The La Tania Ski Blog
Latest news, snow, pics, gossip and information from the locals in La Tania – latania.co.uk
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
Exploring Après Ski Life in La Tania
After a day on the slopes, the shift into La Tania’s après-ski culture brings together locals, families, and visitors in unique ways. More than just socialising, après-ski here is about comfort, warmth, and restoring energy, regardless of the weather. From early gatherings in cosy spots to gentle night-time activities, La Tania offers something for every pace and preference.
Après-ski in La Tania is a defining feature of the village, blending woodland tranquillity with the routines and rituals that make ski holidays memorable. As an alternative to larger, louder resorts, the area presents a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to groups who value connection, restorative moments, and flexibility after skiing. Online casino gaming, such as BOYLE Casino online, alongside traditional entertainment, is one of many ways some people wind down in the evenings, as each group tailors their plans to differing tastes and energy levels. With weather, group dynamics, and local traditions guiding the evening rhythm, La Tania stands out for its welcoming après-ski life.
How the village setting shapes evening routines
Après-ski in La Tania begins as the lifts close and skiers return through the woodland paths, transitioning seamlessly from the adrenaline of sport to a softer evening pace. The resort’s quieter, tree-lined setting shapes a calmer and more intimate feel compared to larger, purpose-built destinations.
Rather than rowdy, high-volume nightlife, evenings here are marked by gentle conversations, comfort, and the chance to restore after a day outdoors. This sense of tranquillity makes La Tania particularly attractive for those seeking both sociability and rest.
Warming up, meeting spaces, and local habits
After skiing, most visitors favour returning to their accommodation for a warm shower and a change out of ski gear before choosing how to spend the evening. These simple routines help everyone feel refreshed, ready for an early start the next day, and better prepared for the alpine chill that often sets in as night approaches.
Informal social etiquette guides much of the activity, with people meeting in chalet lounges, communal social rooms, or the village’s welcoming gathering points. Early evenings generally bring a mix of families and friends together in relaxed settings, and it’s common to see groups sharing stories or plans as daylight fades.
Food, drink, and entertainment for all tastes
Dining options in La Tania cater to varied après-ski preferences, ranging from quick, casual meals to longer, sit-down dinners. While busy periods can mean fuller restaurants, planning ahead and considering flexible meal times helps visitors avoid long waits and enjoy a more leisurely evening pace.
Many visitors balance low-key drinks with sociable meals, enjoying the company of their group in a mellow setting. For those seeking entertainment, music typically takes the form of acoustic performances rather than high-decibel parties, with bars creating an inviting environment for unwinding after the day’s activities.
Groups with mixed preferences appreciate having options that don’t commit everyone to the same plan, so it’s common to branch out to different venues or activities before reuniting later. In some cases, individuals turn to online pastimes for additional entertainment, which can complement the social atmosphere found offline.
Family-focused activities and practical considerations
The après-ski schedule in La Tania emphasises inclusion for non-drinkers, children, and those less interested in late nights. Hot chocolate outings, shared desserts, and gentle games or puzzles ensure that nobody feels left out after the slopes have closed.
Practical factors shape how evenings unfold, from setting a suitable budget to booking local transport if needed, especially important in colder weather. Respect for village quiet hours ensures that everyone can recharge, and simple preparation, such as packing extra layers or planning early meal reservations, can make relaxing evenings accessible for all.
Whether your group prefers a lively night or a quieter routine, après-ski in La Tania allows recovery, connection, and the freedom to enjoy winter evenings according to your own style.
ESCAPADE 2026: The Derbados Crew: Chris, Indi, Tim & Henri
21 March 2026
The Escapade has always been on the skiing ‘bucket list’ of things to-do ever since we first visited La Tania in 2022. However, each of our 4 previous trips to the 3V has been during the school holidays meaning the slopes and lifts were always too busy. So, when my daughter Indi suggested a cheeky weekend ski-trip, a plan was hatched.
We arrived late on Friday night after being driven over by our Geneva resident friend Tim and his son Henri. Tim’s originally from Derby (more on that later), which is where me and Indi now live (despite being big Stoke fans…).
We were staying in Brelin in Les Menuires, which had the advantage of being able to get to Bettex lift for its 8.45 opening, and having one of the longer runs on the course back from the St Martin lift.
Best laid plans and all that quickly went astray as a late opening ski-hire shop (we thought it was 8am…but was actually 8.30am) put us over 10 mins behind schedule before a pole was planted in anger. However, undeterred and with a plan that had a good amount of flex in it, we set off.
We soon got into a decent rhythm ticking off lift after lift, and slope after slope. The conditions were generally good, with low cloud hampering visibility at the top of Pointe de la Masse, but nothing a bit of careful skiing and internal praying (‘please don’t fall over…’) couldn’t handle.
We stayed roughly on expected pace, not losing any more time than that lost at the start, gaining a bit on the run down to Peclet (we went down Chardons & Plein Sud, rather than Pluviometre), before losing all of what we gained on the sketchy run to the Moraine lift via Christine and the next run in thick cloud down to Face Nord.
Once at the top of Col de Thorens, we feared the worst as visibility was getting worse, only to drop into glorious sunshine as soon as we made the descent into Orelle via the beautiful Lory blue run. Orelle was soon complete pulling back some more lost time, and we headed back into the gloom at the top of Cime Caron, almost going badly wrong and skiing off a drop due to a gap in the piste markers…
After we got back on track, VT was quickly ticked off, and we smashed down the run from Col de la Chambre to Mont Vallon (6 mins faster than pace) recovering all the time from our late departure. The Mont Vallon to Pas du Lac run was a bit heavy snow wise, and leg burn was starting to kick-in (for me at least), but we were now over halfway done.
Lunch was inhaled on the lift to Courchevel, a busy run down Lac des Creux was navigated, before the beautiful Moriond side of the mountain was positively glided through as the snow was good, the slopes were empty and the legs felt not that awful! By the time we hit the top of the Ariondaz lift we were 16 mins ahead of pace….so felt confident that we could have a well-deserved toilet break! The only downside was Tim insisting on blasting out the Derby vs Birmingham match on his speaker on each lift…each to their own I guess!
After relief was had, we dropped into the lesser visited Courchevel Village, admiring the tiny, cheap properties that lined the Cospillot piste. Our pace dropped a bit in the slushier, chopped up snow, no more so than the run to Le Praz where my left thigh decided it would be a lovely time to cramp up. The other 3 were patient as my pace dropped….mainly because I couldn’t turn right without considerable swearing.
Drugs were taken (it’s not big or clever kids) on the Foret lift, and we skied quickly down to La Tania via Folyeres – a run we know well from a couple of LT stays – waving longingly at the S’Lodge as visions of beer danced round our heads.
Once at the top of Col de la Loze we felt we were truly on the way home. Meribel Village came and went, spirits were high even on the drag lift at the top of Golf, and the run towards Legends was heavy but do-able. By the time we hit the top of Roc de Fer, we were still 10 mins ahead of pace time with a whole 50 mins to play with to get to Saint Martin before the lift cut-off time. The penultimate run was a painful one for me as both legs this time decided to cramp-up, but despite almost veering off the edge of the piste, the bottom was reached and we knew we’d done it!
The final run was time to look around and enjoy the view with no need to rush or hammer the legs even more. Hugs and high-fives were plentiful as soon as we got back Brelin at 16:38 – just under 7 hours and 40 minutes since we set-off.
Because they are utterly mad, Indi, Tim and Henri then shot off to do a final 10km to knock over the ton before the final lift shut at 17:15. I decided that my day was done and that reflecting on an amazing day was the best thing to do. Escapade 2026 over and out.
Strava route fly-by: https://youtube.com/shorts/CF-GkgdCqQk?si=AtVVaNRT0n4j_A8v
For anyone interested, here is our target and actual section times:
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
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, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes horribly 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
What Are The Best Casino Games for Skiing Lovers?
There is a specific kind of exhaustion that hits somewhere around the time you are pulling off your ski boots at the end of the day. Not the bad kind. Your legs are done, your face is still half numb from the cold coming off the Aiguille du Midi, and you are sitting there in the boot room with that particular smell of damp wool and warm plastic all around you, and honestly, life feels pretty good.
Dinner comes and goes. Maybe a fondue if you are somewhere like Chamonix or Méribel, or just a bowl of something hot back at the apartment. A glass of wine. And then comes that window of the evening that ski trips always seem to produce, where it is too early to sleep, too late to do anything ambitious, and the idea of going back out into the cold holds absolutely no appeal.
This is when people reach for their phones, or open a laptop, and start looking for something low effort to fill the gap.
Why Skiing and Casino Games Actually Pair Well
It sounds odd on paper but it makes sense once you think about it.
Skiing is not a constant activity. It is built around rhythm. You drop into a run, legs working, focus sharp, and then it ends and you are back on a lift for ten minutes doing nothing but watching the trees and the other pistes below you. Action, then stillness. Effort, then rest. The whole day is structured that way and by evening your brain is already primed for something that follows a similar pattern.
Casino games, the slower, more considered kind, fit that mood well. Not the ones that flash and scream at you. More like blackjack, where you sit with a decision for a moment before acting. Or a slot game with decent visuals and a relaxed pace that you can dip into for twenty minutes while your boots dry on the rack nearby.
Platforms like Boylesports Casino carry a solid range of titles that suit this kind of evening. Their casino online has a huge game library, one of the best we’ve seen from any casino site. Nothing that demands your full concentration, just enough to hold your attention while the day winds down around you.
Table Games
There is a type of skier, and if you have spent any time in the Alps you will recognise them immediately, who treats the mountain like a problem to be solved. They are studying the piste map at breakfast, checking snow reports from three different websites, arguing about whether the north facing runs on the second ridge will have held their powder since Tuesday. For them, instinct and decision making are the whole point.
These people tend to gravitate toward table games in the evening for exactly the same reasons.
Blackjack is the obvious one. It is quiet and deliberate and there is always a correct answer if you think carefully enough, which is a feeling that skiers who like the technical side of things seem to find genuinely satisfying. Poker works in a similar way, particularly shorter formats where you are making reads and adjustments the whole time rather than just waiting things out.
It is not really about winning or losing in that high stakes sense. It is more about having something to engage the part of your brain that spent all day navigating terrain and reading snow conditions. Keeping it ticking over without overloading it.
Games With the Right Kind of Atmosphere
Some titles lean into outdoor and expedition themes in ways that feel surprisingly well matched to a ski trip context. Not skiing specifically, because nobody wants to watch a cartoon skier on a screen after spending eight hours on actual skis, but the general tone of landscape and altitude and gradual progression.
There are games built around mountain environments, cold weather aesthetics, that slow build of tension as you move through levels or wait for a bonus round to resolve. The sound design on some of the better ones is genuinely good. Understated. More like ambient weather than a carnival.
It is a small thing but after a full day outside where the environment was doing a lot of the work, you notice when a game has actually put thought into its atmosphere rather than just throwing colour and noise at you.
How Evenings on Ski Trips Have Changed
Ski holidays used to follow a fairly predictable script. Ski hard, eat quickly, drink until the bar closes, repeat for seven days, go home wrecked. Plenty of people still do that and it’s good for them.
But a lot of people, particularly those who have been doing this for ten or fifteen years, have quietly shifted toward something different. Better restaurants. Smaller groups. Going to bed at a reasonable hour so the first lift queue does not feel like a punishment.
The après ski drink still happens. Of course it does. You are not going to sit in a mountain village and skip a vin chaud on the terrace at four in the afternoon. That would be absurd. But the evening itself has become something to actually enjoy rather than just survive.
Casino games fit into that version of a ski trip well. They are self contained, they do not require a group decision, and you can stop whenever you want without letting anyone down. On a trip where so much is communal, there is something genuinely appealing about an activity that is just yours for half an hour.
All About Balance
The best sessions tend to be the ones where you barely notice the time passing. You finish a run at the blackjack table or reach a natural stopping point on whatever you were playing, and twenty minutes have gone by and you feel the same as when you started, maybe slightly more relaxed.
That is about the right level of engagement for a ski trip in the evening. Not a distraction from the holiday but a small quiet part of it. Something that sits alongside the other things rather than competing with them.
The mountain does the heavy lifting during the day. By evening, all you really need is something gentle enough to let the day settle properly before you sleep.
ESCAPADE 2026: Leon, Jonas, Pia, Constantia & Valentin
19 March 2026
After a failed attempt in March 2022, we finally conquered the Escapade Challenge on Thursday!
The Crew:
- Ski: Pia, Constantia, Valentin
- Snowboard: Leon, Jonas
We kicked things off at 8:45 AM, dropping from Courchevel 1850 down to Le Praz. However, luck wasn’t on our side initially – technical issues at the Forêt lift delayed our first ascent until 9:10 AM. With the memory of our 2021 failure looming, the pressure was on from the very first minute.
Following the descent to La Tania, we stuck to the suggested route. Even as long-time 3 Vallées veterans, we were surprised: the route led us to lifts like Tortollet, Bettex, and Grandes Combes – corners of the resort we had never explored before. Unlike our first attempt, the slopes were empty, the snow was fast, and we were making excellent time.
Disaster struck at the summit of Mont Vallon just as we were planning our relaxed return to Courchevel. A metal pin in Jonas’s binding snapped, rendering his board useless. Spirits plummeted; it felt like the challenge was over. Jonas managed a sketchy, slow descent down the long run and cat-tracks to Mottaret, but the lift staff at Pas du Lac had no tools or tape to help.
At the top of Saulire, we spotted a paraglider and asked for help. He offered us a piece of rope. Without a knife or scissors, we had to get creative: we used the freshly sharpened edges of the snowboard to cut the rope. With a series of professional sailing knots, we lashed the binding together. It held!
We officially completed the challenge at 4:10 PM in Courchevel 1550, leaving us with 50 minutes of lift time. At 85 km total distance, our ambition kicked in—we wanted the “100.”
We pushed through: Tovets to Plantrey, Bioley, and Suisse back up to Vizelle. From there, we took the Creux non-stop all the way down to Le Praz. With burning legs and a final count of over 100 kilometers, we finally called it a 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
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, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes horribly 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: Mikey, Cat and Bennett
20 March 2026
Mikey, Cat and Bennett chinned the Escapade on Friday.
LT gondola at 09:05, clocked into Tovets at 15:50, clocked Forêt at 15.59, it was like a movie finish!
Good day for lifts all round, we took a 10-15 min hit on a big queue at Legends because of the bubble closing, but that was the biggest queue of the day, most others were a row or two.
Grand Combs is the devil, walking pace at most. Allowed one wee break, scran on lifts etc.
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
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, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes horribly 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: Alex & George with the Relive App but ends in failure…
13 March 2026
Check out their route on Relive: https://www.relive.com/view/vQvxkR1ww9q
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
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, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes horribly 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 Bouc Blanc Derby – a race down Folyères!
21 March 2026
Thanks for all the pics and videos, great event, pity it’s on a Saturday changeover day, lots of people working and guests leaving or arriving.
ESCAPADE 2026: Ollie, James & Sean with a proper match report…
05 March 2026
Spring skiing conditions with a light haze
Participants
Sean Deschamps (Experienced Lead officer and Pathfinder of the Expedition)
James Stoy (Snowboarding great from theU.A.E. & Escapade 1st timer)
Oliver Terry (Support staff, Escapade 1st timer)
7am
Wake up and mental prep.
Game day nerves! 7+ hours of precise skiing covering almost 100km chasing ever collapsing timeliness based on lift closing times. Can’t let the team down! Relentless pursuit!
7h30
Breakfast Les Peupliers.
Double coffees and double pain au chocolat to build enough calories for the day. NO STOPPING for food or comfort breaks. …
Talk of tactics and timeframes surround the breakfast table for the debutants (James & Oliver).
8h30
Olympic sport for James’ kit collection.
9h05 FORET
World cup Downhill teams and course technicians flood the departure area of Foret lift …. luckily they open the lift 5 mins early to clear out the pros because they would probably slow us down on the Escapade!
9h22 TANIA
After a glorious groomed Folyeres track and 1 early tumble we hit La Tania, adrenaline pumping.
It quickly became obvious that the documentation of every twist and turn would be …..tricky!! (Time horizons were appearing and evaporating at warp speed and the mission objective could not have been more clear…)
We glided through Meribel and swiftly found ourselves down in Saint Martin and Bettex. A running theme was appearing – the Ski lift queues were extremely LOW (a game changer / time saver) This countered James’ boot binding/ shuffling activities at the beginning and end of each run. Did we have some time slippage ….YES. …and this became a permanent feature of our pre-planning analysis on lift and gondolas. 10 mins behind schedule … 24mins ….. back to 18mins only. OH THE DRAMA! Val Thorens already but a few moments of gut wrenching fears when incredible winds built up from nowhere. The skies above us remained hazy and more so with the violent gusts whipping snow dust up from the slopes … was there a possibility of lift closures? Force Majeure de L’Escapade?
We nonetheless soldiered on and just as soon as the howling gale appeared she dispersed into the
sunshine and let us proceed on our merry way! More respect to our snowboarder James who at many moments was thrust towards the abyss by the crosswind.
…. and this whilst the Snowboard boot dramas emerged– Super TIGHT boots! “IM A UK 9!” exclaimed James as he lamented over why he had been ruffled in to size 7s by the extremely confident and
persuasive equipment technician. Despite the discomfort we remember Sir Winston Churchills famous quote … “if you’re going through Hell. … KEEP GOING”
Ok so now we are really pushing it ….we hit the top of Aguille De Fruit at 16h45. ….WE HAVE 10MINS TO GET TO GRANDE COMBES! Cometh the hour cometh the men! Once moreunto the breach dear friends ONCE MORE! The culmination of the day rested upon our swift expedition through end of day traffic.
All going well past the base of Pralong. ….5 mins to go ….. OH NO! A potentially fatal wrong turn! What
followed next can only be described as a Jurassic Park style bunch of raging velociraptors tearing through the trees off piste tumbling through the forest towards Grandes Combes ….. A shocked looking lifty had already drawn the gates closed …..
DISASTER! But just as Moses did at The Red Sea our new best friend (we have nominated him for the highest French accolade -Chevalier & Legion D’Honneur) parted the red netted gates and waved us on thus allowing the last leg of the Escapade to continue ……16h55 and 30 seconds. …WE MADE IT!
Total elation and screams of joy! The final leg down to Le Praz was merely a celebratory procession. We had done it! Over 8 hours of theatre, pain and excitement. The apres at Les Peupliers where the day began was a beautiful moment for us andnow I can say that “ne’er a day goes by, from this day to the ending of the world, we in it shall be remembered, we few, we happy few, we Band of Escapade Brothers”.
Same again next year??? YOU BET!
Special thanks to Sean for expert guidance throughout the day and James for flying all the way from Dubai!
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
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, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes horribly 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: Phil, Bradley, Jordan & Brooke doing it again…
13 March 2026
Friday the 13th probably not the best day to have another go at the Escapade in a day, however we completed it all in one piece, albeit a little slower than last time in Jan 2020…
We used your advised 2026 route which worked perfectly and we all enjoyed a very pleasant sunny day.
We had no dramas and although busier than in Jan 2020 it didn’t hold us up very much.
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
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, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes horribly 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
