Winter 2022/23 – First Tracks? First Pints…

Paddy from Ski Some Day wins again as the Beaujolais Nouveau Sesh continues…

Applying for a French Long Term “Visitor” Visa – For stays longer than 90 days this ski season

Update 25/01/2024: The amendments to the Immigration Bill were thrown out as being “unconstitutional” on a technicality that it expanded the scope of the original bill too much. MPs say they will start again but who knows how long this will take, the Long Term Visa looks the way ahead for the moment.

Update 20/12/2023: From The Connexion – “A new immigration law which includes giving UK non-residents who own a second home in France the right to an ‘automatic’ visa to come to France for stays of more than 90 days has been voted through definitively by the French parliament… The next stage is consideration of the text of the whole immigration law by France’s constitutional council, to double check that no measures contradict the Constitution. This will take up to a month; so until mid-January.” A new process for extended stays for second home-owners could be in place before the end of 2024.

The issues of UK nationals working a Ski Season in France have been well documented although savvy companies who went through the process of applying for work permits for UK passport holders (and then the employee obtains a visa based on the work permit) last season appear to be finding it easier and slicker this year.

What is not so widely documented is the French Long Term “Visitor” Visa for those that are not working.

Currently, UK Passport Holders can only stay in France (or any Schengen Country) for 90 days in any 180 day rolling time-frame period. It takes a while to get your head around this “rolling period” and for the vast majority of people it’s not an issue, but if you spent Jan/Feb/Mar skiing in France, Switzerland and Italy (for example) you couldn’t then spend a month in Spain or Greece (or a stag weekend in Prague) until 1st July.

So if you came out skiing for the season at the start of December you would have to head elsewhere before the wonderful month of March skiing. There are various Schengen Visa Calculators online to help you work this out – normally it’s a lot more complicated than the above examples.

The Schengen Countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland (with Croatia added in 2023). So spending time in Bulgaria, Andora, Cyprus and Ireland (for example) doesn’t count towards your 90 days – and technically Monaco or San Marino but who knows how that works…

The French Long Stay “Visitor” Visa Solution

For those who have saved up to do a season, are retired, second home owners or taking a sabbatical (basically not working or taking part in any professional activity) the answer is a Long Stay “Visitor” Visa. So no right to work / residency or having to declare all of your worldly wealth to the French Tax Authorities either.

The Process

• An online form to be completed on the French Government Visa Website.
• Arrange an appointment at a TLSconnect office in London, Manchester or Edinburgh.
• Documentation checked and fingerprints taken at the TLS appointment.
• Payment for the visa now made to TLS €99.
• Your passport and application sent to the French Embassy in London for processing.
• Your passport is then sent back to the TLS office for collection or for courier delivery.

TLSconnect 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, photo copies at 30p a sheet or The “Express Courier” service charge for £30 even though they appear to just use the Royal Mail Special Delivery by 1pm service (cost is £7.35). Also bare in mind that the London Embassy sends out to the TLS Office and then TLS send out, so collection is quicker if you need it fast. Updated with 2024 prices above

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

Documentation Requirements

• Passport (issued less than 10 years ago, with 2 blank ages and 3 months validation after the visa expiry)
• 2 Passport photos
• Declaration that you are not going to work and / or proof of your status eg. retirement / second home / 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 – valid EHIC or GHIC

Timescales

TLSconnect state that the aim is to get your passport back in 15 working days, but it depends on the London Embassy ultimately. We know of a couple of applications in October 2022 that took 10 working days.

Appointments were widely available back in September for the Edinburgh Office and took around 40 minutes including the finger prints.

And if you don’t….

Overstaying could get you banned from France, fined or more – although not much evidence that this is happening anywhere in Europe with the 90/180 day rule at present. Currently scanned passports aren’t shared with all Schengen countries (scans are for watch lists, validity etc) and no auto calculations of 90 days take place – a border official would have to look at all your passport stamps and work things out…

However the much delayed EU ETIAS visa waiver system is now set to come into operation in October 2024 some 8 years after it’s approval by the EU (unless it gets put back yet again as it seems to every year). The system is similar to the US ESTA system with more or less instant approval and this will surely make overstaying immediately identifiable. All UK Passport holders will need to apply for an ETIAS at a cost of €7 for the 3 year waiver.

Lift Pass Prices – Additional Price Increase Confirmed

The “final” list pass prices for Winter 2023 have now been confirmed following a review of the energy price increases and general cost increases incurred by the ski area management companies.

The original price increase for a 6 day 3 Valleys pass from Winter 2022 was 6.1%.

It is now a 9.1% increase from the Winter 2022 prices.

No news on season pass prices yet and Méribel prices are still to be approved by the relevant authorities.

S3V have to produce an Energy Sobriety Plan required by the French government to reduce their energy consumption this Winter and have promised that any actions will limit the impact in terms or customer service and customer experience.

So not as bad as the internet rumours forecast – now let’s just get on with it and go skiing…

All the prices will be updated on the latania.co.uk Lift Pass Page

The National Snow Show – Birmingham NEC 15/16 Oct 2022

Great to be back at a Ski Show, while not the same size as the Earls Court and Olympia (or even the Battersea version) there was still a buzz about looking forward to Winter. Loads of new kit, inspiring speakers and masses of information on where to go and how to stay safe on the slopes.

The main retailer of the show was the Ski Exchange and they certainly had plenty of new kit in stock. More ski and snowboard manufacturers than I remember at previous shows – with each company seeming to produce dozens of models with lots of 2023 hardware on view.

The Snow Dome had slope for first timers to have a go on with instructors present (not real snow though!) for mainly kids to have a taste of skiing.

We watched Dan Egan telling tales of Skiing around the world with a lifetime of adventures with the Warren Miller film crews – great stories and some classic 90s videos of day-glo one piece suits, big hair, headbands and rear entry Salomon boots.

The 3 Valleys had an unmanned booth (when we were there) on the France Montagne stand with a couple of laminates of a QR Code to book your holidays direct with them as they are setting themselves up as a Travel Agent – surely that will work against the ski area as Travel Agents who’ve supported the 3V for years will look elsewhere? No piste maps, brochures, stickers, badges or other freebies like the vast majority of stands. Pretty disappointing from the biggest ski area in the world.

Most tour ops and chalet companies we spoke to were reporting record early bookings up to September but then things have slowed down in what is usually the busiest period for people planning Winter holidays. Most remained confident and positive of a good season ahead despite the Cost of Living crisis etc. The “lifts not running because of energy prices” story has now been fully debunked so let’s just hope for some decent early snow and get on with it!

Met up with Iain from The Ski Podcast who was hobnobbing with Chemmy Alcott & Graham Bell on the Inghams stand plus Ralph from The Freeride Republic in La Tania. At the end of the day we bumped in to The Wingmen and Westy (of Bring Your Sisters) of who many will be familiar with from their gigs at Pub Le Ski Lodge in La Tania – this lead on to the after party, you can guess the rest…

Ultimate Guide to Storing Your Skis

There’s nothing like hitting the slopes for the first time in winter. For ski fans, enduring the hot summer has one payoff: cooling weather marks the coming ski season. Unfortunately, the winter isn’t endless—which means those skis will have to be packed up and put away once the snow starts to melt in places like La Tania.

For skiers who recently forked out a small fortune to finally purchase skis from luxury brands Foil Skis or Zai Spada, which often include carbon fiber, protecting those new items is a top priority. Depending on where and how you hit the slopes, you may not have too many options for storage.

Finding the Right Storage Area

If you’re looking for wooden storage solutions, go here to check out the latest wooden garages from Quick-Garden. The company offers dozens of unique designs, all of which are ideal for storing skis through the summer. Storage sheds offer a dry, ventilated, and shaded area for all types of sporting equipment.

Specifically, a storage shed provides the exact location to expand your skis lifespan. The higher quality of the skis, the more susceptible they are to issues like material flexing and popping. Not only does this degrade the skis, but it may also compromise their performance when it’s time to hit the slopes.

Before You Store Them for Summer…

Most skiers focus on finding the right place to store their equipment during the hot summer months. However, it’s just as important to prep the skis for their hibernation. Luckily, most skis require a short check-up—which is a great time to take inventory of all your ski gear to see which items need replacing.

From there, check for nicks and burrs on your skis—they might need to be repaired at the shop. Then you can take your time sharpening the edges of the skis, which helps decrease drag. After sharpening comes waxing—and be sure to leave an extra layer on for summer.

Finally, check the DIN screws on your bindings, then strap your skis together. Experts recommend storing your skis by laying them down on their sides so that there isn’t too much pressure put on any portion of the skis.

Tips on Prepping for Another Season on the Slopes

After months of sitting idly, skis require a bit of extra love before they’re ready for another round on the slopes. Those who checked on their gear before storing it can hit the lifts with confidence—but be sure to service those skis one last time.

Those who added wax for summer protection can strip it now, then run a microfiber towel across the planks to get them sparkling again. Some also choose to check their edges once more, along with their DIN bindings. However, be sure to check out your boots.

Just like skis, boots are subject to wear and tear during storage months. Particularly, they’re apt to stretch or shrink, depending on composition and storage conditions. For those who enjoy hitting the backcountry, don’t forget to double-check equipment like first-aid kits and shovels.

2023 Piste Maps Analysed and Latest News on The Energy Crisis & Ski Lifts

With the massive investment over the last few years (especially in relation to the 2023 Alpine World Cup) it’s no surprise that this year sees the least “new” badges on the piste maps for quite a few years.

The new Ibex black piste is really the only new addition to the 3 Valleys piste maps (we noted that the 3 Valleys 2023 map still has the Pointe de la Masse marked on it even though this brilliant new gondola that goes directly from the base to La Masse summit in no time at all was opened last season).

Full details of the new Ibex Piste here

The Méribel piste map has the kids area above the Altiport marked as new…

The Piste des Inuits area has had a revamp with both the village and the ski area upgraded with new additions and activities in this kids fun area. La Piste Animaux above is also a great place for kids (and Adults to be fair) where you can identify animal tracks and spot models of them in the forest next to the piste.

Meanwhile on the Courchevel piste map, the new den on Col de la Loze is highlighted…

A new chalet Le Nid de la Loze has been built at the top of Col de la Loze. In the words of the 3V PR machine “Welcome to a delightful haven, inviting you to switch off. Take your pick of two views: the ski area with its fresh, powder snow, or the Vanoise glaciers. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a unique experience with family or friends, or for a romantic getaway”. So we imagine you can book this and stay up there? More when we hear…

Finally, in Courchevel 1650 Moriond a new official ski touring route named Géné’Piste is now marked…

The new 2.8km Ski Touring route takes in a vertical climb of 528 metres, starting off by Les Granges drag lift up to the top of Le Signal chairlift. Ski Touring beginners can learn on the Courchevel-Moriond sector in total safety and take part in the many sociable (and tasty!) events organised by the Snowleader team and try to beat the times set by the Rebloch’team ambassadors.

All maps available on the La Tania Piste Map Page

Ski Lifts & The Energy Crisis

The latest news direct from the Operations Director at S3V which manage the La Tania, Courchevel and Mottaret sectors is that the company’s “Plan de Sobriété Energétique” required by the French Government will put forwards plans that minimise any effect in terms of the service provided and the customer experience of the ski area.

They also inform us that faced with massive increase in costs in many areas, including electricity, fuels and raw materials they have reviewed their pricing structure. Originally, the 3 year electricity contracts that some ski areas had signed up for had gone up by a factor of 10 leading to concerns of the ability of ski areas to fully operate. A government backed price cap of 15% from January 2023 is now in place to mitigate this.

The current plan from S3V is to selectively increase lift pass prices by approximately 9% on average for the 2022/2023 season compared to last Winter – this is still subject to approval by the relevant authorities, Mairie etc.

The New Path and the La Tania Swimming Pool Area is being resurfaced (again)

The new path in La Tania running down from the Hotel Montana steps to the Crêche, Medical Centre and Lift Pass office at the Gondola is getting the top surface put on it today.

Maybe it was just a temporary fix and this is permanent or maybe to match the other resurfacing work and the new pavement down to the gondola? But will be tiled surely?

They better get a crack on with it this time too before the first resort level snow of Winter when it is covered over and everyone skis across it.

Thanks to Andrea from Snow Retreat and Jon from Three Vallee Transfers for these latests pics.

2023 Alpine Skiing World Cup Info – limited impact on recreational skiing

The FIS Alpine Skiing 2023 World Championships are being held in Courchevel La Tania / Le Praz and Méribel from the 6th to 19th February 2023.

Although (unbelievably!) this is right in the middle of the main half term holidays the ski area management company and the organisers are keen to point out the limited effect on recreational skiing during the event – in fact with 15% of all accommodation being taken up by competitors, support staff, organisers, sponsors, media etc there will be more room on the slopes!

In Courchevel where the men’s events are held on the new L’Eclipse piste there is access through a new tunnel from the Forêt Chairlift and Les Arolles piste to allow access to Folyères, Plan Fontaine & Moretta Blanche down to La Tania.

S3V state that only L’Eclipse and Granges pistes in Courchevel will be closed. Granges over in 1650 is reserved for ski testing and working out the best wax apparently!

However, it’s hard to see how Lanches and Bouc Blanc will remain open during the Downhill and for preparation work (other events are further down L’Eclipse) and also the Murettes piste down to Le Praz.

Last winter during the World Cup events the top of the old Jockeys was resurrected – turned out to be not very pleasant and Arolles was obviously heavily skied with being the main route back to La Tania.

The areas closed amount to less than 1% of the 3 Valleys ski area and with amazing skiing to view (L’Eclipe downhill is something else!) and with lots of entertainment and other events on it will be a great time to visit.

Winter Olympics usually cause regular visitors to stay away from the resorts involved and organisers do not want this to happen for this 2023 event which is by far the biggest skiing event outside of the Olympics.

Unfortunately there are no Skier-cross, Half Pipe, Big Air or Freeride events (and no snowboards) which are becoming more and more popular than traditional ski racing and have more appeal to the next generation of Winter sports enthusiasts.

Meanwhile in Méribel the Roc de Fer, Choucas and Eterlou pistes will close but these are at the edge of the ski area so have little impact and again a new tunnel is in place to allow access under the race piste.

Be aware that Saturday & Sunday 11/12 Feb see the ladies and men’s downhills so traffic will be even worse than a usual half term transfer weekend! There are loads of additional traffic management, car parking and shuttle buses being put in place but please plan ahead…..

Tickets: Are on sale now from www.courchevelmeribel2023.com

For example – Prices for the Men’s downhill from €30 at the finish, €60 in the grandstands, €708 on the terrace with lunch and an open bar or €180,000 plus VAT for a private box seating 25 for the whole 2 weeks!

New Footpath, Car Park and Snow in La Tania…

The resurfacing work we reported on around the La Tania gondola is actually a new footpath going from the steps near Hotel Montana all the way to the gondola station.

This will give much easier access (presuming it’s cleared of snow!) to the Crèche, Medical Centre, Lift Pass Office and Gondola access for pedestrians. Less muddy in Summer too!

Thanks to Buddy & Betty for the modelling work.

Meanwhile on the opposite side of the main road from the first La Tania car park as you approach La Tania from Le Praz is the new car park being compressed and flattened ready for use this season.

The earth/rock for all of this actually came from the digging out of the Le Praz underground parking and Alpinium Building. It remains to be seen how much work will be going on with the Moretta Village construction this Winter, will there be any parking for Camper Vans, will the red run be skiable to the gondola etc etc? We’ve had no confirmation of it’s going to be a 3 star or 4 star hotel either – the usual Courchevel transparency…

The first snow of Winter at Bouc Blanc level was seen on Saturday morning, a bit more on Saulire below too. Winter is on its way!

Many thanks to Claire B for the pics!

“New” Piste above Méribel Mottaret under the Bouquetin Chairlift

The Bouquetin Charlift in Mottaret (new for most last year after the pandemic) replaced the old Plattieres 3 gondola “eggs” a couple of years ago and the popular off piste run practically underneath it is to be made an official piste.

This “new” black piste named IBEX will become another “Vertical Experience” area like the Grand Couloir and Couloir Tournier off the Saulire Summit complete with cameras and social media posting opportunities no doubt.

The piste descends from 2700m and is 600m long with a 300m vertical drop that makes for a fairly decent slope angle (average overall) of 30°.

The piste is actually not new and existed in the 1990s when it was named Bouquetin. This from an early 90s Méribel piste map with the run marked under the Plattieres 3 gondola.

PS. Bouquetin or Ibex (or even Steinbeck) are all names given to the wild mountain goats that inhabit the Alps.