What’s New in La Tania & The Three Valleys 2026 – The Definitive Guide

The 25th edition of What’s New in La Tana & The 3 Valleys – The Definitive Guide

The Three Valleys ski area (Les 3 Vallées) is introducing numerous upgrades and additions for the 2025/2026 winter season to enhance the skiing experience. Below is a comprehensive resort-by-resort breakdown of new ski lifts, runs, buildings, and improvements – from La Tania’s Moretta Village development to major lift projects in Courchevel, Méribel, Les Menuires, St. Martin, Val Thorens, and Orelle. All information is up-to-date as of October 2025.

All the 3 Valleys 2026 Piste Maps

The first 2 weeks of the season lift opening schedule

2026 Lift Pass Prices and Resort Dates

2026 Season Pass Discounts

La Tania

Moretta Village Development: La Tania sees the completion of a large new apartment and hotel complex (“Moretta Village”) on the site of the old gondola car park. The development will partially open in December 2025, with the first of about 80 new tourist apartments ready for occupation. A four-star hotel with spa (500 beds total in the complex) is scheduled to open by the 2026 season. This multi-year project also includes an underground parking garage and a new access road tunnel under the pistes.

• Reopened Moretta Blanche Ski Run: The lower section of La Tania’s red Moretta Blanche piste, which had been closed for two seasons during construction, is expected to reopen for Winter 2025/26 . Earthworks on the slope have been completed, and new snowmaking has been installed to ensure the improved red run is skiable to resort level . This restores La Tania’s red-route access back down to the village gondola.

• Courchevel Link Improvements: Although no new lifts are built in La Tania itself this year, skiers will benefit from nearby upgrades. Notably, a small Lac Bleu rope tow has been installed just above La Tania (near Col de la Loze) to whisk skiers across a flat section of trail towards Courchevel 1850 . This rope tow spares people the need to pole or skate on the traverse from Dou des Lanches, making the return from Méribel into Courchevel smoother. Additionally, La Tania skiers can take advantage of Courchevel’s new Chenus gondola (detailed below) for faster access to the Saulire area.
• The Gros Murger drag lift has been repaired:
  • This lift was out of action all of last Winter due to storm Caetano last November when thousands of trees came down in the forests around Courchevel, La Tania and Méribel (and surrounding areas). Fallen trees came down across the drag lift cables causing serious damage.
  • Extensive forestry work has been going on ever since and some estimates are saying another 4 years work is required on clearing all the fallen and snapped trees.

• Some footpaths and bike tracks had to be closed this Summer due to the forestry work going on. It was amazing to see some of the heavy machinery cut, drag down and then strip all the branches off massive pine trees in just seconds!
• We’ve been informed by S3V that Gros Murger will only operate in Winter 25/26 in the event of the La Tania Gondola breaking down. This is “Validated” by the Mairie – thanks very much – imagine Cospillot not running for example…

• Resort Center Enhancements: Within La Tania, public infrastructure is being upgraded to handle the new development. The village center has a redesigned traffic flow with the new road tunnel, and local officials have indicated improvements to services (parking, bus, etc.) to accommodate the increased capacity. Future plans include a new two story car park being constructed at La Taiga car park. The resort’s charm remains intact, but the skyline now features the alpine-style architecture of Moretta Village, which blends wood and stone finishes consistent with La Tania’s aesthetic.

• New Pub Le Ski Lodge – La Tania sign on the terrace (it couldn’t go on the roof as it needs repairing!).

• So Steve (aka DaDa Chef) has really, really decided not to come back to La Tania after several unplanned returns (and leaving parties) over the years.
• We hear Geordie Rob will be returning to La Tania after several years (although often here as a visitors) – Welcome Back Rob! Looking forward to some Champions League games with you.
• A new Pub Dog named Nancy might possibly be making an appearance this season if all goes to plan, a far too cute Golden Retriever puppy will hopefully be Buddy’s new best friend!
• Your favourite Cocktail Barman at La Taiga is returning while some bar staff have escaped to bleak Tignes (they’ll be back). Quite a few returners too plus veterans who headed to Italy last season are back in Bozel.
• The Bakery may have (at last) a new owner – not food and beverage though, likely to be a retail operation, retro clothing we hear?
• Old Chenus Gondolas on the Ski Lodge terrace plus new signage on the shack, with talk of the return of Jacket Potatoes…

• There’s a new deck underneath the Hotel Montana where there Spa area is – they’ve got 2 gondolas on the deck above there too!
• Resident bands this year will include Queens of the Snow Stage, The Wingmen, and some Revolverlites plus the return of a weekly “Bring Your Sisters” “Da BoYS” (at least Stevie & Gareth) après gig but expect Westy & Rich there several times like Paddy’s Day and New Years Eve. Rotating acts for Friday après at the Pub and Thursday evening at La Taiga. Freddie surely to be back for Tuesday’s at La Taiga no doubt.
• Fusi has opened a shop in Le Praz so we don’t know who’s running the La Tania gift shop yet!
• Full fibre to the premises in Pub Le Ski Lodge and La Taiga has been installed at last – so very decent internets speeds on offer plus a lot more reliable connections for streaming those sports events.
• A new Lidl Supermarket opened in Moûtiers on 2nd October – a lot of fans in La Tania for this…
  • Located near to the Bus Station & Railway Station (and future new Health Centre)
  • On the site of the old Casino / Leader Price supermarket
  • 1,700 m² floor space
  • Parking for 100 cars
  • 7 self checkouts as well as manned ones
  • Part of a larger project combining shops, offices, housing, and a gym
  • Opens 08:30-20:00 Mon-Sat and 08:30-12:15 on Sundays

Courchevel

Rendering of the brand-new Chenus Gondola top station in Courchevel 1850, a state-of-the-art 10-person lift replacing the old 4-seat bubble. The new base station sits at ground level for easier access .

Courchevel has invested heavily in modernizing its lift system and enhancing pistes and facilities for 2025/26:

• New Chenus Gondola (Courchevel 1850): After 55 years of service, the old Chenus lift has been completely rebuilt for Winter 2025/26 . The new Chenus gondola is a high-speed 10-seater (Poma EVO cabins) that doubles uphill capacity to about 2,400 skiers per hour . It features a relocated base station on the 1850 snowfront (closer to road level) to improve pedestrian access and reduce congestion around the adjacent Verdons lift . The top station (at 2240m) now includes a heated picnic room for skiers who bring their own lunch . Sustainability was a priority in this €20 million project: the upper terminal is fitted with 336 m² of solar panels and a snowmelt water recovery system (saving ~750 m³/year)  . Fewer lift towers (11 instead of 15) and energy-efficient drive systems also minimize the environmental footprint .

• Beginner Area Revamp (Courchevel 1850): The children’s ski school zone in Courchevel 1850 has been completely regraded and upgraded.

• A new kids’ fun park with a gentle zig-zagging slope was created, along with three new covered magic-carpet lifts (charmingly named “Olaf”, “Balou” and “Némo”) installed on the snowfront  . These conveyor lifts make it easier for beginners and young skiers to practice. The enlarged area provides a safe, dedicated space for learners right in the resort center.
• Lac Bleu Rope Tow: To improve connectivity between valleys, a short rope-tow lift has been added near the Col de la Loze sector. This new Lac Bleu tow (152 m long) gently pulls skiers across the flat section by the frozen Lac Bleu, allowing those coming from Méribel or the Dou des Lanches chair to reach Courchevel’s Chenus piste without poling. In essence, it eliminates a tedious flat spot and links into the blue run network above La Tania. The tow has a capacity of ~450 skiers/hour and was manufactured by Gimar Montaz (GMM) .
• New “Pralinette” Green Run (Moriond 1650): Courchevel Moriond has a new beginner piste this winter. The former Carabosse fun zone (which had banked turns and whoops for kids) has been relocated, and in its place a gentle green run named Pralinette has been created  . Pralinette offers an easy route near the Granges lift area, improving the learn-to-ski terrain in Moriond. Meanwhile, the Carabosse terrain park itself has moved up the mountain – it now resides at the top of the Signal chairlift, where it continues to offer fun banked turns and small jumps in a new setting .
• Upgraded Fun Zones: Several existing family fun areas in Courchevel got makeovers. The Western Skipark in Moriond (the American West-themed zone) has been refreshed with new obstacles – including a giant hammock – and updated signage . Over in the Indian-themed “Canyon de Yepa” (Courchevel 1650), the entry portal, decorative totems, and educational displays have been improved . These imaginative zones continue Courchevel’s focus on playful, family-friendly skiing. Additionally, at the summit of Saulire, a new panoramic rest area with a wooden terrace has been installed . This deck (sponsored by a luxury watch brand) offers skiers a stunning viewpoint towards Mont Blanc and a spot to relax and snap photos at 2700m altitude.
• A new biking pump track has been built near Aquamotion opening in October. It’s situated next to the hairpin bend opposite the Erin Blanc hotel. Helmets are compulsory and for the use of BMX, Mountain Bikes, Scooters, Skateboards and In-line Skaters only – strictly no motorbikes (electric or petrol)!

• New Accommodations in Courchevel: A number of high-end lodging options debut this season:
  
  • Maya Hotel (Courchevel 1850): a boutique 14-room, 5-star hotel blending Japanese-inspired interior design with Alpine luxury. The Maya will open winter 2025/26 featuring bespoke services (private chauffeur, in-house Lalique spa treatments, etc.) and décor accented by artist Takashi Murakami’s works.

• Atmosphere 1850:
  • A new serviced residence opening December 2025 in Courchevel 1850, offering 18 upscale apartments (up to 4 bedrooms each) with the amenities of a palace hotel  . Guests will enjoy a 22-meter indoor pool, spa (sauna, steam room, treatment rooms), a fitness center, and a fine-dining restaurant on site. This residence combines the freedom of apartment living with concierge and room services akin to a luxury hotel.

• Steamboat Lodge & Sundance Lodge (Courchevel Moriond 1650): two new chalet-style residence complexes just steps from the slopes:
  • Steamboat Lodge offers a collection of individually decorated apartments (from 2 to 7 bedrooms, 60–242 m²), along with a restaurant, bar, pool, and spa facilities.
  • Sundance Lodge, 150m from the slopes, similarly provides large sun-filled lodge apartments with five-star services – including a wellness area (pool, sauna, hammam, spa), ski shop, and concierge – plus on-site dining and shops.
  • These developments in Moriond deliver top-tier luxury accommodations while maintaining a private chalet ambiance

• Le Chabichou is having an extension towards the rear of the main building next to the road. An old chalet building seems to have been taken over.

• Hotel La Pomme de Pin, a former favourite of ours as one of the only affordable places in 1850 is being reconstructed. Back in 2020 it was rebranded Hotel La Pomme and came under the management of the Maison Tournier Group (Saint Roch, Cap Horn, L’Aventure, L’Equipe, La Cantine etc). It was then completely gutted and left for a few seasons but now has been completely flattened.

• Last year the owners, property developer Ghelamco sold the property to French Hospitality Group OCP for €62m.
• The new building will be (another) top end hotel with world class restaurant & partially covered terrace with bar, 10 floors (up from 6), 15 suites and a wellness area.

• The big hole / eyesore near Plantrey Lift (in front of where the old “King of Spain” chalet was (a wind up by TC in 1999) is finally being worked on. The old foundations and what looked like a swimming pool have been ripped out – it could be an extension to the chalets below but whatever it is – about time!

• Meanwhile, The Pilatus Hotel above 1850 is no more… They started ripping it down before the season had finished, tearing up the terrace and roof from mid-April 2025. Another place that will never be the same and surely another over-priced top end place.

Méribel & Mottaret

Concept image of the new Côte Brune Gondola base station at Méribel-Mottaret. The 10-seater gondola replaces an old chairlift, greatly improving comfort and capacity between Méribel, Les Menuires, and Val Thorens.

The Méribel Valley is introducing key lift upgrades and facility improvements for 2025/26:

• New Côte Brune Gondola (Méribel-Mottaret):
  • The pivotal Côte Brune lift, which links Méribel-Mottaret with Les Menuires/Val Thorens, has been completely replaced. What was formerly a chilly 4-person chairlift from 1991 is now a modern 10-person gondola. The new Côte Brune travels at 7 m/s and will open December 2025, cutting the ride time and protecting skiers from the weather.
  • Capacity jumps from 2,200 up to 2,600 people/hour thanks to larger cabins and dual loading platforms. The gondola has only 51 cabins (vs. 128 old chairs), meaning far fewer lift towers are needed, which improves the landscape views.
  • A picnic area is being added at the top station so skiers can enjoy a packed lunch with views at Col de la Chambre.
  • Notably, construction was done with eco-measures like on-site concrete mixing and reduced helicopter lifts to limit environmental impact. The new lift dramatically improves the inter-valley connection, offering a warm, quick ride between Méribel’s highest sector and Val Thorens.

Photo of the new Côte Brun Gondola courtesy of Ski Fan https://www.flickr.com/photos/skifan

• Rhodos Gondola Renovation (Méribel Centre): The two-stage Rhodos gondola out of Méribel Centre is undergoing a major refit after 36 years of operation . For winter 2025/26, Rhodos is upgraded with brand-new 8-seat cabins (Poma “Diamond” cabins) that offer more space and comfort . The lift’s mechanical and electrical systems have been overhauled as well.

• Rhodos is a vital link (it carries beginners and ski school classes up to the Altiport and Rond-Point areas), so this renovation favors refurbishment over full replacement to align with Méribel’s sustainability goals . Once complete, riders will notice smoother, more energy-efficient operation and modern aesthetics, while the lift’s capacity and alignment remain similar.
• Brides-les-Bains Olympe Station Upgrade:Down in the valley, the base station of the Olympe gondola (which carries visitors from Brides-les-Bains up to Méribel) has been completely rebuilt for this season .

• The new station building features escalators, an elevator, and covered access, greatly improving foot traffic flow for pedestrians and skiers with luggage. Inside, there is now a spacious ticket hall with modernized sales desks and 24/7 lift-pass vending machines, plus equipment lockers for day visitors. Amenities like public restrooms, a water fountain, and hot drink dispensers have been added as well. This €2.9 million investment makes the gateway from Brides-les-Bains much more welcoming and accessible (including for those with reduced mobility), effectively turning the Olympe base into a comfortable mini-station for Méribel’s “4th valley” access.

• Chaudanne Lounge Refresh:
  • Méribel’s Chaudanne base area offers a skiers’ lounge (opened in 2014) where people can take breaks indoors. For Winter 2025/26, the Chaudanne Lounge has been fully refurbished with a warmer, more modern interior design.
  • The updated lounge includes new seating and cozy décor, plus phone charging stations so guests can power up devices . Vending machines for snacks and drinks are also being installed. This revamp ensures the lounge remains a popular spot to relax or shelter on bad-weather days, aligning with Méribel’s focus on comfort and guest experience.

• New Luxury Residence – L’Alba (Rond-Point):
  • In the Méribel real estate scene, a high-end development called L’Alba is debuting at the Rond-Point des Pistes. Due for completion by December 2025, L’Alba is a luxury residence containing 20 spacious apartments (from 2-bedroom to 6-bedroom duplexes) in a ski-in/ski-out location.
  • The apartments feature large terraces (up to 150 m²) and high-grade finishes, and the building offers five-star facilities such as a fitness room, an indoor pool, a private ski shop, and even a small supermarket open year-round .
  • L’Alba pays homage to the former Hotel Alba (which housed Olympic athletes in 1992) and continues Méribel’s tradition of upscale yet charming alpine accommodation . This is the latest addition to Méribel’s collection of prestige lodging, catering to luxury travelers seeking both convenience and elegance.

Over in Meribel Village there’s still some large chalet building work going on, a big hole in the road and we thought LdV hat got a gondola too!

Les Menuires

Les Menuires is enhancing capacity on key lifts and expanding its family offerings for 2025/26:

• Roc 2 Chairlift Upgrade: The important second stage of the Roc gondola/chair link (Roc 2, which connects from Les Menuires up to the 3 Marches ridge) has been upgraded for higher capacity. Seventeen additional chairs have been added to Roc 2, increasing its hourly uplift from 2,200 to 2,800 people per hour.

• A new 400 m² garage was built to store all the chairs at night, which protects them and improves reliability . This boost will better absorb peak crowds and smooth out bottlenecks on this strategic connection from Les Menuires toward Méribel and Val Thorens.
• Preyerand Gondola Renovation: The little Preyerand cable car (which links the main La Croisette front de neige with the lower Preyerand area of Les Menuires) has gotten a facelift. While it retains its charming and unusual configuration (cabins that travel in sets of three), the gondola cabins have been refurbished with more comfortable interiors . The door mechanisms were reinforced to improve safety and reduce technical stops.

• These upgrades keep this 1960s-iconic lift running smoothly while preserving its retro character and convenient role shuttling people to and from lodging in the Preyerand quarter.

• Expanded Beginner & Fun Zones: Families and children will find even more to explore in Les Menuires:
  
  • The Montagnettes Fun Run, a beginner-friendly fun slope introduced last year, returns with an extended course covering the entire green Montagnettes piste near La Croisette . The layout has been redesigned with new playful modules – expect arches to ski through, gentle whoops, small jumps, and even obstacles like a “giant organ” and foam chimes that make sounds  . This safe, progressive mini-boardercross is accessible from the Menuires or Doron chairlifts and is aimed at kids (and adults) to practice in a fun way .
  • The long-running Friendly Natural Park (an animal-themed ski play area) has also been upgraded . New interactive features have been added along the run, including large animal sculptures (a monumental fox), a suspended net hammock at the finish, and musical elements like a giant xylophone  . The start area now has improved signage and dual “parallel slalom” gates for some friendly racing  . This fun piste, reached via the Pointe de la Masse gondola, lets families discover local wildlife themes while skiing through engaging obstacles in a natural setting .

• 24/7 Lift Pass Kiosks: To make life easier for arriving guests, Les Menuires has installed new automated lift pass vending machines at La Croisette. Six ticket machines are now available 24/7, allowing visitors to purchase or recharge ski passes at any time . This means no more waiting in morning lines at the ticket office – skiers can collect their passes even late at night upon arrival, and hit the slopes first thing. It’s a convenient upgrade improving guest autonomy and flow.
• Saint-Martin-de-Belleville Links: (Note: Les Menuires and St Martin share a ski area in the Belleville Valley. See the Saint-Martin section below for additional new attractions accessible to Les Menuires visitors, such as the La Belle Vie spa and cultural exhibits.)

Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

The quaint village of St Martin (part of the Les Menuires/Belleville sector) introduces some non-ski additions that enrich the cultural and wellness experience:

• “Altitude Gallery” Art Space: New for this winter, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville has opened an Altitude Gallery – a contemporary art gallery located in the heart of the village (opposite the town hall, near the historic church) . Curated in partnership with Galerie L’Antichambre of Chambéry, the gallery will host rotating exhibitions featuring both French and international artists (emerging and established) across various media . Throughout the season the exhibits will change, so each visit could showcase different paintings, sculptures, or multimedia installations. This cultural initiative offers visitors and locals an artistic diversion, celebrating creativity amidst the Alps.
• Enhanced Local Museum – 3D Relief Map: The Saint-Martin Museum has added an immersive new feature: a large relief map of the Belleville Valley brought to life with projected light and video . This 3D model map, combined with digital projection technology, illustrates the valley’s development over time . Visitors can visually follow the history of settlements, the evolution of alpine agriculture, the birth of ski resorts, and the layout of protected natural areas as they appear on the relief map  . It’s an engaging, educational exhibit that gives context to how Saint-Martin and Les Menuires evolved, appealing to both children and adults. The museum’s new installation turns a static map into a dynamic story-telling platform – a must-see on bad weather days.

• “La Belle Vie” Wellness Center: Opened in late 2024 and hitting its first winter of operation, La Belle Vie is a state-of-the-art public wellness centre in St Martin that has quickly become a highlight.

• This facility offers a panoramic spa experience – including indoor-outdoor heated pools (a leisure pool with jets and a 33°C nordic infinity pool outside), a circuit of saunas (Finnish, herbal, salt) with mountain views, a hammam, cold plunge basin, and relaxation lounges. Massage and treatment rooms are available for personalized therapies, and there’s a cozy bar/lounge with a suspended fireplace for post-spa refreshments. Impressively, 80% of the center’s heating is provided via biomass, and it even recovers waste heat from water to reduce energy use. La Belle Vie’s modern, eco-conscious design and its mix of wellness amenities make it a perfect aprés-ski or non-ski activity – delivering relaxation at 1,450 m elevation.

(St Martin’s ski lifts and pistes remain largely the same for 2025/26, but these new cultural and wellness additions add to the village’s charm and off-slope offerings.)

Val Thorens

One of the brand-new Cime Caron cable car cabins in Val Thorens, featuring a sleek modern design by Swiss manufacturer CWA. The refurbished lift reopens at 3,200m, offering skiers faster access to epic views and terrain .

Europe’s highest ski resort has focused on lift infrastructure upgrades and facility makeovers to maintain its cutting-edge reputation:

• Reopening of Cime Caron Cable Car:
  • An icon of Val Thorens since the 1980s, the double-stage Cime Caron cable car is back in service this winter after a complete refurbishment. The lift has received two brand-new cabins with a glossy, minimalist design (built by Swiss company Calag/CWA).
  • Each cabin still holds around 60 passengers, but with updated styling and lighter materials. The tram’s speed is a lightning 11 m/s, allowing it to move up to 1,500 people per hour to the 3,200 m summit.
  • With an investment of €3 million on this upgrade, Val Thorens has revitalized access to one of Les 3 Vallées’ highest viewpoints. Both skiers and pedestrian sightseers can ride to the top of Cime de Caron in the new cabins to enjoy the 360° panorama of over 1,000 Alpine peaks

• At the summit, visitors can also experience the Caron 3200 complex – a panoramic restaurant, wine bar, exhibition space, and rooftop cafe that opened last winter. With the lift modernized, reaching this “rooftop of the Alps” is faster and more comfortable than ever, ensuring Caron remains a must-visit attraction.

• “Face Nord” Gondola (New Lift):
  • Val Thorens has introduced an entirely new gondola on the Pointe du Bouchet side of the ski area. The Face Nord gondola, built by Doppelmayr, replaces the old Glacier and Col chairlifts on the north-facing sector that we lost a few years ago.
  • This 10-person gondola has 22 cabins and an hourly capacity of 1,450 riders, providing a swift, weather-protected ascent of 320 vertical meters in that sector.
  • Its base is in the Moraine area and it drops skiers near the top of the Face Nord and Asters off-piste zones, which were previously accessible only by slower lifts. Crucially, the new gondola also streamlines the connection to Orelle – from the top station, skiers can easily take the blue Lory run into the Orelle valley, making inter-valley travel smoother.
  • By replacing two old chairs with one lift, the Face Nord gondola improves flow and convenience, all while featuring sleek “mineral-inspired” architecture that blends into the high-mountain terrain. The investment was on the order of €15 million , underscoring Val Thorens’ commitment to modernizing its network.

Photos of the new Face Nord Gondola courtesy of Ski Fan https://www.flickr.com/photos/skifan

La Folie Douce in Val Thorens has undergone a complete renovation for the Winter 2025/2026 season to improve its flow and overall customer experience. The refurbishments have focused on modernizing the space, both behind the scenes for staff, in public areas for guests and generally enhanced customer comfort while retaining the venue’s legendary party atmosphere. The venue is scheduled to open on 29 November2025. 

• Key changes
  • Enhanced layout: Distribution and service areas have been completely redesigned for better ergonomics and flow. Workstations are now more functional and shared.
  • More space and light: The renovation increased the venue’s overall brightness, and a higher ceiling was added, raising the height to 4.75 meters.
  • New viewing balcony: A second balcony has been created to offer fresh perspectives and better views.
  • New VIP area: The venue has a brand-new VIP area for a more exclusive experience.
  • Refined menus: A new menu has been developed to enhance the dining experience. 

• Resort Facilities and Upgrades:
  • Val Thorens has also undertaken various improvements around the resort:
    • Hotel Pashmina Refresh: The 5★ Hotel Pashmina in Val Thorens celebrated its 10th anniversary with a refurbishment . The spa area was completely redone (adding features like a Nordic outdoor bath and new Jacuzzi) and the restaurants were updated with live-cooking stations and inventive menus . These upgrades keep one of VT’s top hotels at the forefront of luxury trends.
    • New Dining in Town: A new bar-restaurant named La Timbale has opened in the resort center (on the former Les Clarines site) . It’s run by two young local entrepreneurs and offers a cozy atmosphere with French-style tapas, curated wines, and creative cocktails – aiming to be an all-day hangout that appeals to all generations of skier.

• The Freeride World Tour – Val Thorens Pro returns for the second edition from January 24 to 29, 2026. Back in France last winter after an 8-year absence, the Freeride World Tour (FWT) allowed Val Thorens to establish itself as a global benchmark for freeriding. Ideal conditions allowed athletes to deliver spectacular performances, attracting both enthusiasts and a large media audience. Now if only we could have it above Col de la Loze again…

(Val Thorens continues to blend high-tech infrastructure with lively hospitality. As an early-opening and late-closing resort – Nov 22, 2025 to May 3, 2026 – these new lifts and venues will serve visitors through a long season.)

Orelle (4th Valley)

Orelle – the “secret” Maurienne-side gateway to the Three Valleys – has seen practical improvements to welcome more visitors in 2025/26:

• New Multi-Storey Parking Garage:
  • A large covered parking facility has been completed at the base of the Orelle gondola. This multi-level car park provides 743 covered parking spaces, adding to the ~300 existing outdoor spots.
  • In total, Orelle can now accommodate over 1,000 vehicles at the téléphérique base, making it much easier for self-driving skiers to start their day here. Around 80 of the new spaces are equipped with electric vehicle charging points for EV drivers.
  • The structure, built at a cost of about €9 million, integrates with the landscape and keeps cars sheltered from snow – a big convenience upgrade for Orelle’s growing popularity. Its location just 6km from the highway (A43) and the addition of parking will likely attract more day-trippers to use Orelle as a quick springboard up to Val Thorens.

• Shuttle from Train Station:
  • In an effort to improve access via public transport, Orelle has launched a new shuttle service connecting the nearby St-Michel-de-Maurienne railway station to the Orelle gondola base.
  • Timed to align with train arrivals, the shuttle will run on weekends and French school holiday periods from 22 November 2025 through 3 May 2026.
  • This means skiers coming by TGV train (or the regional TER) can hop on a dedicated bus for the last few kilometers to Orelle, rather than needing a car or taxi. It’s a move that improves the valley’s accessibility and underscores a commitment to car-free, sustainable options.

• HOB Orelle – New Hostel/Hotel Hybrid that opened last season
  • In the village of Orelle itself, a fresh concept in accommodation now open called HOB Orelle. This is a hybrid hotel-hostel designed to be an affordable and convivial base just 200m from the Orelle gondola.
  • HOB Orelle offers a mix of room types under one roof: traditional private double rooms, family “tribe” rooms for 4, and shared dormitory rooms (including female-only dorms) for solo travelers or budget groups.
  • The property features communal spaces like a restaurant and a cozy bar, plus lounges for socializing, games, or even remote work. The idea is to foster a friendly atmosphere where guests from all walks (backpackers, families, couples) mingle.
  • With contemporary design and reasonable rates, HOB Orelle gives Orelle an inviting lodging option that contrasts with the higher-priced hotels up in Val Thorens. It’s an ideal spot for those who want the 3 Vallées ski experience without the 3 Vallées price tag, all while enjoying a community vibe in the evenings.

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Sources: The above information has been compiled from official resort announcements, local Three Valleys news blogs, and tourism press releases. Key details on lift specifications and new developments were confirmed via Les 3 Vallées’ official winter news bulletin , the La Tania community blog , and updates from tour operators and regional news outlets . All data is current as of mid-October 2025, ensuring an up-to-date guide to what’s new for the Winter 2025/26 season in La Tania and the Three Valleys. Enjoy the season ahead – with faster lifts, new runs to explore, and plenty of fresh places to relax both on and off the slopes!