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

 


 

Keeping your data and devices safe when you’re out and about

There’s no denying that as a society, we have become increasingly reliant on technology in our daily lives, and this reliance is also noticeable when travelling. We now have smartphones, tablets, and wearables as essential travel companions, and use myriad apps and tech services to make our way through the world.
If you find yourself lost in the labyrinthine streets of an unfamiliar city, you can use your smartphone’s GPS to find your way and get to your destination. If the language barrier is giving you a headache, apps like Google Translate can come to the rescue. As for immortalising memories, new generation smartphones have incredibly performant cameras so you can document every second of your travel adventure.
Seen from this perspective, technology has certainly made travel easier, more convenient and enjoyable, and we can only be grateful for the benefits it provides. However, recognizing the advantages doesn’t mean ignoring the drawbacks.

Tech travel dangers
When you step away from the safety of your home network and use your smart devices on the go, you inevitably become exposed to a series of new risks and challenges, some of which you may not even be aware of. Besides, the thrill and excitement of discovering new places can make you more carless and therefore a more vulnerable target for thieves and cybercriminals alike.
It’s fairly common for gadgets like phones and tablets to get lost or stolen in the hustle and bustle of going from one place to another, exchanging planes and other means of transport, passing through crowds, and so on.
But what’s even more concerning is that your personal data can fall into the wrong hands. Apart from completely ruining your travel experience, having your data leaked or stolen can lead to an endless number of problems, as you can learn at https://www.databreachclaims.org.uk. With data breaches on the rise all across the world, this is a serious matter to keep in mind while travelling.
So, if you want to enjoy peace of mind and make the most of your outings, while also benefiting from all the perks technology provides, you need to take some precautions and ensure your sensitive information and gadgets are safe at all times.


Solutions to consider
Although all countries have rules and regulations in place to ensure both the digital and physical wellbeing of residents and visitors, you can’t rely entirely on different entities and organisations to keep you and your gadgets safe. It’s also your responsibility to protect yourself against unpleasant surprises, so here’s what you can do.


Set up strong passwords
Not using a password to lock your smart devices is like handing out an open invitation to prying individuals and criminals to take advantage of this security gap. Since most people have their whole lives on their phones, if a malicious entity were to gain access to all the information they hold, it could lead to irreparable damages. That’s why setting up strong passwords on all the devices you take with you during your travels should be your first concern.
Similarly, you need to protect all your accounts with strong passwords, made of a sequence of letters, symbols, and numbers, and ideally create unique passwords for each account to limit damages in case one of them gets compromised.


Use two-factor authentication
While passwords provide a good first line of defence, it’s important to keep in mind that hackers these days have become increasingly shrewd and refine their skills constantly, so you also have to up your cybersecurity game. Two-factor or multifactor authentication on your devices is a good solution in this respect as it adds an extra layer of security, so if hackers break your passwords, they still won’t be able to reach their goal.


Backup your data
All sorts of unexpected things can occur when you’re out and about, and your devices can get lost or damaged. In case this happens, you want to make sure you can still gain access to the data you had stored on them. That’s where data backups come into play. By backing up your data regularly, you make sure that all your important files and information are stored safely and you won’t lose them in case your devices stop functioning or go missing.

Use a strong antivirus
Some countries are more dangerous than others in terms of cybersecurity risks, so installing a strong antivirus can keep you protected wherever you go. This will keep threats such as malware, suspicious links from unknown senders, and other similar issues at bay. The options are plenty when it comes to anti-virus products, so make sure you do a bit of research before choosing a solution that works for you.


Keep devices updated
Running regular updates on your devices, apps and software, including your antivirus systems, is also an important aspect to keep in mind. Updates are necessary to address weaknesses and security gaps that could make your digital devices more susceptible to cyberattacks, so even though you might think of them as redundant, they’re an important step in practising good cyber hygiene.


Steer clear of public Wi-Fi
Tourists often take advantage of free Wi-Fi in cafes, shops, and other public areas as they provide easy connectivity and flexibility when they’re on the road, and you could be tempted to do the same thing. However, public Wi-Fi networks lack proper security precautions, giving hackers the opportunity to spy on your online activity.


Don’t leave devices unattended
While this might sound obvious, we need to stress out how crucial it is to always keep your eyes on your gadgets and hold them close wherever you go. It’s also important not to flaunt them for everyone to see and take note of your surroundings, especially in crowded places where the risk of theft is higher.
While cybersecurity risks are prevalent these days and technology can make us vulnerable during our travels, there are also a lot of things you can do to keep these hazards to a minimum and enjoy safe travels.

Popular Ski-Themed Online Casino Games

Skiing, alongside snowboarding, are popular winter sports in the UK. As a matter of fact, the United Kingdom ranks third among the top European nations with people who love to ski, with approximately 6.3 million skiers. 

But, if you want to be part of this amazing community and you don’t have instant access to one of the ten ski destinations, you’ll be happy to know there are other enjoyable and equally  challenging ways to participate in the sport—through ski-themed casino games. 

Now, you can navigate down the steep slopes of your favourite snow-covered mountain sides, showcasing your skill and athleticism, all from the comfort of your home. That’s all thanks to ski-themed online casino games. They feature realistic visuals, immersive audio quality, and top-tier animations that imitate popular ski styles, providing a unique way of experiencing this adrenaline-pumping winter sport. 

Top Features of Ski-Themed Online Casino Games

Over the years, top gaming studios have increasingly adopted advanced technology to capture the interests and preferences of gamers worldwide through their titles. In fact, despite ethical concerns, extra costs, and complexity in use, 62% of gaming providers use artificial intelligence in at least one stage of game development. 

That shows that the gaming industry is constantly evolving to deliver immersive experiences and capture gamer interests. The same applies to ski-themed online casino games. Now, players can enjoy personalised experiences and impeccable gaming mechanics that simulate real-life skiing adventures. That way, you can enjoy your favourite winter sport even during the sweat-drenching months of summer.  

Below are some of the standard features of top ski-themed online games that have captivated players in the UK and across the globe.

Ski Sport Symbols 

From skis, snowboards, helmets, goggles, polar bears and boots to the entire skiing attire, these titles will transport you directly to the ski resort of your dreams. The stunning graphics will generate a jaw-dropping winter sport atmosphere, enhancing the game’s overall appeal. What’s more, you might even see your favourite skiing athletes take down a mountain slope or two. 

Virtual Ski Races

Whether figure skating or ice hockey is more your speed, you’ll love the occasional virtual race against other real-life players in real-time. Characterised by realistic animations and graphics, these interactive ski races usually take place on a virtual slope. The players use ski-themed symbols to conquer the snow-filled terrain. Cross the finish line first and win a prize—it’s that simple. 

Top 3 Ski-Themed Casino Games You Should Try

Although they are not as popular as skiing enthusiasts would like, game studios have gone the extra mile to develop thrilling ski-themed online casino games that capture the amazing ski experience. While most are slots, these titles are super fun and easy-to-play, perfect for keeping you entertained for hours. Here are some of the most popular ones you should explore.

Ski Bunny

Explore the slopes in this 3-reel Microgaming slot alongside a frosty chic female bunny. Although it only has one payline, players can bag a 500x jackpot multiplier across a 3-reel and 5-payline game.

What’s more, the game’s display resembles the traditional ski resort complete with snowy mountains, wooden chalets and the queen of the slopes in full skiing attire. This title is pretty easy on the eyes, and the gameplay is even easier. Line up matching symbols to win a maximum of 50 win spins, and give the red, blue, or black run a try. Get three bunny symbols and win 500x your stake. 

Wild North

Take on the snowy Scandinavian wilderness in the Far North in this 5×4 Play’n Go online slot. Not only does it have several antarctic animals frolicking on the reels, but players can also enjoy one of seven bonus features when they collect at least three Northern Light scatters anywhere in the game.

Set against a snowy backdrop, the game comes with 15-paylines and a bonus wheel feature. The latter features several symbols, including a Great Wilderness, running reindeer, eyes of the owl, wolfpack, savage bear, wild lynx and wild north explorer, each of which unleashes a set number of free spins, respins, mega symbols, multipliers, and more. 

Ski Baccarat

If you prefer casino card games, you’ll love playing Ski Baccarat. This seasonal game transforms the traditional rules of baccarat into an intriguing snow-filled affair. But don’t worry, the game maintains the same fast-paced and high-stakes action.

After all, you still need to bet who has the best of the two hands dealt between the banker and the player. Even better is the fact that you can play a live version of this game, where the human dealer has the full skiing attire for the full winter wonderland experience. 

Get An All-rounded Skiing Experience

Skiing is a popular sport in the UK with perfect snow-capped mountain ski resorts that will let you put your skills to the test. Beyond having an adventurous time on the mountain slopes, you can find ski-themed games that will give you a similar experience from the comfort of your home. Whether you enjoy ski-themed slots or table games like Ski Baccarat, the best casino sites UK will offer you options to choose from. The sites will also give you a trustworthy and responsible environment to enjoy your ski-gaming. 

If you are a skier in the UK looking for an activity to keep you entertained that’s right up your alley, feel free to try out ski-themed casino games. Not only will they be relatable, but they can potentially win you some money. Navigate from the physical landscape to the digital with ski-themed games. 

Become a pro skier: Tips to improve your skiing abilities

Acquiring a new skill is a fun but also challenging process, and this is especially true when we are talking about learning how to ski. Whether you want to enhance your abilities on the slopes or are starting from zero experience, skiing is not the easiest sport you can try. Skiing is a challenging and exhilarating activity, and you will see that there is always room for improvement, no matter if you are a beginner or an advanced skier. Learning how to ski before hitting the slopes is essential; otherwise, you might find yourself in a tragic scenario, which is surely something you don’t want to happen.

In this article, we will explore the best tips that will help you improve your skiing abilities.

Ensure you maintain a good fitness routine
A good fitness routine can help you improve your skiing abilities, as it will make you stronger and more prepared for the slopes. The areas you should focus on in exercising are cardiovascular fitness and improving your flexibility and strength. Each small action you do can help you in your ski journey, as it will prepare your lungs and heart for the time when you will ski. Additionally, you need to know that if your aerobic capacity is higher, then you will be able to ski for longer.

Also, keep in mind that you will feel more relaxed and comfortable when you ski if you practise sport on a daily basis. Furthermore, good strength will allow you to make quick adjustments so that you will maintain your balance better. When you ski, you are going through a continuous dynamic movement, so it will be a great idea to stretch constantly, as this will improve your elasticity and muscular balance. Additionally, yoga can be your best ally in enhancing your abilities, as it strengthens your muscles so that you will be a pro in a ski turn.

Invest in quality gear
Choosing quality gear will also help you in improving your skiing skills. Usually, the best ski gear contains a wide range of boots, skis, clothes and other essential objects that are suited for the terrain where you are going to ski. When choosing boots, you should look for ones that are neither too flexible nor too stiff. Additionally, you should also pay attention to the weather before you go skiing, as you might need to adjust your equipment according to it. For instance, if it is too cold outside, it might be a good idea to put more clothes on. If you don’t want to invest in ski gear, you can also opt to rent it. However, be careful and only rent from authorised companies, and look at the quality of the equipment before you start skiing.

Bad gear can lead to more terrible scenarios than bad weather. Even if you might be able to claim compensation if you got injured after you have rented bad gear (you can find out more at  https://www.how-to-sue.co.uk), it is better to keep these scenarios out of the equation by choosing quality equipment from the start.

Mind your posture
A good posture is a vital part of becoming better at skiing, and you will need to maintain a balanced and relaxed athletic stance. To have a good posture you need to position your feet hip-distance apart and try to stand balanced this way. Additionally, you need to ensure that knees, ankles and hips are flexing equally. Also, keep in mind to minimise the upper body movement. Your pelvis is the centre of gravity and the one that balances all your movement on the slopes. If you focus your attention on the upper body and move it, it can have effects on your balance, so you should minimise it.

Furthermore, if you are a beginner skier, keep in mind that you don’t need to rely too much on your poles, as they can be an enemy if you put too much weight on them. This can lead to balance issues, so ensure you know that poles are a tool and not really a necessity.

Look ahead
Skiing can be compared with life in general from a lot of points, as precisely as it is the case with life, it is better to look ahead at the place where you want to be. Even if it might sound strange, your eyes will follow your body, and it is always better to trust your body and look ahead, as if you look down, you might fall. Additionally, if you look down, you will focus more on your skis and feet and not on something that might be in front of you.

Listen to your body
When you go skiing, it is crucial to listen to your body and learn its limits. Don’t engage in too much exercise from the start, especially if you are a beginner. Instead, go slowly, take one thing at a time, and give yourself a lot of time to improve your ability truly. Don’t forget to take regular breaks, as tiredness can lead to bad scenarios.

Have fun
You have probably chosen to ski because this activity brings you happiness, so ensure you have fun while skiing. Even if, at first, you can be too scared to truly enjoy this sport, take things easy, and you will see that the more comfortable you are, the funnier this experience will become. Additionally, the landscapes you see while skiing will be worth it and surely put a smile on your face.

Concluding thoughts
Skiing Is an amazing activity to try, especially if winter is your favourite season.. If you are a mountain lover, it will be good to explore a few ways in which you can connect better with it, and skiing is a good option. Although it will seem challenging at first, with a little bit of perseverance, you will surely improve your abilities. So, are you ready to become the queen/ king of the slopes?

End of season fresh snow…

La Tania turned all white overnight but very few ventured out first thing on Wednesday morning with poor visibility hampering progress.

This meant working out where the fresh snow lay on a good base or was just thinly covering bare ground (or a hybrid slush/frozen ground combo).

Why Businesses Need Custom Logistics Solutions to Succeed

In today’s fast-paced and increasingly globalised market, the difference between thriving and merely surviving often hinges on a business’s ability to adapt and innovate in its logistics operations.

Tailored logistics solutions represent the cutting edge of this innovation, offering a bespoke approach that caters to the unique needs of each business. This article explores why custom logistics solutions and services are not just advantageous but essential for modern businesses aiming for success.

The Evolution of Logistics

Historically, logistics operated on a one-size-fits-all basis, with standardized procedures that did not account for the diverse needs of different businesses. However, as the business landscape has grown more complex and varied, the demand for personalised logistics solutions has surged. This shift reflects an understanding that what works for one company may not work for another, underscoring the need for logistics that are as unique as the businesses they serve.

Technology has been a transformative force in the logistics industry, enabling the creation and implementation of tailored solutions. Innovations such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) have paved the way for advanced tracking, predictive analytics, and automation, revolutionising how goods are stored, managed, and delivered.

The Importance of Customisation

Customisation in logistics is about more than just preference; it’s about efficacy and efficiency. By developing logistics strategies that are specifically designed to meet a company’s individual needs, businesses can optimise their operations, reduce waste, and improve service delivery, ensuring they meet their objectives more effectively.

Tailored logistics solutions offer an unmatched level of efficiency and flexibility. They allow businesses to respond swiftly to market changes, adjust to supply chain disruptions, and scale operations up or down without sacrificing performance or customer satisfaction.

Key Components of Tailored Logistics Solutions

The backbone of any tailored logistics solution is its technology. Through automation and cutting-edge software, businesses can achieve greater accuracy, reduce manual errors, and speed up processes, from order fulfilment to delivery.

The success of a tailored logistics strategy also depends on the quality of service and support provided. This means having access to a team that understands your business’s specific challenges and goals and can offer insights and solutions that are genuinely beneficial.

A tailored logistics solution must not only meet current needs but also adapt to future growth and changes in the business environment. Scalability ensures that as a business expands or evolves, its logistics framework can adjust accordingly, providing continuous support without interruption.

Benefits for Businesses

Implementing tailored logistics solutions can lead to significant cost savings across various areas, including transportation, storage, and inventory management. These efficiencies translate to a better return on investment, allowing resources to be allocated elsewhere for growth and development.

By ensuring that products are delivered more quickly and accurately, tailored logistics can greatly enhance customer satisfaction. In today’s competitive market, this can be a crucial differentiator for businesses.

Tailored logistics provide a competitive edge, enabling businesses to surpass competitors through superior efficiency, agility, and customer service. This advantage is increasingly important in markets where consumers expect fast, reliable, and transparent service.

Implementing Tailored Logistics

The first step towards implementing a tailored logistics solution is a comprehensive assessment of your business’s specific needs, challenges, and objectives. This understanding forms the foundation of any effective logistics strategy.

Finding a logistics partner that can offer the requisite expertise, technology, and support is critical. The right partner will work closely with you to develop and implement a logistics solution that truly aligns with your business goals.

A tailored logistics strategy is not a set-it-and-forget-it solution; it requires ongoing assessment, feedback, and adjustment. Continuous improvement ensures that your logistics operations remain efficient, effective, and aligned with your evolving business needs.

Challenges and Considerations

While the benefits of tailored logistics are clear, businesses must also navigate challenges such as integrating new systems with existing operations, ensuring data security, and managing the cost of implementation. Careful planning and partnership with the right logistics provider can mitigate these challenges.

Future Trends in Tailored Logistics

The future of tailored logistics is likely to be shaped by further advances in technology, including AI and machine learning, as well as an increased focus on sustainability. These developments promise to make logistics solutions even more personalised, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

By leveraging advanced technology and personalised service, businesses can achieve significant benefits, from cost savings and improved ROI to enhanced customer satisfaction and a strong competitive advantage.

ESCAPADE 2024: Regular Visitor Greg Completes The Challenge (hard luck Heather!)

22 March 2024

Congratulations to Greg

We were coming out for a long weekend and I started looking into the possibility of doing the Escapade in a day. The forecast wasn’t great on Saturday or Sunday so it had to be day one!

I noticed on Thursday that both Verdet and Ours were shut so that was two extra lifts added to the plan!

Heather and I were outside Legends at 8:55 however when we got to Olympic they said it was delayed due to the pisteurs not back from checking the Face piste. We waited 10 mins for it to open!

It was forecast to be very warm and sure enough by the time we got to Bettex the lower slopes were getting heavier.

We lost some more time queuing for Peclet but the snow over in Orelle was very good. The high path to Mont Vallon/Plan des Mains was shut due to avi risk which cost a bit more time.

My wife had new lower volume boot liners to try out and she’d not cranked her boots enough to compensate so started to suffer with shin bang. Despite drugs she took the decision to bail at the bottom of Plan des Mains.

We were now about 45 mins behind schedule but I decided to crack on and see where I got to! I was at the top of Foret at 1630 so decided to keep going, Folyeres was in surprisingly  good condition given the air temps and I made Dou Des Lanches with 5 mins to spare. I blasted down to Golf but that was shut, however all checkpoints were completed.

It was definitely harder with all the slushy bumps and cut up pistes I’d like to try it again with firmer pistes but a great day out!

Greg

ESCAPADE 2024 – 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…..

ESCAPADE 2024 – The 12 villages and 12 perimeters/peaks used as checkpoints

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!

ESCAPADE 2024 – A suggested route. Click on the images for the full size pics

ESCAPADE 2024: Another Father and Son success Zen & Taiji

05 April 2024

Congratulations to Zen & Taiji

We started in Courchevel 1550 and it was me (Zen Okada, 15) and my dad (Taiji Okada, 51). 

Piste closures made it tough, especially the run from Mont Vallon to Mottaret (Ours) being closed and the Fôret lift being shut. We just about beat the slush to finish with ten minutes to spare!

Zen

ESCAPADE 2024 – 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…..

ESCAPADE 2024 – The 12 villages and 12 perimeters/peaks used as checkpoints

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!

ESCAPADE 2024 – A suggested route. Click on the images for the full size pics

Wildlife Spotting – Marmotte, Black Grouse, Chamois all before 10am this morning

First lifts and first tracks also gives you the chance to spot the local wildlife!

Plenty of people disrespect the Black Grouse breeding area fences below Lanches chairlift so really nice to spot this gorgeous looking bird this morning. The tail feathers used to be worn by Scottish regiments to denote rank.

We also spotted a fox (or was it a Wolf?) strolling around here first thing a few weeks ago.

Marmotte spotting has been pretty quiet so far this season but there’s always at least one in April near the chairlift of the same name – a good place to start looking along with under the St Martin chairlift.

A poor pic but there are a several Chamois that hang around the top ridge and cliff to the left of Chanrossa chairlift. Hard to spot but you can see them moving eventually!

ESCAPADE 2024: Another Father and Son success!

14 March 2024

Congratulations to David and Charles

David and Charles Nops, father and son,  completed their fourth successful Escapade together on Thursday 14th March 2024.

First lift start from Courchevel 1650. Completion was done despite significant queues at the major lifts at Le Masse and Val Thorens, also a serious accident in the 4th valley involving the chairlift being stopped for a helicopter rescue. 3rd photograph taken from one of the highest points in the route – Cime run coming back from Orelle. 

Many thanks, Jenny.

ESCAPADE 2024 – 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…..

ESCAPADE 2024 – The 12 villages and 12 perimeters/peaks used as checkpoints

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!

ESCAPADE 2024 – A suggested route. Click on the images for the full size pics

Gatwick to La Tania door-to-door for less than £35 but using shared/private transfers is easier and more reliable!

Even during the school holidays there were some bargain flights to be had when avoiding weekends and if you can get in to Lyon early enough there’s a cheap direct train to Moûtiers that connects with the bus service up to La Tania.

But we missed the train, had to pay again, go later and longer – another reason to use one of our recommended Private and Shared Transfer Companies to La Tania.

And yes, we had no bags, weren’t in a rush, didn’t care where we sat and certainly had no kids in tow but it would take something to beat these prices.

Wizzair London Gatwick to Lyon £16.99
Variable pricing and a ridiculous 06:05 departure time but members prices start from only £12.99 (but obviously not on a Saturday). There’s also an easyJet option at 08:20 for a more reasonable departure time but generally costs a bit more. They both stitch you up if you have any kind of baggage bigger than a handbag / laptop size case to fit under the seat in front of you.

Ouigo Train Lyon Airport to Moûtiers €10
Departs daily at 12:34 from Lyon Airport direct to Moûtiers (although still via Grenoble and Albertville with some long stops at these stations) arriving 15:38 – so takes 3hrs 4mins. The RyanAir of TGV with dynamic pricing and charges for baggage, flexibility, seats etc.

S65 Service Bus Moûtiers to La Tania €10.80
Leaves Moûtiers at 15:55 arriving La Tania at 16:49 – this one goes via Méribel hence the journey time. Buying on the bus or ticket office costs £12.

So make that 16.99 + 8.55 + 9.24 = £34.78

The alternative if you miss this train (like we did this week due to a 2 hour delay with easyJet!) is to follow this itinerary which costs around £40.

Monday to Friday times
Lyon Airport to Grenoble (TGV) 14:06 – 15:13
Grenoble to Montmélian (TER) 15:33 – 16:08
Montmélian to Moûtiers (TER) 17:03 – 18:10
Moutiers to La Tania (S64/S65 Bus) 18:25 – 19:45 (although quicker getting off at Le Praz and using Ski Bus to La Tania from there).

The various trains (2 double deckers!) and stations en-route….

A “proper” TGV
Montmélian – change here to head to Annecy, Bourg or Turin
No bridges or underpasses at rural French stations
Another double decker – we love these!
2 +1 configuration on the TGV upstairs in First Class (an extra €4) to Grenoble