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
Significant Snow Coming In – The Outlook Ahead
Looking increasingly likely that significant snow is coming in from this afternoon through to Friday and probably Saturday morning too – also looking like continuing unsettled next week out of the reliable time frame but importantly staying cold for a decent amount of time with fronts pushing in from the West but this time with a more Northerly spin on them – Excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions look certain for the majority of March now surely and with the Sudden Stratospheric Warming phenomenon likely, it could be a seriously snowy March.
This week has seen more regular smaller snowfalls after missing out on the Southern & Eastern Alps storm at the weekend – the pic below shows a covering overnight at the Bouc Blanc requiring another clear of the terrace this morning.
The outlook from the GFS Wigglies shows this snow coming in (bottom lines) and the temperature drop in the middle (red line is 30 year average).
Meanwhile Mètèo France once again gives up on trying to be accurate for the week ahead forecast – just decides on snow all week…
La Tania was fairly clear first thing this morning but clouds have already rolled in and snow expected this afternoon…
More Snow Overnight – Lots More Next Week
Bouc Blanc terrace above La Tania all white once again with overnight snow. Some of the terrace tables left out in La Tania tradition for the Snow Gods…
Perfect clear days and snowy nights at the moment with Friday and Saturday set for some sunshine before a serious weather front comes in early Sunday morning bringing significant snowfall right across the Alps.
A respite on Monday but then almost continuous systems push in from the Atlantic for the rest of the week wth lots of snow from Tuesday (chance of some rain low down at first on Tue) right through until the end of the week.
Good chance that snow tyres / chains may be needed at some points next week.
Skiing and boarding should be amazing!
La Tania at 8am this morning below… Thanks to Free Ride Republic for the pics.
First Snow Pics So Far #snowatch
The first snow pics of the 2015/2016 Winter Season.
Grand Bec courtesy of Francis Pachon – 13 Sep
Grand Bec courtesy of Francis Pachon – 20 Sep
Col de la Loze courtesy of Phil Elliot – 24 Sep
Val Thorens Tourist Office – 11 Sep
Bouc Blanc Terrace Webcam – 23 Sep
Saulire Summit Webcam at Sunrise – 24 Sep
Bouc Blanc Terrace – Noon 15 Oct
Webcams – 6pm 15 Oct
50 Days to opening – 16 Oct
More for the What’s New Page – New Building Work This Summer
The annual What’s New Across La Tania and The 3 Valleys gets updated around October time with a complete and comprehensive round-up of all the developments going on through the Summer. We’ve already had a brief update on the New Lifts for the Three Valleys for Winter 2016 so here are some updates on building work this Summer.
The new Aqua Centre near Courchevel Village 1550 (that’s Moriond or 1650 up on the hill above) is really taking shape now, as well as various pools and spa areas there are rumours of a wake boarding wave machine too! It will be interesting to know prices and season pass discounts etc. A massive kicker on the grassed over roof is already being planned by some ski bums we know – although it’s probably heated or something to stop the snow build up… Looking very impressive and opening this December.
Over near the Biollay and Coqs lifts above Courchevel 1850 (a golf course in Summer!) work continues on a large construction in front of the private chalet type building which was new a couple of years ago.
Looks like it’s a new restaurant complex similar to the one at the bottom of Mt Vallon with a huge terrace at the front looking up to Saulire (although not that much Sun there in December maybe). If similar it will have a proper sit-down restaurant, a self-service section and a snack bar to cater for all tastes & budgets. It will be a busy spot for sure – any chance of brnging back the single skier fast lane qeueu to the Biollay chair please S3V?
The Bouc Blanc has had an extension at the front (where the snack kiosk was) for a much larger bar area and new toilets are promised – those shared urinals with the ladies will be no more!
The Drop Inn in Le Praz has a new deck and seating area outside – great for this Summer to relax and enjoy their selection of Rosé Wines… The Ski Lodge in La Tania has some plans for upgrading their terrace too, stay tuned.
Over at Lac Rosière near Courchevel 1650 there is a new cafe and Via Ferrata harness rental place – not sure if this is new for this Summer or not, it’s been a while since the last visit. As stunning as ever… Lac Rosière not bad either!
The Free Ride Republic in La Tania has added a new chalet to their portfolio this Winter – The 16 bed Chalet Topaz with 8 en-suite rooms and outdoor hot tub is just above the La Tania Gondola Station.
A new hut and weather station at the top of the Col de la Loze has been spotted. Situated just near the orientation table up there and again we think it’s new – we can’t remember seeing it last Winter – but it has a tremendous view down to La Tania and will be used for weather monitoring and avalanche control we guess. It can just be seen sticking up right at the top of the Col in Summer, probably harder in Winter – definitely one for the ski geeks this…
Work continues on the La Tania to Méribel Village road – this is the view from the Méribel side. This is the second year of the La Tania to Méribel Summer Road Closure and is planned for next year too – although we hear a rumour that it may not be all Summer and some limited traffic light controlled one-way system may be available. The current diversion is via Brides Les Bains and Les Allues although there is an unofficial route on a forest track above the works – a 4×4 or at least high ground clearance is needed though and it is probably illegal.
Plenty of trees are coming out near Krab’s old place for the new road construction and there’s also been a lot of trees coming out to the (skiers) left of the Folyères La Tania Resort Run Blue Piste – possibly due to preparation for work on the new green run that is planned – no further information on that yet though.
Finally we’ve a pic of the top of the St Martin 2 new chair lift work – a big new top station going in there to take the 6 man chairs right near to the top of Tougnette on the ridge above Meribel and hopefully eliminating one of the last remaining bottlenecks (without an alternative route) in The 3 Valleys.
And (really) finally we hear there’s a new Weldom store in Moûtiers, much bigger that the previous one and will save many trips to Albertville for essential building, decorating, gardening and general DIY kit. Open from 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-19:00 every day except for Sunday when it’s closed all day.
Snow down to resort level (just)
Not quite a complete powder day but remember some first lifts opening delayed today for regional elections. Will be around 09:30.
Looking like 10cm of fresh at the Bouc Blanc terrace at the top of the La Tania Gondola – maybe more (and lighter high up).
Snow did come down lower than forecast and just about made it to resort level. Ski Lodge terrace left out just in case… And a little snow stuck to the tables.
So not quite a return to Winter but looking a bit refreshed and forecast for more snow continues to look good for this week. Possibility of decent snowfall to low levels starting Wed/Thu remains on many models.
La Tania Snow Report – Update on conditions
Since the video snow report on Thursday where Folyeres and other North facing slopes remained fairly firm until the end of the day, Friday saw a cloudy almost humid day and slopes slower down did deteriorate.
On Saturday morning even with the World Cup still taking place in Meribel and some access lift opening early there weren’t many people about and Jean Blanc, Lanches and Bouc Blanc were all in surprisingly good shape (and had been groomed which is key too).
By the afternoon the slopes on the Meribel side had cut up a lot and as visibility became very poor up we headed back to La Tania (remember the 3 Valleys always has orange tipped piste markers to the skiers right hand side for use in really poor visibility). Snow was falling to about 1700m when we packed up but rain at resort level became quite heavy for the rest of the afternoon. The Bouc Blanc terrace is at least white again so could be some decent skiing high up tomorrow.
The Bouc Blanc piste down to the La Tania gondola station was still good even at 3pm but the red run below the Bouc Blanc chair (Moretta Blanche) and the bottom drag lift have now closed. Folyeres was still holding quite firm in the rain and at least no bare patches appearing there.
On the positive side it does look like there is a fair bit of new snow high up – although probably heavy below 2000m – and increasingly likely that the prolonged spell of warm weather is coming to an end and some below average temperatures are forecast from the middle of next week with more fresh snow lower down.
Folyeres at noon today
Finally, a reminder that lifts open half an hour later (from 09:30) tomorrow (Sunday 22/3) due to regional elections and there’s lots going on including the Meribel Piste Bash Festival and Ronnie Loves Music event. Bring Your Sisters play a one-off at the Ronnie on Monday and with Norman Jay on Wednesday plus The Dominos and the excellent Ska Wars on Friday it’s a busy week!
Always a good sign of snow coming…
Noticed the lads packing all the terrace away at the Bouc Blanc restaurant above La Tania at around 4pm today. Another sign of some snow tomorrow hopefully.
Rain and mild weather saw real thaw conditions last night and many slopes lower down have deteriorated. Lac Bleu officially closed and the green down to La Tania not looking good this afternoon. Folyeres wide and generally good cover although hard packed and a few small bare patches – usually on the brow of ridges so take care if travelling quickly.
The good news is that it’s looking increasingly likely a decent amount of snow is on the way on Sunday. Could be some rain around at lower levels at the front of the storm (as often happens) but then by the afternoon the snow / rain level is set to drop to 500m.
Opening Times (lifts, bars, restaurants etc) plus new lift closing times
First Lift Crew Last Season – La Tania lift opening back on 14 December 2014
This is what we know so far… Let us know what else is confirmed.
Sat 22 Nov – Val Thorens lifts opened for Winter 2015.
Fri 28 Nov – Ski Lodge opening at 5pm with Les Deux Roux DJs & the Alpine Fish & Chip Special.
Fri 28 Nov – Le Farcon Restaurant in La Tania opens.
Sat 29 Nov – Bubble Bar opens in 1650 with its new look, pizza oven, fireplace & Hendo in charge!
Mon 01 Dec – Jacks Bar Meribel opening night.
Fri 05 Dec – Ski Lodge Official Opening Party with live music from Bring Your Sisters.
Sat 06 Dec – Courchevel 1850, 1550, Le Praz and Meribel Valley main lifts open for Winter 2015.
Sat 06 Dec – La Folie Douce Meribel opening.
Sat 06 Dec – Hotel Telemark in La Tania Bar plus pizza takeaway opens.
Sun 07 Dec – La Saucisse Savoyarde – La Tania’s delicatessen opens!
Fri 12 Dec – La Taiga opens with the opening party on Sunday 14th Dec.
Fri 12 Dec – Lodge du Village opening night.
Sat 13 Dec – La Tania, Courchevel 1650 and 3 Valleys links open for Winter 2015.
Sat 13 Dec – Hotel Telemark full restaurant and hotel opening.
Sat 13 Dec – Hotel Courcheneige on the piste above 1850.
Sat 13 Dec – Le Rond Point opening with a new terrace if they finish it in time & Mini serving us!
Sat 13 Dec – La Terrasse Brasserie in Meribel Village opening night with its new refurb and menu.
Sun 14 Dec – La Taiga Official Opening Party with live music from Bring Your Sisters.
Sun 14 Dec – Hotel Montana in La Tania opens (provisionally).
Mon 15 Dec – La Tania Saisonnaires Welcome Night with latania.co.uk at the Ski Lodge.
New Lifts – Important Last Lift Closing Times
(Later times from 7 Feb 2015)
New La Foret up from Le Praz to La Tania – now 16:25 then 16:50 (10 minutes earlier than old lift)
New Loze Express up from Meribel to La Tania – remains at 16:35 and 17:00.
New Aiguille du Fruit back from 1650 – now 16:35 and 17:00 (10 minutes later than the old lift but the same time as the old Gravelles anyway).
A bit disappointing as La Foret is 3 minutes quicker and Loze Express a full 5 minutes quicker (thought we’d get an extra pint in La Folie if they put last lift back 5 mins) and Aiguille du Fruit is now only 3m 49s from 6m 21s.
The race to the top on a powder day…
(assuming all lifts are opened in time)
Centre of La Tania:
Gros Murger Drag / Bouc Blanc – 11 mins
Gondola / Dou Des Lanches – 12.5 mins
Gondola / Bouc Blanc – 14 mins
Centre of Le Praz:
Fôret / Doe Des Lanches – 12 mins
Fôret / Bouc Blanc – 13.5 mins
La Tania Weekly Gig List
This is how it’s shaping up so far, all subject to change of course and LastMinute.Wall changes….
Bring Your Sisters – playing La Tania Sundays & Thursdays plus alternate Tuesdays with L’Escorchevel, Le Praz. Also apres gigs at LdV Tue, Meribar Wed & La Boulotte Fri.
Pub Le Ski Lodge
Plans for new terrace seating and high tables plus sofas and further heating are in the pipeline. Decent free WiFi should be sorted too hopefully.
Will Flackie get first pint for the 3rd season in a row? And if he does, does he get to keep the pub?
The rough plan for the week will (hopefully, but subject to change and getting organised & it will be rotated a bit to keep things fresh) be….
Monday: Les Deux Rouges DJ Theme Night plus win a pair of skis or a snowboard with the Shot raffle – telemark skis too this year!
Tuesday: Big Band Tuesday with alternating weekly Bring Your Sisters & the best bands in the Alps from 10pm plus Fancy Dress theme nights return to Tuesdays….
Wednesday: Dutch Courage.
Thursday: Bring Your Sisters and the Extended Après Ski from 5pm.
Fun Day Friday: Killer Beez..
Saturday: Sports Day!
Special Events:
Sunset Sons (aka Cheerleaders before they were famous) – Wed 7 Jan 2015.
Bring Your Sisters 10th Anniversary Gig – Thu 5 Feb 2015.
La Taiga
Free WiFi is now installed and a refreshed menu is planned too.
Monday: Sam & Pat.
Tuesday: Freddie “the good one from Les Trois Tetes” at Après.
Wednesday: Codfish.
Friday: Open Mic Night with Stevie.
Sunday: Bring Your Sisters from 10pm.
More Snow Pics 13 Nov 2014 – Snow Down to 1700m
La Tania lifts open one month today! Here are the Webcams this morning after overnight snow down to around 1700m.
Bouc Blanc Terrace and Bouc Blanc chair & red piste above La Tania
View of Mottaret from the Sailure side of Meribel
Top of Saulire above Courchevel
View from La Croisette in Courchevel 1850 up to Saulire
The top of the Signal Chairlift above Courchevel 1650
Val Thorens centre with snow cannons buzzing…
Val Thorens from Chalet La Marine
Here Comes The Snow…
Val Thorens already turning white as the rain turns to snow. Looking like very significant snowfall above 2000m with some snow down to 1100m overnight according to France Meteo – although looking like rain will return at low levels pretty quickly but further snow showers to follow later.
Courchevel Saulire summit starting to turn white too…
Pics of this snowfall up tomorrow – with some of a white La Tania hopefully…
Update Wed 5 Nov
Snow line is about 2000m this morning with a good covering high up but not the extreme weather some were predicting on social media! Looks like the trend is starting to cool though with temperatures set to drop on the tail end of this storm so there will be some further snow showers about low down during the day. High up, the gullies and runs are slowly starting to fill in.
Bouc Blanc terrace above La Tania at around 1950m.
Saulire summit on Wednesday morning…
La Tania finally turning white by the start of Wednesday afternoon.
Thursday morning showed the snow on Saulire above the clouds.
And Friday the clouds cleared leaving Saulire looking magnificent.
