The Ski Blog

Try a ski holiday in La Tania!

It's in the massive 3 Valleys ski area, it's got it's own special feel and Ski Amis have got all the information about it here! Try La Tania - you won't be disappointed.

La Tania is a small and pretty resort surrounded by trees and beautiful forestry. This resort was originally built to house journalists for the 1992 Albertville winter Olympic Games. The resort centre itself is a third generation purpose-built resort. The apartments were made to have eye-catching chalet style designs, rather than the normal concrete rectangles. La Tania has great access to the Three Valleys with neighbouring resorts like Courchevel and Meribel that you can access via lifts, skiing, car or bus.

Activities in La Tania

There are plenty of non-skiing activities in La Tania to keep you busy if you fancy a day off from the slopes, or a member of your group isn’t keen on the idea of skiing! Here is just a few things you could get up to:

• Dog sledding
• Snow blading
• Snow shoeing/Cross Country Skiing
• Torch Lit Descent 

The Torch Lit Descent is a true alpine classic across all resorts and is a must see if you are in the mountains during winter. The members of the ESF ski school come down the slope with flaming torches in their hand and create a line of fire into the town. This is followed by fireworks and free Vin Chaud, not to be missed!

A little bit of shopping – why the hell not?! 

Shopping in La Tania is actually quite limited, with few shops, a post office, a bakery and a sherpa - all you need for getting the essentials. If you are a shop-o-holic, then take the free shuttle bus for a trip over to Meribel or Courchevel to get your fix. 

Events for the 2018/19 season

• Opening parties (everywhere)
• Christmas Party and Santa skis into La Tania
• New Year Mayhem and Fireworks Party
• Kids Fortnight with special events for children of all ages
• La Tania Family Charity Fete
• The 3 Valleys Charity Day 
• Music Festival 
• Closing parties (everywhere)

New and Shiny

• New Grangettes Gondola that takes pedestrians and skiers between Courchevel 1550 and 1850. This upgrade will be more comfortable, more reliable AND the new 10 seater cabins means shorter and quicker queues for 2018/19
• 5 new pistes across the Three Valleys – improving, the already great, ski area! 
• Courchevel Luge run which will stretch to 3km long. This will be a great evening activity for the children (and the adults of course)

Where to Eat in La Tania

• Snack Bar Le Snow Food – great for a quick bite. You can also take-out sandwiches, paninis and pizzas
• Restaurant La Ferme De La Tania – a homely place which serves everything from Crepes to local Savoyard specialities
• Restaurant Les Chanterelles – they are famous for their savoury crepes and other dishes that includes “cripites” which is a thin pizza variety
• Restaurant Les Marmottons – they serve up Savoyard specialities and every Thursday night there is a special meal of Mussels and chips – which is perfect if you’re hosts day off lands on a Thursday - and if you like Mussels of course!
• Le Farcon – this is top of the list of restaurants as it has been awarded a Michelin star for providing a new twist on the regional French cuisine

Relaxing your muscles whilst in La Tania

If you are looking to wind down and relax after a day of skiing/snowboarding then you can head on over to the “Le Montana” and the “Christina Apartments”. They have fitness centres, saunas and solariums to offer. The Montana also has a heated swimming pool (plunge pool) which has great views of the slopes outside, a steam room and a Jacuzzi – it is free for guests staying at the hotel but for others there is a fee. The hotel also has a masseur available to provide treatments.

La Tania Bars and Après

There are a handful of bars in La Tania which are normally very lively places to be, especially with the Brits. 

• Le Chrome Bar – they are usually buzzing thanks to the happy hours and live music that they have on all season. They also serve fast food for lunch and dinner to get down with your pint!
• Pub Le Ski Lodge – People call it the “Most well-known meeting point for the English community in the 3 Valleys” and they also run happy hours, concerts and also theme nights – including a shots raffle on Mondays where you could be in for a chance of winning a brand new pair of Skis. It’s usually very busy and closes around 2am. Also serves food for lunch and dinner.
• La Taiga Lounge – This place is more of a sophisticated cocktail bar rather than your local pub setting so if you’re looking for something a bit more refined then this is the place to be and it also serves up some lovely food if you want to gather round with some friend/family and enjoy the night.

Why Ski Amis love this beautiful resort

• Great skiing throughout the trees
• Excellent location and speedy access to the Three Valleys
• Plenty of places to eat and drink
• Lively and friendly atmosphere
• Loads of Events and Activities to choose from

Where to stay in La Tania

There are many catered chalets and self-catered properties in La Tania – you have a wide choice of companies to pick from! Tour Operator Ski Amis have 6 catered chalets in this resort, as well as an extensive list of self-catered options. Each catered chalet has its own quirks and they can sleep from 8-28 guests – room for all the family! They are all very close to the lifts, 5 minute walks at a maximum and some you can ski back to the door through the trees. 

Ski Amis have brought back their SUMMER SIZZLER discount for the whole of July. Book ANY of their catered chalets for ANY week of the season and receive 15% off! Offer must end on 31^st July. Check them out!

 

Verbier and the Swiss 4 Valleys - an Infinite Playground for summer and ski holidays!

Summer Holidays in Verbier with the VIP pass

Verbier has kicked off its summer season and has launched the excellent VIP pass for all summer holidaymakers!

The VIP - "Verbier Infinite Playground" - pass gives you free entry or great discounts on the top attractions that the Swiss 4 Valleys has to offer. For example mountain bikers get 50% off  mountain lifts  and for hikers all mountain lifts in the Verbier - Savoleyres - La Tzoumaz area are free - including the ascent up to Mont-Fort!

There's also a lot of other advantages to having the VIP pass. You also get free entry to the lovely outdoor swimming pool, the local postal bus network is free, and many of the attractions or activities are either free or have 50% off! What's more the pass itself is free - you can either get it from your accommodation supplier or from the Tourist Office itself. 

Alpenchalets can offer you some beautiful holiday chalets in La Tzoumaz, a cosy, family-friendly village in the 4 Valleys area - see the charming Chalet Michelle as an example. La Tzoumaz is situated high above the Rhone Valley amid vast Alpine pastures facing the Bernese Alps. The area is a great destination for both winter and summer. There are the famous mountain peaks, turquoise mountain lakes, flowering meadows and picturesque villages - a perfect spot for all sorts of activities.

Walking
The area of La Tzoumaz has approx. 150 km of marked walking trails. There are easy walks without major differences in altitude along the "Suonen" (historic irrigation channels), e. g. Bisse de Vex.  Take the path from La Tzoumaz up to pass Croix de Coeur (2.174 m) where you have an amazing view over the Rhone Valley and to the 4000 m high peaks of Combins mountains. From Savoleyres continue to Pierre Avoi (2.473 m), a rock high above the valley with stunning views over the mountains to the Mont Blanc area.

Mountainbike
There are 500 km of trails and signposted tours, e.g. the "Tour du Mont Fort“ or the tour from La Tzoumaz to Verbier that is suitable for families. You can take your bike up in the cable car. New bike park in La Tzoumaz.

Other summer activities
Climbing, paragliding high above Verbier, tennis, golf course (in Verbier) and fishing, e.g. at Lacs des Vaux. Thermal spa resorts in Saillons-les-Bains, Ovronnaz and Leukerbad, also offering a wide range of wellness treatments. 

Excursions
La Tzoumaz is situated close to Italy and France and offers a couple of interesting excursions: The Aletsch glacier declared as UNESCO world heritage site; Zermatt with its exceptional view of the Matterhorn; the Mont Blanc-Express train to Chamonix; the historic center of Sion, the capital of the Valais; Lake Geneva; via the Grand St. Bernhard Pass to the Italian Aosta Valley.

Both winter and summer Alpenchalets has some excellent options! Don't forget to check them out!

 

Running & Training Holidays in the Alps

Running & Training Holidays in the Alps

September through to November can be a great time to visit the mountains on an active holiday. You're away from the crowds, flights are cheap, the days can be mild and sunny with an energising crispness in the morning - it's an excellent time to work out and work on an activity with like-minded people.

This autumn from 23rd September onwards, The Alpine Generation will be running special weeks for exercise and adventure, based in their luxury chalet Croc Blanc in Morzine. You can bring friends/colleagues and create a bespoke programme for the week which can include trail running, adventure activities such as kayaking and climbing, and include relaxation with yoga, pilates and massage. The minimum group size for these weeks will be just four.

There will also be weeks available for individuals to book onto and take part in specific running weeks, led by qualified leaders. The details for these weeks are:

Beginners’ Run Week - 30 September, 2018

Ideal for runners starting out on their journey. Whether you are aiming for a 5K, a 10K or just looking to become more comfortable with regular running, this is the week for you. The runs will be easy-paced with opportunities to challenge yourself and a host of additional cross-training activities. Fully supported by a qualified Leader in Running Fitness, you will have everything you need to enjoy both road and trail runs in a relaxed environment.  At the end of the day, put your feet up, rest your legs in the chalet spa and enjoy healthy nutritious food prepared for you whilst you socialise with other runners.

Intermediate Run Week - 7 October, 2018

Ready to step things up a notch? This week is aimed at runners who can comfortably knock out a 10km run and are training for a half marathon or longer. Supported by a qualified Leader in Running Fitness, you will enjoy a variety of distance, terrain and elevation to push your pace and train your lungs in a fun, sociable environment. Additional cross-training activities can also be included to really make the most of your week. After a rewarding session, relax in your luxury chalet with spa and enjoy tasty, nutritious food.

The price includes healthy breakfasts and dinners - and there's even the opportunity to catch a healthy cooking demonstration in the chalet. The chalet also has its own sauna and spa.

Find out more about TAG'S fitness and adventure weeks!

 

Samoens' Wild West Weekend

As the USA gears up for the big July 4th celebrations this week, thousands of miles away, in the heart of the Haute Savoie, the charming alpine town of Samoens is also getting ready for its annual celebration of Americana. There'll be free Country & Western concerts, you can sign up for line dancing lessons, see the great parade of Harley Davidsons, classic American cars and cowboys, and enjoy special American-style menus in the local restaurants.

Samoens' American Festival is now in its 10th year and it promises 4 days of fun and entertainment, kicking off at 8.30pm on July 5th with a Country Ball. Throughout the weekend there's lots of opportunities to practise your country moves, shop for stetsons and cowboy boots, and see the best French barrel racers in the rodeo area. 

The entertainment is free, if you want to hone your line dancing skills there is fee for lessons but there's lessons for beginners right through to advanced dancers!

If you haven't discovered Samoens in the summer then it is a real gem. Set in the beautiful Giffre Valley and just an hour from Geneva airport, it's a great destination with a lot to offer whatever the season.

Alps Accommodation can provide some excellent places to stay for all kinds of group sizes and you can find the full summer line up of events on their website. They specialise in accommodation in both Samoens and Morillon.

July is a busy month in the French Alps, there's national celebrations for Bastille Day on July 14th, the Tour de France alpine stages will be coming through during the latter part of the month (more details here), and generally lots of festivals, fun and events for the summer months.

We'll keep you posted - and if you have any news of what's going on and want us to shout about it just send us an email!