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
Why Ski Resorts Need Targeted PPC To Attract Winter Travellers
As winter approaches, ski resorts vie for consumers’ attention in a congested online market. Reaching the appropriate tourists at the right time is the same difficulty for both luxury mountain retreats and family-friendly cottages. Targeted PPC (Pay-Per-Click) advertising is one of the best methods to do this.
Relying just on organic traffic is no longer sufficient since more people than ever are looking up and scheduling ski vacations online. When properly handled, paid advertising, particularly via social media and platforms like Google Ads, may have a big effect. In order to provide ski resorts a competitive advantage throughout the winter tourism season, full-service PPC management may assist.
Real-Time Intent Capture
Resorts may target people who are actively looking for ski vacations, snowboarding excursions, or winter activities by using PPC advertising. These users are already warm leads since they are prepared to take action and know what they want. Your advertisements will show up when interest is at its highest if you bid on high-intent phrases like “best ski vacations in France” or “ski resorts in the Alps.”
PPC meets this desire instantly, in contrast to conventional marketing techniques. You place yourself exactly where your audience is seeking, rather than expecting they will find your offer by accident. During the ski season, when reservations might be made or broken, this promptness is crucial.
For Relevant Reach, Use Geo-Targeting
Geo-targeting is yet another significant benefit of PPC. You may create campaigns that target certain nations, cities, or even ZIP codes when you use full-service PPC management. For instance, your campaign may target just UK locations with the greatest booking history if your resort mostly accommodates British families.
Additionally, you might change your approach to draw in new audiences from other nations that are considering ski holidays in Europe. Your money will only be used on the most value leads—those with the highest conversion rates—thanks to this kind of location-based accuracy.
Personalised Advertisements For Various Traveller Types
Not every winter tourist is the same. Solo adventurers are among them. Families are another group. While some are looking for affordable lodging, others are searching for opulent chalets with spa amenities. You may design ad groups with sponsored advertising that are specific to these various clientele groups.
Custom landing pages and message are used by a well-run PPC campaign to target each kind of traveller. Once visitors arrive to your website, this personalisation boosts conversions in addition to your click-through rate (CTR).
Seasonal Marketing Strategies To Increase ROI
Ski resorts only have a little window of opportunity to generate the bulk of their yearly income. Running hyper-focused seasonal advertisements that coincide with times of high booking demand is made possible by PPC. A skilled PPC team can optimise bids, timing, and creative materials for every promotional push, whether you’re giving last-minute bargains in January or early-bird discounts in the fall.
Engaging with a full-service PPC management company guarantees that these ads are carried out in a calculated manner. Every day, professionals keep an eye on performance indicators, modifying budgets and keywords to maximise every advertising dollar.
Making Decisions Based On Data
Measurability is one of the main advantages of sponsored advertising. It is possible to trace each click, impression, and conversion. Ski resorts may use this information to better analyse consumer behaviour, pinpoint the best deals, and improve their marketing strategy over time.
Complete service PPC management companies give comprehensive data and insights that beyond simple analytics. They support resort owners in making well-informed choices, swiftly changing course, and allocating funds to the most efficient avenues.
Conclusion
Ski resorts must put themselves front and centre as winter vacationers use the internet to arrange their seasonal getaways. When done correctly, paid advertising provides a clear route to more exposure, interaction, and reservations. PPC offers the performance and flexibility required in a cutthroat travel industry, from geo-targeted ads to personalised messaging and real-time data.
Purchasing full-service. Every component of your campaign, from the bid strategy to the ad text, is optimised for results thanks to PPC management. PPC is the greatest way to navigate the digital marketing slopes for ski resorts trying to fill their chalets and lift queues.
ESCAPADE 2025: Neil, Ross and Jonny

06 March 2025
Conquering the Three Valleys Escapade: A Decade in the Making
Following an unsuccessful attempt almost exactly 10 years ago (just one week short of the anniversary), Neil was determined to give the legendary Three Valleys Escapade another shot. This time, Ross and Jonny were eager to join the adventure, and on Thursday, March 6th, we set off from Val Thorens with high hopes and nervous energy.
A Brutal Beginning
Our challenge began ominously at the top of the Peclet gondola, where we encountered ferocious winds that literally stopped the two snowboarders in our group mid-run. The gusts had stripped away the top layer of snow, leaving us with a treacherous mixture of ice and moguls for our opening descent. Our tentative start felt like a bad omen for the mammoth day ahead.
The relentless wind continued to batter us throughout Val Thorens and Orelle, but we pushed through with grim determination. Relief came only when we reached Méribel-Motteret, where the winds finally eased.
Racing Against Time
By noon, we’d only managed 11 lifts – we were one-third of the way through the route but nearly halfway through our available time. Sitting on the Pas Du Lac gondola, we did the math and realized completion would be a serious stretch. However, we’d been fortunate with lift queues so far, giving us a glimmer of hope.
Our original plan included a proper lunch stop in Courchevel, but that luxury went out the window as soon as we did the maths. Instead, we powered through on just the snacks we’d packed, knowing every minute counted.
Finding Our Rhythm
We flew through Courchevel with renewed energy, calculating that if we could hit a new lift every 15 minutes, we might just pull this off. The strategy was working beautifully until the weather turned against us once more. After a week of brilliant blue skies, clouds rolled in at the top of Méribel, creating challenging low-light conditions. Two of us hadn’t thought to bring spare lenses – a rookie mistake that would cost us precious time and confidence.
Slushy runs in St Martin and Bettex, combined with a frustrating lift queue, saw our goal beginning to slip away. We knew the critical checkpoint: we had to make the Bruyères chairlift by 4:50 PM to have any chance of success.
The Final Push
Arriving at La Masse around 4:20 PM, we knew it would be extremely tight, but maybe – just maybe – doable if we laser-focused on the final two runs. Our legs were screaming with fatigue, and at this point, it felt like we were skiing on pure willpower and muscle memory. I’m not sure I’ve ever descended a run so quickly as we did at La Masse.
We reached Reberty and sprinted to the front of the queue. It was 4:45 PM!! My heart pounded as I watched the chairlift crawl upward at what felt like the slowest pace imaginable. I was sitting there trying to figure out how long the lift would take and then how quickly we could get to the Bruyères chairlift, knowing it was a very short descent down. We crested the top at 4:49 PM – cutting it impossibly fine. The one enduring thought that kept running through my mind was that if we didn’t do it today I knew it would annoy me so much that I’d have to go through this all again until we did!
Victory by Seconds
Jonny raced down first on his skis while Ross and I followed as fast as our exhausted legs could carry us, and with bindings barely clipped in properly. We knew we were on a knife’s edge. As we approached the final gondola, we could see the lift operator beginning to close the barrier across the entrance gates.
Our desperate faces must have told the whole story because after a few pleading faces and some mumbled French from Jonny she immediately ushered us through with urgency. Ross and I sprinted to the gondola while Jonny clattered behind in his rigid ski boots, doing his best to catch up in what looked like a scene from RoboCop.
We made it. By seconds. We were the absolute last passengers on the final gondola of the day.
The lift operators probably thought we’d lost our minds when they saw us screaming, hugging, and throwing out the crispest high-fives as the doors closed behind us. But we had done it – conquered the Three Valleys Escapade exactly 10 years after the first attempt, with literally no time to spare.
It also meant that we didn’t have to attempt it again next year. Those were indeed the crispest of high-fives.
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
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 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!
Rest Day Plans: Making the Most of Non-Ski Time in La Tania
While the thrill of carving fresh powder or cruising groomed pistes is undoubtedly the highlight of any ski holiday, even the most passionate skiers know the value of a good rest day. Whether your muscles need a break, the weather isn’t ideal, or you simply want to slow the pace and explore more of what La Tania offers beyond skiing, there’s plenty to keep you entertained and relaxed.
Discover La Tania Village
Taking a gentle stroll through La Tania itself can be a surprisingly rewarding way to spend a day. The village retains a cosy, intimate feel with its traditional chalets and friendly atmosphere. You can wander the quiet streets, admire the mountain views, and pop into local shops for souvenirs or artisan products.
There are also small galleries and craft boutiques where you can browse local artwork or pick up unique gifts. The village is perfect for a leisurely afternoon of discovery, paired with a warming hot chocolate or freshly brewed coffee at one of the cafés.
Curl Up with a Book or Your Favourite Entertainment
Sometimes, the best way to recharge is simply to slow down completely. After the rush of skiing and being outdoors, a rest day is perfect for cosying up in your chalet with a good book.
Whether you prefer a gripping novel, an inspiring travel memoir, or a light read, spending some quiet time by the fire can be incredibly restorative. You might also choose to watch films or catch up on a series you’ve been meaning to see.
For those who enjoy gaming, playing video games or even exploring online casino games can be a fun way to unwind indoors. Online casinos now offer immersive experiences, large game libraries, and even bonus offers that bettors can use to boost their bankroll. Bettors who value large bonuses and promotions often choose to wager at non GamStop online casinos because these international sites, which operate outside of the UK’s strict rules, are known not only for their flexibility but also for their generous and lucrative promotional offers.
With many chalets now equipped with reliable internet, it’s easy to connect with friends or enjoy solo gaming sessions.
Indulge in Spa and Wellness
A rest day is the perfect excuse to indulge in some pampering. While La Tania doesn’t boast large commercial spa resorts, many chalets and nearby hotels offer spa facilities including hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and massage treatments.
Booking a massage can be especially rejuvenating after several days on the slopes, helping to ease tired muscles and boost circulation. Even a few hours relaxing in a hot tub or sauna can restore energy and get you feeling refreshed. For those staying in chalets, many properties now include private wellness features or can arrange in-house therapists to visit.
Explore Local Cuisine
La Tania and its surrounding villages provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy delicious Alpine cuisine beyond the apres-ski scene. Spending a day sampling traditional dishes is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the region’s culture.
You might visit local eateries to try classic hearty fare such as tartiflette, raclette, or fondue — all perfect for a cold mountain day. Alternatively, some prefer a relaxed lunch or afternoon tea in a cosy café, where you can enjoy freshly baked pastries, cakes, and warming drinks.
If you enjoy cooking, a day off skiing can be the ideal time to visit local markets or shops and prepare your own alpine-inspired meal in your chalet’s kitchen.
Take a Scenic Winter Walk
Not everyone’s rest day means complete inactivity. La Tania offers several gentle, well-marked walking trails through the snowy landscape that are accessible without skis.
These scenic routes take you through forests, alongside frozen streams, and offer magnificent views over the mountains and valleys. A peaceful walk can be a wonderful way to enjoy the crisp alpine air and take in the beauty of the surroundings without the physical demands of skiing.
Many paths are suitable for all levels of fitness, making this a great option for a low-impact day outdoors.
Visit Nearby Villages
La Tania’s location in the Three Valleys makes it a great base for exploring nearby villages, many of which are steeped in alpine charm and history.
Taking a short trip to nearby Méribel or Courchevel, for example, gives you the chance to experience different atmospheres — from Méribel’s traditional Savoyard architecture and lively market to Courchevel’s luxury shops and elegant dining options.
Even a brief visit to these resorts can offer a refreshing change of pace and some excellent opportunities for shopping, sightseeing, or simply enjoying a new café or restaurant.
From Hot Tubs to Hot Chocolate: How Skiers in La Tania Relax After a Full Day
La Tania has become a favourite for those who love world-class skiing paired with a peaceful, village atmosphere. After a long day tackling snowy tree runs or exploring the wider Courchevel and Méribel links, skiers in La Tania are well-versed in the art of winding down.
From warming treats to well-earned soaks and evenings wrapped in alpine tranquillity, here’s how skiers in La Tania relax once the lifts stop turning.
A Hearty Alpine Meal
After hours of physical effort, mealtimes take on a special importance in the mountains. Skiers in La Tania often end the day with a hearty dinner full of alpine favourites—think cheese-rich dishes, warming stews, and plenty of carbs.
Many opt for meals prepared by in-chalet hosts or take advantage of self-catering setups with a trip to the local shops for regional ingredients. Whether you’re gathered around a large dining table or enjoying something simple by the fire, a satisfying mountain meal rounds off the day perfectly and fuels your next adventure.
Chalet Comforts and Evenings In
Many skiers opt for a quiet evening back at the chalet. The calm, tucked-away setting of La Tania makes it ideal for those who prefer to wind down in a warm, relaxed space after a day on the slopes.
Some unwind with a good book or a film, while others might play a few rounds of their favourite video game or enjoy a bit of light competition with a board game. Increasingly, people are also turning to online entertainment like casino games, which offer an engaging way to pass the time with everything from card games to interactive slots—all from the comfort of a sofa. Bettors visiting La Tania can choose between domestic sites, which are licensed in their home country, or international platforms, which are licensed abroad. For example, bettors visiting from the UK often choose to play on international non GamStop online casinos because these sites are often found to be more flexible and easier to access than their domestic counterparts. Whether you prefer gaming, reading, or just watching the snow fall, there is plenty to do without setting foot outdoors.
With most chalets offering strong Wi-Fi and cosy surroundings, it’s easy to settle in for a laid-back night that suits your pace and mood, whether you’re recharging alone or spending time with others in your group.
A Soak in the Hot Tub
Few things beat the feeling of sliding into a steaming hot tub as the mountain air begins to cool and your ski legs begin to ache. Many chalets and accommodations in La Tania include private or shared hot tubs, offering the perfect end-of-day relief.
The contrast of icy evening air and hot water is both soothing and invigorating. Add in the view of snow-covered forests or distant peaks, and you’ve got one of the most popular post-ski rituals in the village. It’s a great way to ease sore muscles and prepare for another big day on the slopes.
Hot Chocolate by the Fire
Once the skis are off and the gloves come off, many skiers find themselves craving a simple cup of hot chocolate and a warm place to unwind. Whether in a cosy chalet lounge or one of the village’s cafés, hot chocolate has become an après-ski essential.
Served thick and warming, often topped with cream or marshmallows, it’s the perfect antidote to cold fingers and tired legs. Add a crackling fire and some soft lighting, and you’ve got a calm, comforting setting to share stories from the slopes and fully defrost.
Spa and Wellness Time
For those looking for deeper relaxation, some accommodations offer spa-style features such as saunas, steam rooms, or even massage services on request. A gentle stretch, a sauna session, or a post-ski massage can go a long way in helping your body recover after a demanding day.
While La Tania doesn’t have large-scale commercial spas, many visitors enjoy the simplicity of unwinding in their own space with a warm bath, a book, or some light yoga. It’s all about doing whatever helps you feel rested and ready to hit the slopes again the next day.
A Night-Time Stroll Through the Snow
For those who like a bit of fresh air before bed, La Tania offers beautiful winter walking routes through the village and nearby woodland. With snow underfoot and fairy lights overhead, it’s a lovely way to wind down.
The pedestrian-friendly layout of the village makes it easy to explore in the evening without needing transport or equipment. A short walk under the stars, wrapped in a thick coat and scarf, can be the perfect way to reflect on the day before heading back inside to warm up.
Final Thoughts
La Tania offers something that many ski resorts struggle to balance: access to world-class terrain with the tranquillity of a genuine mountain village. And while the days are filled with powder turns and piste maps, it’s the evenings that give the resort its true charm.
From hot tubs and hot chocolate to quiet walks and alpine dinners, the after-ski experience in La Tania is just as memorable as the skiing itself. Here, relaxation doesn’t mean missing out—it means slowing down and savouring everything the mountains have to offer.
Tour de France 2025 – All the info & expected Caravan and Peleton timings, free parking, free lifts (extended opening), free buses, road closures etc.

Le Tour 2025 is routed up from Moûtiers to Brides Les Bains, then from Le Carrey roundabout up to Le Praz, 1550, 1650, Courchevel 1850 and upwards on to the cycle track up to Col de la Loze above La Tania for the Stage 18 finish.
Expected Timings
The expected timings from the official site are:
Le Praz – Caravan expected 15:03
Le Praz – Peleton expected between 16:30 and 17:03
Courchevel 1850 – Caravan 15:24
Courchevel 1850 – Peleton 16:48 – 17:24
Col de la Loze Finish – Caravan 15:50
Col de la Loze Finish – Peleton 17:12 – 17:50
Obviously all subject to change and are estimates – check the live Le Tour site for further info.
Free Resort Bus Service – Special Timetable
Download PDF here: https://www.latania.co.uk/resort/BusPDFs/2025/summer/tdf.pdf
Note that no bike trailers will be in use.
Free Ski Lifts
Praz Gondola 08:15 – 20:00
Verdons Gondola 09:30 – 19:30 (pedestrians only)
Saulire Cable Car 09:30 – 17:00
La Tania Gondola 09:00 – 12:30 AND 13:30 19:30 (closed for lunch!)
Local Road Closures
12:00 Road closure in Courchevel Le Praz
Closure of the RD97 and RD915 from Léchère to Moûtiers from 13:15 – 17:00
The RD915 from Moûtiers to Brides-les-Bains is closed from 13:15 – 17:15
Road closure at Carrey at 13:00
Col de la Loze Access – Finish Line
RECOMMENDED : Access to Courchevel 1850 by Praz gondola + Verdons gondola + 1 hour 20 minutes walk (228m D+ by path or passable road)
ALTERNATIVE : Access to Bouc Blanc by La Tania gondola + ~1h30 walk (422m D+ by path, for good walkers)
Road Reopening
After the passage of the sweeper car it is estimated from 18:30 in Le Praz and from 19:00 in Courchevel 1850.
Free Parking
LE PRAZ
- Praz (West Zone / Ski Jumps)
- The Tal
- Jean Blanc
LA TANIA
- Combout
COURCHEVEL VILLAGE
- Grangettes
- Dou du Midi
COURCHEVEL MORIOND
- Cimes Blanches
COURCHEVEL 1850
- Bellecôte
- Pralong
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS
- Saint-Bon
- Fontanil
- Carrey
- Perrière
2025 Tour de France – Traffic Restrictions Timetable for Thursday 24 July: Stage 18 Finish at Col de la Loze, La Tania

From https://savoie-route.fr/circulation
There will be traffic restrictions on the departmental and national road network. Those indicated in this press release concern the route of each stage. Other roads will also be affected by the Tour de France and will therefore not be accessible.
The timetables on the pages below are given for information only. The closure and reopening of traffic routes is left to the initiative of the gendarmerie and police services as the race progresses.
Wednesday 23 July – Advance restrictions for Stage 18
- No parking on the Col du Glandon at Saint-Colomban-des-Villards and the Col de la Madeleine at Saint-François-Longchamp from Wednesday 23 July at 6pm until Thursday 24 July at 8.30pm
- No parking and closure of the Col de la Loze road between Méribel Les Allues and the Col de la Loze from Wednesday 23 July at 6pm until Thursday 24 July at 8.30pm
Thursday 24 July: Stage 18: Vif – Courchevel (Col de la Loze)

- From Grand-Maison dam to Glandon pass (RD 926). Traffic closed in both directions from 10am to 4.30pm.
- From Col du Glandon (Saint-Colomban-des-Villards) to Saint-Etienne-de-Cuines (RD 927). Closed to traffic in both directions from 10am to 4.30pm.
- From Saint-Etienne-de-Cuines to Saint-François-Longchamp (RD 213). Closed to traffic in both directions from 10am to 5pm.
- Col de la Madeleine at Saint-François-Longchamp (RD 213). Closed to traffic in both directions from 12 noon to 5pm.
- Col de la Madeleine to La Léchère (RD 213 and RD 97). Closed to traffic in both directions from 12 noon to 5pm.
- From La Léchère to Moûtiers (RD 97 and RD 915). Closed to traffic in both directions from 1.15pm to 5pm.
- From Moûtiers to Brides-les-Bains (RD 915). Closed in both directions from 1.30pm to 5.15pm.
- From the Carrey roundabout in Courchevel to the Col de la Loze (RD 915, RD 91A, RD 91E). Traffic closed in both directions from 1pm to 8pm.
- Rue de la sous-préfecture at the Moûtiers ‘Les Cordeliers’ exit from Aime-la-Plagne. Closed to traffic in both directions from 1.30pm to 5.30pm.
- Other disruptions to be expected
- No parking between Celliers and the Col de la Madeleine (RD 213)
- La Léchère: the police will take the initiative to close the RD 213 at the intersection with the RD 97 in the event of saturation
- Exit 26 from the A 43 at Sainte-Marie-de-Cuines will be closed from 10am to 4.30pm.
- Exit 37 on the RN 90 at La Léchère will be closed from 1pm to 5pm
- Exit 38 on the RN 90 at Aigueblanche will be closed from 1pm to 5pm
- Exit 39 on the RN 90 at Moûtiers Nord will be closed from 1pm to 5pm
- Exits 41 on the RN 90 at the Giratoire de l’Europe will be closed in both directions from 1pm to 5pm.
New Chenus Gondola Construction

Construction work on the new Chenus gondola from 1850 over to #LaTania continues this Summer and it’s due to open this December.
The gondola is a POMA 10 seater with SIGMA Evo2 cabins (pictured by our spies last Winter at the factory – see below).
- 54 Cabins
- 11 Pylons (instead of 15)
- Capacity 2,400 skiers per hour
- Bottom station 1760m
- Top station 2240m
- Vertical rise 480m
- Length 1674m
- Speed 5m/s
- Journey time 5 mins 49 secs
Punta Bagna Custom Motorcycle Festival Pics


Good to see plenty of bikers made it over to La Tania for better value food and drink than 1850!













Why Music Hits Harder on the Slopes
Music has the incredible capability to elevate experiences, even ones that you already love, like skiing and snowboarding. But while it adds another layer of enjoyment and personalisation, it delivers a few unexpected benefits too. The combination of an exhilarating run down the mountain paired with your favourite soundtrack is unlike any other experience. Let’s take a look at the impact music can have while you’re on the slopes and why it seems to hit harder in these moments.
Music Enhances Performance
The connection between music and athletic performance has been studied across various types of physical activity and been shown to enhance performance in a variety of ways. These impacts are both psychological and physiological, ranging from improved mood to better endurance.
Boosts Mood and Energy
The right soundtrack can boost your mood and energy, which can help you push through challenges, fear, and fatigue. This translates to a stronger performance and a more enjoyable experience. Music can leave you feeling empowered as you glide down the mountain, take on jumps, curves, and any terrain in your path. If you’re a more cautious or nervous skier or snowboarder, it can also help you manage any pre-run jitters or worries, allowing you to get into the zone and feel more confident and capable as you take on a run.
Better Concentration, Rhythm, and Flow
The steady tempo of music can help you zone in and find a steady rhythm and flow that will enable you to respond to the run with fluidity and ease. Part of this is because your movements synchronise with the music, improving your efficiency and performance. Another part is that music helps you focus on the task at hand by engaging your brain’s attention systems, which is why it can also enhance mental tasks like studying for an exam.
Better Endurance
In addition to enhancing focus and boosting moods, music can also improve physiological responses to exercise, resulting in better endurance. Music can regulate your heart rate and breathing, allowing you to perform better for longer periods—and when you’re trying to maximise your time on the slopes, it’s hard not to appreciate this benefit.
Music Forms a Deeper Connection to the Run
The physiological and psychological benefits of music while on the slopes enhance your physical capabilities, allowing you to push your limits and enjoy a run (or multiple runs) to the fullest. But music also has another profound impact when you’re on the slopes: it helps you stay alert and tuned into the moment, deepening your connection to the run.
This connection also carries through once you’re off the slopes. Every time you hear the playlist that accompanied you on your run, you’ll be transported back to the slope and the adrenaline of making it down the mountain. This is because music, in addition to stimulating your attention, stimulates the memory centres of your brain. So not only will music enhance your time on the slopes, it will also transport you there when you want to relive the joy of gliding through fresh powder.
The connection people form to activities through music is what makes it popular and essential in so many different experiences. It contributes to the experience of the ski resort’s après ski atmosphere, fosters relaxation at a spa with nature sounds and gentle melodies, and even fuels a whole subgenre of popular music-themed online slots that put music right at the front and centre of the gaming experience.
Choosing the Right Music and Audio Equipment
How can you maximise the influence music has on the body and mind? By choosing the right music and equipment for the experience. The good news is that music can have these positive effects regardless of genre, meaning you can listen to your favourite artists and still reap these benefits. Tempo is the most important factor when choosing music, so you’ll have a great deal of flexibility to craft a playlist that’s ideally suited to your speed and music preferences.
The most challenging part of adding music to skiing and snowboarding comes down to audio equipment. Finding options that work with all your gear can be tricky, especially when factoring in helmets and layers. You’ll also want to be able to control your playlist with ease, and most systems aren’t designed for use with gloves and bulky clothing. Because of this, you’ll want to experiment with different options to find ones that work best for you.
Some tools, like jacket-mounted remotes with enlarged buttons, can be operated even when you’re dressed in multiple warm layers, helping address some of these challenges. Then there are also different types of headphones to consider, and these are where experimentation is most important. Some people prefer the flexibility of wireless headphones since they’re easy to connect with your phone through multiple layers, but others worry about how easily they can be lost if you fall on a run. There is an increasing number of options that combine wireless control and secure fit or seamlessly integrate with helmets to add ease and convenience to enhancing your runs with music. Assess your comfort level, budget, and reviews to determine which will work best for you.
Important Safety Considerations
While music can enhance your skiing and snowboarding experience, there are some important safety tips to keep in mind on your runs. It may be tempting to blast your playlist so that you can immerse yourself in the moment and forget the rest of the world, and while this instinct is understandable, it can leave you unaware of the environment around you, putting you in danger. Ensure you can still hear the environment around you, asthis will help you stay aware of other skiers and snowboarders and other potential hazards. It will also protect your hearing. To address these concerns, keep one ear free and avoid noise-cancelling headphones. By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of music on your next run down the slopes while staying fully aware of your surroundings.