Is La Tania the Perfect Ski Destination for Young Skiers This Season?

La Tania is not the kind of place that would immediately come to mind when you hear “Courchevel.” However, with 85% of its skiable terrain above 1,800 meters, it’s a very attractive destination. Plus, there’s Mont Blanc in the distance, on the Italian side, although you’re still firmly in France. This is a resort that doesn’t scream luxury but instead feels like something a bit cozier. Is it a good ski destination for first-timers this season?

According to some reviews on TripAdvisor, La Tania is recommended for experienced skiers. Apparently, runs should be rated higher, but that’s also a fairly subjective opinion. If you ask us, La Tania is well-suited for newbies for several reasons.

Why new starters Will Enjoy La Tania
Skiing in La Tania is ridiculously accessible. You could practically roll out of bed and land on the slopes, which, if you think about it, might be a skill in itself. The Tania gondola is always a quick stroll or slide away from wherever you’re staying. It’s all designed for new skiers and families, but even seasoned skiers can’t complain about the convenience.

If you’re just starting out in skiing, it’s probably best if you learn how to ski in a skiing school. Luckily, there’s a selection of ski schools here. Beginners can sidle up to either the ESF or Magic ski school, both of which offer English-speaking instructors. There are nursery slopes here as well, with “magic carpets” to glide new starters upwards before they’re comfortable with chairlifts & gondolas.

Young skiers who get the basics down quickly can find longer slopes to progress on from the village. This used to be a problem in the past, and many skiers complained about finding them, but a longer green run has been created that cuts through the woods and finds its way right back to the village.

Accommodation and Facilities
Born in 1990, a year shy of Albertville’s Olympics, La Tania stands as a curious blend of foresight and convenience. It’s car-free, which many consider an upside, and you can grab whatever you need at the local shops. The seamless integration with nature is almost too seamless. Still, it respects nature, which is always appreciated.

Le Ski Lodge is the kind of place where you can grab a decent burger or jacket potato for a reasonable price. If you’re after something with more of a local flair, you might want to head to Ferme de La Tania, where traditional Savoyarde dishes are served. If pizza is more to your liking, consider stopping by the Marmottons. The Taiga is stepping up its game, too, while Le Farcon can be a bit of a mixed bag; it’s Michelin-starred but overpriced. 

For something simpler, there’s always Chanterelles where you can find fare such as crepes at fair prices. There’s also Bouc Blanc, where you can sit on the terrace with table service and enjoy a view that justifies the effort made to reach it. Those who are looking for nightclubs or a casino will most likely be disappointed. Although these can’t be found in La Tania, tourists have the option to look for an online casino thanks to a good 4G/5G coverage from all major French operators.

When it comes to accommodation, the chalets here are not flashy. You’ll find good options that accommodate eight to 12 people, which works out well if you’re travelling in a group that prefers to keep things casual. There are ski slopes for every level, but you’ll still find people exaggerating their skill, hitting the expert runs when they need more practice at the lower levels. However, the atmosphere is friendly, and it’s generally a quiet place.

Intermediate and Advanced Skiers Won’t Be Disappointed 
If you’re travelling with a new skier as an intermediate or advanced skier, you might find beginner-friendly destinations a bit underwhelming. Luckily, that’s not the case with La Tania. The tree line red runs are both challenging and scenic, especially early in the day when the sun falls at just the right angle. 

The entire Three Valleys area is available with a single pass, which means you can easily explore Courchevel for a full piste experience. More challenging runs are available for advanced skiers. There are ttree black runs locally, Jean Blanc, Dou des Lanches and Jockeys (now L’Eclipse) and skiers who want something even more challenging can take chairlifts to off-piste spots such as Couloir Tournier, which boasts a notoriously difficult and steep descent. The nearby Col de la Loze also has off-piste areas for more adventurous skiers.