ESCAPADE 2025: Not quite the Hall of Fame due to Mt Vallon not operating

13 March 2025

We first attempted the challenge in 2018 & when we returned to Val Thorens this year we knew we had to actually complete it with the whole crew!

We weren’t able to go up Mount Vallon (due to weather), but took on an extra peak instead & hope that our story is engaging enough to still make it to the hall of fame! – nearly!

Hui the Bear Crew: The Saga Without Idi

The Humble Beginnings – 2018
Every great adventure has an origin story, and ours kicked off in 2018 with a trio of brave souls ready to take on the ultimate skiing challenge. Spirits were high, the slopes were calling, and victory seemed inevitable… until Mother Nature decided to test our commitment.

Cue the downpour
Somewhere near Golf, our dreams of glory turned into a very damp reality. We fought the good fight, pushing through the relentless rain, but eventually, even the toughest skiers have to admit defeat when they’re soaked to the bone. So, we retreated to the nearest refuge, where we nursed our egos with some hot chocolate. The challenge had won this round, but we vowed to return!

The Redemption – 2025

Fast-forward to 2025 – we were back and significantly more organized. This time, we had a full crew, a well planned route, and with a hunger for success, we were ready to take on the challenge.

The day, however, did not get off to a flying start. Before we even reached the first lift, disaster struck—one of our crew took an unfortunate slip on the ice, popped his knee, and was out for the count. The trip had claimed its first (& luckily only) casualty.

But the show had to go on
Determined to make amends for 2018, we lined up for the Peclet lift before it even opened, setting the tone for what promised to be a glorious day. The sun was shining, our skis were slicing through the powder, and with great pace through VT & Orelle we were growing confident we can breeze through the challenge.

Then came Mont Vallon
As we arrived, ready to tick it off the list, we were met with an absolute nightmare—the gondolas were being reeled in, and the piste was CLOSED.

Undeterred, we carried on, only to be hit with yet another setback—Chanrossa lift? Closed too. But we weren’t about to let a few closed lifts ruin our mission. A quick detour through Roc Mugnier, Pyramides, and Roc Merlet got us back on track. We blazed through the slopes of Courchevel for a timely Ariondaz gondola lunch. 

The crew quickly traversed the villages of Meribel, and despite the weather getting worse, the legends carried on. With time running low and Mont Vallon still off-limits, we made a bold move—an extra peak, 3 Marches, to make up for the lost kilometres. It was risky. It was exhausting. But it was necessary.

As we blasted through the final runs, the tension was real—would we make it? 

The final stretch had to be rapid and it was. We clocked in Bruyeres with 10 mins to spare, getting the whole Hui crew back to Val Thorens without the need for a bus!

The Victorious Finishers

Leszek, Jonas, Laerke, Emilie, Lucille, Ed & Livia – legends of the slopes.
Special shoutout to Omar, who sacrificed his knee
Idi? Never even tried.

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 tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk

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: Andy (again) and Neil having to avoid Peclet…

17 March 2025

Andy & Neil set off with Sherpa sandwiches and one bottle of water (a mistake) but were very confident as Andy had completed the route last week and several times previously.

Peclet was not running so Cascades was used instead – but an error meant Cascades had to be used twice!

Liberty Pass data below.

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 tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk

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: 3 Escapades in a week – is this a record?

10-14 March 2025

After successfully completing escapades each of the last three years Sean, Toby, Tony, David and Paddy were keen to repeat the challenge again this year.  We booked ourselves into the not so luxurious Belhambra in Les Menuires and this was our base from 8^th-15^th March.

Escapade Number 1: Monday 10^th March

Being a group without any pre-disposition for forward planning, it was late during breakfast on Monday 10th March when we decided to ‘make a start on the Escapade and see how we get on’, hoping the poor weather forecast might keep down the queues. Beginning with La Masse and well supplied with pains au chocolat from the breakfast buffet and a few bottles of water, all went relatively smoothly until the descent in to Orelle where Tony took a tumble. Tony substituted the pharmacy in VT for Mont Vallon and soon we’d done half the lifts but were 45 minutes behind schedule. Assuming the attempt doomed we carried on for fun.  An hour or so later Toby took a wrong turn and was diverted by a closed run into La Tania but quickly rejoined. Hope was creeping in as we headed up Olympique with some lost time made up.  At this point Paddy said “it’s just about on as long as we don’t make any mistakes”.   Moments later, zooming past the entrance to Verdet, Toby and Sean got the extra time in Meribel that they were so keen to have, leading to a split group.  With Top Gear rules applying Tony, Paddy and David pressed on and a nail-biting finish ensued with Toby and Sean catching back up with 3 minutes to spare to catch the Bettex lift home.

Successful completion of the challenge:  4/5 (with Tony missing Mont Vallon to get ibuprofen)

Escapade Number 2: Wednesday 12^th March

At dinner on Tuesday, one of the group suggested it might be fun to do the escapade in reverse (i.e. doing it in a clockwise direction instead of the standard anticlockwise circuit). In uncharacteristic form for the group, whose normal modus operandi is spontaneity and hoofing it, the following morning Tony had used his encyclopaedic knowledge to knock up a route with minimal overlap of the usual one. Reverting to type, we again decided to ‘make a start and see how it goes’. Toby forgot his gloves, so Paddy, Tony and David set off leaving Sean and Toby (much faster) to catch up. Beginning with Roc1, Roc2, we took on St Martin but not Bettex at the start and raced round. Toby and Sean nearly caught up, then took a wrong turn and added an extra lift, 3 times, only catching up in the bar at the end without La Masse and Bettex. Tony, Paddy and David found Peclet shut in VT so took Moutiers instead, picking up Peclet after Orelle. The weather started to close in when we got back into VT.  A complete whiteout on La Masse left them skiing pole to pole with Bettex closed well before they could reach it.  The descent which would normally take about 9 minutes took almost 30.  Our cautious snake down the mountain steadily accumulated disorientated skiers and we successfully guided about a dozen others down the mountain.  They made it on to La Masse bubble with just Bettex to do and the result on a knife edge.  Given our good Samaritan status, the thanks of those we helped and the fact that we could easily have skied down to Bettex (but chose not to because we didn’t want to walk back to Les Menuires), we felt that we had completed the spirit of the challenge.

Successful completion of the challenge:  3/5 (with Sean and Toby succumbing to the magnetic draw of Meribel and never catching up with the rest of the group)

Note: we’d recommend trying it this way round to anyone who’s looking for something different. The distance and descent are similar the usual route.  These are the lifts we took (starting from Les Menuires): Roc1&2 St Martin1&2, Saulire, Golf, Altiport, Loze, La Tania, La Praz, Grangettes, Verdons, Biolay, Roc Mugnier, Arondiaz, Chapelets, Pyramides, Roc Merlet, Marmottes, Plattiers, Mont Vallon, Plan de Mains, Cote Brune, Peclet, Grand Font, Peyron, Bouchet, Orelle-Caron, La Masse, Doron, Bettex.

Escapade Number 2: Friday 14^th March

On Friday the forecast was again not great and during breakfast we decided that it wouldn’t be worth having another go.  We started the day with a fast and sunny descent from La Masse.  Buoyed by this we thought ‘what the hell’ and decided to ‘go for it again’ despite the not-so-great forecast and having minimal food and drink with us.  We managed to race around, keeping ahead the bad weather until we hit the Courchevel valley.  With snow falling, we took advantage of shorter queues, and the quieter slopes allowed for some faster skiing.  We completed the escapade, making it to Bettex with 20 minutes to spare.

A very happy ending to a great fun week.

Successful completion of the challenge:  3/5 (with Sean and Toby succumbing to the magnetic draw of Meribel and never catching up with the rest of the group)

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 tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk

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: Pav, Ffion, Ben and Roly

19 March 2025

Well we managed to do the challenge today. I think you got a photo of us this morning at the LT bubble and if so then your starting photo was better than the one we got. 

There was the four us with Pav on the left followed by Ffion, Ben and me Roly on the right. Four seasonaires, 2 boarders and 2 skiers, Pav being the only one of the group to know the majority of the route and Ben only really learning to ski at the start of this season.

We had a quick briefing in the Ski Lodge the evening before where we all made random useless notes on piste maps which I conveniently forgot on the day but fortunately for us all we had a Pavnav.

We couldn’t have asked for a better day for our first attempt, the conditions were great, the piste relatively quiet and all the lifts working.

Our only real hiccups were a tiny Ffion detour, me spending too much time on my ass and Bens lift pass deciding to give up on Mont Vallon but all in all we had a brilliant day and are happy with the time (even if there were no balloons at the finish).

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 tracker data & screenshot plus a story of your day to toffa@latania.co.uk

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!

Auction of old Gondola Cabins – buy a piece of Courchevel history!

Update: The Chenus gondolas went for around €2700 to €3000 each in the auction (the second one sold made only €1900 and a pink one nearly €4500). The newer Ariondaz ones sold at about the €2000 price point.

There is a charity auction of the old Chenus and Ariondaz gondola cabins to be held on Saturday 24 May 2025 (Chenus gondola is being replaced this Summer).

The auction is online or in person at the Alpinium in Le Praz and there are 160 cabins for sale.

After years of transporting skiers, these iconic cabins are auctioned for a second life off the slopes.

95 Chenus cabins (SIGMA / POMA manufacturer, 1994).

65 cabins from Ariondaz (CWA manufacturer, 2001).

All profits from this sale will be donated to charities working in social and environmental protection. A great opportunity to acquire an object full of history while supporting essential causes.

On the morning of the sale on Saturday 24 May 2025 from 10:00 to 12:00 a selection of the cabins will be available for viewing.

The sale will start at 14:00.

All cabins need to be collected on Saturday 7 June 2025 between 09:30 and 15:00.

Practical information
Auctioneer: Mr. Nicollin (Léman Auction House)
Contact s3v: Bénédicte Peroz: b.peroz@s3v.com
Registration for sale here

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.