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What’s New in La Tania & The 3 Valleys 2021 – The Definitive Guide (Part 1 of 3)
Part 2: Méribel / Mottaret
Part 3: Val Thorens / Orelle / Les Menuire / St Martin
Part 1: La Tania / Courchevel
The most obvious work this Summer has been the continued development of the new World Cup 2023 piste – now named L’Eclipse and running from near the top of the Bouc Blanc chairlift down to Le Praz.
The old Jockeys piste has been hugely reshaped and widened plus a new snow cannon reservoir to feed it has been constructed too.
With an overall slope of 30º and a 940m drop it will be an awesome descent to try this Winter. Certainly not for the faint-hearted.
Any lake can be topped up from the others
Meanwhile in 1850 the work on the new Stade and Racing HQ (thanks to the UK’s richest man, Jim Ratcliffe of the INEOS Chemical / Fracking Corporation) has seen huge works continue this Summer too.
The idea behind the hundreds of millions of euros spent on these projects is to create a famous, iconic downhill piste like the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel and try to make Courchevel more about skiing rather than the designer shops, ridiculously expensive 5 star luxury hotels, Russian Oligarchs and Michelin Star restaurants.
Critics say the money could be better spent and as the World Cup takes place right in the middle of the Winter Half Term between 9th and 23rd of February 2023 it won’t bring much additional revenue to resort anyway.
The stature of the resort will of course improve with the huge publicity but the next generation of skiers are more interested in Freeride Competitions and Boarder/Skier Cross these days it would seem.
The new Le Praz covered beginners magic carpet lift has now been installed and makes a return to the 2021 map with Envolée now marked.
We noticed the beginners magic carpet lift that was removed due to the World Cup piste looks to be relocated next to the La Tania top gondola station up from the Bouc Blanc restaurant with a new plateau created. Below shows the work going on here –
Also new on the piste map for La Tania and Courchevel are the protected areas for The Black Grouse. These are well marked and fenced off for a reason – please respect these areas.
Protected areas are under the Aiguile du Fruit chairlift returning from 1650 to 1850, near Rochers piste in 1650, the area below Dou des Lanches / Gasex above La Tania and near to Jean Blanc piste & below Arolles. This last one may be new and interfere with the (very) bottom of the “La Tania Trees” run that brought you out on to Jockeys – needs further investigation.
The FreerideLAB experience where the Creux Noirs chair used to be and is now access via a short hike is to be expanded with an Avalanche Training section included. This gives skiers and boarders the opportunity to try out off piste skiing and test out their Transceivers (and using them) in a controlled environment.
We noticed that the piste was actually groomed last season in preparation of new snow falling so it is actually perfect when powder arrives.
The old chairlift station had been removed and most of the pylons have now gone. There’s been no further word on the promised replacement lift – looking increasingly unlikely now.
Quite a bit of earth work around the bottom of Suisses this Summer – could be to better manage the flow of skiers and the queue for this lift.
Some of the roads have been re-tarmaced in La Tania and Le Praz including the chalet road. It’s a never ending task and the road to Méribel is in a right state again (in the usual place where it slides down the mountain).
The Drop Inn in Le Praz will become Le Jardin with more of a Wine Bar vibe from tonight (23 October) – same crew though – we wish them all well.
A new building at the Ski Jump in Le Praz quickly sprang up during the Summer.
Work on the lake in Le Praz is now complete and was a welcome spot for a dip in the heat this Summer – really clear water after it being drained, lined and new filters fitted last year. Looking fantastic. The chalet type building on the right of the photo is being completely rebuilt with work continuing through the Summer – it will have an amazing view of the lake from it’s terrace and is owned by Hotel Les Peupliers in Le Praz – a new bar / restaurant in the future perhaps? Or maybe another Hotel annex?
And Also…
Over in Courchevel 1650 Moriond there’s a new relaxation and picnic area with giant deckchairs on a plateau with great views.
New garages up near Saboia and a new roof on Les Charmes apartment block in La Tania this Summer.
Some chalet developments still going on and we expect the start of work on the delayed Moretta Village project (on the gondola car park) to start next year, the building permit has been approved for an additional 500 beds for January 2023 – which is quite a few less than on the original plans.
We hear that the Tourist Offices are to be scaled back and ESF will hold welcome meetings in the individual resorts – although this has not been confirmed.
There will certainly be less catered chalet options this season and many of the transfer companies have reduced their fleets – book early is the advice as always (but probably really true this year, plenty of flexible, cancellable booking options though).
No Crystal in La Tania this Winter as Ski Mania continue to manage the Grand Bois apartments once again. Crystal are selling Christiana apartment holidays for Winter 2022 however.
Further outdoor bar service options should be available in Pub Le Ski Lodge this Winter, watch this space.
No news on progression of the new green run down in to La Tania and the snow front modifications.
La Cave des Lys is offering a Savoyard gourmet takeaway service this Winter and L’Azimut (Michelin star restaurant in Le Praz) is offering cookery classes in chalets & apartments as well as meals prepared by their chefs in your accommodation.
Major Events in the Courchevel Valley are the Ladies Alpine Skiing GS World Cup on 12 & 13 Dec 2020, the Fireworks Festival from 11 Feb to 4 Mar and the Courchevel Legacy on 10th April with top local skier and Olympic medalist Alexis Pinturault. The 3 Valleys Enduro is on 11 Apr 2021.
A few of the big 5 star hotels in 1850 aren’t opening this Winter and one of our favourites, Hotel Pomme de Pin is now Hotel Pomme and probably yet another expensive place in 1850 now…
The snow guarantee continues and free cancellation of ski passes up to the day before is added to the issuing conditions. Safety Measures for lifts were tested this Summer including mask wearing, sanitiser, cleaning of cabins, spaced out queues and access to individual chairs or gondolas exclusively to your bubble of friends or family. Approved snoods will be allowed instead face masks (they’re €11 from Val Thorens and €14 from Courchevel sites at the moment!).
Many La Tania companies are planning for this Winter with Covid-19 security & safety plus flexible booking systems. More here…
Ski Resorts in France are following the procedures in this poster produced by France Montagnes – The French Ski Resorts Association.
Part 3: Val Thorens / Orelle / Les Menuire / St Martin
The New 2021 3 Valleys Piste Maps Analysed…
Always an exciting time when the new piste maps become available – we’re still trying to get hold of the Les Menuires / St Martin individual valley map for 2021 but the rest are now available for download on out piste maps page at: latania.co.uk/skiing/pistemaps.htm
La Tania / Courchevel
The most obvious work this Summer has been the continued development of the new World Cup 2023 piste – now named L’Eclipse and running from near the top of the Bouc Blanc chairlift down to Le Praz. The old Jockeys piste has been hugely reshaped and widened plus a new snow cannon reservoir to feed it has been constructed too. Meanwhile in 1850 the work on the new Stade and Racing HQ (thanks to the UK’s richest man, Jim Ratcliffe of the INEOS Chemical / Fracking Corporation) has seen huge works continue this Summer too.
The idea behind the hundreds of millions of euros spent on this project is to create a famous, iconic downhill piste like the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel and try to make Courchevel more about skiing rather than the designer shops, ridiculously expensive 5 star luxury hotels, Russian Oligarchs and Michelin Star restaurants.
Critics say the money could be better spent and as the World Cup takes place right in the middle of the Winter Half Term between 9th and 23rd of February 2023 it won’t bring much additional revenue to resort anyway. The stature of the resort will of course improve with the huge publicity but the next generation of skiers are more interested in Freeride Competitions and Boarder/Skier Cross these days it would seem.
In light of these trends, there exists an appealing opportunity for individuals in search of winter season job prospects abroad, shaping a diverse and dynamic environment that aligns seamlessly with the ever-evolving trends in winter sports.
The new Le Praz beginners magic carpet lift has now been installed and makes a return to the 2021 map with Envolée now marked.
We noticed the beginners magic carpet lift that was removed due to the World Cup piste looks to be relocated next to the La Tania top gondola station up from the Bouc Blanc restaurant with a new plateau created. Below shows the work going on here –
Also new on the piste map for La Tania and Courchevel are the protected areas for The Black Grouse. These are well marked and fenced off for a reason – please respect these areas.
Protected areas are under the Aiguile du Fruit chairlift returning from 1650 to 1850, near Rochers piste in 1650, the area below Dou des Lanches / Gasex above La Tania and near to Jean Blanc piste & below Arolles. This last one may be new and interfere with the (very) bottom of the “La Tania Trees” run that brought you out on to Jockeys – needs further investigation.
Méribel / Mottaret
There are two “New” entries on the piste map for 2021. One of course is the new Bouquetin chairlift above Mottaret – a high speed detachable 6-seater replacing the old Plattières bubble with a bottom to top time of only 2½ minutes giving access to Les Menuires / St Martin.
The other “New” is on the Piste des Animaux which was part of the Disney Frozen II promotion last year.
We walked around this during the summer – great fun identifying the animals from the signs with footprints, colours and sounds as clues, it does get quite competitive!
The World Cup 2023 piste in Méribel is now marked. The Roc de Fer will host the Women’s races in 2023. A new tunnel to allow access across the ski area while competitions are taking place has been constructed for Winter 2021.
We note that the fonts (with arrows added) have been changed to make things a bit clearer when crossing valleys. Les Cretes Restaurant about 400m along from the Tougnette / St Martin 2 summit near the Cherferie crossover on the way to Jerusalem has been knocked down and is no longer on the map – it is however being rebuilt but we suspect it won’t be ready for this Winter.
Val Thorens / Orelle
The only significant changes we could spot was the naming of the new 1800m double zip line on the map. La BEE will be open every day from 10:00 until 16:15 for €35 a go (the Tyrolienne wire at a height of 3000m between Orelle & Val Thorens costs €55).
Les Menuire / St Martin
We’re still waiting for the 2021 piste map but have had confirmation the the new La Masse bottom to top gondola is on track for December 2021 opening. We also understand that the La Masse 1 gondola will stay in place with Masse 2 being removed along with the old Lac Noir chairlift.
There are rumours of the removal or replacement of the old Tortollet & Rocher Noir chairs but both will be operating this Winter.
Les 3 Valleys
The full size animation of the 2020 v 2021 Piste Maps
Work continues on the 2023 World Cup Piste
The top of the (old) original Jockeys piste that joined the Bouc Blanc above the La Tania gondola is now being reshaped with more earthworks taking place. The start of Jockeys was moved down towards the Bouc Blanc and a beginners area built there.
Jockeys is now much wider, straighter and the rollers / flatter spots taken out for racing – spoilt for recreational skiers in many people’s opinion but the hope is it could become an iconic race piste in the future to help improve Courchevel’s image and brand.
The beginners magic carpet lift is being removed and we guess will be relocated plus a tunnel is being created so skiers from the Fôret chairlift and Arolles blue piste can access the La Tania area with crossing the black race piste.
Further work at the top of Folyères is taking place too – could be connected to the new snow cannon reservoir on Col de la Loze above or just more drainage, anti-corrosion, reshaping / landscaping work.
3V Escapade in a Day success for the Waterfield Family
From Ian:
The Waterfield family – Beth (13), Jenny (9), Anna and Ian – completed the Escapade yesterday.
Setting off at 0900 from The Tania Gondola, and the first queue of the day, we finished at Foret, at 1621 (1630 at the top) before heading to the Bouc Blanc for a celebratory pression/orangina.
We pretty much followed the latest route on the website, with the exception of doing Lac de Lou off La Masse to Plan de L’Eau, and somehow skirting round from the top of 3 Vallees chair to Becca without needing to do Sunny Express or Bruyeres 2.
Anyway, Jenny wants to know whether she is the youngest Escapade finisher (she tells me she’s 9 years and 49 weeks)?
Route screenshots and start/finish photos attached
Now home after a super week in LT -as always!
Well done Ian and Family – still possible in February when done on a Saturday! Jenny has just beaten Toby Buckle as the youngest success, he completed the challenge back in April 2009, aged 10. Good work Jenny!
Remember, the lifts are open another 30 minutes now (plus faster and more capacity this season) so no excuses, do it this year or you’ll be at least another year older when you do…
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 – then we had the idea of doing it in a day…
It’s probably the toughest day skiing ever for a recreational skier but lots of people have got involved over the years so we feature them in our Escapade in a Day Hall of Fame
This is no longer being promoted by The 3 Valleys but we’ll still stick you in the Hall of Fame if you complete it – send a Ski Tracks or similar trace in plus a pic of your group.
What started out as a late night “is it possible?” discussion became a challenge the following week – the history and our original route are here
Originally punch cards had to be stamped at each check point until electronic passes arrived – they could then be checked by the lift company. The original Escapade was 30 lifts, 13000m vertical and 70km and 2016 peaked with 34 lifts, 17000m vertical (twice the height of Everest) and around 100km total distance. It became a little less for 2017 and 2018 saw the use of the Roc de Tougne fast new chair instead of the drag plus we lost the Montaulever drag altogether. In 2019 we gained the new faster Legends chair out of Méribel and then an improvement in speed on the Mont Vallon lift too.
Certainly getting easier with the improvement in lift infrastructure and we will make it harder for 2021. But, it’s still a big, big day out with all the planning, chatting, moaning (and lunch) kept to the lifts…
Updated 2020 PDF route with the 19 “Escapade Lifts” in bold
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 (and you won’t be insured), think about the safety of others as well as yourself but above all, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes horribly wrong…..
La Tania Celebrity Watch – 2020 Update so far…
Time for an update to the La Tania Celebrity Watch – it’s been a bit thin on the ground the last couple of years but we’ve managed to scrape together a few for an update…
Georgia Toffola (aka Toff) spotted en route to Courchevel 1850 in December (no, not that one).
Best known for Made in Chelsea and becoming Queen of the Jungle in I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here in 2017. Became mates with Stanley Johnson (Boris Johnson’s father) in her time in the jungle. Of course Boris has visited Courchevel before – this classic article here.
Brendan Rogers spotted in Hotel Courcheneige in February (during the Premier League Winter Break).
Actually spotted by Leicester City fans staying in La Tania but they were too scared to ask for a pic from their manager!
Coleen Rooney spotted in Courchevel 1850 in February.
No sign of Wayne, who’s now playing for Derby County (no Winter Break for the Championship).
Spotted by ex-Ski Lodge staffer Sam who’s from…. Derby…
Rory Stewart lunching on The Ski Lodge terrace during February Half Term.
Could have been the next Prime Minister (see Boris in Courchevel in the Toff entry above) but finished 5th in the 2019 Conservative Party leadership contest.
Little known fact: In 2012, The Daily Telegraph reported that Brad Pitt bought the rights to make a film about Stewart, particularly his time in Afghanistan where he spent 3 years working to restore historic buildings and infrastructure to the old city of Kabul.
Luke Verway spotted in the centre of resort taking Instagram pics of La Tania in January 2020.
Luke and brother Kade confirmed as Kawasaki factory riders for the 2020 British Super Bikes Junior Superstock 600 series.
They will be with the Kawasaki Team Green factory Kawasaki squad, MassingBerd-Mundy / Affinity Sports Academy.
And this one that we missed from last season’s Ski Show…
Graham Bell posed (again) for a photo with some of the La Tania locals at the London Ski Show.
The Ski Sunday presenter represented Great Britain at 5 Winter Olympics from 1984 to 1998 and continues to be involved across the Ski Industry with lots of TV work too.
Email toffa@latania.co.uk with news (and pics) of any celebrities you spot anywhere in the Three Valleys….
The Celebrity Watch goes back to 2004 with everyone from Kate & William at The Bouc Blanc to Posh Spice at Verdons and Joe Swash & James Morrison in the Ski Lodge!
Simon & Bethan complete the Escapade in a Day – last one for now until February!
After coming here for years, we finally pulled our fingers out and had a shot at the Escapade in a Day…
We followed Andy’s route from the 11th of January, but used Bruyeres 2 rather than Sunny Express to get to Becca.
Great day out; early bubble from La Tania, lunch on the lifts, no stops, tactical-weighing-down-of-Bethan-with-the-bag-for-extra-momentum-on-Ours, hardly any queues and no technical problems. Made it to Foret by 16:13, which gives you plenty of time to ski down to the La Tania bubble to compete the lap, then take it back up to Bouc Blanc for a celebratory Jupiler.
With the extra Bouc Blanc lap, it was 92.1miles total, 55.7miles skiing.
Definitely recommend it; it’s a great challenge!
What’s all this 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 – then we had the idea of doing it in a day…
It’s probably the toughest day skiing ever for a recreational skier but lots of people have got involved over the years so we feature them in our Escapade in a Day Hall of Fame
This is no longer being promoted by The 3 Valleys but we’ll still stick you in the Hall of Fame if you complete it – send a Ski Tracks or similar trace in plus a pic of your group.
What started out as a late night “is it possible?” discussion became a challenge the following week – the history and our original route are here
Originally punch cards had to be stamped at each check point until electronic passes arrived – they could then be checked by the lift company. The original Escapade was 30 lifts, 13000m vertical and 70km and 2016 peaked with 34 lifts, 17000m vertical (twice the height of Everest) and around 100km total distance. It became a little less for 2017 and 2018 saw the use of the Roc de Tougne fast new chair instead of the drag and we lost the Montaulever drag altogether. In 2019 we gained the new faster Legends chair out of Méribel and then an improvement in speed on the Mont Vallon lift too.
Getting easier, but it’s still a big, big day out with all the talking (and lunch) kept to the lifts…
Updated 2020 PDF route with the 19 “Escapade Lifts” in bold
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, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes horribly wrong…..
Congratulations Oliver, Martin & Zoe on completing the Escapade in a Day
La Tania regulars Oliver, Martin & Zoe completed the Escapade on 16th January. It was Oliver’s second time having completed the original route a few years ago.
“We got one of the first lifts on the La Tania bubble at 9:03 and got the final Foret lift at 15:44 – giving us a time of 6:41. As previous posters have said you don’t need to ski ridiculously fast but you can’t hang around for a leisurely lunch or copious toilet breaks.
We took the itinerary run down the back of La Masse which avoids the need to get the Reberty and Bruyeres lifts. The crusty snow wasn’t the most enjoyable and we could have done it much quicker in better conditions but we think it was still quicker than going down La Masse the conventional way plus the two extra lifts in Les Menuires.
It was a lovely blue sky day but with better snow on the La Masse run and a couple of less busy lifts we reckon we could have shaved off some more time. Maybe next time!”
LA TANIA 09:03:00
BOUC BLANC 09:12:00
SOURCES 09:23:00
SAULIRE 09:28:00
DENT DE BURGIN 09:45:00
GOLF 09:57:00
LEGENDS 10:11:00
OLYMPIC 10:22:00
ST MARTIN 1 10:43:00
ST MARTIN 2 10:48:00
ROC DE TOUGNE 10:56:00
MASSE 1 11:14:00
MASSE 2 11:22:00
PLAN DE L’EAU 11:52:00
CIME CARON 12:03:00
PEYRON 12:26:00
BOUCHET 12:35:00
ROSAEL 12:53:00
MORAINE 13:15:00
COL 13:21:00
PECLET 13:37:00
PIONNIERS 13:58:00
3 VALLEES 14:02:00
BECCA 14:15:00
MONT VALLON 14:27:00
PAS DE LAC 1 & 2 14:51:00
ROC DE MUGNIER 15:17:00
PETITES BOSSES 15:24:00
AIGUILLE DU FRUIT 15:28:00
FORET 15:44:00
What’s all this 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 – then we had the idea of doing it in a day…
It’s probably the toughest day skiing ever for a recreational skier but lots of people have got involved over the years so we feature them in our Escapade in a Day Hall of Fame
This is no longer being promoted by The 3 Valleys but we’ll still stick you in the Hall of Fame if you complete it – send a Ski Tracks or similar trace in plus a pic of your group.
What started out as a late night “is it possible?” discussion became a challenge the following week – the history and our original route are here
Originally punch cards had to be stamped at each check point until electronic passes arrived – they could then be checked by the lift company. The original Escapade was 30 lifts, 13000m vertical and 70km and 2016 peaked with 34 lifts, 17000m vertical (twice the height of Everest) and around 100km total distance. It became a little less for 2017 and 2018 saw the use of the Roc de Tougne fast new chair instead of the drag and we lost the Montaulever drag altogether. In 2019 we gained the new faster Legends chair out of Méribel and then an improvement in speed on the Mont Vallon lift too.
Getting easier, but it’s still a big, big day out with all the talking (and lunch) kept to the lifts…
Updated 2020 PDF route with the 19 “Escapade Lifts” in bold
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, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes horribly wrong…..
Mr and Mrs Slippery (& Neil) complete the Escapade in a Day…
More old people with the help of youngsters complete the challenge…
From Michelle:
Me, Alan and my cousin (Neil Stubbington) did the Escapade today. Quite pleased how we did, especially as Neil’s a boarder! Here are our timings taken from Ski Tracks – we started at 9am and clocked through our last needed lift (foret) at 3.30pm. However, we then decided that Dou Des Lanches still looked good so finished off with an extra chair.
Michelle, Alan and Neil’s 3 Valley Escapade
20th January 2020
1 09:03 La Tania gondola
2 09:09 Bouc Blanc
3 09:20 Rocher de L’ombre (or Sources) drag lift
4 09:26 Saulire cable car
5 09:38 Dent de Burgin
6 09:51 Golf
7 Rope Tow
8 10:05 Legends
9 10:15 Olympic
10 10:29 St Martin 1
11 St Matin Express
12 10:53 Roc de Tougne
13 11:10 Masse 1
14 11:20 Masse 2 Gondola
15 11:38 Reberty
16 11:43 Bruyeres 1 Gondola (off at 1st station)
17 11:53 Plan de L’Eau
18 12:03 Cime Caron Cable Car
19 12:21 Peyron
20 12:28 Bouchet
21 12:45 Rosael
22 12:59 Moraine Gondola
23 13:12 Col
24 13:30 Peclet Funitel
25 13:47 Pioneers
26 13:53 3 Valley Chair
27 14:07 Becca
28 14:17 Mont Vallon Gondola
29 14:40 Pas Du Lac 1 Gondola
30 Pas Du Lac 2 Gondola
31 15:08 Roc Mugnire
32 15:10 Petite Bosses drag
33 15:16 Aiguille du Fruit
34 15:29 Forêt
35 15:39 Dou Des Lanches
What’s all this 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 – then we had the idea of doing it in a day…
It’s probably the toughest day skiing ever for a recreational skier but lots of people have got involved over the years so we feature them in our Escapade in a Day Hall of Fame
This is no longer being promoted by The 3 Valleys but we’ll still stick you in the Hall of Fame if you complete it – send a Ski Tracks or similar trace in plus a pic of your group.
What started out as a late night “is it possible?” discussion became a challenge the following week – the history and our original route are here
Originally punch cards had to be stamped at each check point until electronic passes arrived – they could then be checked by the lift company. The original Escapade was 30 lifts, 13000m vertical and 70km and 2016 peaked with 34 lifts, 17000m vertical (twice the height of Everest) and around 100km total distance. It became a little less for 2017 and 2018 saw the use of the Roc de Tougne fast new chair instead of the drag and we lost the Montaulever drag altogether. In 2019 we gained the new faster Legends chair out of Méribel and then an improvement in speed on the Mont Vallon lift too.
Getting easier, but it’s still a big, big day out with all the talking (and lunch) kept to the lifts…
Updated 2020 PDF route with the 19 “Escapade Lifts” in bold
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, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes horribly wrong…..
Escapade in a Day – Another for the Hall of Fame
Congratulations to Phil and family…
From Phil:
What an enjoyable day skiing in the beautiful 3 Valleys sunshine with my two sons and daughter. Our attempt at the 3 Valleys Escapade in a Day Challenge was blessed with quiet lifts, fast pistes and a few cheeky beers at Col de la Loze to end our day.
We believe our only mistake was having to take an extra lift and do an extra run on our way to Becca and, aside from ourselves the only other obstacle put in our way was the relatively slow off piste route via Lac du Lou to Plan de L’eau due to the lack of fresh snow.
All in all a fun day.
All the Best,
Phil, Bradley, Jordan & Brooke.
Lifts & Pistes
◦ La Tania – 9.00am🚠 ◦ Bouc blanc 🚠 ◦ Lac bleu ⛷ ◦ Sources/Roche de l’ombre 🚠 ◦ Saulire 🚠 ◦ Biche – chamois – renard ⛷ ◦ Dent de burgin 🚠 ◦ Renard – blanchot – Lapin ⛷ ◦ Golf (meribel village) 🚠 ◦ Foret(rope pull) 🚠 ◦ Doron ⛷ ◦ Legends 🚠 ◦ Roc de fer- gelinotte ⛷ ◦ Olympic 🚠 ◦ Verdet – biolley ⛷ ◦ St Martin 1 🚠 ◦ St Martin express 🚠 ◦ Dahu – martre ⛷ ◦ Roc de tougne 🚠 ◦ Teppes – gros tougne – la violette ⛷ ◦ Masse 1 🚠 ◦ Masse 2 🚠 ◦ Off piste bit ⛷ ◦ Plan de l’eau 🚠 ◦ Boulevard d’telepherique ⛷ ◦ Cime Caron 🚠 ◦ Combe de rosael ⛷ (4th valley) ◦ Peyron 🚠 ◦ Bouchet 🚠 ◦ Bouchet ⛷ ◦ Rosael 🚠 ◦ Chamois – eterlou – rhodos ⛷ ◦ Moraine 🚠 ◦ Col 🚠 ◦ Col – moraine – green into VT⛷ ◦ Funitel de peclet 🚠 ◦ Beranger ⛷ ◦ Pioniers 🚠 (3 valley link) ◦ 3 valleys 🚠 ◦ 4 Vents – Alpage ⛷ ◦ Bruyeres 2 🚠 ◦ D Douillet ⛷ ◦ Becca 🚠 ◦ Alouette ⛷ (to mont vallon) ◦ Mont vallon 🚠 ◦ Combe du vallon – Ours ⛷ ◦ Pas du lac 🚠 ◦ Creux ⛷ ◦ Roc mugnier 🚠 ◦ Gdes bosses ⛷ ◦ Petit bosses 🚠 ◦ Shoosh ⛷ ◦ Aiguille du fruit 🚠 ◦ Courchevel 1850 – le praz ⛷ (altiport – amoreux) ◦ Foret – 3.30pm 🚠
What’s all this 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 – then we had the idea of doing it in a day…
It’s probably the toughest day skiing ever for a recreational skier but lots of people have got involved over the years so we feature them in our Escapade in a Day Hall of Fame
This is no longer being promoted by The 3 Valleys but we’ll still stick you in the Hall of Fame if you complete it – send a Ski Tracks or similar trace in plus a pic of your group.
What started out as a late night “is it possible?” discussion became a challenge the following week – the history and our original route are here
Originally punch cards had to be stamped at each check point until electronic passes arrived – they could then be checked by the lift company. The original Escapade was 30 lifts, 13000m vertical and 70km and 2016 peaked with 34 lifts, 17000m vertical (twice the height of Everest) and around 100km total distance. It became a little less for 2017 and 2018 saw the use of the Roc de Tougne fast new chair instead of the drag and we lost the Montaulever drag altogether. In 2019 we gained the new faster Legends chair out of Méribel and then an improvement in speed on the Mont Vallon lift too.
Getting easier, but it’s still a big, big day out with all talking (and lunch) kept to the lifts…
Updated 2020 PDF route with the 19 “Escapade Lifts” in bold
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, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes horribly wrong…..
La Tania veteran Andy Lee does the Escapade in a Day
Andy & Kyle completed the Escapade in a Day on Saturday 11th January in perfect conditions with blue skies, quiet lifts and perfect pistes throughout the 3 Valleys. We see they skied back down La Masse rather than an unpleasant cruddy, crusty off piste run down via Lac du Lou to Plan de L’eau.
From Andy:
Got to La Tania Gondola at 9am and didn’t stop all day, no need to ski at break neck pace, just get the route right and don’t stop between lifts. Tiring but great fun! I have listed the lifts we took and the times we got on them, it may help people to see how they’re getting on time wise, we arrived at Foret with 16 minutes to spare.
Congratulations Andy & Kyle and thanks for the timings, very useful – you’re now in the Hall of Fame
1, 9.00 Tania
2, 9.11 Bouc Blanc
3, 9.23 Rocher
4, 9.31 Saulire
5, 9.48 Dent De Burgin
6, 10.03 Golf
7, 10.09 Tow rope
8, 10.17 Legends
9, 10.27 Olympic
10,10.42 St Martin 1
11, 10.49 St Martin 2
12, 11.01 Roc de Tougne
13, 11.17 Masse 1
14, 11.26 Masse 2
15, 11.44 Reberty
16, 11.49 Bruyeres 1 (get off at first station)
17, 12.01 Plan de L’eau
18, 12.13 Cime caron
19, 12.35 Peyron
20, 12.42 Bouchet
21, 12.59 Rosael
22, 1.14 Moraine
23, 1.26 Col
24, 1.44 Peclet
25, 2.00 Pioneers
26, 2.07 3V Funitel
27, 2.22 Sunny Express
28, 2.34 Becca
29, 2.48 Mont Vallon
30, 3.14 Pas Du Lac 1
31, 3.25 Pas Du Lac 2
32, 3.36 Roc Mugnier
33, 3.45 Petite Bosses
34, 3.50 Aiguille du Fruit
35, 4.09 Forêt
The “Escapade Lifts” in bold
This route as a PDF to download and save on a smartphone
What’s all this 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 – then we had the idea of doing it in a day…
It’s probably the toughest day skiing ever for a recreational skier but lots of people have got involved over the years so we feature them in our Escapade in a Day Hall of Fame
This is no longer being promoted by The 3 Valleys but we’ll still stick you in the Hall of Fame if you complete it – send a Ski Tracks or similar trace in plus a pic of your group.
What started out as a late night “is it possible?” discussion became a challenge the following week – the history and our original route are here
Originally punch cards had to be stamped at each check point until electronic passes arrived – they could then be checked by the lift company. The original Escapade was 30 lifts, 13000m vertical and 70km and 2016 peaked with 34 lifts, 17000m vertical (twice the height of Everest) and around 100km total distance. It became a little less for 2017 and 2018 saw the use of the Roc de Tougne fast new chair instead of the drag and we lost the Montaulever drag altogether. In 2019 we gained the new faster Legends chair out of Méribel and then an improvement in speed on the Mont Vallon lift too.
It’s still a big, big day out though with all talking (and lunch) kept to the lifts…
Updated 2020 PDF route with the 19 “Escapade Lifts” in bold
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, take care, don’t wreck things for others & don’t even think of blaming anyone else if it all goes horribly wrong…..
