ESCAPADE 2025: Back by Half Three!

08 March 2025

A lone attempt, decent ski day, a bit of cloud about.

Feels really good doing this on your own, no chat, no discussions, just ski top to bottom on every run.

Probably getting too easy now with the faster lifts – was back for Fôret by 15:28 and was not skiing really fast at all. Changes need for 2026!

Down to St Martin was a bit too thin and patchy. Moguls on Mont Vallon challenging too. Only siginificant queues were at La Masse and Peclet.

Great Day!

ESCAPADE 2025 – 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

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 back down to 30 lifts and the age range for successful completion is from 8 to 76 years old! The latest ESCAPADE 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…..

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!

ESCAPADE 2025: The Belgium Seven!

11 March 2025

We (Andreas P., Joran C., Liesbet D., Joris N., Rani G., Geoffrey D. and Ken L.), a friend group from Belgium, Aalter finished the “Escapade in a day” challenge today. 

Our day started at Le Bettex in the early morning. Six skiers and one snowboarder stood in front of the lift, ready to start their journey. A clear plan was set: a fixed navigator at the front and a red lantern at the back.

We set off at a good pace under a nice morning sun, quickly tackling La Masse and Val Thorens. Upon reaching the top of Les 3 Vallées in Orelle, the first hopeful thoughts popped up: “Would it really be possible?”

Leaving Orelle, we ate lunch in the lift and proceeded through Val Thorens, heading for Mont Vallon. Surprisingly, there was almost no queue at Mont Vallon, which gave us even more hope of completing this challenge. We quickly closed in on Mottaret via the long, flat Ours piste (which our snowboarder didn’t particularly enjoy). Again, we were happily surprised by the lack of people at Pas du Lac. The vibes in the lift were good—we were going to make it.

But then, disaster struck. Close to the end of Pas du Lac, the lift suddenly stopped working. For a full 15 minutes, we hung in the air, losing our positive spirit minute by minute. Luckily, we eventually started moving again and were greeted by sunny weather and empty slopes at Courchevel. We quickly ticked off the many villages of Courchevel before heading back to Méribel in snowy weather. Hope was restored—we were going to make it.

Finally, we started the long descent to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville on a piste that had truly seen better days. We jumped on the cable car, heading to the last chairlift: the Saint Martin Express. With 45 minutes to spare, we had done it.

To celebrate, we joined up with the rest of our fantastic group at Roc 7 and then returned to Le Bettex to enjoy some delicious raclette.

A day to never forget.

Yours truly,
The Red Lantern (Andreas) 

ESCAPADE 2025 – 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

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 back down to 30 lifts and the age range for successful completion is from 8 to 76 years old! The latest ESCAPADE 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…..

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!

ESCAPADE 2025: A finish at Fôret – Technically a successful completion!

07 March 2025

ESCAPADE 2025: Chris, Jeremy, Thomas, Natalia, JP, Hugo & Vanessa

Our Courchevel escapade began with a beautiful alpine morning with crisp air and blue skies.

Jeremy on his snowboard, Chris, Thomas, and Natalia carving down the slopes, while 11 year old JP & Hugo, and 9-year-old Vanessa followed.

We covered 130km, fighting against some strong winds up the Portetta chair. The Combe du Vallon moguls were a highlight of the day.

As the day wrapped up, we raced against time, catching the final lifts at the last moment. The day was nothing short of unforgettable — a perfect blend of challenge, excitement, and breathtaking alpine beauty. 

ESCAPADE 2025 – 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

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 back down to 30 lifts and the age range for successful completion is from 8 to 76 years old! The latest ESCAPADE 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…..

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!

Update on Long Stay Visitor Visas for France (beat the 90 day limit) plus latest EES & ETIAS Info

26 February 2025

[Update 14/03/25: It’s being reported EES will have a gradual launch from October 2025 with ETIAS at least 6 months after that but again a transitional phase in and then a “grace” period so unlikely to be mandatory and fully enforced until April 2027]

Latest update on obtaining the French Long Stay Visitor Visa allowing non EU citizens a 6 month (180 day) stay rather than the rolling 90 days within a rolling 180 day period – something that is initially quite hard to get your head round. It’s fully explained here plus there’s a useful Short Stay Calculator to work out your permitted stay.

The long stay visitor visa is a tourist visa for those that won’t be working and have the funds to support themselves for the time spent in France.

For the UK “Ski Bum” this has become the common annual process for those that haven’t gone about the Carte Sejour / France Residency (with tax implications) route or obtaining an EU passport through relatives / investments etc.

The process for UK staff to obtain Work Visas and employer Work Permits has become a lot smoother in the last couple of years – although still a costly and time consuming procedure.

Note that there are 2 new systems / procedures coming in to play that have been planned for nearly 10 years and been subject to numerous delays.

EES and ETIAS

1. EES (Entry/Exit Sytem) – is an automated system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180 day period) each time they cross an external Schengen border. The EES will collect travellers’ facial image and fingerprints. It will also collect travel document data as well as the date and place where the traveller entered and exited the territory of European countries using the system. A Smartphone App will be available to help with initial registration. The latest (Feb 2025) information is that this will be gradually phased in over 6 months from November 2025. The EES will automatically highlight people over-staying the 90 in 180 day rule and will not rely on a border control officer checking all your passport stamps – something we have witnessed happen on a very rare two occasions in the last 5 years.

2. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) – is a travel authorisation for citizens of visa-exempt countries to enter the EU. Most applications will be processed in minutes via a Website or App and cost 7 Euros. It is valid for 3 years or until your passport runs out – whichever comes first. The ETIAS scheme is scheduled to start around six months after EES so this must be well in to 2026 with the delays they have had.

EES does not apply to holders of residency permits and long-stay visas. Similarly ETIAS is not required for holders of long term visas although it is not clear if a French Long Term Visa would get you authorised in to Geneva for example – for €7 for 3 years, it’s definitely not worth the hassle and chances are you’ll need it for visiting other EU countries in your (minimum) 180 days before applying for another French Long Stay Visitor Visa.

Initial Blog Post – October 2022

Updated Blog Post – February 2024

French Government Visa Website (for application form)

TLScontact Visa Agency Website (for in person appointment)

EU EES Entry/ Exit System Website – EES Not in operation (currently scheduled for “later in 2025”)

EU Official ETIAS Website – ETIAS Not in operation (expected 6 months after EES implementation)

French Long Term Visitor Visa Process Feb 2025 for UK Citizens

• An online form to be completed on the French Government Visa website:
  • Select Current Nationality as British
  • Select United Kingdom as place of submission and City of submission (Edinburgh, London or Manchester)
  • Make sure you are applying for the Long-stay (> 90 days) and main destination of stay as France.
  • Double check passport number and validity dates – they can’t be changed.
  • The mobile telephone number (used for login authorisation later) is in the format 447777XXXXXX (12 numbers).
  • Your Plans are Visitor and Main purpose of stay is Visitor (adult).
  • No National Identity Number is required.
  • You will need to put a French address where you are staying. State if it is a second home.

• Arrange an appointment at a TLS  office in London, Manchester or Edinburgh via the TLSconnect website:
  • You’ll need the reference number from submitting the online form to book an appointment
  • You pay a €55 service fee on-line (this is not the Visa fee)
  • You can pay a £30 courier fee to have your passport returned direct to your home address rather than collecting it from the TLS office – this is a bit of a rip-off as they just use Royal Mail Special Delivery Next Day By 1pm which costs £7.75 and also takes at least an extra day as your passport is sent from the London Embassy to the TLS Office and then via Royal Mail.
  • The further in advance you can book the more available slots – Edinburgh had loads of availability in February compared to October for example.

• At the TLS appointment:
  • Documentation is checked
  • If applicable there is a new second home owners form to complete (not available on-line)
  • Passport photos are stapled to a form and signatures taken
  • Photocopies of documents are inspected and put together in a folder with your passport
  • Payment for the visa is taken (contactless) for €99
  • Fingerprints (electronic scanner) are taken and a receipt issued

• Your passport, documents and application form are sent to the French Embassy in London for processing.

• Your passport is then sent back to the TLS office for collection or via courier for home delivery.

TLS are a third party used to process applications, they also offer enhanced services (at a cost), such as help with filling in the forms for £15 and photo copies at 30p a sheet plus there is a premium lounge (probably with no queues) available for €100 and Saturday appointments for an additional €60.

Note that the decision on your application is by the French Embassy not TLS

Documentation Requirements

A check list is provided once your on-line form is submitted on the French Government Visa website.

• Passport (issued less than 10 years ago, with 2 blank pages and at least 3 months left before expiry)
• 3 Passport photos
• Declaration that you are not going to work and proof of your status eg. retirement / second home owner / funds available etc. (write & sign a letter with the details)
• 3 months of Bank Statements / Other proof of finances
• Proof of accommodation / rental agreement / homeowner etc.
• Travel health insurance – a valid EHIC or GHIC appear to be all that is required
• Photocopies of your passport (plus any previous visas) and EHIC / GHIC are needed – these copies will be kept by TLS.

Timescales

TLS state that the aim is to get your passport back in 15 working days, but it depends on the London Embassy ultimately. Applications in October 2022 took around 14 days, in February 2024 and February 2025 an appointment on Monday had the passport delivered back via courier on the following Tuesday (just over a week).

Appointments in Edinburgh were widely available in February 2025 with only 2 weeks notice. An 09:00 appointment is probably best to avoid queues if they overrun during the morning. In October it appears to be primarily UK applicants sorting out working visas while in February it’s 95% Japanese students applying for visitor visas! They are quite strict about bag searches, having your checklist form and service fee receipt available on arrival plus keeping your mobile phone switched off (it’s ok to switch it on to pay the Visa fee!).

Finally, note that the TLS Office in Edinburgh has moved. It’s now up towards the castle and about a 20 minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station.

Paragliding Tandem Flights from Col de la Loze above La Tania

For an incredible experience flying high above La Tania on a tandem flight try Over The Valley Parapente Courchevel

Get a 5% discount with code LATANIA and book on-line here selecting your flight options, date & time.

ESCAPADE 2025: Nick and Danny, a 2nd attempt in a week!

19 February 2025

ESCAPADE 2025: Brothers Nick and Danny

After an unsuccessful attempt on Monday, we set off again on Wednesday the 19th of Feb 2025 from Airelles in Les Menuires.  

We made some tactical improvements to go faster: (1) leaving our parents behind; (2) getting to Bettex super early; (3) not breaking equipment on the way.

As a result we were on the first lift up, and despite an inevitable delay at Bruyeres, and one wrong turn leading to an extra run in Val T, we made rapid progress.

We made it through all the Courchevel villages and back to Meribel with time to spare, so joined up with our parents for a more leisurely cruise to St Martin and back to Les Menuires.

ESCAPADE 2025 – 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

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 back down to 30 lifts and the age range for successful completion is from 8 to 76 years old! The latest ESCAPADE 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…..

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!

Using Orelle to avoid traffic to La Tania!

A great little adventure from Doug – an Escapade in a Day Veteran who used the Zip Line for the Escapade!

Doug’s story of the day – influenced by the road closure near Moûtiers due to the rock fall (which turned out to be sorted by the time of his trip but with all the planning, it had to be done!).

Lad 3 and I were flying BA to LYS scheduled to land at 10h30 CET (deplaned at 10h50). With no checked bags and luck with the car rental shuttle, we were on the road at 11h30. The “usual” time to Orelle from LYS is around 2 hours, but this was changeover day on a multicountry school holiday week, just getting to the A41 turnoff to GNB took ages, and we arrived at the Orelle parking lot (Telecabine I) at 14h40, and were in Orelle 3000 to hire kit at 14h50. 

(Quick shout out for Orelle 3000: we sprinted into the shop, and with a mishmash schoolboy french I announced that we had reserved kit but needed to ski to La Tania *today*: the staff quit serving everyone in the otherwise packed shop and sprang into action like an F1 pit crew (sorry other patrons, we must have looked like nutters)). 

On the gondola up at 15h00, we changed in the gondola (boots only, no time to repack, so we skied in civvies: I was in full Surrey dad uniform of jeans, button down shirt and a quarter-zip) and were at the top of Cime Caron at 15h30.

Skiing with a 30kg+ rucksack on unfamiliar skis is an experience, and it took the entirely of Cime into Val T proper to work out any semblance of form. Up and over into Méribel, then we got to TS Loze at 1659; yes this was pretty slow but once I unbuckled the hip and chest belts the bag acted as a dampner and made skiing easier. Bouc Blanc and Folyères were properly dodgy with ice, but we took it easy and made it down in one piece for a celebratory pint (or four) at Le Pub Ski Lodge at ~1715. 

The rest of our syndicate (with arrivals in GVA, LYS and GNB around 10h30) had made it to La Tania around 16h15, which was a technical, but not a moral, win. 

Is this a good idea? From LYS (or GNB), maybe but you need an earlier flight because it is really stressful. But from TRN? That may be a good option, only 100km away, as long as you are not very precious about your luggage.

Well done lads! Always good to have a mission on skis, very much in the spirit of La Tania, always going hard…

Beer Prices in The Three Valleys

More Essential Costs in and around La Tania at:
www.latania.co.uk/resort/costs

Prices in Euros and for 50cl (except Folie Douce which is 40cl).