ESCAPADE 2026: Mark Success after 34 Years…

07 April 2026

As we have sold our family place after 34 years I decided to do the escapade properly today on my own as a last hurrah (although I’ll obviously be back). Maybe I’ll get the crown of the last of the season. Realistically not sure how much longer some bits will be skiable.

Some additions were required including:

– Cherferie after Olympic because there was no way down to St Martin from the top, 

– an additional run up signal to get the top of signal/chaplets following a long plod out along the Bellevue trail when i got to the bottom of Chaplets to find it shut and needing to go along that awful path to Ariondaz. 

– Plan des Mains as no way down from mures rouge after Mont Vallon

Actually the worst bit was Plantrey being broken and Foret being shut meaning after wading down to Le Praz in an ocean of slush, the abysmal walk from the top of the bubble through the Croisette to Chenus. 

Tim reckoned it was going to be impossible so I happily took that challenge.

Mark

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 ESCAPADE 2026 Strava Flyover here (if you’ve a Strava login)

2026 Escapade Video inc Flyover

2025 Escapade Video with Relive

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

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: Sean Again!

07 April 2026

I went out again yesterday with William Jones (age 10), Zara Jerram (age 11) and Margot Deschamps (age 10), starting from Le Praz.  Some slight changes to the usual itinerary due do closures of Foret (replaced with Praz & Plantrey) and Chapelets (skied by it and onward to Granges).

Vibes were high for most of the day (except the long skate out of a very slushy Ours!).

We finished with plenty of time to spare (~1620h), and requests from the kids to go to the family park for more skiing! 

Sean

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 ESCAPADE 2026 Strava Flyover here (if you’ve a Strava login)

2026 Escapade Video inc Flyover

2025 Escapade Video with Relive

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

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

Tue 14 April 2026 – Superb Conditions

The French Instructors Cross Country and Skier Cross competitions today. Some light low cloud about but overall there’s some fantastic skiing available.

Piste du Jour was Suisses and no less than 6 Marmottes were spotted near the excellent Creux piste. The #LaTania first lift crew were on the 08:55 bus down to Le Praz this morning.

ESCAPADE 2026: The Waterfields Successful Attempt!

03 April 2026

The Waterfields – Anna, Beth, Jenny (a previous youngest finisher at the age of 9 just before lockdown) and Ian – completed the Escapade last Friday 3 April, complete with the tortuous addition of the Tortollet lift (the kids wouldn’t believe us that all lifts used to be that slow) and with one substitution (Grangettes for Tovets that had already closed).

Still amazing conditions along the route, and time for a few extra laps of DDL before heading down Folyeres and some refreshments.

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 ESCAPADE 2026 Strava Flyover here (if you’ve a Strava login)

2026 Escapade Video inc Flyover

2025 Escapade Video with Relive

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

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: The Wilson Escapade

05 April 2026

On Easter Sunday 5 members of the Wilson family – Toby, Matt, Ruth, Arthur, and Fred (15) – completed the Escapade. Starting on ice and finishing in heavy slush we managed it with 20 mins to spare, hitting the Foret chair at 16.30: enough time for a celebratory beer at the Bouc Blanc before a final blast down Folyeres and another drink on the terrace at the Ski Lodge.

Great day, great skiing and a visit to some never before seen areas of the 3vs.

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 ESCAPADE 2026 Strava Flyover here (if you’ve a Strava login)

2026 Escapade Video inc Flyover

2025 Escapade Video with Relive

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

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: Sean and Camille (13y / 3rd Escapade)

03 April 2026

Camille Deschamps (13y / 3rd escapade) and Sean Deschamps.  6h56 – a record time for us even with the addition of 2 lifts for 2026.  Start/finish Le Praz.  Beautiful spring day with small crowds. 

Camille would not let me use the only photo I took, but screenshot of the stats below.

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 ESCAPADE 2026 Strava Flyover here (if you’ve a Strava login)

2026 Escapade Video inc Flyover

2025 Escapade Video with Relive

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

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: Chilvers – Father & Sons Success

03 April 2026

Tim, Sam & Neil Chilvers – Escapade done.

Father (Neil) and sons (Tim & Sam). Sam and Neil on skis, Tim on the snowboard. Blue skies and sun all day—perfect conditions.

Full route completed and back to La Tania, just in time for Ski Lodge happy hour.

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

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: The Netherlands Team

28 March 2026

What a amazing trip!

We started last Saturday at Val Thorens, 9.15 at Peclet lift, and completed the full 3 Vallées Escapade following the 2026 route just before 16u30: a demanding, fast paced tour across the entire ski area. Snow conditions perfect, mostly sunny and good temperature, it was a perfect day after the storm the days before!

From Peclet we went to the Orelle section, and headed to Cime de Caron at 10.25. Pistes (nice groomed) with fresh snow! At 11am we took the Mont Vallon lift. No queues at all. At 12.12 we were at Ariondaz lift in Courchevel-Moriond. We headed to La Tania section, arriving at 13.19

A few lifts later, with temperatures still below zero and no queues at all we arrived at Golf lift (13.47), and Pointe La Masse 15.26 (off course with Bettex and Tortollet). Then after La Masse headed to Reberty, Bruyeres 1,2 and back to Val Thorens, arriving after 7hrs and 16 minutes, after 135,1km of pure skiing! Wonderful !!!

Throughout the day, we navigated all key peaks, valleys, perimeter sections and signature lifts included in the modern version of the Escapade. 

Conditions were excellent, which allowed for steady fast skiing, no large breaks and efficient transitions. 

At 16.30 we finished The Escapade tour, we even took the second ride in the Peclet lift, just to drink one beer in the restaurant on top, amazing!

The day remains a unique achievement, and we’re excited to submit this for inclusion in the La Tania Escapade Hall of Fame which continues to record successful tracks.

Greetz, Klaas Jan, Bart and Joost

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

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: The Men of the Realm

28 February 2026

Once upon a time, three esteemed men-of-the-realm, Marcus (The Piste Prophet), Rory (The Summit Seeker), Alex (The Ace of Shades), had a gauntlet thrown down in front of them, in the form of a challenge so enticing it could not be refused. The challenge was that of the infamous Three Valleys Escapade: 14 checkpoints, 32 lifts, 100km of downhill skiing all in one mammoth day in the mountains.

As with all ventures for glory, it did not come without its tasks, tests and temptations to stray. The first such temptation came a day prior, in the form of a red headed boon companion, a friend of our merry men. Our skiing trio shared many an Alpine ale with said friend, so many in fact, that they were led down the metaphorical garden path and left stranded in Meribel, a valley over from their bed of hay, well past lift closure, on the eve of the quest. A nauseating two hour taxi along winding mountains roads was to be the saviour. Having been caught with their salopettes down in Meribel, our trio woke up with them miraculously back on, ready for the big day. With bleary eyes, a record-low 1% WHOOP recovery score, and only orange juice and a pain-au-chocolat to fuel them, our trio set about completing the Three Valleys Escapade.

Quite the team they formed, did our men-of-the-realm: Marcus studied the map as if it held clues to buried treasure (it did), Rory memorised the lift order required to complete the task, and Alex rocked quite possibly the coolest sunglasses the valley has ever seen. The foggy remnants of the previous night were soon cleared as our trio ripped down a well pisted blue for the first run of the day. Game on.

With Marcus (The Piste Prophet) leading the charge, our trio arced their way into Orelle, on to Les Menuires,  before heading up to Mont Vallon and down into Chapletes. Spirits were high as our men, with jovial precision, carefully navigated the intricate route required to complete the feat, knowing that one wrong error could throw the whole quest into jeopardy.

Conditions were on their side: bluebird skies majestically unfurled over the soaring peaks of the Alps and, given it was Saturday (changeover day), lift queues were sparse. Good fortune or careful planning ? I shall let our readers speculate. Either way it meant that our trio were able to sweep through the valleys largely uninterrupted, carving up the slopes like your old man through a roast turkey. Such was the scale of this formidable quest that there was little to no time for breaks.  This meant lunch consisted of a nourishing sandwich on the La Tania gondola, and any notion of slopeside refreshments became a thing of the past.

As the sun passed its zenith, the tenacious trio were well through the list of required checkpoints and a cautious level of optimism began to settle over the group. By this point, it was theirs to lose. Checking their ski-tracks, it quickly dawned on them that not only was completion of the Three Valleys Escapade well within reach, but so too was an accolade some might consider even more prestigious: a 100 km ski day. To complete this, a potent cocktail of cunning choreography, sheer speed and plain perseverance were required. The Three Mu-ski-teers bombed through the thick late-afternoon slush on Bruyeres 1 and 2 to rack up enough distance to get within shooting range of the 100km mark. Having caught the last lift at Bruyères, completing the Three Valleys Challenge, the now-tired trio careered across the valley in order to get back into Val Thorens for the final Plein Sud lift of the day at 17:15, to keep the dreams of posting a 100km ski day on Strava alive.

Despite their weary, skied-out legs, persistence prevailed, and they hurtled down to the base of the final lift of the day. At this point, they were a mere 3 km short of the fabled 100 km mark, with only a 1.5 km ski run left to reach their abode. This led to a final passage of skiing that was scarcely the stuff of legend, as our trio traced vast, meandering arcs across the entire piste to hunt down every last possible metre to add to the tally. Checking their ski tracks fastidiously on the way down, they each ticked over the 100 km mark one by one. And with that, not only had these three men-of-the -realm completed the legendary Three Valleys Escapade, but they had done so with flying colours, completing a 100 km ski day besides

Once all was complete, a well-earned ale awaited them.

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

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

La Tania Seasonaires Awards 2026

Massive thanks you to all the Pub Le Ski Lodge staff and especially Summer for hosting and Harriet for organising everything as usual… Full results to follow!