What’s New in La Tania & The 3 Valleys 2025 – The Definitive Guide
The 23rd edition of What’s New in La Tana & The 3 Valleys – The Definitive Guide
Part 1: What’s New on the Ski Area
The new 2025 Piste Maps for The 3 Valleys have a few changes and “New” logos on them.
All individual valley maps now available on-line at www.latania.co.uk/skiing/pistemaps.htm
La Tania / Courchevel
A 3rd Nid (Nest) relaxation shelter / sun bathing area has been constructed in the Courchevel ski area this Summer.
The new one is at the top of the Pyramids drag lifts in 1650 Moriond and named Nid des Avals with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and of the Valley des Avals. The other Nids are near to the top of Col de Loze and at the top of Saulire between Vizelle and the cable car.
Also in 1650, the Tetras piste has been renamed Boix-Vives after Laurent Boix-Vives a pioneer of Courchevel skiing and development of the resort. He was president of Rossignol Group for 50 years.
Finally in 1650, a new magic carpet lift has been deployed replacing an old non-covered one by a 39m covered lift in the ESF area.
The Saulire cable car has finally been repaired following accidental damage caused during a load test on 29 September 2021. It is scheduled to re-open pen on the first day of the Courchevel 1850 season on Friday 6 December 2024. Marked as NEW on the 2025 map!
Hardly missed really (except for Folie Douce pedestrian access via connecting to Saulire Express 2 and in Summer on bikes being able to ride straight on and in to the lift) with other lifts coping remarkably well transporting skiers and snowboarders to access similar areas of the mountain. However the new cabins have floor to ceiling windows which will provide outstanding views in the 3 minute 1.7km journey to the top.
The original lift installed in 1952 held 30 people and then in 1984 when the current lift infrastructure was installed it was the largest in the world with a capacity of 160 people. The new cabins have a capacity of 130 people and the 3 year POMA renovation (complicated by having to adhere to new safety standards) has cost €10 million.
A new observation platform at the meeting point of the Suisse and Marmottes ski lifts offers stunning
views of the surrounding areas.
Just below the cable car is the Family Park which is having a revamp for Winter 2025. The Boardercross will be extended by 160m and archways at the departure and arrival points added. Additional signage and a terrace added to the relaxation area are also planned.
Down from the family park to the left side of the Biollay lift there is a new 70m magic carpet lift replacing 2 older shorter lifts. Marked with a star above (denoting a free lift).
There is also a further new magic carpet installation in Le Praz near the Forêt chairlift – the old carpet lift being removed a couple of years ago with the Skiing World Championship development work.
No marking of a rumoured rope tow to link up the flat track at the top of the Bouc Blanc chair area from the “Rock” near to Chenus – this would be hand for beginners heading back from Méribel to La Tania avoiding the black and red runs (or course if they kept Coqs – which is still marked – this wouldn’t be so much of an issue).
Coqs is still there – but probably for the last time and who knows how often it will open, probably just when Chenus breaks down!
The red Moretta run in to #LaTania terminates early linking with the green Plan Fontaine piste through the forest back to resort as was the case last year as the Moretta Village building work continues.
Initial work has already started on the new 10 seater Chenus gondola (will be similar to the Praz gondola) scheduled for completion in December 2025. The bottom station will be in front of La Croisette building not inside it (so no ramps!).
Méribel / Mottaret
Not many changes to the map in the Méribel Valley…
The only “NEW” logo on the map is at the 2294m Roc de Fer where a new 40㎡ relaxation / picnic area has been created. There are hammocks, heart-shaped cabins and a photo booth. A new 360° high resolution webcam will also be installed.
The Roc de Fer tunnel has been revamped by French street artist Franck Blériot, paying tribute to Meribel’s sporting past where it hosted the 1992 Olympics and 2023 World Championships.
At the summit of Mont Vallon, at 2,952m, a new photo spot invites skiers to capture magical moments.
This unique location offers breathtaking panoramic views across the mountain range, in to the valleys below and of the Vanoise National Park. It’s usually a great, long ski back down too!
The snow front at La Chaudanne is being transformed to offer a new space for beginner skiers and a new free sledging area. At Pas du Lac, a new digital display board is being introduced showing real-time information about snow conditions, slope opening times, and upcoming events.
The Doron magic carpet lift is now covered providing a comfortable lift experience in bad weather.
Les Menuires / Saint Martin de Belleville
The Les Marières piste introduced last year linking the Gros Tougne and Pelozet pistes above St Martin is now detailed.
La Terrasse is a new large observation deck at the top of the Saint Martin Express chairlift, offering stunning views (again) and a picnic / relaxation area.
A massive new tunnel under the main road to access St Martin has been constructed (yes that is the gap in the main road on the pic below!). Will make this a lot safer than the narrow (often icy) previous route.
The Pylônes piste above Les Menuires is no longer a designated Liberty Ride area.
The Preyerand magic carpet has been replaced, and the area has been completely redesigned to offer a smoother and more enjoyable learning experience.
At La Croisette the Pelvoux magic carpet now features a protective tunnel, leading to a brand-new sledging slope.
New signage across the area has been installed including three new slope maps: at the top of the Sunny Express chairlift, Becca chairlift, and ROC 1 gondola.
New orientation tables have been installed at the top of the Bruyères 2 gondola, on the relaxation terrace at the summit of the ROC 1 gondola, and in the relaxation area at the top of the Saint Martin Express chairlift.
Val Thorens / Orelle
The new Deux Lacs 10 seater gondola in Val Thorens replacing the chairlift of the same name is now detailed on the map. This takes you slightly higher than the original lift giving access to the BEE zip line too.
Costing €16 million this lift operates at up to 15 mph, featuring 61 cabins with 10 seats each giving a capacity of 3,500 skiers per hour.
It will now be a comfortable 4 minute ride in all weather conditions with an emphasis on usage by beginners & children – a new green run, part of the Easyrider package is accessible directly from the top of the new gondola.
The new restaurant building at the Cime Caron summit is a 130 seat restaurant with wine bar and rooftop bar / viewing area. Amazing 360º views are promised (on good weather days!).
The new Face Nord blue piste above Asters down from the Col de Thorens at the top of the Thorens Funitel that we think was skied / tested last Winter is now marked on the map.
A new “instagrammable” ORELLE sign with massive letters has been built near the top of the gondola station.
Part 2: New Buildings, Accommodation, Restaurants, Bars, Travel Options etc.
La Tania
La Tania Moretta Village keeps going up and up and still scheduled to open for December 2025. The underground car park and access road was not completed (as we predicted) and the temporary chalet access road will be in use again this Winter (and the red Moretta piste once again finishing at the green Plan Fontaine piste for access back to resort).
Construction will stop for the Winter months and the cranes will come down so no disruption (except for that bottom bit of the red run) during the ski season.
From the advertising blurb….
In line with its desire to expand its activities in its mountain areas, and in order to diversify its offer to meet the expectations of its customers, the Société des 3 vallées bought the Saulire real estate agency in November 2013.
Managed by Audrey Karsenty, the agency currently manages 242 rental mandates in Méribel-Mottaret and Courchevel-La Tania with the mission of offering a quality service allowing owners to rent out their properties while guaranteeing a high occupancy rate.
In 2025, the new high-end real estate program BARMA Résidences et SPA will see the light of day. A project that marks a turning point for the intimate resort of Courchevel La Tania, allowing an upgrade while preserving its family and friendly image.
The result of a long-standing collaboration between four major players – GIBOIRE, SOTARBAT, SAS SAVOIE and S3V – the BARMA Résidence & SPA real estate complex will include a 4-star hotel with 75 rooms as well as two hotel residence buildings offering 42 apartments, ranging from T2 to T7. The BARMA program also offers more than 2,000 m² of recreational spaces including an aqua play area, a fitness area, a cinema/seminar area, a restaurant and a bar.
OPENING OF A NEW AGENCY IN COURCHEVEL-LA TANIA IN DECEMBER 2024
Agence Saulire Route du Praz Juget 73120 Courchevel
The new Parking Combout à La Tania has toilets and a waste point installed but will be introducing charges this season. The 8 season long camper van pitches had been reserved by mid-November.
There are several parking options depending on the length of your stay:
The season subscription of €190 is open to all but limited to the first 70 people registered on the application (from November 12, 2024): https://courchevel.e-habitants.com
The motorhome season subscription of €250 is open to the first 8 people registered on the application (from November 12, 2024): https://courchevel.e-habitants.com
Bus parking is possible at the Jean Blanc car parks in Le Praz and Combout in La Tania at a fixed price of €40/day, either from the parking meter or using the flowbird.fr mobile application.
For all other requests, you can select your parking rights either from the parking meter or using the flowbird.fr mobile application
Free for 2 hours 59 minutes, then paying from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day from December 1 to April 30,
Possibility of parking for one week for an amount of €70,
Possibility of parking for two weeks for an amount of €110.
There is no electric hook up or showers like we were originally told – maybe that’s still to come.
We have some new Mountain Art in La Tania – a racing car near the Sherpa! This is it being unloaded – we’ll not spoil it for you!
The often 3 year cycle of Seasonaires appears to be with us with a lot more new faces this season especially at Pub Le Ski Lodge and some of the bigger chalet companies. The old rule of “do more than 3 seasons and you’ll be here for life” seems to still apply and some got scared!
Some new barriers, signage and road maintenance around the resort but not the great improvement in lighting, the pedestrian area and arrival point to the resort we’ve been promised (yet!).
The Ski Lodge has a new sign, a coat of paint and that mirror is finally fixed to the wall! We’ve heard a rumour about Big Band Night on Tuesday Nights returning – with residents The Revolverlites!
Courchevel
In 1984, Saulire cable car became the biggest of its kind in the world, with the capacity to carry
up to 160 people. It was the worthy successor of an installation that was created in 1952, an
impressive, initial version that was already able to carry 30 people, and was exceptional on the
technical front due to its speed (8 m/s, 360 ppl/ hr) and highly sophisticated safety systems. Two
versions, two revolutions. In 2021, a technical incident during an inspection outside of the peak
season forced the resort to definitively close the 1984 version. A third revolution was therefore
required so that Saulire could rise from the ashes and make Courchevel proud once again.
After three years of renovations, the cable car is finally ready to operate again. The renovation work
was carried out by French company POMA and was focused on both technology and design.
The safety of the installation was improved, to comply with ever-changing standards. The capacity
was reduced (initially 130 ppl.) but choices were not made in terms of finances, it was because the
materials used to make the cabins were completely modified. Instead of the traditional Plexiglass that
can quickly become damaged, all the sides of the cabins are now made from laminated glass. From
a height of 70 m, the view over the mountains and valley has never been so spectacular.
The fix cost €10m, the new journey time will be just 3 minutes travelling over 1.7km and 633m of vertical.
Family Park
There are plans to extend the Boardercross in the Courchevel 1850 fun zone by 160 m. An archway will be added to the departure and arrival points and the signs and displays are going to be changed. Finally, a terrace will be added to the relaxation area.
ESF News
The Courchevel Village ESF now has a daycare centre for infants from 18 months old, and an educational area for children from the age of 3. In Courchevel 1850, the Slalom Park Épicéa has an automated video system so skiers can pick up a free video of their descent. The ESF Courchevel 1850 has created a blog where advice about physical preparation is posted, along with skiing recommendations, etc.
The Return of The Ski Mountaineering World Cup
The Ski Mountaineering World Cup is coming back after 10 years of absence, and Courchevel will be hosting the first races of the international season. This opening stage of the global competition will begin on 12 December with the Olympic-style individual event. On 14 December is the Sprint event, the first qualifying heat for the Cortina Olympic Games in 2026. On 15 December, the Vertical Race will take place on the Millet Ski Touring slope.
Para Alpine Skiing World Cup
Courchevel Club des Sports is organising its first Para Alpine Skiing World Cup on 19 / 20 December.
One of the favourites is Hyacinthe Deleplace, guided by Roy Piccard in the visually impaired category (B2). This member of Courchevel Club des Sports already has three world titles and an Olympic medal under her belt.
Women’s World Cup Slalom World Cup
This time it’s a night event on 30 January 2025 at the Emile Allais Stade.
Aquamotion btween 1550 and 1650 is introducing new Paddle yoga, aqua paddle and swimming lessons for all ages. In the Fitness area, Pilates and circuit training, sporty yoga, as well as a new shop and a new partnership with Arena are planned for Winter 2025.
Another 2 Michelin Stars (taking the total in Courchevel to 12)
Sylvestre Wahid latest star if for his restaurant at the Grandes Alpes hotel, a minimalistic place with only four tables, but the menu whisks diners on a voyage to Pakistan, the 48-year-old chef’s home country.
In March 2024, Jean-Rémi Caillon and his team were awarded a Michelin star. As a chef-forager
deeply rooted in the tradition of rustic cuisine, Jean-Rémi Caillon pays a heartfelt tribute to winter
and the majesty of the alpine lands through his gastronomy at The Alpage
Il Refugio at the Saulire cable car bottom station now has a snack bar.
The Asian Chalet now has a second place for those craving Thai, Sushi or other Asian delights. Now available in 1650.
Building Work in 1650
This seems to be endless – huge new accommodation blocks of 5-star luxury apartments and hotel room complexes were shooting up this Summer.
Val Thorens
No more World Class Rally Car on Ice Racing Competition but a round of the Freeride World Cup (27 Jan 2025 to 01 Feb 2025) and Ice Cross (Boarder Cross on skates!!!!) comes to Val Thorens from 5-7 Dec 2024. Then annual round of the Ski Cross World Cup is 12-13 Dec 2024.
Yaki Alta, an inspired cuisine
Opening this season is Altapura’s new restaurant – called Yaki Alta – where Asian and European flavors meet in bold fusion cuisine. The restaurant promises a limitless culinary journey where each dish is an exploration of innovative tastes and diverse cultural influences.
Complete renovation of Montagnettes Group apartments
Following the renovation of the relaxation area and spa last season, a comprehensive remodelling of all
36 apartments at the 4-star L’Oxalys residence was carried out during the off-season costing €3.5m L’Oxalys continues to lead in mountain hospitality, providing guests with an unforgettable experience where modernity and tradition blend harmoniously. The residence will reopen on November 29.
An expanded après-ski offer
Hotel Marielle will launch its vinyl bar every day from 6 PM to 8 PM in the bar area. The concept: a DJ will play only vinyl records chosen by customers themselves. Over 1000 records will be available, guaranteeing old-school music ambiance!
A way to hit the slopes without even wearing skis!
Ever fancied heading off into the deeper snow but struggled to get to grips
with powder sking? Or maybe you or a friend can’t ski at all? Oxygène, one of
the five ski schools in Val Thorens, is launching ‘ski transfer’, an innovative, fun
and comfortable way to experience the slopes without you actually having to ski
yourself! The concept is simple. You sit in a chair – on skis – which is controlled and
piloted by an Oxygène ski instructor who will take you out onto the slopes, so you
can admire the snowy landscapes, meet friends or simply explore an area of the
mountains you’ve always wanted to check out. Think of it as the ultimate Tuc Tuc
ride!
Free Meals on a 4-Star Hotel Terrace
No more eating sandwiches in the snow on the slopes to save money! Thoughout the winter, Hotel Marielle will offer its terrace and large BBQ for “Bring Your Sausage” events. Everyone can come and cook on the terrace with their own products, enjoying the hotel’s view and atmosphere. Hotel Marielle even provides free bread, sauces, and cutlery, along with checkered tablecloths, music and a pétanque field!
Les Menuires
For Its 60th Anniversary, La Croisette Gets a Makeover!
With its sixty shops, nine services (Tourist Office, booking centre, piste services, Post Office, banks, pharmacy, Sports Club, medical office…), and nine co-owned properties (555 apartments), La Croisette is the essential hub of the resort. State of the art in the 70s – it’s now getting a new lease of life.
New Alpeen Hotel
This friendly, ski-in/ski-out accommodation is the new address in the heart of Les Menuires not to be missed. Completely renovated, the former “Le Piolet” hotel has been acquired by the management of
the nearby Ho 36 hotel, which plans to merge the two addresses into a hotel complex in the near future.
St Martin des Belleville
New La Ferme d’Edouard Chalet
This is a building steeped in history, located just steps from the centre of the village of Saint-
Martin-de-Belleville. With its 460 m² spread over five levels, its six en-suite bedrooms, and
a complete wellness area—including an indoor pool overseen by a herd of Tarentaise cows, painted on a mural as a nod to the chalet’s past—this offers a precious return to its origins.
Rates: from €13,400 per week
New La Belle Vie Wellness Centre – In Harmony with Nature
Located on a natural promontory overlooking the village, the new relaxation center at Saint-Martin-de-
Belleville boasts genuine environmental qualities (80% of its heating needs are
covered by biomass). Its construction and eco-friendly equipment (wood heating, enhanced thermal insulation, heat recovery from wastewater, etc.), in line with the resort’s commitments, aim
for the most virtuous carbon footprint possible. La Belle Vie offers three pools: an indoor fun pool with waterfalls and jets, a 20-meter outdoor pool (in summer), and a 34°C indoor/outdoor
pool adult-only accessible all year round. Several thematic themed areas enhance the wellness experience— including salt or herbal saunas, steam rooms—as well as massage rooms and a relaxation room. An accompanying Club House will offer healthy lunch possibilities along with a new meetings / events space for up to 300 people.
NEW MOONLIGHT TORCHES AND SNOWSHOES EVENINGS AT LA LOY (a favourite of ours)
Located above Saint-Martin de Belleville, by the Biolley ski run, the mountain restaurant La Loy is an
authentic venue managed by Emily and Servane, two sisters from the village. The program includes an aperitif around the outdoor fireplace, a friendly meal by the wood fire, and a return trip on snowshoes
under the moonlight.
Every Thursday; 30-minute walk from the village (guided walk and torch provided).
Price: €50/person. Contact: La Loy at +33 (0)4 79 08 92 72 www.restaurantlaloy.fr
New orientation tables installed across the ski area
You can now identify the mountains visible from several strategic points: at the top of the Bruyères 2 gondola, on the relaxation terrace at the summit of the ROC 1 gondola, and in the relaxation area at the top of the Saint Martin Express chairlift.
Méribel / Mottaret
A new covered gallery over the Doron Magic Carpet lift and new dynamic signage at Pas du Lac makes it easier for skiers to navigate with real-time information on slope conditions and lifts. This innovative system ensures better flow management and a smoother, more enjoyable skiing experience.
New Relaxation Area, Mountain Art Installation and Photo Point at Roc de Fer.
In Méribel the 5-star Le Kaila hotel, the first in the resort to receive the prestigious MICHELIN Keys, recognizing its remarkable stay experiences.
Up in Méribel 1600 just down the main road from Le Rond Point is the long established restaurant Le Cro Magnon. This is now under new management with the Lodge du Village / La Terrasse crew taking it over. Expected to open from December 2024 for lunch, après ski and dinner plus takeaway pizzas too.
Orelle
Hob Orelle – New Accommodation in a “Hybrid” Hotel
Discover HOB Orelle, a new hybrid hotel in Francoz near the Orelle gondola. Enjoy 17 connecting double rooms, 6 box rooms, and common living spaces including a lounge, bar, and restaurant serving local products. This modern and inclusive accommodation, with 50% of its rooms accessible to people with reduced mobility, guarantees a pleasant and friendly stay.
Yet another Giant Lettering photo spot for Insta ready pics so you can show off to your mates back home with endless posts & photographs (is it really any different to inviting neighbours around to see your holiday snaps slide show in the 70s!).
New for 2025 / 2026
Côte Brune is finally being upgraded – that long, long (and often very cold) chairlift over to Val Thorens from the top of the Méribel Valley will soon be a thing of the past.
The Côte Brune gondola lift in Méribel-Mottaret will be replaced by a model offering 10-seater cabins, designed by Leitner. Capable of transporting 2,600 people per hour at 7 m/s, it will be ready in December 2025. This project improves the comfort and safety of the 800,000 annual skiers, linking Méribel, Val Thorens and Les Ménuires by this lift. The gondola lift reduces the impact on the landscape by going from 25 to 14 pylons and its route on a similar axis to the old device makes it possible to avoid sensitive areas.
Chenus gets an upgrade too! Preparation work has already started on this.
After 55 years of service, the Chenus gondola lift will be replaced by 10-seater EVO2 model cabins. Built by POMA, it will offer a capacity of 2,400 people per hour. The project, collaborative through the eco-design approach and respectful of the environment, will see its departure station moved to the snow front and will allow a reorganization of the flows of the ski area arriving in the 1850 sector. The line will follow a route similar to the current one, which will limit its environmental impact. Planned for the winter of 2025/2026, the project includes sustainable measures, such as the installation of solar panels and the recovery of rainwater.
The Cairn eco-neighbourhood
With a view to innovation and development, Val Thorens is planning to create an eco-neighbourhood on a brownfield site: the Plateau du Cairn. The aims of the project are to bolster winter tourism and develop summer activities, as well as increasing the use of renewable energy and enabling the construction of new housing for permanent and seasonal staff.
Travel
A new Newcaste to Lyon easyJet Flight on Saturdays – some cheap prices available! – is probably the pick of new routes – too late for the €9 direct Saturday OUIGO train to Moûtiers though!
BA appears to have dropped Southampton – late notice for those that had booked too.
The Eurostar Ski Train continues for Winter 2025 with a longer schedule – note it is NOT direct to the Alps (a change at Lille is required). See our experience of it last season The Last Snow Train of the Season – must do better
Snowbound Transfers return with scheduled shared transfers – always subject to availability (and a minimum of 2 passengers due to the Geneva law makers making things up and not allowing single passangers!).
And one other thing…
Strong rumours of a Lidl and McDonalds in Moûtiers by Spring!
Thanks as always to Tourist Offices, Ski Area Management Companies, Tour Operators and Independent Chalet Companies for the info and pics.
