RIP Mitch – La Tania Family Loses A Much Loved Local, Colleague and Friend

Awful, tragic news hit the La Tania community very hard last week as we lost a much loved local, colleague and friend, Mitchell Hopkins. Just starting his third season with girlfriend Michaela running a catered chalet after being out here all Summer enjoying the biking, hiking, via ferrata climbing, padel tennis etc and even covering a few shifts in Pub Le Ski Lodge – it was a pleasure to get to know him and enjoy a pint together.

Always willing to help out anyone, and always with a smile on his face, he even did a Snow Report for us on the opening day of the season in Val Thorens on 23 November this year as the only person we knew who was travelling across that day – something we are sure was out of his comfort zone, but being Mitch he wanted to help us out.

I think I first met Mitch at a Chalet Test Meal just before a season started and after some excellent food we had a late night discussion and taste tests on which coffee pods were the best (pretty sure we agreed it was Lidle actually!).

Speaking to people this week, so many mentioned his smile, his love of La Tania in Summer & Winter and of course his love for soul mate Michaela (aka Kayla) who shared his passion for life out here. Recently he stated that this was the best year of his life – so sad and so unfair that it has been cut so short.

Very proud of the La Tania Family that immediately rallied round offering love and support to Michaela plus help and assistance in getting families out here, sorting accommodation and transfers plus people covering shifts and work rotas to make sure visitors holidays still go ahead. Please make sure we continue to look after everyone who is close to this.

Seeing the amazing strength of Kayla and meeting her and Mitch’s family last week was very emotional but also very comforting to to see the support they are getting and seeing their love for Mitch.

Mitch was on his return down to La Tania when the tragedy happened, collapsing with heart failure and despite the efforts of the Ski Patrol Medics (a doctor also flown in immediately by helicopter once the alert was raised) they were unable to revive him. Mitch was only 35 years old.

We’re absolutely sure Mitch will be riding in the sky looking down on Folyères each time we pass by – you will be missed by so many who had the pleasure of meeting you.

There is a GoFundMe page for Mitch’s family to help them through this awful time and a donation to a charity of their choice will be made. Please Donate Here

Finally a few words from Kayla:
“He was doing what he absolutely loved on one of his favourite ski slopes. He was happy, listening to country music and had the best weather for his final ski“

Lots of love and commiserations to all family and all friends, RIP.