Ultimate ski photos – Pics to make your friends jealous

Posted on October 18, 2018 by Jim Duncombe

The best photos to take on a ski holiday

Photos aren’t for keeping in a drawer or on your google drive they are for sharing on Instagram and Facebook, often with the sole intention of making your friends envious of your holiday.

Here is our tick list of photos you have to take when you are in the mountains.

The Selfie

What self-respecting person wouldn’t post a holiday selfie. The most popular pic to take on a ski holiday is the lift selfie. Preferably with all your mates in it.

View this post on Instagram

Yeah it’s another chairlift selfie #gopro #3vallées

A post shared by Dan Boer (@danboer1) on Mar 1, 2017 at 10:18am PST

The Luxury Item

Skiing is all about luxury and spoiling yourself. From champaign lunches to a nighttime soak in the chalet hot tub, it is your duty to document them all and share your experience with your friends.

The view from the hot tub – Chalet Serpolet, Meribel

The Cheese

No mountain holiday would be compleat with the overindulgence of cheese and this comes in many forms. There is the fondue night, the tartiflette on the mountain, the after-dinner cheese board and not forgetting the stunning displays and tasters on offer at the local market.

Top Tip: Fondue tastes better than it looks especially when it a low-resolution camera in a low light restaurant after a few wines!

The Mountain View

On a clear day, it is the summits are where the Alps is at its most spectacular. With views across to other mountains, sweeping valley vistas and endless horizons. Not to mention the untouched snow full of untapped potential.

Top Tip: Never used the panorama setting on your phone? This is the moment.

The Action Shot

Possibly the hardest one to get done. Let’s be honest very few of us are amazing skiers and even few of us have a camera crew follwing us about taking 1000’s of pictures allowing us to pick the best one.

So get your mate to have a go at getting a good shot of you. You will get better results if the photos are being taken closer to the ground.

And if you get a good one it will be your profile picture for many years to come.

The Apres Ski One

This is the one even your non-ski pals will find envious. It can be hard to get right as many apres venues can be a bit dingy. But choose one like the Folie Douce in Meribel and you’re going to get a winning photo every time.

Find out more about great holidays to Meribel.

Posted in Alpine Action, Comment, Meribel, Ski, Tips | Tagged guides, holiday, jacuzzi, La Tania, Meribel, Ski, Ski Sunday, skiing, three valleys

Why the 3 Valleys lift pass is good value for money

Posted on October 15, 2018 by Jim Duncombe

Why the 3 Valleys lift pass is good value for money.

Next winter the 3 Valleys lift pass will cost €306 for an adult for 6 days and is outstanding value for money. There are are a reported 4.5 million skiers that visit The 3 Valleys each year giving the area plenty of funds to reinvest.

The constant investment ensures it remains great value for money and the best place to ski in the world.Find our how The 3 Valleys spend their money and give skiers the best possible experience.

FreeCurrencyRates.com

The 3 Valleys Ski Area

why the 3 valleys lift pass is good value for money

For your money you get 600km of piste to play on and to put that into perspective all of the ski areas in Canada could fit into the 3 Valleys. If you then break that down into Euros per kilometre you get 2.1 km for every Euro you spend on your lift pass. The next best value for money resort is neighbouring La Plagne where you get just 1.5 km per euro.

Despite the vast area, 85% of runs are above the magic 1800m with the highest peak of 3230m in Val Thorens. This impressive altitude guarantees snow and there is an average base of 80cm and annual snowfall of 155cm. All these stats are the reason that the 3 Valleys features in all snow-sure ski area lists.

Snow Making in the Three Valleys

why the 3 valleys lift pass is good value for money.

Being British we know the weather can be unpredictable and maybe this has rubbed off on our colleagues in charge of The 3 Valleys ski area and help them come to the decision to invest heavily in snowmaking. There are currently 2200 snow cannons that can make 5,280,000 cubic meters of snow per day across the area.

The cannons are located on a third of all the runs and there is a fleet of 70 piste bashers to attend to the snow. The resorts source water from a nearby dam for the snowmaking and the water bill is estimated to be around a €1m per valley.

Snow Parks in the Three Valleys

why the 3 valleys lift pass is good value for money. As the sport has changed and the attention is not all on Alpine skiers more people become interested in freestyle. The 3 Valleys has continued to keep up and has some of the best snow parks in Europe that have recently attracted the likes of James “Woodsy” Woods to play.

In Méribel, there is the DC Area park that features big kickers, a half pipe and is flanked by a boarder cross course. You can also find the slightly tamer Moon park in the same valley. Courchevel has a family park that is suitable for all and has an air bag to help you improve your tricks.

Val Thorens has invested in an expert and beginner slopestyle park that is popular with local riders and there is also FIS standard ski cross course. And finally, there is the BK Park in Les Menuires full of rail and bumps for all abilities.

Three Valleys staff

why the 3 valleys lift pass is good value for money.

For many business one of the biggest outgoings is the wage bill and the 3 Valleys is no different. The area employs 1200 people just to operate the lifts on top of this there are security staff, pisteurs, resort staff, bus drivers and maintenance teams. If they were on minimum wages the monthly bill just for lifties would be €1,740,000.

How much does The Three Valleys Invest

why the 3 valleys lift pass is good value for money.

We often speak to the management directly responsible for the infrastructure and they always talk in big numbers and they know that it is the continual reinvestment and development that keeps people coming back year after year.

Before last season started at least €50m was spent on improvements and new infrastructure. This included 3 new chairs in Val Thorens, a new chair and multiple piste improvements in Courchevel & Méribel, across the board snowpark improvements, indoor picnic areas, family entertainment, night skiing, wifi and selfie machines.

The Three Valleys is environmentally friendly

why the 3 valleys lift pass is good value for money. There is also investment in what you can’t see such as drainage, waste and reducing environmental impact. The resorts of The 3 Valleys come in the top 20 of environmentally friendly ski resorts in Europe and that is down to its investment in renewable energy to power the lifts.

All the resorts are committed to minimising the traffic and reliance of cars in resort which is combated by providing free bus services at an estimated cost of €5m per season.

What else can you get for the money

why the 3 valleys lift pass is good value for money.

For €306 euros you can get a weeks lift pass and go skiing in The 3 Valleys or you could get…

1 day at Alton Towers for a family of 4 plus £50 spending money.

9 hours indoor skiing.

8 hours Wakeboarding.

68 bottle of alcohol free red wine.

685 All Butter Croissants from Lidl

So there you have it The 3 Valleys lift pass is great value unless you like croissants more.

Oh and one last thing..

Is it cheaper to do 6 half day passes?

why the 3 valleys lift pass is good value for money. We get asked if there is a cheaper way to buy a 3 valleys lift passes, such as 6 half day passes. If you were to buy 6 half day passes you would, in fact, spend €42 more. A day pass can be bought for €62 and would get you 4.5 ski days for the same cost as a 6 day.

If you want more information an skiing in the 3 Valleys or want to find out about our catered ski chalets then please give us a call on 01273 466 535 or check out our website alpineaction.co.uk.

Posted in La Tania, Meribel, Ski, Tips | Tagged 3 Valleys, lift pass

What’s new in Meribel this winter 2018/19

Posted on August 31, 2018 by Jim Duncombe

Find out what is new in Meribel

There are some exciting changes and including 2 chairlifts and a handful of runs all new in Meribel.

In a video released by Meribel Alpina, the company responsible for the lift system and pistes, details of some of the changes for this winter has been revealed.

Legends: New Chairlift

There will be a new faster 6 man detachable chairlift replacing the Plan de l’Homme and the Roc de Fer lifts called Legends. It will run from the Chaudanne area up to the top of the Elements park.

The new lift can move 3600 people an hour. It is 1650m long, carries skiers up to 2017m above sea level over 580 vertical meters. More importantly, the seats are heated and covered!

You will still be able to access the Olympic and Cherferie chair easily so access to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville will not be affected.

Cherferie: Chair Lift relocation

As previously mentioned this lift is easy to access from the Legends chair and is a great link if you want to drop down into Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. And up until now has been a drag lift that many people choose to avoid.

The lift stations won’t move but the route and the method will. When the resort opens in December there will be a brand new that will take just 4 minutes.

Mont Vallon Refurb

There will be a more comfortable journey up to Meribel’s highest peak this winter. The cars are part of the refurb and will have better seating for the long journey up.

New Runs in Meribel

Along with the changes to the lift system on the western slopes above Meribel, there are new additions to the piste map. The connections between the new lifts are improved along with the creation of two new red runs.

There is a new red piste called the Gypaete flanking the existing Choucas blue run that followed the original route of the Cherferie lift.

Close by and located just under the Olympic Express chair is the new red run called Daguet. This piste will start midway down the black Face run, cut under the chairlift and merge into the meeting point of the Gelinotte and Raffort runs that link Meribel Centre and Les Allues respectively.

If you are planning a Meribel trip this winter take a look at our catered chalets that are located throughout the resort with great access to the slopes.

Posted in Alpine Action, Meribel | Tagged chairlift, Meribel, new, piste, Ski, skiing

Why is breakfast important when skiing?

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Jim Duncombe

Find out why is breakfast important when you go skiing or snowboarding?

OK we admit it, we put our hands up – We are feeders. We can’t help it though, food is important, it fuels us, it can affect our mood and it also brings enormous pleasure. It is for these three reasons that we make sure we put on a seriously good breakfast.

When you head out for a day’s skiing you need to be ready for action, full of energy, in a great mood and you also need to feel like you are on holiday.

A hassle-free breakfast

Before we look into the scientific benefits of having breakfast before heading out to go skiing lets quickly consider one massive benefit that goes unnoticed. Getting ready to skiing, for some reason, is the most demanding part of a ski holiday.

Where are your gloves? Have you packed your ski pass? How many layers do you need to wear? So having breakfast ready for you is helpful, but not quite as helpful as not having to clear it up.

Leaving you to worry about what colour lenses to put in your goggles. If you have children you will need little imagination to realise how big a difference only having to eat breakfast makes. Bread, Croissant, Morning, Puff Paste

Benefits of a good breakfast are huge, especially when you are heading out for a long day of extreme sports. Food is fuel, and we need it to function. In the morning your body has slowed itself down because it hasn’t eaten for a while, so tucking into breakfast helps wake you up. It also helps you function and run better for the rest of the day.

The chances are that when you are in the Alps, you will eat a lot of bread, cheese and ham. All these will be available at breakfast time in our chalets, but we also realise that you need a balanced diet. We know that you won’t get all the energy you need from those three food items.

What we serve

That is why in the morning we offer you a selection of cereals, a cooked breakfast, lots of fruit juice and fruit. Not to mention the yogurt and endless tea and coffee.

We also understand that food can affect your mood that is why our breakfasts are full of quality produce, with enough to fill even the largest appetite. One of the worst things is heading to the slopes in a bit of a grump.

It spoils your day and the people who have to share a lift with you. So make sure you take full advantage of our selection at breakfast time. It is also proven that missing breakfast makes you grouchy for the rest of the day.

Eggs for breakfast

Another way that we can make you happy is by allowing you to be fussy. We believe that breakfast time is a very personal meal. Everyone likes it a different way, especially when it comes to eggs.

To make sure you get it how you like we let you tell us how you want them cooked. Boiled, fried, poached scrambled, we can do it however you like

What we are trying to say is that we are on hand to set you up for the fun day of skiing that you have come on holiday for. A days skiing starts around the table and that helps keep you going until lunch.

Start the day with us when you go skiing: Check out of chalets in the 3 Valleys.

Posted in Alpine Action, Comment, La Tania, Meribel, Ski, Tips | Tagged Apres Ski, Courchevel, La Tania, Meribel, Ski, Ski Sunday, skiing, snowboarding, three valleys

How to book a group ski holiday

Posted on June 1, 2018 by Jim Duncombe

A guide to booking a group ski holiday

Booking a ski holiday for a large group can be tricky to manage but it is worth it when you arrive and have a great time skiing and hanging out with everyone.

We know that you love skiing with your friends and family. We also know that arranging for them all to go on holiday at the same time can be a challenge which is why we have put this guide together.

Step 1 – How many in your group?

First get a rough idea of how many people want to go on your ski trip and ask for their contact details.

If you’re not planning a ski trip to Meribel or La Tania then you will need to decide where you want to go.

You should set up a communication channel for the whole group this could be an email list, Whatsapp chat or a Facebook group.

Step 2 – Set the date

Unless you are travelling on a specific date, like half term or Christmas, you will need to work out what is the optimal date for your group and an idea of what budget people have.

We recommend that you send out a poll to everyone who wants to come on your ski trip. You could use a polling site like doodle to find out the groups availability.

You may need to do a second poll but try to narrow it down to 2 potential dates.

Step 3 – Make an enquiry

Now you have a resort, date and a rough idea of how many people want to go on holiday it is to call the tour operator and find out what the options are.

You will get the best results if you are clear and know the group’s needs.

We know that organising the trip can be a challenge which is why we reward a group leader with a free lift pass!

The other perks are that you get to pick the best room, have the final say and know you won’t end up in a rubbish resort.

Step 4 – Picking your ski holiday

Picking your chalet is the next step and it is this point when many factors will come into play such as size, price and location.

At this stage, you might find yourself with a few options. In our experience as a group leader, you will find it easier if you decide on the best couple of options and pitch it to the group.

You should also be prepared to compromise. If you are a really big group you may struggle to discover a chalet that you will all fit into so you may need to look at ski properties next door to each other.

Step 5 – Confirming your ski holiday

Getting a deposit from everyone is a big challenge and the last big hurdle. You should make sure that everyone is ready to book and can send the deposit to you immediately.

As a rule, most chalet companies will hold a chalet for a week if you are booking early. This will give you time to decide and get the deposits collected.

If you are booking near or during the season you may only get a few days.

Payment is the next step. If you don’t want to get involved in collecting money (and we wouldn’t blame you) then we can help as will collect all the individual balance payments.

Then all that is left for you to do is enjoy your holiday in the company of your friends and family.

Give us a call to find out which chalets in Meribel and La Tania would suit your group. Phone the team on 01273 466535.

Posted in Alpine Action, Family Skiing, La Tania, Meribel, Tips | Tagged Apres Ski, Courchevel, guides, holiday, La Tania, Meribel, skiing, snowboarding, three valleys

25 ways skiing has changed in 25 years

Posted on March 23, 2018 by Jim Duncombe

A lot has changed in skiing over the 25 years we have been making skiing holidays in the 3 Valleys!

Alpine Action started providing catered ski holidays to the Three Valleys in 1993 and over those 25 years the world of skiing has changed a lot. We thought we would take a look at some of the things that have fallen by the wayside since Dennis welcomed our fisrts guests back in the 90’s.

1. Straight Skis

It is hard to believe but people were still predominantly using straight skis in the early 90’s and it wasn’t 1993 that carving skis were put on mass sale by Elan skis.

2. Chalet Maids

1000’s of people are employed each year across the Alps each year as chalet hosts to work in chalets and look after guests. It is hard to pin point exactly when it stopped but female staff were originally referred to as chalet maids. We are glad that it moved on.

3. Making Cow Noises in Cable Cars

Back in the late 90’s early 00’s it wasn’t uncommon for a busy ride up the Saulire cable car to be accompanied by a chorus of moo’s created by the passengers, this was sketch recreated in crowded téléfériques around the world. It seems that this comedy routine has faded and is no longer performed but like all comedy acts it could well make a comeback.

4.Rear Entry Boots

In the 90’s the design race of the ski boot was coming to an end. At one point the rear-entry boot seemed to be winning with its comfort and how easy they were to put on. In the end, performance won and we all switched to the more responsive front entry boot… well except that mate of your dad who you only ever meet on the annual family ski trip.

5.Goggle Marks

OK so we still see them now but they now are no longer a fashion statement and more of a sign that you are incompetent at applying sun cream.

6. Ski Brochures

We printed our last ski brochure in 1998 and like many companies took our holidays online.

7. Rubbish Ski Hire

Ski hire had a bad reputation for years. Do you remember how you feared turning up to the hire shop knowing that you would be presented with 3 year old boots and skis with zero edges? Today you can be confident that you will receive comfy fitting boots with a set of sticks that are new that season and have been serviced in-between customers.

8. All-in-ones

One of skiing’s greatest losses was the unironic wearing of the all-in-one. Not only were they warm and comfy they all so came in such an array of bad designs guaranteed to offend the eyes.

9. The division between skiers and snowboarders

It could be one of the worlds most pointless feuds that for us, reached a crescendo when each party tried to blame each other for the creation of moguls. Fortunately we have moved on and share the mountain in relative harmony and leave pointless feuding to the likes of Kim Kardashian & Taylor Swift.

10. Spag Bol AKA Terrible Chalet Food

When you have been out in the mountain air all day you look forward to dinner. These days you will return to the chalet and be fed a 4-course meal designed by experienced chefs accompanied with a selection of wines. Long ago it was deemed acceptable to plonk down a pan of spaghetti bolognese and a bowl of angel delight!

11. The Lift Pass Holder

The fumble fumble of the old photo pass attached to a mini retractable washing line has been replaced by the efficient beep beep clunk of the modern electronic pass that can remain in your pocket. It has also helped reduce queuing time.

12. Novelty Hats

This may depend on your definition of novelty. We are mainly talking about the long and spikey hats made from synthetic fleece and came in a variety of horrendous colours.

13. Long Drag Lifts

There is still a place for the humble button lift. However, the place isn’t over 1ooo vertical meters of tough, steep, icy terrain. Fortunately, they have stopped being installed and most are slowly being replaced. Goodbye thigh burn.

14. Knees together

As the years have gone by the skier’s stance has got wider. At one point a requirement to become a ski instructor was to prove yourself by skiing with a hanky held between the knees. A wider more balanced stance has now been adopted.

15. Head Bands

Since we started operating another type of headwear has disappeared from the slopes, the headband. Once they were the height of fashion driven by floppy hairstyles and non-breathable clothing. Now they have been resigned to the poubelle.

16. The Jump

For 4 years this has been one of our favourite programs on TV. The show featured celebrities learning a variety of snow sports, ski jumping and generally getting injured. Recently Channel 4 announced it was resting the show and we all know what happens when we sit down.

17. UK Ski Shows

There was a time when it felt like there was a ski show in every city from Glasgow to Brighton with Birmingham in-between. This year there is just one survivor left, The London Ski Show.

18. Smoking in Bar

Of course, this isn’t just a ski thing but it always seemed that even more smoking was done in the bars of ski resorts as well as the lifts and shuttle buses.

19. The Courchevel Eggs

For a while it felt like the out dated but iconic egg looking lifts of Courchevel from Le Paraz would never be replaced. But then they were and no one has missed them since!

20. Monoskiing

Seriously when was the last time you saw someone on one except in a novelty competition?

21. Lack of UK Success on snow in the Winter Olympics

In 2014 Jenny Jones took bronze in the Snowboard Slopestyle comp, securing the UK’s first Winter Olympic Medal. Since then a large amount of funding has been pumped into the GB ski and board team and there are high hopes for the 2018 games.

22. Bunny Ears

Putting skis poles to your head is over as people realise it is no longer an efficient way of attracting attention on the slopes or looking cool in holiday snaps!

23. Being Disconnected

Along with Cornwall, the mountains used to be one of the few places left in the world where a mobile phone signal was virtually impossible to get. Today people are on their phones even while skiing down the mountain.

24. Slope Side Photographers

The upside to everyone having a smart phone in their pocket is that we no longer get hassled by photographers when we get off the lift or while skiing down the easy green into the resort.

25. Slopes Without Snow

Snow wasn’t always guaranteed. With the development and investment of snow making facilities, mega resorts like The 3 Valleys can guarantee there will be snow cover on 80% of the slopes for the entire season!

To book a ski holiday with us or find more about our service got to our website.

Posted in Alpine Action, Alpine Action @25, La Tania, Meribel | Tagged holiday, La Tania, mountain restaurants, Ski, skiing, snowboarding, three valleys

A Video Tour of Meribel

Posted on March 5, 2018 by Jim Duncombe

Our virtual video guide to Méribel

There are some people that have never been to Méribel, there are many that just miss being there and there are the obsessed that just love Méribel so much that they can’t get enough of it. To help all these people out we have put together a virtual tour of Méribel using a collection of videos. Hopefully it will help the people that have never been want to come, those that miss it feel like they are back there and those that love Méribel can get quick top up.

The History of Méribel

The Tourist Office Guide to Méribel

Méribel, Coeur des 3 Vallées – Hiver 2015-16 from Méribel Tourisme on Vimeo.

Messing About in Méribel

RUSTY TOOTHBRUSH – MESS UP MERIBEL 2.0 from Rusty Toothbrush on Vimeo.

Alpine Action in Méribel

The Méribel Scenery

The Alps at night – Timelapse from Matthew Vandeputte on Vimeo.

On Piste in Méribel

Working in Méribel

Off Piste in Méribel

HD170 Promo Clip, Ski Freeride from Drift on Vimeo.

Apres Ski in Méribel

LA FOLIE DOUCE from G O M O V I E on Vimeo.

Fireworks in Méribel

Vol de nuit – 70 ans de l’ESF à Méribel from Drone Capture System on Vimeo.

Méribel from the Air

35 minutes de bonheur en vol à Méribel from Vincent on Vimeo.

Snow in Méribel

For all our latest snow reports go to our YouTube page.

Posted in Alpine Action, Meribel, Ski | Tagged Apres Ski, holiday, Meribel, Ski, skiing, snow report, snowboarding, three valleys

Meribel – A History in Numbers

Posted on February 16, 2018 by Jim Duncombe

The History of Meribel in Numbers

We are pretty proud that Alpine Action is celebrating its 25th winter but it isn’t all about us Meribel is 80 this season! And Meribel has a lot of History.

In 1938 the first lift opened along with the first accommodation, Chalet Doran the following year and all this was the start of what would become the Three Valleys.

Peter Lindsay a British Colonel and the passionate skier is credited in realising the potential of the Allues valley and the development of Meribel.

Meribel in Numbers

31 Number of seats on the sledge that was the resorts original ski lift. It was named the Red Dragon.

1950 The year that the Saulire was opened as a link to Courchevel

30 the angle all roofs must be on buildings in the resort.

40,000 – Number of guest per week during the winter season

40 – Percentage of skiers that are British

1:52.55 Winning time at the 1992 Winter Olympics Women’s downhill set by Kerrin Lee-Gartner
for Canada held in Meribel.

57 Number of Chalets and hotels in Meribel in 1954

36,00 Current number of beds in resort

1:29.87 Winning time at the 2015 FIS Women’s downhill set by Lindsay Vonn held in Meribel.

4 Number of lifts in in 1955

30 The number it took to install a the first chairlift

15 Meribel is comprised of a cluster of villages along the Valley

25 Is the number of years Alpine Action has been operating in Meribel

Come and join us for a ski holiday in one of the best and oldest ski resorts in France. Check out all our catered ski chalets in Meribel.

Posted in Alpine Action, Alpine Action @25, Meribel, Ski, Snowboard | Tagged holiday, La Tania, Meribel, three valleys

HALF TERM SNOW REPORT AND WHERE TO SKI WITH YOUR FAMILY

Posted on February 13, 2018 by Eloise Rowe

SNOW REPORT FOR HALF TERM AND A 3 VALLEYS PISTE GUIDE FOR THE FAMILY

The 3 Valleys continues to just keep on giving this season, along with an incredible amount of snowfall, we also have an action packed schedule to keep families entertained during the February Half Term Holidays.

The best thing about holidaying in Meribel and La Tania during February half term is how good the lift systems are. Shorter queues and less delays resulting in longer time out playing on the slopes.

Alpine Action are a family run company, we understand that family ski holidays are some of the most special times you can spend together. Simply bonding over a sport you are passionate about, outdoors in the fresh mountain air, spectacular views and beautiful surrounds.

This week we have a lot of youngsters out on their first Family skiing holiday, below is a little information for parents thinking about taking their children skiing for the first time.

Where to ski with your family

There are 4 fantastic places to take your children both in Meribel and La Tania, if they are beginner skiers. The first is Meribel Mottaret, this area of the Meribel Valley had a makeover last season and has a new learner area designed with children in mind.

There are 2 free magic carpets to get you started, the first a very gentle area behind the Plattieres lift station, this is great for getting the feel of skiing and being out of the way of speedy more advanced skiers and boarders. There is also a longer, slightly steeper piste next to the Combes chair lift, this allows progression once the beginner starts to make a little progress later in the day.

Next Step, once you have mastered the magic carpets you can take your first chair lift up “Combes” this will take you to another learner area with tunnels, obstacles to practise turning and give you more of a sensation of being “on the mountain”.

Second there is Meribel Altiport, take the Altiport C bus up or use a ski pass and take the Rhodos bubble from La Chaudanne. Beautiful scenery, surrounded by trees and if you are lucky wildlife.

There is an Inuit village at the top of the Free Altiport drag lift that enables you to have some rest and play time when the children tire. There is also some husky dogs for children to pet and play with.

Good to know for parents: There are toilets located, inside the tourism office at the bottom of the magic carpet in Meribel Mottaret and at the bottom of the Altiport drag lift. There are also multiple cafes and restaurants surrounding these areas for much needed breaks.

La Tania, has a free drag/button lift called Trokia, this is great for your first day skiing as a family with littles ones. It is a gentle slope out of the way of speedy skiers and has a few cafe/rest stop options at the bottom including a small children’s outdoor playground.

Finally we have the Courchevel Verdons and Jardin Alpin areas. These are great beginner green runs with bubble lifts going over the top and nice long, wide, cruising pistes for children to progress and take their time. Sandwiched in between is the Courchevel Family Park, which even has an airbag and inflatable donuts with a slide.

Weather & Snow Forecast

The weather Gods just keep on giving! This weekend, we have seen more snowfall kindly topping up the pistes just in time for the start of February half term holidays. Today we are forecast for sunshine all day with clouds re-forming late in the afternoon and light snow showers.

On Wednesday, we are predicted light snow showers in the morning, followed by sunshine in the afternoon and similar conditions into the end of the week. With a maximum of 11cm falling over the week in total. Wind chill is brrrrrr… freezing with lows of -18 on Tuesday and Wednesday. Sunrise is from around 07:30am each morning and sun set around 18:00pm.

The Meribel Valley currently has a reading of 105cm of snow at resort level (1450m) and 288cm at Altitude (2700m).
The Courchevel Valley currently has a reading of 195cm at resort level (1800m) and 288cm at Altitude (2700m)

Avalanche risk is 2 out of 5

What’s on this week in Meribel

MARDI/TUESDAY 13/02
Market Day: Meribel Centre
Ladies Night From 9 am to 8 pm Stade de Corbey – Méribel Centre
Bowling: Soirée Fluo from 5 pm to 8 pm
Téléfondue: at 7.30 pm Plateau de la Chaudanne, eat fondu in the Saulire Express lift at night. 79 €, book your own cabin for 2 or for your family/friends (maximum 4 places) call +33 (0)6 61 65 90 92.
Hockey Demonstration Match: Méribel vs Courchevel, at 8.30 pm, at the Olympic centre, Adult: 5 € Child: 3 €. Free entry for children
♫Live Music♫
Jack’s Bar: 17.00, DAISY B
Le Pub: 22.00, WINGMEN
Evolution: 22.00, HOBO CHIC
O’Sullivans: 00.30, BRING YOUR SISTERS
Scotts 22.00 SIAN HAYLEY SMITH
La Taverne: 22.00 BEN VICKERS

MERCREDI/WEDNESDAY 14/02
Valentine’s Day on slopes: 10am – 4pm, a day dedicated to love on the slopes. Animations, gifts and other delicacies for lovers. Rendez-vous at the Chaudanne snowfront, the Inuit village or Elements Park.
Come to pet the Huskies: 1.30pm – 4pm Piste des Inuits.
Torchlight descent for children: meet at Le Rone Point, Meribel, at 6 pm.
La Follie Douce in association with Craemex Lip Balm: Seasonaire Day, from 9 am to 5 pm.
♫Live Music♫
Jack’s Bar: 17.00, THE MARDY JOHNNY DEPPS
Jack’s Bar: 18.00, DAKINI
Rond Point: 17.00, BUBBLE & CRISP

JEUDI/THURSDAY 15/02
Eagles show: 10am – 4pm, front de Neige de l’Altiport, 10 am: Beginning of the raptor show 11 am: downhill skiing with eagles 11.30 am: eagle show 15 pm: downhill skiing with eagles 3.30 pm: eagle show Acess by foot and ski. Free of charge.
Himalaya By Night: 17:30-19:30, Meribel Mottaret, Night Sledging.
Ice rink: Olympic Games Evening, from 8pm – 10pm, ice bowling, sledging, hockey, skeleton, snowshoeing…Many goodies to be won! 10 € pp
♫Live Music♫
Jack’s Bar: 17.00, PADDY JAMES
Le Pub: 23.00, GARETH & WESTY
O’Sullivans: 00.00, SEEKID AND FRIENDS

VENDREDI/FRIDAY 16/02
Market Day: Meribel Centre
Come to pet the Huskies: from 1.30pm – 4pm, Piste des Inuits
♫Live Music♫
Jack’s Bar: 17.00, JAY TAMKIN
Scotts: 22.00, THE MARDY JOHNNY DEPPS

What’s on this week in La Tania

MERCREDI/WEDNESDAY 14/02
LANTERNS AND VALENTINE’S DAY TORCHLIGHT DESCENT: Free Open to all 17h20
Courchevel NIGHT SLEDGING: 17:15, Free age: from 5 years old, after the slopes close, sledge down the hill!
♫Live Music♫
Pub Le Ski Lodge: 17:00, Apres Ski
La Taiga: 10.00pm, Pop-rock band. Courchevel

JEUDI/THURSDAY 15/02
SLEDGE RACE: Free 17:30
♫Live Music♫
Pub Le Ski Lodge: 17:00, Apres Ski

VENDREDI/FRIDAY 16/02
♫Live Music♫
Pub Le Ski Lodge: 22:00, Open Mic Night

Last Minute Availability

With snow this good we are fully booked for the next few weeks, but check out our availability for the end of March and April on our webiste: Alpine Action Offers

Posted in Alpine Action, Family Skiing, First Family Ski Trip, La Tania, Live Blog, Meribel, Snow Report, Tips, Whats On | Tagged #, #LoveMeribel #LoveLaTania #Meribel #LaTania #snow #Chalets #skiing #snowboarding

WEEKLY SNOW REPORT AND EVENTS IN THE 3 VALLEYS 22/01/2018

Posted on January 22, 2018 by Eloise Rowe

Snow report and piste guide for the 3 Valleys

Bonjour a tous! Reporting to you live from Meribel and La Tania, the Alpine Action Resort Team are back with your Weekly Snow Report and Events in the heart of the 3 Valleys. The snow Gods have answered our prayers and this Winter 2017/18 has seen more snowfall in the past month and a half than it did the whole of last Season! Approximately 3 meters of snow has fallen, leaving us with a solid 2 meter base and regular dustings on top. This week we are forecast for another 30cm of fresh snow.

The 3 Valleys mountain teams have been working extremely hard to ensure our pistes are safe and secured so we can have all the fun playing in the POWDER. The mountain has become a playground for all, with Liberty Free Ride areas being secured for the skiing adventurer wanting a bit of Alpine Action, by trying out some off piste terrain in a secured area. Main pistes have been groomed to perfection – this weekly our absolute favourite run is the NEW Jeruselum piste dropping from Meribel into Saint Martin.

Winding and rolling all the way from the top of Saint Martin Express 2, to the centre of Saint Martin village, this run is an absolute dream and accessible for intermediate – advanced skiers – it is certainly the best run we have skied this season!

If you fancy trying out some off piste terrain in a secured location our Liberty Ride area (highlighted in yellow on your 3 Valleys piste map) of the week is… Tetras.

Tetras: Located in Courchevel 1650, this run used to be a groomed piste but is now home to an ungroomed monitored Free Ride area. Shooting down under the Chapelets lift in Courchevel 1650 this run has a mixed terrain with side hits, moguls, untouched powder and short but steep descents.

Weather forecast

This week we have already seen heavy snowfall since Saturday with approximately 15cm falling until this evening. Tomorrow (Tuesday) the clouds will clear and sunshine is forecast for the next 2 days. On Thursday evening the clouds will re-form and a further 27cm of snow is forecast to fall over night and into Friday. Next week we are currently forecast for sunshine all week!

The Meribel Valley currently has a reading of 125cm of snow at resort level (1450m) and 330m at Altitude (2700m).

The Courchevel Valley currently has a reading of 207cm at resort level (1800m) and 290cm at Altitude (2700m)

Avalanche risk is 5 out of 5 – do not go off piste

What’s on this week in Meribel

LUNDI/MONDAY 22/01

Oxegene Ski School: 13:30-16:00, try out their beginner Magic Carpet with free instruction next to the Rhodos Restaurant.
♫Live Music♫
Evolution: 22.00, THE MARDY JOHNNY DEPPS

MARDI/TUESDAY 23/01
Market Day: Meribel Centre
Mountain Safety Training: 17:00-19:00 Parc Olympique 20euros pp kit provided.
♫Live Music♫
Jack’s Bar: 17.00, DAISY B
Le Pub: 23.00, BUBBLE & CRISP
Evolution: 22.00, HOBO CHIC
O’Sullivans: 00.30, BRING YOUR SISTERS
Scotts 22.00 SIAN HAYLEY SMITH
The Den 22.00 BEN VICKERS

MERCREDI/WEDNESDAY 24/01
Hockey Demo Match: 20:30, Meribel vs La Rosiere, 5e for Adults 3e for Children.
♫Live Music♫
Jack’s Bar: 17.00, THE MARDY JOHNNY DEPPS
Jack’s Bar: 18.00, WINGMEN
Rond Point: 17.00, BUBBLE & CRISP
Le Pub: 23.00, MONSTABALL

JEUDI/THURSDAY 25/01
Himalaya By Night: 17:30-19:30, Meribel Mottaret, Night Sledging.
♫Live Music♫
Jack’s Bar: 17.00, HOBO CHIC
Le Pub: 23.00, GARETH & WESTY
La Taverne: 22.00, BUBBLE & CRISP
O’Sullivans: 00.00, A SKILLZ

VENDREDI/FRIDAY 26/0
Market Day: Meribel Centre
♫Live Music♫
Jack’s Bar: 17.00, JAY TAMKIN
La Taverne: 22.00, HOBO CHIC
Scotts: 22.00, THE MARDY JOHNNY DEPPS

What’s on this week in La Tania

LUNDI/MONDAY 22/01
♫Live Music♫
APRÈS Ski Concert: 16:00, Free entry, just pay for drinks.
Le Chrome Bar: 16:00, Hook playing music.
Pub Le Ski Lodge: 17:00, Apres Ski
Pub Le Ski Lodge: 22:00, pop-rock band playing.

MARDI/TUESDAY 23/01
TIRE À L’ÉRABLE MAPLE TAFFY: free event 16:30, Come and enjoy the traditional maple syrup lollipops. Music and a hot beverage.
CINEMA EVENING: 20:30, 15 € Cinema evening with access to the Aquawellness area. Aquamotion Courchevel – Courchevel Village +33 (0) 971 00 73 00 I www.aquamotion-courchevel.com
♫Live Music♫
Ski Lodge: APRÈS ski and 22:00 concert from musicians Conso.
La Taiga: 17:00, Freddy Fingers Piano Show.

MERCREDI/WEDNESDAY 24/01
Courchevel NIGHT SLEDGING: 17:15, Free age: from 5 years old, after the slopes close, sledge down the hill!
♫Live Music♫
Pub Le Ski Lodge: 17:00, Apres Ski
La Taiga: 10.00pm, Pop-rock band. Courchevel

JEUDI/THURSDAY 25/01
♫Live Music♫
Pub Le Ski Lodge: 17:00, Apres Ski

VENDREDI/FRIDAY 26/0
Aquawellness night: 20:30,to booking: Aquamotion – Courchevel Village +33 (0) 971 00 73 00 I www.aquamotion-courchevel.com
♫Live Music♫
Pub Le Ski Lodge: 22:00, Open Mic Night

Last Minute Availability

We still have limited spaces in our Chalets across Meribel and La Tania. If you are looking for a fabulous Chalet Holiday in the heart of the 3 Valleys, don’t hesitate to check out our last-minute deals on the Alpine Action website! Next week we have just 4 beds, 2 in Chalet Serpolet in Meribel Centre and 2 in Chalet Attila in La Tania.

Posted in Alpine Action, La Tania, Live Blog, Meribel, Snow Report, Uncategorized | Tagged #chaletholiday #powderskiing #3valleys, #LoveMeribel #LoveLaTania #Meribel #LaTania #snow #Chalets #skiing #snowboarding