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
Evenings in La Tania settle into relaxed routines after the lifts close
When the lifts grind to a halt and the last skiers slide back into La Tania, the mood shifts quickly. Boots come off, layers get peeled away, and the village quietens without much fuss. This isn’t a resort known for big nights out, and that’s exactly why many people keep coming back.
Evenings here tend to follow a gentle rhythm. There’s a short window of après-ski energy, then a steady drift back to apartments and chalets. By the time darkness settles over the trees, La Tania feels more like a lived-in neighbourhood than a holiday hotspot.
That rhythm suits a lot of people in 2026. After full days on the Three Valleys pistes, most skiers aren’t hunting for late nights. They want warmth, good food, and something easy to unwind with before doing it all again tomorrow.
Après-ski spots locals actually use
Straight after skiing, a few familiar places soak up most of the social energy. Drinks are unpretentious, conversations are loud but friendly, and nobody’s checking the time. It’s the kind of après where you’re just as likely to be talking about tomorrow’s snow conditions as you are about today’s wipeouts.
What’s changed over the past few seasons is how short this phase can be. Many groups now treat après as a transition rather than a destination. One drink becomes two, and then the pull of a warm chalet starts to win.
Quiet nights in chalets
Once dinner starts, La Tania really slows down. Supermarket runs earlier in the evening pay off as groups cook together, sharing simple meals that don’t require much planning or expense. It’s sociable without being demanding, which matters when legs are already aching.
Streaming a film, cooking together, or playing cards around the table has become the norm, with some guests occasionally dipping into online distractions like non gamstop poker sites as a low-effort way to unwind without heading back out. These casinos do not abide by Gamstop restrictions, meaning they can be accessed by anybody. The appeal is convenience rather than intensity, and it fits neatly into evenings built around comfort and familiarity.
Board games tend to appear on tables across the resort. So do phones and tablets, usually for catching up on messages or watching something familiar rather than scrolling endlessly. The goal isn’t stimulation, it’s recovery.
Cost plays a role, too. Eating and drinking in has become more attractive as people manage holiday budgets carefully.
Downtime for seasonal workers
Seasonal staff follow a similar pattern, though for slightly different reasons. After long shifts that start early and end late, energy is limited. Socialising still happens, but it’s more likely to be a shared meal or a low-volume catch-up than a full night out.
Permanent La Tania residents are basically non-existent, with an estimated full-time population of just 43. For this reason, don’t expect much local atmosphere.
Flats and staff accommodation become important social hubs. People drop by, sit on the floor, and talk through the day without much structure. It’s informal and practical, shaped by exhaustion as much as preference.
Online leisure fits neatly into this downtime. It’s accessible, doesn’t require coordination, and can be picked up or dropped at a moment’s notice. The real value is control, choosing how much energy to spend and when to switch off.
Unwritten rules of La Tania evenings
Over time, certain expectations settle in. Loud behaviour late at night is quietly frowned upon, especially near family accommodation. Respecting the calm isn’t enforced; it’s just understood.
Another unspoken rule is pacing. Big nights do happen, but rarely back-to-back. Most people know that tomorrow’s skiing depends on tonight’s choices, and La Tania encourages that awareness without spelling it out.
Ultimately, evenings here reflect what many visitors now want from a ski holiday. Not constant activity, but space to relax properly. Whether that’s over a shared meal, a board game, or a short spell of online entertainment, the point is the same: winding down well enough to enjoy the mountains all over again in the morning.
ESCAPADE 2026: Jack and Ellen
22 January 2026
Following a failed first attempt on 20/01/26, we finally completed the new 2026 escapade on 22/01/26 — a challenge we’d both had our eyes on since first coming to La Tania (Jack three years ago, and me nearly nine!).
Not everything went smoothly, though. The newly added Tortollet chair tested us when it stopped three times just as the end was within touching distance. Thankfully, the painfully slow Grande Combes chair didn’t stop at all — possibly because we were the only skiers around. Not entirely surprising, given that about a third of the piste down had clearly seen better, snowier days.
Mount Vallon may have been the most memorable section of all. We could barely see out of the gondola on the way up, let alone ski down a run neither of us had ever done before. Or perhaps it was the chaos descending from Orelle towards Pioneers in VT, where Jack was brutally wiped out, dragged onto the wrong piste, and forced to walk back to rejoin me at the top of the correct one.
And then came the highlight: rolling into the Forêt chair lift at 16:04 with 21 minutes to spare.
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
ALWAYS CONTROL YOUR SPEED. 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, think of other people, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes 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: James, Saba & Jon
26 January 2026
James (43, England), Saba (43, Iran) and I (Jon, 43 – England) successfully completed Escapade 2026 today from Courchevel Moriond with 7 minutes to spare. Chanrossa (closing 16:10) and Chapelets (16:25) were the potentially constraining lifts.
The only previous attempt (failed due to contact lens trouble) was Jon 18 years ago!
First lift Arondiaz at 9am. Perfect conditions. Whizzed around Courchevel in no time. Based on our v unscientific 17 mins per lift (or pair of lifts) we were 40 minutes ahead of schedule.
A little cloud and snow at the top of Col de la Loz slowed us and Jon did an involuntary 360 on some unforeseen ice as we descended into Meribel Centre around 11:00. By the time we’d reached Bettex an hour later, the sun was out again and it remained clear for the rest of the day.
Nerves meant we hadn’t taken any photos yet. Didn’t try to take a loo break until desperation point at the top of Masse, where they were closed! Argh… I don’t think we’ve ever skied so fast as we did back to Les Menuires (Reberty) where we were able to make our only pitstop to great relief.
Tiredness and complacency slowed us down around VT and Orelle. Annoyingly just missed a téléphérique at Thorens. By the time we reached Pionniers back in VT we were 10 minutes behind schedule. We were hoping for a performance boost from handfuls of cola bottles and chocolate.
Felt fire in the legs descending from Mont Vallon and reached Pas Du Lac 1 around 15:45, saving time by skiing down to the stepped entrance underneath then using the single person lane. This gondola is agonisingly long and slow, but gave us an opportunity to remember to take a photo! Could we make it to Chanrossa by 16:10? Yes with 7 mins to spare. The piste down to Chapelets was empty and beautiful in the sunset.
Epilogue: someone took Jon’s skis while we celebrated at Le Tigre, but happily returned an hour later by a slightly worse for wear French holidaymaker. The relief was so great Jon was actually happier than before he knew the skis had been taken!
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
ALWAYS CONTROL YOUR SPEED. 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, think of other people, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes 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: Jill & Mark
21 January 2026
After completing the Escapade in 2025 I returned to the Three Vallees in 2026 this time staying in La Tania, with a different group of friends to coerce into another attempt .
On the eve of our attempt our chalet hosts at Le Torrent Come-ski, Carrie and Graeme informed us that there were now two extra lifts in the route. This then prompted a mad – rush of readjusting the route plan!
Six of us (3 skiers, 3 boarders) set off on the first lift out of La Tania on a perfect weather day, 21st Jan. Two of us completed it (one skier and one boarder).
We were graced with empty slopes and non-existent queues which after having five lifts in a row stop on us we were grateful for!
Navigating finding the Grandes Combes lift and the crossover of the Bettex and Tortellette lift was a challenge but thankfully we managed it getting to the Foret lift with 20 minutes to spare!
Not one wee all 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
ALWAYS CONTROL YOUR SPEED. 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, think of other people, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes 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: A Priority Breakfast made the difference!
20 January 2026
- 3 of is did it, Alexandra Skinner aged 27, Ian Moffat 60 and Sandy Robertson 62
- We got priority at breakfast in the chalet before doing the 2026 route
- Got first lift and full on from there
- Non stop from the top of each lift to bottom of the next, including eating on the lifts
- Was worried about lifts being cancelled due to weather
- Mont Vallon was the toughest for volume of people and moguls, but thought we would make it after that
- Finished about 4.15pm before a beer in the Ski Lodge. Because Tim wasn’t there and we couldn’t be bothered to walk back to the chalet, caught the la tania lift at 1639 and did Folyeres again
- Not doing it tomorrow!
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
ALWAYS CONTROL YOUR SPEED. 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, think of other people, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes 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: Sam on a solo snowboard mission on the 2025 route
20 January 2026
Sam (2025 Route)
I have just comeplete the Escapade in a day solo on my snowboard, starting in Meribel Mottaret.
I started at 9am and finished at 4.20pm
I missed off one lift which was Bettex (went straight passed it!) but added and extra run at the end to compensate!
Do I make it into the hall of fame? – An Honourable Mention let’s say….
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
ALWAYS CONTROL YOUR SPEED. 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, think of other people, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes 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
How Ski Resorts Are Using Gamification to Deepen Engagement on the Slopes
Ski resorts have always relied on much more than snowfall and slopes to keep visitors
coming back year after year, and now they have introduced gamification to help. The
experience has always been shaped by how skiers are guided around slopes and entertained
when they come off them. In the past few years, there has been a growing number of resorts
experimenting with gamification to enhance engagement. Just like other sports, they have
found that by blending physical activity with digital feedback, resorts can encourage
exploration and loyalty at the same time.
Ski Gamification in Practice
Some of the most advanced gamification can be found on the slopes of North America. Vail
Resorts’ My Epic app, used across a number of destinations, connects lift pass data to a
mobile app. This records a skier’s stats for the day, such as vertical descent and number of
runs completed. Without any manual intervention, skiers can build up a digital log of their
exertion. This data is then tied to milestones, which has the subtle effect of encouraging
visitors to extend their time on the mountain and return year upon year.
The Les 3 Vallées app in France allows skiers to track distance skied and altitude changes.
This platform can combine interactive maps with progress tracking and encourages users to
venture beyond familiar runs rather than face a logistical challenge. This can reinforce
emotional connection to the slopes as users return.
What Ski Resorts Can Learn From Digital Entertainment Platforms
Ski resorts have successfully integrated tracking technology into their apps, but they can still
find some mechanics used in digital entertainment that may improve their product. For
example, in the iGaming sector, a bingo app can be used effectively to attract and retain
customers. By using structured progression and timed incentives, gaming companies aim to
sustain participation. Users can play a wide array of themed slot and bingo games, with live
games and promotional structures that are designed around rewards. Ski resorts can use this
emphasis on visuals and momentum to guide skiers even more while they are on the slopes.
Ski resorts don’t necessarily need to copy digital entertainment platforms, but they do need to
understand how engagement systems can work best. When applied with planning and
strategy, and by implementing visuals and milestones, they can make their apps feel more
meaningful. They only need to look at fitness apps like Strava for even more inspiration.
Balancing Incentives and the Experience
Successful gamification is a balance. Skiers still need to be able to enjoy their experience and
not become overwhelmed by app features making their activity too competitive. By focusing
on aspects of gamification that are proven to work and giving end-of-the-day achievements
like distance covered or calories burnt, they can ensure technology enhances the trip, rather
than detracting from the enjoyment. As competition increases between resorts, engagement
strategies that deepen loyalty will become increasingly valuable.
From Aspen to the Alps, digital apps have already started to change the game for skiers
around the globe. Gamification is no doubt enhancing the experience already, and by
studying other industries, app creators can look to refine how they motivate users without
compromising on authenticity.
ESCAPADE 2026: Brothers Will & Alfie with the 2025 Route
20 January 2026
Brothers Will & Alfie with the 2025 Route
Completed the escapade along with my brother Alfie. We have been coming here for 15 years since we were 5 and learnt to ski in La Tania but never done the escapade so thought we’d give it a go. Followed the suggested route on the La Tania website but had to change slightly as there was a lift closure.
Started off getting the first lift from La Tania and into Méribel. Conditions were great the first half of the day and got into Les Menuires and Val Thorens no problem. Most of the lifts were open apart from the Caron lift so had to take the Cime Caron lift up there then a rush back to VT and heading towards Courchevel where the pistes getting over there were rammed and full of moguls.
Once we got over to Courchevel it was a mad dash into 1650 and hoping Aiguille Du Fruit had no queue which was quite luckily. Then down into 1550, back up and down again into Le Praz to get the very last lift on the Foret and into La Tania. 7.5 hours almost none stop skiing.
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
ALWAYS CONTROL YOUR SPEED. 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, think of other people, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes 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: Wayne, Clinton, David and Tony
20 January 2026
The first successful ESCAPADE of 2026?
Tuesday 20th January dawned bright and sunny, which was clearly all the encouragement needed for Wayne, Clinton, David and Tony to decide it was the perfect day to attempt the new 2026 Escapade route. Sensible people would have had a relaxed ski. We, however, chose adventure.
Starting from St Martin, the route looks considerably harder on paper. The last Olympic lift now shuts at 4:15pm in January and, thanks to two additional lifts being added to the route this year, we reckoned the route would be about 15 minutes longer. That estimate turned out to be… optimistic.
The two new lifts are great additions. But . . . they are also glacially slow.
The Tortellette lift in Les Menuires was rammed with beginners and seemed to stop every few minutes, generously donating about ten minutes to our day all on its own. The Grandes Combes section also caused me a moment of concern — I genuinely wondered if “Grandes Combes” was a typo and Toffa had actually meant the Grand Couloir. In fairness, the Grandes Combes lift isn’t exactly inspiring… but the Grand Couloir is utterly brutal and we absolutely hate skiing it, so on reflection we were quite relieved.
The run down towards Aquamotion had very little snow and, despite the lift only being a couple of years old, it’s a surprisingly leisurely affair — another ten minutes gone. But that was kind of the point: make the route longer, slower, and more character-building. Mission very much accomplished.
So… did we make it?
Yes. Just.
We hit the final lift at 3:56pm, leaving a very respectable 19 minutes to spare. Around lunchtime in Orelle, the lift queues were so big it looked like the whole thing was about to unravel dramatically. But as the afternoon wore on, the sun dropped, the queues disappeared, the pistes emptied, and we were able to move properly.
Not a perfect ski day — around 90% of the slopes appeared to be ungroomed — but with short (or non-existent) lift queues later on and beautifully quiet pistes, we successfully completed the new 2026 Escapade.
Would we do it again?
Absolutely.
Would we leave earlier next time?
Unless we invent a time machine, no — we were already on the first lift at 9am.
Next attempt will be in March when the lifts stay open later, or on a Saturday transfer day, when half the resort is packing suitcases, the roads are jammed, and the slopes are blissfully empty.
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
ALWAYS CONTROL YOUR SPEED. 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, think of other people, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes 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
Team #LaTania Play Padel in Courchevel 1850 on the new courts
This great facility of 2 Padel Courts (heated base) went up in about 3 days at the beginning of the year. Sponsored by Lacoste and INEOS they’re top quality courts.
Very odd skiing to a game of Padel but warm enough in the sunshine despite being -2°C at the start. Underfloor heating protects the court and there’s plenty of changing areas inside the INEOS Club House (and for a pint afterwards – draught Carlsberg €10 a pint – almost reasonable for Courchevel 1850).
Only downside is the prices: €80 for a court for one hour (and €120 after 17:00). They also charge €10 per racket/padel to hire them.
There is a rumour that the free St Bon courts are going to become a car park. If only we could crowd fund a move of them to the unused, unloved, ex tennis court in La Tania…. planting that seed now….
To book a court at INEOS call Julie at Club des Sports Courchevel on +33 (0)479 08 08 21
