED.
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!
2025 – No changes to 2024 route!
2026 – Grandes Combs and Tortollet are added – ESCAPADE 2026
How to Use Online Entertainment to Enhance Your Ski Resort Experience
Ski resorts give you more than just the slopes. After a full day in the cold, you return to your chalet with tired legs but your mind still alert. The hours between skiing and sleep used to mean flipping through old magazines or watching whatever was on television. Things have changed, and the new options fit into a ski holiday without getting in the way of what you came for.
Online entertainment has slipped into resort life without much fuss. People still gather around fires to talk about the day’s runs, but phones and tablets come out during the quieter bits. What’s different now is how people fill the gaps between activities while staying connected to things that matter to them back home.
Evening Hours and What to Do With Them
Lifts stop around four in the afternoon, which leaves several hours before dinner and even more after that. Some guests head straight for the hot tub while others take their time winding down. Online entertainment works well here because it adapts to whatever energy you have left after a day on the mountain.
Most places now include streaming services, so you can pick up shows you started at home. Podcasts work if you want something in the background while stretching sore muscles or making dinner. Mobile games fill the same kind of space. They need no setup and ask for nothing more than a few minutes at a time. After spending hours concentrating on icy slopes, something simple feels about right.
When Small Stakes Make Things More Interesting
Some guests bring other interests to the mountain. Sports fans follow matches back home, and putting small bets down turns watching into something more active. Mobile platforms made this realistic in ways that weren’t possible ten years back. You can bet on a football match from an Alpine chalet just as easily as from your living room sofa.
Casino gaming works the same way. Online platforms have grown past basic slots to include table games, live dealer setups, and other options. For UK visitors who like this sort of thing, payout rates matter more than flashy adverts or big promises. So, casinos that pay out well in the UK earn their names through fairness and transparency, which counts for more than marketing when you’re trying to make your holiday money last.
These sites usually work with game providers known for better payout rates, which means your balance goes further per session. The difference might not jump out at first, but over a few hours of play, it shows up in how long your money lasts. Players who stick with better payout games get more time without needing to top up their accounts as often.
63% of UK adults now take part in some form of online gaming, which reflects how digital entertainment has moved from novelty to standard practice during downtime.
The point isn’t about landing huge wins but about having something different from the usual resort stuff. A few hands at the table or some time on a game can take up twenty minutes or stretch to an hour, depending on your mood. Stakes stay modest, the pace stays relaxed, and it all fits naturally into the downtime that every ski trip has built into it.
Getting the Balance Right
The main problem with bringing too much digital stuff on holiday is letting it take over instead of just filling gaps. Ski resorts offer things you can’t get anywhere else, and spending whole afternoons on a phone defeats the point of being there.
Weather plays into this quite a bit. On days when storms shut the lifts or visibility drops to nothing, having entertainment options becomes genuinely useful. Hours that would have gone to skiing now need filling, and streaming a film or playing some games beats staring at snow falling past your window.
UK adults now spend an average of 4 hours and 30 minutes online daily, which shows how portable options have become part of standard downtime habits across the board.
Making It Work With Your Group
Not everyone in a skiing group will feel the same way about their devices. Some see phones as tools while others treat them as permanent fixtures. Ski holidays often throw together people with different habits, and friction can build if nobody talks about expectations early on.
Setting some loose rules helps stop problems before they start. Keeping phones off the table during meals keeps things social without banning devices completely. Someone who wants to watch a match or play a few hands shouldn’t feel bad about taking an hour alone, just as someone who’d rather chat shouldn’t feel abandoned.
The best way to treat online entertainment as one choice among many, rather than the thing you default to. Mornings belong to the mountain. Afternoons can mix skiing with breaks for hot drinks or quick looks at messages. Evenings give you the most flexibility, which is when digital stuff slots in most naturally without fighting against why you booked the trip to begin with.
Evenings in La Tania settle into relaxed routines after the lifts close
When the lifts grind to a halt and the last skiers slide back into La Tania, the mood shifts quickly. Boots come off, layers get peeled away, and the village quietens without much fuss. This isn’t a resort known for big nights out, and that’s exactly why many people keep coming back.
Evenings here tend to follow a gentle rhythm. There’s a short window of après-ski energy, then a steady drift back to apartments and chalets. By the time darkness settles over the trees, La Tania feels more like a lived-in neighbourhood than a holiday hotspot.
That rhythm suits a lot of people in 2026. After full days on the Three Valleys pistes, most skiers aren’t hunting for late nights. They want warmth, good food, and something easy to unwind with before doing it all again tomorrow.
Après-ski spots locals actually use
Straight after skiing, a few familiar places soak up most of the social energy. Drinks are unpretentious, conversations are loud but friendly, and nobody’s checking the time. It’s the kind of après where you’re just as likely to be talking about tomorrow’s snow conditions as you are about today’s wipeouts.
What’s changed over the past few seasons is how short this phase can be. Many groups now treat après as a transition rather than a destination. One drink becomes two, and then the pull of a warm chalet starts to win.
Quiet nights in chalets
Once dinner starts, La Tania really slows down. Supermarket runs earlier in the evening pay off as groups cook together, sharing simple meals that don’t require much planning or expense. It’s sociable without being demanding, which matters when legs are already aching.
Streaming a film, cooking together, or playing cards around the table has become the norm, with some guests occasionally dipping into online distractions like non gamstop poker sites as a low-effort way to unwind without heading back out. These casinos do not abide by Gamstop restrictions, meaning they can be accessed by anybody. The appeal is convenience rather than intensity, and it fits neatly into evenings built around comfort and familiarity.
Board games tend to appear on tables across the resort. So do phones and tablets, usually for catching up on messages or watching something familiar rather than scrolling endlessly. The goal isn’t stimulation, it’s recovery.
Cost plays a role, too. Eating and drinking in has become more attractive as people manage holiday budgets carefully.
Downtime for seasonal workers
Seasonal staff follow a similar pattern, though for slightly different reasons. After long shifts that start early and end late, energy is limited. Socialising still happens, but it’s more likely to be a shared meal or a low-volume catch-up than a full night out.
Permanent La Tania residents are basically non-existent, with an estimated full-time population of just 43. For this reason, don’t expect much local atmosphere.
Flats and staff accommodation become important social hubs. People drop by, sit on the floor, and talk through the day without much structure. It’s informal and practical, shaped by exhaustion as much as preference.
Online leisure fits neatly into this downtime. It’s accessible, doesn’t require coordination, and can be picked up or dropped at a moment’s notice. The real value is control, choosing how much energy to spend and when to switch off.
Unwritten rules of La Tania evenings
Over time, certain expectations settle in. Loud behaviour late at night is quietly frowned upon, especially near family accommodation. Respecting the calm isn’t enforced; it’s just understood.
Another unspoken rule is pacing. Big nights do happen, but rarely back-to-back. Most people know that tomorrow’s skiing depends on tonight’s choices, and La Tania encourages that awareness without spelling it out.
Ultimately, evenings here reflect what many visitors now want from a ski holiday. Not constant activity, but space to relax properly. Whether that’s over a shared meal, a board game, or a short spell of online entertainment, the point is the same: winding down well enough to enjoy the mountains all over again in the morning.
ESCAPADE 2026: Jack and Ellen
22 January 2026
Following a failed first attempt on 20/01/26, we finally completed the new 2026 escapade on 22/01/26 — a challenge we’d both had our eyes on since first coming to La Tania (Jack three years ago, and me nearly nine!).
Not everything went smoothly, though. The newly added Tortollet chair tested us when it stopped three times just as the end was within touching distance. Thankfully, the painfully slow Grande Combes chair didn’t stop at all — possibly because we were the only skiers around. Not entirely surprising, given that about a third of the piste down had clearly seen better, snowier days.
Mount Vallon may have been the most memorable section of all. We could barely see out of the gondola on the way up, let alone ski down a run neither of us had ever done before. Or perhaps it was the chaos descending from Orelle towards Pioneers in VT, where Jack was brutally wiped out, dragged onto the wrong piste, and forced to walk back to rejoin me at the top of the correct one.
And then came the highlight: rolling into the Forêt chair lift at 16:04 with 21 minutes to spare.
ESCAPADE 2026 – 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
Send a pic of yourselves on the day with your successful tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk and you’ll get your place in the HoF.
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 now at 32 lifts (depending on the route) ESCAPADE 2026 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….. Note that setting of record times and max speeds WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED.
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!
2025 – No changes to 2024 route!
2026 – Grandes Combs and Tortollet are added – ESCAPADE 2026
ESCAPADE 2026: James, Saba & Jon
26 January 2026
James (43, England), Saba (43, Iran) and I (Jon, 43 – England) successfully completed Escapade 2026 today from Courchevel Moriond with 7 minutes to spare. Chanrossa (closing 16:10) and Chapelets (16:25) were the potentially constraining lifts.
The only previous attempt (failed due to contact lens trouble) was Jon 18 years ago!
First lift Arondiaz at 9am. Perfect conditions. Whizzed around Courchevel in no time. Based on our v unscientific 17 mins per lift (or pair of lifts) we were 40 minutes ahead of schedule.
A little cloud and snow at the top of Col de la Loz slowed us and Jon did an involuntary 360 on some unforeseen ice as we descended into Meribel Centre around 11:00. By the time we’d reached Bettex an hour later, the sun was out again and it remained clear for the rest of the day.
Nerves meant we hadn’t taken any photos yet. Didn’t try to take a loo break until desperation point at the top of Masse, where they were closed! Argh… I don’t think we’ve ever skied so fast as we did back to Les Menuires (Reberty) where we were able to make our only pitstop to great relief.
Tiredness and complacency slowed us down around VT and Orelle. Annoyingly just missed a téléphérique at Thorens. By the time we reached Pionniers back in VT we were 10 minutes behind schedule. We were hoping for a performance boost from handfuls of cola bottles and chocolate.
Felt fire in the legs descending from Mont Vallon and reached Pas Du Lac 1 around 15:45, saving time by skiing down to the stepped entrance underneath then using the single person lane. This gondola is agonisingly long and slow, but gave us an opportunity to remember to take a photo! Could we make it to Chanrossa by 16:10? Yes with 7 mins to spare. The piste down to Chapelets was empty and beautiful in the sunset.
Epilogue: someone took Jon’s skis while we celebrated at Le Tigre, but happily returned an hour later by a slightly worse for wear French holidaymaker. The relief was so great Jon was actually happier than before he knew the skis had been taken!
ESCAPADE 2026 – 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
Send a pic of yourselves on the day with your successful tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk and you’ll get your place in the HoF.
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 now at 32 lifts (depending on the route) ESCAPADE 2026 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….. Note that setting of record times and max speeds WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED.
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!
2025 – No changes to 2024 route!
2026 – Grandes Combs and Tortollet are added – ESCAPADE 2026
ESCAPADE 2026: Jill & Mark
21 January 2026
After completing the Escapade in 2025 I returned to the Three Vallees in 2026 this time staying in La Tania, with a different group of friends to coerce into another attempt .
On the eve of our attempt our chalet hosts at Le Torrent Come-ski, Carrie and Graeme informed us that there were now two extra lifts in the route. This then prompted a mad – rush of readjusting the route plan!
Six of us (3 skiers, 3 boarders) set off on the first lift out of La Tania on a perfect weather day, 21st Jan. Two of us completed it (one skier and one boarder).
We were graced with empty slopes and non-existent queues which after having five lifts in a row stop on us we were grateful for!
Navigating finding the Grandes Combes lift and the crossover of the Bettex and Tortellette lift was a challenge but thankfully we managed it getting to the Foret lift with 20 minutes to spare!
Not one wee all day!
ESCAPADE 2026 – 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
Send a pic of yourselves on the day with your successful tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk and you’ll get your place in the HoF.
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 now at 32 lifts (depending on the route) ESCAPADE 2026 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….. Note that setting of record times and max speeds WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED.
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!
2025 – No changes to 2024 route!
2026 – Grandes Combs and Tortollet are added – ESCAPADE 2026
