What’s New in La Tania & The 3 Valleys 2023 – The Definitive Guide

The 21st edition of What’s New in La Tana & The 3 Valleys – The Definitive Guide

Ski Area

As soon as the ski area closes and the masses of netting, fencing, signage, crash protection and matting are removed ad placed in to storage, work begins on the ski area for next Winter along with the usual developments in each of the resorts of new and upgraded accommodation, bars, restaurants, services and road improvements.

This Winter is the first time there has been no new lift in The 3 Valleys for over 25 years but we do have a new piste which occurs a lot less often. Of course the past couple of years have seen massive investment with three long, fast gondolas and huge amounts of work for the 2023 Alpine World Cup taking place from 6-19 February 2023.

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…

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?

Finally, in Courchevel 1650 Moriond, an existing ski touring route is now named Géné’Piste and now marked on the piste map for 2023.

The 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

The Les Menuires’ green beginner’s run has been enhanced with new safety barriers and ski patrollers on hand to help, it offers a gentle introduction to skiing, at your own level, and on a quiet run. Enjoy your first descents with total peace of mind, as a family! In addition the Family Nature Park has been expanded with parallel slalom, animal figures etc.

Also in Les Menuires the new Pointe de la Masse base to summit fast gondola has had some 13 new larger cabins fitted increasing capacity from 2,400 to 2,800 skiers per hour.

There are also improvements for beginners in Val Thorens with a mascot, Valthy on two new fun runs; the Piste de l’Espace a Space-themed run and Spatial Expérience in the Family Park with an action-packed programme including whoops, arches, boxes, tunnels, gongs etc.

Also in Val Thorens close to the Campagnol magic carpet, accessible on skis or on foot from the resort centre, a brand-new Snow Tubing run awaits you this winter. Slide over the slope on a huge rubber ring, on your own, as a twosome, or even 4 of you at the same time, for plenty of fun, laughter, thrills and spills!

Cime Caron View Point: Cime Caron now boasts a new orientation table! Enjoy 360 degree views over some
of the most iconic summits in the Tarentaise and Maurienne Valleys. Whether on skisor on foot, it’s the perfect place to soak up the beauty of Les 3 Vallées.

A new giant Méribel sign at the top of the Bouquetin Chairlift for the Insta Generation has been installed with magnificent views of Mont Vallon.

The La Ruche (bee hive) picnic area is located at the departure point of La Bee zip line. Recently refurbished, it is now dedicated to bees, and the important role they play in our ecosystem. Inside, you’ll find information and a quiz about bees. Prizes to win too!

At the top of Les Chalets gondola lift, enjoy an easy, safe climb up towards the Chalet du Lac on the new 2km ski touring route with over a 370-metre vertical climb.

To help you get around Les 3 Vallées ski area more easily, you’ll now find two new panoramic screens at the top of the Roc 2 and the Mont de la Chambre chairlifts displaying live updates regarding the ski lift and piste openings.
openings.

More Ski Pass vending machines now located at the Funitel station in Val Thorens, Les Grangettes gondola at Courchevel Village 1550, the snow front at 1650 and Méribel Mottaret’s Résidence du Hameau.

Free smartphone re-charging stations are now available in front of Mont Vallon, at the arrival stations of the Plan des Mains and Plattières lifts, the snow park cabin plus the Bouquetin departure station. Just leave your phone in a recharge box, locked with your personal pin code, then pop back to collect it after a few runs.

Sustainability on the Ski Slopes
Despite partnering with INEOS, destroying forest for the World Cup and having Air Displays at the Summer Ski Jumping, Courchevel does tick some sustainability boxes and there is a plan to make the whole area have less of an impact on the environment. This summer 450 solar panels have been installed on the roof of the Ariondaz gondola lift arrival station in Courchevel Moriond 1650, producing up to 188 megawatts/hour, which are used to operate the lift.

Meanwhile the Saulire Express gondola lift in Méribel is now home to a solar power station comprising 182 solar panels and a surface area of 400 m2.

In Les Menuires 30 snow cannons have been replaced by more efficient models using 7 times less air than the older versions, the new snowmakers reduce electricity consumption substantially.

La Tania News

As has been regularly documented throughout the Summer…

• A new footpath from the steps near Hotel Montana to the Creche, Medical Centre, Pass Office and Gondola.
• A new chalet for the ESF kids area has been built.
• New underground bins near the bus stop.
• New car park at the entrance to resort.
• Work has started on the Moretta Village development.
• A new road up the to Chalets from the main road has been created.
• The La Tania to Méribel Village road is being rebuilt again – looks like work is running late too.
• Work on the gift shops and ski shop in the centre of resort.
• New toilets and changes to the Tourist Office have not been completed.
• The swimming pool area has been resurfaced again.
• New 24/7 pizza machines may be available in La Tania this Winter,
• Alpine Action no longer have chalets in La Tania (still going in Méribel).
• Family Friendly Skiing have added the Nid Alpin chalet right on the slopes in La Tania.
• Chalet Dame Blanche has a new sister chalet – Chalet Evelyne for Winter 2023.
• And the Ski Lodge Bar has been painted…

Courchevel News

A huge focus on the Alpine Skiing World Cup taking place from 6th to 19th February 2023. Slope preparations, car parking and spectator facilities have been the main focus on work this Summer. Some stats…

• 600 Skiers
• 20,000 spectators per day
• 75 nations represented
• 500 million TV viewers
• 1800 accredited media

News from the Restaurant & Bars…

A new 7-course set menu at the 3 Star Michelin chef Pierre Gagnaire, Fouquet’s restaurant at Hotel Barrière Les Neiges will be dazzling diners this Winter. €230 for the wine & food menu.

The K2 Palace Altiplano will be serving sophisticated cuisine from Peru this Winter (and we met the assistant Chef in Crete this Summer!). Peruvian warmth with a bold new twist. Meanwhile the K2 Altitude is serving Lebanese lunch and the Base Kamp by Aïnata serves lunch on the terrace at the foot of the slopes in 1850 and evening meals at the K2 Altitude.

There’s another Michelin Star for Courchevel with Sylvestre Wahid for the exclusive and highly original restaurant that bears his name.

A new terrace on the Carlina Hotel on the way down the Bellecôte slope promises an Argentinian BBQ and a “music filled afternoon”.

Another attempt to liven up Courchevel 1850 at Après Ski (it has been rather pathetic compared to La Tania, 1650 and Méribel over the last few years) is being made at Le Bar de Madame situated near the Dou de Midi piste (Plantrey lift and “King of Spain’s” chalet). A happy mood, tapas, DJs, Bands, finger food, signature cocktails and above all friendliness are promised – we’ll see…

The Hotel Courcheneige has move further upmarket (and priced accordingly no doubt) with various renovations and refurbs and is now a four star hotel. Similarly Mamie Courch’ has had a facelift.

Meanwhile the Hotel Pomme de Pin is being flattened – expect another too expensive property in its place.

Food Festival March 2023

With an unbelievable 9 Michelin-starred chefs in Courchevel, a food festival celebrating the forefront of French gastronomy and its rock star chefs is planned. Public tastings and the chance to experience the work of these highly talented chefs will be available.

Other developments

An evening with a difference on board a piste basher will be available with Courchevel Adventure this Winter. Drive up to a moonlit summit and enjoy a meal based entirely on local ingredients with raclette and charcuterie, wild berry tartlets and Savoie wines with music and friends.

This winter, the spa of the 5-star Strato hotel in Courchevel offers advanced cosmetics with the myBlend (by Clarins) brand and the Aquamotion pool complex has added Aromatherapy treatments to its long list of services and activities.

The Centenary in Courchevel Moriond 1650 in an ideal location just 150m from the slopes is a new addition to the Cimalpes collection.

Méribel News

Le Yana is a new up-market residence, in the heart of the Belvédère district, overlooking Méribel.

Ski in / Ski out Hotel Le Mottaret has had a complete refurb and 15 new rooms added.

The five-star hotel Le Kaila has a partnership with Lego – great for kids (and some adults!).

The Antarès residence, which partly opened last winter, is now finished. This luxury residence, located in the Belvédère area, has a beautiful spa with a sauna, hammam, swimming pool, jacuzzi, and aqua circuit.

A new dining option this winter, with the Partâjo, a gourmet eatery within the Pierre et Vacances L’Hévana 5-star residence. The Partâgo concept combines wine cellar, delicatessen and restaurant run by chef Charles Erik Hostier. 

Val Thorens News

It’s the 50th anniversary of Val Thorens and a new Sports Centre opens this winter called Le Board (named after the snowboard-shaped roof). The rooftop offers more than 3,205m2 outside space with an unrivalled view of the ski area and can host up to 3,000 people for all types of events.

LE BOARD

Inside you will find:

▶ 13,795m² dedicated to sports, games, waterplay, public events and also business meetings.

▶ More than 1,000m² of aquatic space with three pools, water games and a splash pad. There is also a wellness zone with tea room, sauna, hammam, hot tub, ice wall, cold water plunge pool, sensory showers, baths, a rest room and treatment rooms.

▶ A 1,385m² multipurpose “arena” that can host sports events, musical shows, cultural events or professional activities. It is also convertible into courts for volleyball, table tennis, and badminton etc.

▶ A fitness area with a room for classes and stretching. It includes treadmills, rowing machines, bikes, elliptical bikes and much more. Put in your headphones and warm up your muscles for a challenge which — as a bonus — comes with a great view.

▶ A fun park with trampolines and an adventure course with slides. This is the ideal spot for stormy days, or to stay in shape, jump around and have fun with your children.

▶ A space is dedicated to seminars and business events, with an auditorium seating 446 people and 12 break-out rooms. There’s also a lounge space and a terrace with sweeping views of the mountains.

▶ The new bus station will be integrated in the building and have a waiting room, baggage area and welcome point. It will allow a more fluid arrival of holidaymakers, helping them find their way to their accommodation easily. The bag drop will alsobe useful for people arriving early or leaving late.

Other Developments

La Maison – The famous brasserie from the Aveyron department has been refitted in time for its tenth anniversary.

Face West has had a face lift with a new big Italian oven setting the tone for the new menu.

The Fitz Roy has added 14 new rooms and suites this winter. After last year’s renovations, it brings the total to 72 rooms, ranging from 25m2 to 75m2.

The Fahrenheit 7 hotel is updating the property this winter thanks to the renovation and redecoration of 45rooms — about half of their current offering. guest rooms.

HOTEL 3 VALLÉES This mountain boutique hotel has been renovating its rooms one-by-one over the past three years with the goal of offering optimal comfort to its guests, without losing its cocooning atmosphere and mountain vibe.

The Altapura turned ten and starts a new chapter this season. The hotel first opened in December 2011 and has now been renovated by the new owners, EODEN, in collaboration with Beyond Places.

The five-star hotel already drew a lot of inspiration out of the high mountains of Val Thorens, but now goes even further back the root of the ski resorts, with the 70s style of Charlotte Perriand.

First Tracks in the Morning…

Get those skins out again and set off early in the morning, before the slopes open, heading up to Chalet Le Caribou, which is dwarfed by the Aiguilles de Péclet. After a big mountain breakfast, you’ll be the first on the slopes. Stop on the way down for a chilled moment where you’ll feel all alone. Contact Ski-Cool

Freediving Under Ice

Intrigued by the idea of an ice dive? Escape under the ice of lac du Lou during a freediving session, with only air bubbles and lights as your companion.

After a safety briefing, you’ll suit up and prepare to jump in. You’ll be captivated by the silence as you drift about in the icy abyss. Evolution 2 is one of the only organisations to offer this activity in France. No prior experience is required.

New Electric Motocross in Val Thorens this Winter

Evolution 2 launches an introduction to electric motocross this winter with a new guided trip. These bikes are simple to use to and enjoy an adventure on the slopes of Val Thorens. Fat Bike mountain bike descents on snow are also available.

The new Swedish electric motorbikes are automatic, so no need to change gear and there’s no chance of stalling. Each person drives their own vehicle and there is no need for a specific driving licence, although some motorbike experience is preferred.

New “DRAISIENNE”

Every Tuesday and Thursday during the French school holidays children can join the ESF, French ski school, on Place Caron for a new activity that’s been designed especially for them: little bikes, but on skis! These clever devices on skis are the perfect way to first experience gliding on snow. The activity is open from children from 18 months to 5 years old.

Gilles Ayral – The First Barber in Val Thorens

Gilles Ayral and his son have set up camp next to the Tourist Office this winter to tend to your moustache, beard and hair. Hailing from the Aveyron department, the father and son team will take care of your style. The barber shop opens at the beginning of December.

Les Menuires News

HÔTEL HIGALIK****

The top-of-the-range residence complex Pure Valley has really pulled out all the stops for Les Menuires. The new 4-star hotel Higalik has an impressive surface area of 6,783 m. over 10 floors and stands proudly at the entrance to the resort.

There is also a new ski in/ski out restaurant, Le Télèmark which is expected to quickly become the new place to be for food lovers looking for a well deserved break to bask in the sun, on the vast south-facing terrace area with capacity for 143 people. Gourmet bistro-style cuisine using fresh and seasonal products. Open every day non-stop from 11am to 11pm. €50 for a 3-course meal.

The delicatessen next to the Higalik 4-star hotel’s restaurant Le Telemark is run by the highly talented Flora Sades from Mexico, and is the ideal place if you’re looking for some delicious treats. ‘Chez Mauricette’, as the locals call it, is the perfect place to come and enjoy a piece of cake at the counter in the afternoon, or an early evening drink after a day on the slopes.

Award for the Valée des Belleville

Last year, the Vallée des Belleville began the application process for the Flocon Vert accreditation, as part of their sustainable development strategy. A year’s work on various themes including transport, living conditions, energy and waste management was rewarded when this treasured accreditation was granted on 30 May this year. The Flocon Vert label is dependent on continuous efforts for improvement and is reviewed every 3 years. In addition the resorts throughout the valley are all committed to working together to provide:

• By organising a free shuttle service to the heart of the resort for clients without cars.

• By creating eleven Rêzo Pouce hitch-hiking stops in the villages and resorts.

• By introducing re-charging stations for electric vehicles in Saint Martin and Les Menuires.

There is also a new initiatives, no more plastic cups! After a successful test run last winter, guests are now invited to bring their own cups for their hot drinks after a day on the slopes.

St Martin de Belleville News

Saint-Martin-de-Belleville can now boast a new 5-star hotel at the foot of the slopes. The new M Lodge in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville has only 25 rooms but already has all the makings of a great hotel. 18 rooms and 7 suites make up the establishment, 5 of which are 90m². The terrace with a view of the peaks is the extension of the relaxation area: some with bar and billiards, table football, pinball machine or sound system. Ideal for families whose children, or older children, can go upstairs to play in peace!

For a relaxed gastronomic moment, go to La Table du M, a real invitation to shared conviviality for a light lunch, a comforting après-ski or a cosy dinner by the fire.

The Nanook is one of the new jewels in the crown of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. Perfectly located 200 metres from the ski slopes, and part of the “Chalets de la Combe”, its 467m² are a tribute to elegance.

This exceptional property, which can accommodate up to 15 guests, perfectly combines chic and contemporary design on 5 levels.

Orelle News

A new pedestrian tunnel at the Cime Caron will allow customers to travel with luggage from Orelle to Val Thorens on foot – no snow boots required!

A new tourist office is opening this summer with a place dedicated to entertainment. More spacious, more connected and better integrated into the village square.

A luxurious 4 star apartment complex will see the light of day next winter. Located in the heart of the village, near the cable car departure, this brand-new apartment will accommodate up to 12 people.

There are 5 new snowshoe trails marked out in the village, to encourage people to discover the 10 hamlets that make up the village.

Future Developments and Other Stuff

The Bozel to Courchevel ski lift is still going through the planning, finance, permission, consultation stages – but there is definitely a commitment to this project going ahead.

The upgrade of Côte Brun was originally expected to be completed for this Winter. We now understand that work on a new 10 seater gondola is expected to start this Summer – a huge upgrade to a common bottleneck with an enclosed lift on what was one of the coldest, longest chairlifts in The 3 Valleys.

Also this Summer will see work start on the upgrade of the Rhodos 1 and 2 gondola in Méribel. A very useful lift for accessing the Ronnie or getting up from La Chaudanne to make the Loze Express last lift back to La Tania – open later than other lifts too.

No further news on the La Tania gondola upgrade – the lift is now 30 years old – but there is a promise to do this to coincide with the opening of the Moretta Village complex and the extra beds / skiers in La Tania.

Tour de France 2023 – Coming to La Tania next Summer!

As Tim revealed in a snow report last Winter that a stage would end in Courchevel – it’s now confirmed that Le Tour Stage 17 will come through La Tania on 19 July 2023 with the riders coming up from Moûtiers through Brides Les Bains, Le Praz, La Tania, Méribel, Col de la Loze and finishing at Courchevel Altiport. 

2023 Piste Maps

2023 Opening Dates & Prices

Special Offers

All Accommodation

Self-Catered Accommodation with availability & prices

Transfers

What’s On This Week

La Tania and 3 Valleys Diary 2023