Best après-ski spots in Courchevel and La Tania

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With longer days and spring well and truly in the air, our minds turn to long afternoons on a sun terrace at the end of a great day on the slopes. Après-ski (or après) is an integral part of any ski holiday, and there are plenty of spots to unwind and have fun within Courchevel and La Tania. So, if you’re heading our way this winter, you might be interested in our latest blog, as we take a closer look at some of the best après-ski spots in Courchevel and La Tania.

Le Pelican, Courchevel Moriond

Just a few minutes from the foot of the piste in Courchevel Moriond, Le Pelican offers live music at après three times a week. Previously the Boulotte, but now under new ownership, Le Pelican is a cosy and intimate spot to enjoy relaxed drinks and good music after a day on the slopes. 

L’Elephant, Courchevel Le Praz

Hidden amid the cobbled streets on Le Praz, The Elephant is a lively sports bar and restaurant which hosts live music at après and late night several times a week. They also have a dart board, pool table and table football table to keep you (or the kids) entertained, and show all the major sporting events if sport is your thing.

Le Peupliers, Courchevel Le Praz

If you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, Le Peupliers hotel, just opposite the lake in Le Praz, is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine or beer in the sun. They’ve lots of outdoor seating – perfect for when the sun is shining – as well as a cosy indoor lounge, complete with comfy seating and a log fire.

La Folie Douce, on the slopes, Méribel

 

Just over in the neighbouring valley of Méribel, La Folie Douce is a popular après-ski spot, and easily accessible from Courchevel and La Tania via the top of Saulire or the Col de la Loze. It’s always a lively party at the Folie, with pumping tunes, cabaret dancers, table dancing and champagne often sprayed over the crowd. The party starts just after lunch and continues until the lifts close. Just make sure you check the last lift times so you don’t get stuck in the wrong valley.

Pub Le Ski Lodge, La Tania

Pub Le Ski Lodge is a lively spot at the foot of the piste in La Tania, popular with holiday makers and seasonnaires alike. They have live music at après three times a week, which is usually packed to the rafters with people keen to let off steam and dance the evening away. They also have a large sun terrace, and on late spring days the party often spills outside.

La Taiga, La Tania

Situated on the main road in La Tania, La Taiga describes itself as a cocktail lounge bar, and offer a daily happy hour from 5-7pm. It’s a little more upmarket than their sister bar – Pub Le Ski Lodge – and they usually have live music at après twice a week, as well as late night live music (from 10pm). And, if you dance up an appetite, there’s also a restaurant upstairs.

Le Bouc Blanc, top of the La Tania bubble

Located at the top of the La Tania bubble, with stunning views and a large sun terrace, Le Bouc Blanc is a great spot to enjoy a late afternoon on your way home if you’re staying in La Tania. During the spring months, Le Bouc Blanc offer live music to enjoy as the sun sets over the mountain. 

In conclusion, whether you are looking for a lively party atmosphere or a cosy and relaxed bar, these resorts have something for everyone. So, be sure to check out these après-ski spots on your next visit to Courchevel or La Tania. And do let us know if there’s somewhere we’ve missed that should have made the list.

Best blue runs in the Three Valleys

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Known for their cruisey blue runs and impressive commitment to grooming, the Three Valleys is an immediate skier’s paradise. With so much choice on offer, it’s hard to know where to go, so we thought we’d share some insider tips, to get your holiday off to a flying start. If you’re Three Valleys bound this winter and want to know the best blues to take in the sights and get your skiers legs back, check out our guide to the best blue runs in the Three Valleys.

Gentianes, Courchevel 1650

Usually immaculately groomed Gentianes is a wide and relatively flat blue, above Courchevel 1650 that is perfect for carving, and makes a hero of even the most average skier. Watch out for the crossing with the boulevard half way down. As well as the roller just after it which can give you some serious air if hit at speed.

Creux, Courchevel 1850

Previously a red, Creux is a popular run from the top of Courchevel, heading towards 1650. Although it’s a little steep at the top it’s nice and wide, and when freshly groomed, a real joy to ski. It can get busy though, so it’s best hit first thing. Make sure you ski it right to the bottom for a nice cruisey run down to the valley between Courchevel 1650 and 1850, commonly known as the “fruit bowl”.

Folyeres, La Tania

When it comes to scenic runs, you can’t get much better than picturesque Folyeres, which guides you through the trees down to La Tania. With twists and turns and rollers along the way it’s also a really fun route, which the kids (and big kids) love – as long as they’re confident on blues.

Courchevel medley: Pyramids – Ariondaz – Marquis

For the ultimate blues cruise head to the top end of 1650, accessed from the Pyramids drag, where you can take a series of blues, all the way down to the bottom of resort. Take a left off the drag to take Pyramids, before picking up Ariondaz (where you might want to schedule a pit stop at the Bel Air for a hot chocolate or vin chaud), before taking Marquis all the way down to 1650. 800m of often pisted perfection. Watch your speed though at the narrow steep section, on the lower part of Ariondaz.

Lapin, Méribel Village

Another pretty tree run, Lapin will guide you on some hairpin bends with twists and turns from the top of the Golf chair down to Méribel Village. Popular with kids, it’s gentle enough to ski with all the family.

Jerusalem and Biolley, St Martin

Skier’s favourite Jerusalem is a popular run from the top of Méribel, heading down towards St Martin. Also a red previously, it has some gentle rollers which make for a fun ski down. Pick up Biolley at the mid station for a scenic run through the trees and under a tunnel down to quaint St Martin. The sunny side of the valley, it can get slushy late season, so best hit earlier in the day if skiing in March or April.

Bouquetin, Pointe de la Masse

On the far side of the Belleville Valley, is the Pointe de la Masse. Sitting at 2800m, it offers great views across the valley and a lovely long blue run – Bouquetin – which you can take most of the way down, before picking up Vallons or Les enverse down to the bottom of the valley.

Pluviometre, Val Thorens

Accessed from the either the Cote Brune chair on the Méribel side, or the 3 Vallées cable car on the Val Thorens side, Pluviometre offers fast wide open sweeping turns, with lots of space to practice your turns. Turn left at the bottom and across the bridge to reach the heart of Val Thorens, or take a right and head down to Les Menuires, with a myriad of blues to enjoy to your hearts content.

Insider tips to the perfect self-catered ski holiday in La Tania

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On the edge of Courchevel, in the heart of the Three Valleys, La Tania makes a great ski destination for skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities. In recent years many chalet companies have started offering self-catered ski holidays in La Tania – us included. Self-catered breaks provide greater flexibility, more privacy, and – importantly in the current situation – less contact with people outside of your party. So, if it’s your first time going self-catered and you’re after a few tips, then this insider’s guide to a self-catered ski holiday in La Tania might be just the ticket.

  1. Plan ahead. Shopping in-resort can be a little pricey, so it’s worth a little pre-planning to ensure your shopping stays within budget. There is a great supermarket (Super U) enroute in Moutiers, just after you turn off the dual carriageway, before you head up the hill. You can always organise a click & collect too to save time or if you are staying with Ski-Dazzle, we can collect for you, for a fee.
  2. Re-stock up at the Sherpa. If you forget anything or need to top up during the week there is a Sherpa in-resort which stocks a decent range of fresh and dried foods and drinks at a fairly reasonable price.
  3. Make the most of the local boulangerie. The bakery in La Tania is open from 7am in the morning so you can enjoy fresh bread and croissants for breakfast, or get enough to make packed lunches for on the hill, or if you are staying with Ski-Dazzle, we can organise a daily delivery to your chalet.
  4. Enjoy a night off cooking – order dinner in. If you fancy a night off the cooking, and don’t fancy all heading out on the town you can order a meal in; or even organise your own private chef. Contact us for food delivery and chef options. 
  5. Bring the essentials with you. OK, this is clearly dependent upon your mode of transport, however if you have room in your suitcase / hand luggage / car, and restrictions allow, here are a few essentials you might like to bring: tea / coffee, Marmite, spices and (hear us out) a slow cooker. Admittedly, the latter requires a little more room, but it is perfect for preparing food in advance so you can return home to a hot meal after a day on the slopes.
  6. Fuel up at lunchtime. Do you often get carried away at lunch and struggle to eat your evening meal while skiing? Or fancy taking advantage of great value lunch deals, like Michelin-starred Le Farcon’s skier lunch? Given the flexibility of a self-catered break you can fill your boots at lunchtime and just snack on bread and cheese for supper. 
  7. Enjoy a cheese soiree. The deli in La Tania (Saveurs des Alpes) rents fondue and raclette machines so you can enjoy a cheese feast at the fraction of the price from the comfort of your chalet.  If you stay with Ski-Dazzle, we offer a Raclette Evening.
  8. Share the load. No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen all holiday so if you draw up a rota or take turns cooking dinner you’ll have plenty of time to kick back, or enjoy the local après while someone else prepares dinner.

The perfect day skiing Courchevel and La Tania

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Now the borders are open again to Brits, focus once more is on upcoming trips and how to make the most of that long awaited ski holiday. If you’re coming to Courchevel or La Tania this winter and want some insider tips then you’ve come to the right place. With many years spent skiing the slopes of Courchevel we’ve a few perfectly honed itineraries to make your ski day one to remember. In the spirit of sharing, this is our idea of a perfect day skiing in Courchevel, setting off from Ski Dazzle’s home in La Tania.

Make the most of fresh corduroy in La Tania

First off, it’s worth checking where has been pisted and prioritise those runs first. There is a grooming report at most major lift stations, as well as online at S3V. The two runs down to La Tania – Folyeres and Plan Fontaine for example are cracking pistes when nicely groomed, but you likely only ski them home at the end of the day when they’re all cut up. So, if they’re freshly pisted and looking slick, it might be worth giving them a quick run, before heading up, up and away. 

Ski wide open pistes in Courchevel (1850)

Courchevel 1850 area has some nice wide open pistes, but can also get quite busy, so if you’re here on a busy week it’s worth avoiding key lift stations like Verdons and Chenus, and staying higher up. So, coming up from La Tania, take the bubble, then the Bouc Blanc chair and hang a right to take the blue run down to pick up the Biollay chair.

From the top of Biollay, ski the cruisey blue of the same name back to the chair, before lapping it again, this time taking skiers left to ski Marquetty (so long as it’s been pisted) before taking the chair again. If you fancy skiing through the family park you can do another lap here to take that in. Then, from the top of Biollay, if you head right you can ski blue run Pralong which has a few fun but gentle rollers towards the end.

If it’s a nice day and you fancy a drink in the sun, head down to the snack bar by the bottom of the Pralong chair where you can take a break in the picnic benches in the sun.

Ski through the trees to Courchevel Village (1550)

From there, there is a little-used run through the trees down to Courchevel Village (1550) called Cospilot. It snakes through the fancy chalets and takes a scenic route away from the crowds. You can then ski down to Village, and pick up the Tovets chair which will take you back to Courchevel.

Ski down, staying left, to pick up the Plantrey chair, under which you might be lucky enough to watch the kids training skiing the gates, making it look effortless! From the top of the chair take a left and ski gentle red Loze, staying to the right so that you can take the boulevard half way down which will take you back to Biollay. From the top of the chair ski straight on to to ski Pralong-Suisses, down to the Suisses chair. This will then take you up to the top of Saulire where you can take in the views and grab a selfie or two. 

It’s likely getting to lunchtime now, which means the pistes should be quietening down. To make the most of this quiet time it’s worth taking a late lunch. 

Enjoy the late sun in Courchevel Moriond

The pistes above Courchevel Moriond (1650) get the sun later in the day so it’s a great area to spend late afternoon. So, if you head straight on from the top of Suisses and take the boulevard in the direction of Méribel, you’ll find yourself at the top of Creux. Enjoy this popular and long blue run, skiing it’s length down to valley bottom before taking the Roc Mugnier chair.

If you’re getting peckish and ready for lunch, the Bel Air, at the top of the Ariondaz bubble is a good choice. On sunny days their sun terrace is spectacular, with stunning views. Or, if it’s cold and snowy, enjoy the cozy interior beside the fire. We’d highly recommend their vin chaud! Or, if you’re on a budget, their snack bar is another great option. 

After lunch, if you still have some time left, enjoy the myriad of cruisey blues and gentle reds that run beneath the Signal chair (Grande Bosses, Gentianes and Ariondaz), as well as the fun reds lapable by the Chapelets chair (Chapelets, Bel Air and Rochers). Just make sure you leave enough time to make it back to La Tania.

Head back to La Tania, stopping for a drink at après enroute

From the top of Signal or Chapelets you can reach the Aiguille du Fruit bowl by the red Roc Mugnier, although the blue boulevard which is accessed to the left at the bottom of Gentianes is often a much nicer option. Either way, take the Aiguille du Fruit chair and turn right at the top, taking the blue down past the Altiport (airport). If you’re lucky, you might see someone land or take off. Keep heading down under the Pralong chair but stay high and to the left to pick up the Bellecote blue piste which will take you back to Courchevel. 

Here you have two options, depending on timing and your preference….

Option 1: Ski through Courchevel, under the bridge, stay left and ski past the Plantrey chair to your right, taking Brigues down to Courchevel Le Praz. Enjoy a vin chaud at the Peupliers hotel in this quaint village, before hopping on the bus back to La Tania.

Option 2: Take the Plantrey chair, then ski down Bouc Blanc before taking the Dou de Lanches chair to the top of Col de la Loze and enjoy a tipple at 1928 restaurant while watching the sun drop, before skiing home to La Tania via Lanches (red) or Dou de Lanches (black) then Folyeres.

Best restaurants for vegetarians in the Three Valleys

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OK, so France isn’t exactly renowned for vegetarian cuisine. Vegetarians living in France in the past have had to endure many a green salad and plate of chips over the years, while watching friends tuck into juicy steaks. Thankfully however, the French are starting to catch on, with vegetarian options starting to pop up on most restaurant menus. So, if you’re a veggie – or you’re trying to eat less meat (labels not required) – then here is our list of some of the best restaurants in the Three Valleys for vegetarians.

Vegetarian options – on the mountain

 

Bouc Blanc, at the top of the La Tania bubble

The Bouc Blanc is a winner for skiers looking for tasty food, decent portions and great value. It’s also a great option for veggies, offering a selection of dishes including a ginormous and delicious Beaufort tart, a whopping cheese omelette with mounds of fries, a vegan bowl, pesto linguine and some nice but simple salads. Save some room for dessert though – their café gourmand is not to be missed!

Cucina Angelina, bottom of the slopes in Courchevel Moriond

Named after owner and celebrity chef Angelina Hartnett, Cucina Angelina serves Italian food with a sprinkling of French Savoyard flavours. It’s not cheap, but with slippers to replace your ski boots and a swanky lounge area to enjoy an aperitif, it’s worth the splurge. Veggie options include a flavour-packed salad, and a number of pizzas and pasta dishes – including a porcini tagliatelle and four cheese pizza.

Jacks Bar, bottom of the slopes in Méribel

British-run restaurant Jacks serves tasty pub food done well. They also cater well for veggies serving up veggie nachos, bang bang cauliflower, a super tasty veggie burger (made from beetroot and beans), tofu drunken noodles and several veggie pizza options.   

Wok Ski, near the bottom of the Moraine and Portet chairlifts, Val Thorens

Wok Ski is an Asian fusion restaurant popular with seasonnaires and holiday makers alike – and for good reason. They serve super tasty vegetarian noodles, soups and wraps which are cooked fresh and great value.  Their menu is based on a build-your-own concept, so you can choose your base (rice or noodles), then pick from meat or veggie additions and finally your choice of sauce. If you like yours packed with flavour you can also help yourself to fresh coriander and chilli to finish it off. Best for sunny days, the food comes in take away boxes which you can feast from in the sun on their terrace of deck chairs.

Vegetarian options – in resort

 

Copiña, Courchevel Moriond

Tapas bar-come-restaurant Copiña, serves a selection of delicious tapas dishes, which work well for vegetarians looking to try a number of dishes. Veggie options include padron peppers, patatas bravas, Jerusalem artichoke chips, spanish omelette, olives and a manchego salad. 

Le Petit Savoyard, Courchevel Moriond

Run by the charming Pascal and his wife Babette, Le Petit Savoyard is a Courchevel favourite. As well as the traditional Savoyard veggie options of fondue and raclette, this year they’ve added a number of decent veggie options to their repertoire. Choose from a delicious hot goats cheese salad, creamy mushroom ravioli and a veggie burger.

Le Farçon, La Tania

Michelin-starred Le Farçon isn’t an obvious choice for vegetarians, renowned for serving up sumptuous meat and fish dishes inspired by the Savoie and local mountain regions. However, if you ring ahead and tell them you’re vegetarian they cater very well – offering delicious veggie options for each course. And, starting at 42€ for a 3-course (closer to 6-courses all in) feast, it’s well worth a visit.

Barometer, Méribel Centre

Based in the centre of Méribel, Barometer serves delicious pub food, with an Italian influence. Head chef James has introduced a number of veggie options including an amazing veggie lasagne which is highly recommended! As well as a mushroom soup, burrata salad, pesto genovese tagliatelle and a boite chaude (hot melted local cheese served with roasted new potatoes and salad). Think fresh, tasty and hearty portions).

 

Best day hikes in the Three Valleys

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When thinking of the Alps you’ll likely picture snow capped mountains and wintry vistas. However the lure of the Alps is not simply limited to the winter months. The spring and summer seasons offer visitors incredible and varied hiking opportunities with jaw dropping views and impressive flora and fauna. So whether you’re an avid mountain hiker or prefer a more leisurely ramble we’ve picked a selection of our favourite day hikes in the Three Valleys.

Easy hike: Lac Tueda, Méribel 

Situated just above Méribel Mottaret is the Tueda Nature Reserve, where the Glacier de Gebroulaz sits above pine forests and Lac Tueda. Setting off from the car park, a walking trail follows the river with a very gentle ascent over about 500m up to Lac Tueda. Along the way are exploratory nature trails off to the side where info boards will advise on the flora and fauna you can spot along the route. Once you arrive at Lac Tueda you can lap the lake, taking a break at the restaurant on the lakeside which serves the usual Savoie fare. The path is suitable for prams and wheelchairs, making it accessible for all. 

1hr, 1.8km (including lap of the lake), 25m ascent

NB. If you’d like to make it a bit more challenging and go further afield take the path at the end of the lake in the direction of Refuge du Saut.  The path will take you to the La Plagne plateau at an altitude of 2,000m on the cusp of the Vanoise National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for marmottes, eagles, chamois and bouquetin. 

 

Moderate hike: Courchevel villages and hamlets

Take in the charm of the Three Valley villages and hamlets with a circuit following forest tracks, ideal for sunny days when you need respite from the heat. Setting off from La Tania lift station, take the footpath which descends steadily to Le Praz, passing the Le Praz ski jump enroute. After passing through the village of Le Praz you’ll follow the signposts across the fields and down the slope to Saint Bon. After meandering through this quaint village you’ll ascend up the other side, through steep narrow streets with tightly packed houses before taking the Chemin du Paradis which will lead you into the forest. The paths in the forest are well signposted taking you up through the hamlets of Le Freney then Le Nouvaz before ascending back to La Tania. The route is documented in more detail here.

3hrs, 10.2km, 626m ascent 

Challenging hike: Lac Rosiere – Dent du Villard loop

If you’ve skied in Courchevel 1650 you’ve likely noticed the stunning ridge with tree lined spines that overlooks it from skiers right. Sitting at 2,284m, the Dent du Villard offers incredible panoramic views of the Three Valleys and the Vanoise National Park with the blue glacial front. What makes it even more special however is the landscape at the top. Made from gypsum rock it’s like walking on the moon, with craters and gullies that make for an original and memorable hike. 

The walk begins at Lac de la Rosiere – which is a site to behold of its own. The stunning turquoise waters are surrounded with pine forests and picturesque picnic and BBQ spots. With aerial high ropes course and a via ferrata route if you’re feeling more adventurous.

From Lac Rosiere there is a circular route which is best tackled by taking the route up to the Col de la Chat. The path is steep and encompasses the sentier des 1000 marches – a series of wooden steps designed to assist with the steep ascent. Make sure you take plenty of water and snacks as you’ll need both to reach the top. It’s about 2 hours to the summit, where you’ll be greeted by the luna landscape and breathtaking views. From there you’ll follow the path along the ridge before descending back to the lake via a number of slightly exposed switchbacks. If you don’t have a head for heights you can always opt to return the way you came. 

3.5hrs, 10km, 754m ascent

5 Reasons to visit the Alps this summer

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Here’s five reasons why a holiday in the Alps should be top of your agenda:

1. After a forced closure this winter the resorts are pulling out all the stops to make the Alps an attractive destination this summer. This includes organised events such as wellness festivals, summer fȇtes, and food tasting; alongside a wide array of activities to suit people of all ages. Fancy tubing in Le Praz lake? Want to explore the summer meadows and mountain peaks on foot? How about navigating the myriad of mountain bike trails or road biking routes? Or, why not enjoy something a little more relaxing, like languishing in the spa at Aquamotion in Courchevel? After 15 months of restrictions, it’s time to let loose, get into the big outdoors and enjoy the fresh Alpine air.

2. If the Tour de France has had you gripped in the last couple of weeks then why not clip in and test your endurance on some of the iconic Alpine stages? You could tackle the climb to Tignes featured in this year’s Tour. Or, how about riding up our very own Col de la Loze? Created specifically for last year’s event, it encompasses some challenging steep sections, maxing out at 12% at one point on the Méribel side. And the best bit? It’s totally road-traffic free. If the climb sounds a bit of a challenge, fret not, there are plenty of e-bike options locally to give you a helping hand to the top.

3. Sandwiched between two national parks – the Vanoise and Tueda Nature Reserve – Courchevel is a stunning setting for nature lovers, with extensive flora and fauna to stimulate the senses. As well as alpine meadows and wild berry bushes, Alpine walkers are rewarded with wildlife sightings including bouquetin, golden eagles, marmottes and mountain goats. You might even be lucky enough to spot wolves, with sightings increasing in the Three Valleys in recent years. Or, if you really want to get away from it all, you can spend a night or two at a mountain refuge, linking day walks for a longer adventure. And with well-manned huts serviced by friendly teams you needn’t worry about lugging heavy gear to eat like a king.

4. Missed your fondue fix this winter? The good news is that with France opened up, all of the local restaurants will be serving up generous portions of Alpine goodness. Think tartiflette, beaufort tart and goats cheese salad, washed down with a glass of Apremont. Think the terraces are good in the winter? Well, they’re even better in the summer, with longer days, warmer temperatures and stunning sunsets.

5. And most importantly, you’re once again free to travel, with the French welcoming fully vaccinated travellers from the UK. You’ll just need to show proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel (or antigen test within 48 hours). It’s that easy. All you’ll need to worry about is what factor sun cream to bring.

So there you have it – five great reasons to visit the Alps this summer. What’s more, our two stunning 14-person chalets in La Tania provide a perfect location for exploring the area and reconnecting with family or friends. Complete with a free gondola, a great selection of bars and restaurants and easy access to the wider Courchevel area, La Tania makes a great base for a summer break in the Alps. Contact us today to discuss availability in one of our self-catered properties and make this summer one to remember.

5 DES MEILLEURS SITES DE SKI - ÉDITION COURCHEVEL

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We know how important it is to find useful and reliable information about La Tania – or any ski resort – before your holiday. The internet can be such a helpful place with loads of ski sites out there, but it can also feel like a black hole when you don’t know where to look. Especially if it’s a place you’ve never been to before. And from our experience, the official Courchevel website often lacks the finer details you need.

After years of scouring the internet ourselves, we’ve found our go-to ski websites. Here’s our list of the top 5  we recommend to help you in your holiday planning. A few are Courchevel-specific, and a few cover loads of resorts across the Alps.

1. La Tania.co.uk

lantania.co.uk is packed with loads of useful information about La Tania and Courchevel. So try not to get too distracted by all the ads and focus on the content, and you’ll find this site to be really helpful.

They provide the latest updates for the resort including resort opening and closing dates, events, and what changes the resort is  making over the summer for the coming year. It will likely be the only place you can find an up-to-date La Tania bus timetable online as well – bookmark it! Really it’s the ultimate guide to all things La Tania, so if you have a good dig around, you can find what you’re after.

2. See Courchevel

Formerly known as Courchnet, this is another great resource. It’s a great hub of information for Courchevel. You’ll find exhaustive lists of activities, restaurants, child care, ski schools, ski rental and more. Sometimes it can be hard to navigate and feel like you’re lost in a sea of information, but stick to using the menu and you should be able to find exactly what you’re after.

It’s also a great place to find lift pass prices.

3. Planet Ski

Planet Ski has been around now for over 10 years, and is really the place to go for ski industry news. Headed up by a former BBC journalist, the site is updated regularly throughout the year and they write about everything from weather reports to gear reviews, ski holiday deals and the latest ski news. Currently you can find a lot of COVID-19 and the ski industry info here (in case you haven’t had enough of it!).

Basically if you want to keep up to date on everything within the European ski industry, this is the place to head.

4. In the Snow

Both a magazine and an online publication, In the Snow goes beyond just European ski resorts with info on US & Canadian resorts as well.

This is a great site to find quality ski videos – from gear reviews, to interviews and ski tips. If you like video content, this is the place to go. One of their newer series is White Out which is a TV-like segment of all things ski industry, right on their YouTube channel.

 

5. WeLove2ski

Beyond Courchevel and the Three Valleys, WeLove2ski offers loads of information for a variety of resorts around the Alps. It also offers gear reviews, video tips and family skiing advice.

One reason why we love this site is because it offers a lot of practical tips in terms of improving your skiing. They’ve got a whole section on how to ski which covers your first time on skis to how you be confident in powder – and everything in between. So if you’re after helpful ski tips, this is a great place to go.

BONUS: Ski-Dazzle

Okay, exceptionally biased with this one! However we’ve been keeping our blog up-to-date regularly throughout the last year with all things La Tania and Courchevel, as well as lots of holiday planning tips for families and first-timers. Have a browse through some of our favourites:

GUIDE DE DESTINATION : LES TROIS VALLÉES

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The Three Valleys is made up of three major ski resorts (hence the name!): Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens. However within that, there are other smaller resorts within the larger resorts. For example La Tania is part of the Courchevel Valley.  Here’s our destination guide of what the Three Valleys resorts have to offer.

Courchevel & La Tania

Courchevel includes the villages La Tania, Le Praz, Courchevel Village (1550), Courchevel Moriond (1650) and Courchevel 1850. And there is loads to love about Courchevel.

High quality skiing – It’s hard to describe how well taken care of the pistes are in Courchevel. Queues for lifts are rare, everything is interlinked really well, the grooming is immaculate and the resort is constantly getting new upgrades. If you’ve skied in Courchevel before this may be something that you take for granted, but the lift company really puts in a lot of work to make it easily accessible for everyone and a pleasant skiing experience.

Variety of price point options – One of the best things about Courchevel is that the whole valley caters to all types of budgets. Courchevel 1850 is definitely the most expensive and you will struggle to find budget accommodation, however all of the other villages including La Tania have relatively cheaper options. This also goes for food as well. You can opt for easy takeaway pizza or dine at a Michelin star restaurant, and everything in between.

Variety of Pistes – Although many resorts tout themselves as having something for every level of skier, Courchevel and La Tania however truly do. There are a good variety of pistes with numerous accessible beginners areas, loads of wide open pistes for intermediates, and big adventures for powder hounds. So if not everyone in your party is at the same level, you won’t have to worry.

Head to See Courchevel to find out more about the resort or check out our La Tania resort guide for more info about La Tania.

la tania

Meribel

Meribel is made up of Meribel Centre, Meribel Village and Meribel Mottaret. It’s a famous resort amongst many British holiday-makers.

Central location within the 3 Valleys – Meribel is known as the heart of the Three Valleys because it’s situated in between Courchevel and Val Thorens. This makes it easy to get around. Spend a few days exploring Courchevel, another few in Val Thorens and really make use of a 3V lift pass.

A great après and party scene – If this is something you’re after on your ski holiday, Meribel has some of the best après in the Three Valleys. The infamous Folie Douce is situated here (although easily accessible from Courchevel). The Rond Point plays music piste-side nearly every day and you can keep the party going into the wee hours a Sully’s. Other great spots include Jacks Bar, The Brewer’s Den, The Tav & Scott’s Pub.

Charming Chalet Village – You won’t see any high-rises or many big block apartments in Meribel. The resort has managed to keep its aesthetic charming and traditional even as it has grown. There are local regulations ensuring all new buildings use local materials and keep within a similar chalet style.

See Meribel has more info about the resort.

three valleys

Val Thorens

Val Thorens has 150km of pistes and includes the villages of St Martin de Belleville and Les Menuires. It also includes what is considered the fourth valley, Orelle. This is off to the far righthand side of the resort.

High Altitude – One of the best perks about Val Thorens is its high altitude. Situated at 2300m it’s the highest resort in the French Alps. And with that comes two things. Firstly, snow. It’s considered a snow-sure resort because it is situated so high, it often doesn’t struggle with snow the way some lower resorts do. But also, it means a longer season. So if you’re looking for an early Dec getaway or want to come out into early May – you can do that in Val Thorens.

Budget-friendly – Val Thorens is an affordable resort, which is why it tends to draw in loads of uni groups and a younger crowd. However, quieter villages further down the mountain have more authentic French alps charm if that is something you’re after.

Festivals and events galore – Of the whole Three Valleys, Val Thorens is host to the most events and festivals. Elctro festival Festi Val Tho runs during the end of March, a bike race Trois Vallees Addict Tour is here and the resort is also often host to the Tour de France.

Check out See Val Thorens website for everything you want to know about the valley.

But we love La Tania the most

We might be biased, but we love La Tania. It gives you all that Courchevel has to offer and it’s just 2 lifts away from accessing Meribel. Along with that it offers you great access to the entire 3V scene at a more reasonable price than the centre villages.

Think a Three Valleys ski holiday might be on the cards for you? Check out our ski chalets in La Tania or contactez nous for more info.

PLAN DES PISTES DE COURCHEVEL - LES MEILLEURES PISTES DE LA STATION

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Find the most up-to date Courchevel Piste Map for 2020 below. You can also download it here and save to your phone.

 

We also recommend you download the 3 Valleys App, this will show you which lifts are open on any given day when you’re in resort. It also gives a 3-day forecast, updates on piste grooming and webcam access. Perfect for when you’re in resort on your holiday.

Now that you’ve got your piste map on hand, you might need some recommendations of where to ski. We’ve rounded up our favourite spots to ski in Courchevel for all levels.

Best pistes for beginners – green runs

Aside from the number of magic carpet beginner areas around resort, there are plenty of green runs for once you’ve graduated from those. Here are some nice, gentle green runs in Courchevel that are a great next step.

  • Loze Est – From the top of Coqs chairlift (also accessible by taking Dou Des Lanches) this nice green winds its way down to Courchevel 1850, and gets the morning sun.
  • Plan Fontaine – Although pretty long and windy, this green run from the top of La Tania back down into resort is perfect for giving your ski legs a challenge.
  • Verdons – Situated right in the centre of 1850, this run (aptly) runs from the top of Verdons bubble down to the Croisette. It’s wide and slightly rolling – perfect for practicing your turns.

 

 

Best pistes for intermediates – blue runs

As with all grades of piste, there is a range within each colour. Some blues are more difficult than others, but here are some of our favourites.

  • Folyeres – On our home turf in La Tania, everyone loves Folyeres. Although at parts it seems like more of a red than a blue, it’s undulating and a nice long run right back down into resort. You’ll likely take this one daily!
  • Creux – From the very top of the Saulire – where you can catch some stunning views & a few snapshots – runs the long blue run Creux. It tends to get bumpy later in the day, so we recommend hitting this one early. You can ski down to the mid-station of Marmottes chair, or all the way down to Aiguille de Fruit for a nice, long run.
  • Cospillot – A lesser-known run, tucked away at the bottom of Pralong chair is Cospillot, a quiet run through the trees that hardly gets any traffic. It winds its way down to 1550 and is perfect when you want to escape the crowds.

Best pistes for advanced – red & black runs

For those looking for more challenging runs, Courchevel does not disappoint.

  • Marmottes – This run always has great snow. A long with a steep, but not too steep of a gradient, this is great run that catches the sun for most of the day. Access it from the top of Suisse, Vizelle or Saulire Express.
  • Chapelets – Over on the far side of 1650, Chapelets is a great red run to challenge yourself.
  • Jean Blanc – Another semi-hidden gem. From the top of Plantrey chair, this black run sits between La Tania and Le Praz and has really steep challenging bits. It also is one of the last pistes to get groomed so after it’s snowed you can often find fresh powder here.

Best off-piste areas

For those who want to venture off-piste we highly recommend you do so only with an instructor or a local guide who knows the area. And be sure you have all the safety equipment required. There is no messing around when it comes to safety off-piste. But that being said you can get some amazing runs in around the resort.

  • Creux Noir – At the top of Creux Noir chair is loads of accessible off-piste area, however, you have to hike up there as the chair lift has been removed.
  • La Tania & Le Praz Trees – When it’s snowing & the weather is in, take full advantage of the clarity that the trees provide. You can lap this area 10x over and always take a different route.
  • Courchevel Couloirs – Very famous, as they should be, you can ski a variety of the couloirs at the very top of Courchevel. A bit of a hike is required to access them. And we have to admit sometimes the hike is more difficult than the ski. But if the snow’s good, it’s absolutely worth it.

Travel Tip created by Sally Dazzle in association with Vacation Soup