2010/11 Season Montage Video (all media) with Bring Your Sisters Soundtrack

The Season Review

The Season Review

Pic is from opening day of Courchevel 1850 and skiing down to La Tania 4 Dec 2010 – thanks to Nick Ski

This season in La Tania will be remembered mostly for the poor snow conditions at the end of the season with the really warm end of March and April weather combining with below average snow depths leading to early closures of many pistes and for the first time in 10 years not being able to ski down to La Tania on the final day of the season.

This, combined with a very late Easter (apparently it can only be one day later ever and that is not until 2038), Saturday being on Christmas and New Years Day (leading to various long and short breaks) plus the general economic down turn, great snow on the West side of North America plus the continuing state of the pound/euro etc meant some places closed early and many workers were sent home or at least finished early.

That said the pisteurs from the various lift companies across The Three Valleys did a magnificent job of keeping the pistes open and were worthy winners of the Hero of the Season award in the La Tania Saisonnaire Poll. Ultimately there was still excellent skiing available most days especially for those who made the effort for first lift and thrashed that corduroy first thing while the ( generally) younger workers would sit around and moan about the snow (or lack of it) outside their bedroom windows. True it was not a good season for off piste skiing (and often some dangerous conditions), you had to work for it and make the most of the opportunities but there were still some GREAT, GREAT days out there – imagine being in an office in Slough this Winter…..

There was still some skiing in the Courchevel Valley right until the end of the season on 25 April with Val Thorens keeping going until 8 May. However, by the time Charity Day in La Tania came around most people seemed to have given up on the snow and concentrated on the end of season parties.

This was the 10th Year of the La Tania Charity Day and over €120,000 has been raised for Cancer Charities in the UK and France. An estimated crowd of over 1,500 turned out to watch all the best bands in The Three Valleys play all afternoon on an outside stage with bars, BBQ, fancy dress etc. ALL the food, drink, raffles and T-Shirt revenue went to Charity (shame so many Saisonnaires brought their own booze and enjoyed the day without contributing to Charity though. Maybe it was a result of some workers finishing early or the fact that you couldn’t ski down to resort etc.). A huge effort from the locals in La Tania in putting on the event, 15,000 Euros banked so far with more to come. It’s almost outgrown La Tania now – looks like the format will change to some degree next year and well done to those of us who got up at 7:30am to tidy up with the help of complimentary bacon sandwiches from The Hotel Montana and Bloody Marys from The Ski Lodge.

More closing nights at the various bars and restaurants followed including a great BBQ at Lodge du Village in Meribel Village and there seemed to be a gradual drift away of workers from the resort as companies closed up early for the season. A final night at The Ski Lodge and a final gig from Bring Your Sisters and it was all over for most of the remaining people.

So a reminder of what happened…. ski show mess early early snow first racks and first skins and snow shoes up the mountain seasonal staff stranded in snow at gatwick then geneva airport closes la tania building work not finished but new beginners magic carpets sara’s first day second run broken shoulder val thorens beautiful opening day the ski lodge opening sam smallgetsfirst pintthe feeling hotel gig in 1850 latania.co.uk locals pics night world cup back in courchevel christmasnew year natives party r ussian christmas monday club australia day bish hen do twall birthday la t ania gondola break down comedy night the russian 5 million euro pary in 1550 cirque du soleil and christine aguilera the la tania 20th birthday party celebrations (100,000 euros for canapes, champagne, a band, some posters and fireworks???) 6 nations rugby england win ireland celebrate stevie’s bys branded fork tree skis mardi gras party the 1650 hotel golf apartments fire la boulotte closes return of dr bruce pyjama chavs pirates cops n robbers m exican cowboys n indians parties squeeze the feeling and the little world festival st patricks night dicks battle of the bands geordie robs annual fall bring your sisters meet peter andre car crash off the edge mont vallon avalanche hot weather no krab for monday club 40% discount on lift passes early closing charity ball the oscars la tania charity day snow melts closing parties “what are you doing in the summer” the building work starts again…. Did I miss anything?

La Tania opens for Summer on Saturday 2nd July 2011 and is open throughout July & August with the Gondola once again free and open on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday for walkers, bikers or just Bouc Blanc lunchers from 3 July until 25 August.

The Winter 2011/2012 opening date in La Tania has been confirmed by the S3V lift company as Saturday 10 December 2011. Courchevel 1850 will open a week before this and Val Thorens from around 21 November snow permitting.

Thanks to everyone I drank with and rode with, until next season, go hard,as they say over here….

Toff – latania.co.uk

Season over and the building site and cranes return to La Tania

The crane building starts…

Toni Torti’s 40th Birthday Bonfire Pic

La Tania Planning Meeting Minutes 21 Feb 2011 (in English)

Meeting minutes received at last, scanned them in, OCR’d them and auto translated mostly, but you should get the gist. No massive news on the new developments, the Quad Chair rumour etc – all on-going and waiting for the go ahead.

ASSOCIATION OF THE FREE SYNDICATE OF LA TANIA
GSI Immobilier, B.P. 88, 73603 MOUTIERS CEDEX

Subject: Minutes of meeting
MEETING No. 6 OF THE COMMISSION “FORWARD TANIA” Monday, February 21, 2011 AT 10 AM.

Present:
Mr. PANCERA, SARL LA TANIA
Mr. TOURRETTE, President and Chairman I’ASL LA TANIA and the SYNDICATE Council ATREY
Mr BENOIT, Sogir for LE GRAND BOIS
Mrs Bosquier. representative of the SYNDICATE Council LE GRAND BOIS
Mr. DELADERRIERE, SKI SET
Mr. MACHET, The Pub and Restaurant Farçon
Mr. LABARRE, Chairman of SYNDICATE Council CHARMS
Mr. JANOCHA, representing the SYNDICATE Council CHARMS
Mr. Devaux, Chairman of SYNDICATE Council 7 SABOIA
Mr. Labeille, owner of a chalet
Mrs Roux, owner Beau FORMIA
Mr. Danel, Director of the La Tania Tourist Office
Mrs Perilhou, GSI Estate – ASL LA TANIA

Apologies were:
The Commune
The Society of Three Valleys
******************************

In the preamble, Mr. PANCERA recalls the subject of the Commission “FORWARD TANIA” for the optimization of operating conditions of the Station La Tania, the development of its international image, upgrading its equipment and its heritage.

Update on real estate projects underway and planned in connection with the completion of the ZAC LA TANIA Project.

Property Development “VILLAGE MORETTA”: Mr. PANCERA recalled the ins and outs of the Village MORETTA project on the parking du SAZ. the SAZ. The achievement of 19 000 m2 oriented tourist accommodation (13,000 for B&B or hotel beds) and quality services (Relaxation, meeting room etc. ..) is currently hampered by the general economic environment that discourages investments in these projects.

The ambition of this project through its’ implementation, is to enhance the LA TANIA station and also to provide the new common resources that are needed to make new
investments. The future village Moretta must be part of the station. Also, Mr. PANCERA again invites all partners to get involved in the design of the project by sharing their
opinion. Any suggestions would be welcome. Mr. PANCERA states that parking will be constructed on the other side of the development to compensate for the loss of parking du SAZ. However, construction of public parking in the basement is complex and will therefore be rejected. Finally, confirmation that the public inquiry made possible following the P.L.U revision, will be open when the conditions regarding the provisions relating to drinking water are sorted.

Property Development La Croisette (south-east of the new public building): Mr. PANCERA reminded that the group of 7 triplex chalets of which 3
are nearing completion will all be completed in late 2011 / beginning of 2012.

Rights to build residual ZAC de La Tania: Mr. PANCERA advised that the developer has 300 m2 of floor area to be dedicated to building 1 or 2 chalets or an expansion of other projects exists. Discussions with the Municipality should take place shortly on the implementation of those rights to build residences on the area between SABOIA
and Tennis Court. At this announcement, the President of the ASL and the representatives of apartment buildings reacted and warned the developer. It is recalled
that the ASSOCIATION FREE SYNDICATE had shown, historically, opposition and prevented any construction in that area and would again. Mr. PANCERA noted the remarks made, but he said that these 300 M2 developments could be completed and developed in a harmonious pattern.

Other matters
– Ski area: SYNDICATE FREE ASSOCIATION appreciates the work of S3V for maintenance of the ski area, particularly the sector of LA TANIA. It is noted the snowmaking equipment in the piste map Fontaine, except the section between the Moretta and THE FOLYERES. It fears that this part lacks snow at the beginning and end of the season and this track is particularly used by beginners for descending to the village.

The Gondola, too, “celebrates 20 years”, but if this age is young for the station, it begins to be felt by mechanical failures that completely isolate the station when the snow cover is insufficient to use the lift of Gros Murgers as was the case in January. Substituting a quadruple chairlift would benefit by decongesting the gondola, overcoming the vagaries’ of the latter, of removing the crossing with the piste Fontaine which poses problems with beginners and finally, to function even in low
snow conditions.

S3V has arranged for a beginners “ZEN” area (area for beginners) to the right of the small Troika lift. This area is valuable because it allows beginners to learn without
using the FOLYERES piste that may be dangerous for them.

Maintenance by snowmaking is provided to allow skiers to use the path that connects the PRAZ Juget Top Station (the 2 SABOIAs and the L’ATREY apartments) plus the hamlet of La Tagne – approximately 700 beds, ski-in/ski-out. Since the inception of the station, it was designated as “access to ski” and the town was marked with a sign (in French and English). It was protected by banning all vehicles from the centre. ASSOCIATION FREE SYNDICATES opposes the go ahead of a chalet (6c) being built
along side the ZEN area which, moreover, would reduce the area devoted to skiing in winter and can be converted in the summer as a games area. Residents, users of this road PRAZ Juget take this link, skiers and pedestrians, especially in the absence of the lift originally planned to link the bottom of the station. For all these reasons, plus the risk of falling rocks and boulders it will be graded as a non-construction zone at the next planning review.

Mr. MACHET confirms the need to change the ski station of La Tania and the urgent need to hear ski professionals views ready to meet with representatives for S3V to
search for possible improvements. It is recalled that the S3V ski schools, partners, owners expect concrete proposals and initiatives on various issues:
• Creating a piste for beginners
• Improved return to the station
• Refurbishment of cetrtain lifts (drag lift, cable car).

Mrs Bosquier, representative of the building “Le Grand Bois” reminds the Municipality is committed to creating access for pedestrians, security and peace for residents. For several years, they suffered nuisance to occupants of users using the passageway of the 10th floor. Mr. PANCERA replied that new ideas are under way with the Municipality in order to achieve the achieving the overall project (paths and an area for sledging).

The participants urge the Municipality to make recommendations to improve the main thoroughfare. It is recalled that hazardous slopes must be removed and replaced by steps. The sustainability of the renovation of the pool equipment is recorded in the municipal budget (replacement liners, coping and pool).

The President of the ASSOCIATION FREE SYNDICATES reminds evryone to urgently order their own television equipment before permanent closure the Community Network cable function (November 2011).

Mr. Labeil reminded the Commune about the signage in the chalet area to assist in guiding tourists and visitors.

The Association renews its proposal for funding to the Office for Tourism leading to the establishment of a free WiFi Service. Mr. DANEL stated the existing equipment is not designed for a full extension. However, steps are being made with the company to assess new installation needs.

The next meeting of “Tania Forward” will be held immediately after the Annual General Meeting of the ASSOCIATION FREE SYNDICATE 2012, unless new information warrants a meeting in the interim.

The questions were exhausted and meeting adjourned at 12 o’clock.
Completed at Moutiers, 25 March 2011
For the President of ASL La Tania, Mr JP TOURRETTE.