All posts by Jim Duncombe

La Tania: The complete resort guide.

You will find La Tania ski resort nestled in the trees on the lower slopes of the 3 Valleys ski area, just below the legendary alpine resort of Courchevel.

The village is much smaller than its neighbours of Val Thorens, Courchevel, and Meribel, but it is its size that gives it that familiarity and charm that keeps skiers returning to it every winter.

La Tania was developed into a ski resort in the 1990s. Its original purpose was to host the press and athletes during the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics. Which is why the centre is focused on large apartment buildings. Once the games had passed the village grew into a more traditional alpine village full of small chalets.

Today La Tania ski village is a busy place in the winter with a car-free centre with pistes that run into the village allowing you to ski close to your door. It has also built a reputation as a less expensive place for ski holidays while still having access to the 3 Valleys.

Season Opening dates – You can ski La Tania from the middle of December to the third week in April.

La Tania Ski Village

The resort centre is a snowy pedestrianised zone that catches the afternoon sun. The three main ski runs converge here. It is where you will find the bars, restaurants, and shops. There is also a free drag lift for beginners.

Other popular amenities and services you will find in La Tania are a Tourist office, bakery, deli, Tabac, min market, ATM/cash machine, and ski hire. For other services and a wider range of shops head up to Courchevel.

La Tania Ski Area

One of the big attractions of La Tania is the access to the Three Valleys. From the village, you can catch the gondola to the bottom of the Bouc Blanc red piste, it is from here you have plenty of options to access the rest of the ski area.

Catch the Dou des Lanches to drop down into Méribel or ski down a bit and get on the Bouc Blanc chair for direct access to Courchevel 1850. For the more adventurous you can tackle the amazing Jockeys run down to the new bubble in Courchevel Le Praz.

READ OUR FULL GUIDE TO SKIING LA TANIA AND THE 3 VALLEYS

Skiing or snowboarding back into La Tania is great fun and you have the choice of 3 pistes to choose from. There is the blue run called Folyeres that snakes through the forest. The Moretta Blanche is a red that is great fun, you can combine it with the higher up Lanches or Bouc blanc for one of the area’s epic descents. For the newer skier and children, there is the Plan Fontaine green slope that weaves into the resort from the top of the gondola.

Download a La Tania piste map

The other great thing about staying in La Tania is the proximity of the pistes to most of the accommodation. There are plenty of ski in ski out properties lining the runs and down in the centre. But if you aren’t staying in one of these you are unlikely to be any more than a 6-minute walk to the lifts or runs.

Snowmaking and Snow Condition in La Tania

Due to its unique location on the mountain snow is pretty much guaranteed on the slopes as the trees help to shade the snow keeping it fresh throughout the season. The lower slopes in La Tania have a season average coverage of around 85cm.

For added reassurance, all the ski runs in the La Tania area are covered by snow cannons which allows ski holidays to be booked throughout the season without the worry of not being able to ski into the resort.

GET AN UP TO DATE LA TANIA SNOW REPORT

Aprés Ski in La Tania

Aprés ski in La Tania is dominated by the Pub Le Ski Lodge. You will find this popular bar at the foot of the slopes into the resort. At lunchtime, it is the perfect spot for sunbathing and eating. Then off to the slopes, it is a great aprés spot, with happy hour (4 pm to 6 pm), drinks promos, and live music every weekday. There is also live music in the evenings. Opening times 10 am- 2 am.

The Chrome bar is a no-frills bar close to the slopes that is popular with locals. It has a range of beers and cocktails. There is live music occasionally throughout the week.

Eating Out in La Tania

The Three Valleys has a good reputation for eating out and despite its size, there are some nice spots to eat.

Up on the slopes try the Bouc Blanc. During the day the restaurant and terrace can be found drenched in sun at the top of the La Tania gondola. Look on any review site and this place gets five stars every time. It serves traditional alpine food at a better price than many of the other slope-side restaurants in Courchevel.

Down in the resort of La Tania, you can head back to Pub Le Ski Lodge where you can get a Full English in the morning or pick from one of its infamous burgers during the lunch break.

In the evening you should book a table at La Taiga. An intimate restaurant that you can find opposite the La Trokia lift. The food on offer is a mix of traditional Savoyard, local produce, and modern dishes. You could eat here many times and feel you have had a different style of food every time. Take a look at their menu.

Don’t forget you can access all the bars and restaurants in Courchevel and La Praz via the free bus service that runs until late at night.

Accommodation in La Tania

There is a wide range of accommodation in La Tania. You will find small self-catered apartments, hotels, and chalets.

We have four amazing cater chalets located in the trees of the resort.

Cote Coeur – A 14-bed chalet with a hot tub that is just a two-minute walk to the piste.

Chalet Attila – Sleeps 12, has a hot tub and is located next to the piste

Chalets Toubkal One & Two – A pair of individual chalets with a piste-side location.

La Tania Chalet

How to get to La Tania

All out La Tania catered ski and snowboard holidays include flights from Stansted, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, and Newcastle. More information can be found here.

The best airports to travel to are Grenoble or Geneva due to transfer time, flight availability, and connectivity.

Driving is a great option and you can find ample free parking throughout the ski area.


Why the 3 Valleys is the ultimate Instagram ski destination

Instagram your 3 Valleys ski holiday

The 3 Valleys will make your holiday look good on Instagram and there is nowhere more Instagramable than the mountains!

From La Tania’s picture-perfect chalets hidden in the trees, traditional Savoie food to the trendy apres ski scene of Meribel. There are enough selfie spots to make your followers drool.

If you like your feed to look a bit more extreme than cozy chalet photos and chairlift poses then there is pleanty of slopes, off-piste terrain and extreme experiences to capture.

That is the intro… now for some more Instagram inspiration.

#LoveMeribel #LoveLaTania

3 Valleys Instagram

The towns of the Three Valleys on Instagram

Location is the key to a beautiful Insta feed and the towns in the 3 Valleys proved that perfect backdrop.

La Tania is an alpine dream. The sunny village is below the tree line and many of the traditional chalets are located in the spruce forest with branches heavy with snow to make the perfect winter wonderland.

Meribel has strict planning regulations, with guidance on height, materials and style. Which may sound dull but the result is a very aesthetic and traditional alpine town.

Then there is the town of Courchevel 1850, home to the mega-rich and some of the most stylish hotels in the Alps. You may not be able to afford to stay there but you can always pretend.

The 3 Valleys is a selfie hot spot

Here are some selfie facts: Snow makes you look cool (literally). Snowsports make you look cool. Goggles, hats, and sunnies make you look cool. Ski and snowboard clothing make you look cool. Being on a mountain/chairlift/skis makes you look cool. Being in a ski chalet/mountain restaurant/ski resort makes you look cool. In short a ski trip is cool.

Don’t believe us…

The 3 Valleys is so Instagram perfect it even provides selfie spots!

Instagram your 3 Valleys Chalet

All our chalets are Instagram compatible. Some are postcard perfect with rooms that ooze alpine style. While others have incredible views to post your morning wake up.
And don’t forget the mountain hot tub update!

Check out Chalet Virage on our website.

Food is also important to us as which is why we put feed ready food put in front of you during your stay. Also, don’t forget to capture the fondue for your friends when you eat out!

Instagram the slopes of the 3 Valleys

If you’re in the mountains in the winter you will be on the slopes. So get snappy and show that you’re out there doing one of the best sports in the most stunning location.

@val_thorens queria voltar logo! #ski #valthorens #orionoperadora

A post shared by Leonardo H. Barbosa (@leohbar) on

Instagramable 3 Valleys Activities

It isn’t all ski and snow there are loads of other things you can do in the 3 Valleys that are worth a post on your channel.

Ma reine des neiges. #happinesstherapy #vacancesauski

A post shared by Seb Fontenay (@seb_fontenay) on

Oh that snow…. #animalcrackers #snow #powpow #frenchalps #meribel

A post shared by Cassious (@crh79) on

If you want a Insta holiday that will impress your followers drop us an email or check out all our chalets.


Eight reasons why catered ski chalet holidays are the best

Chalet Holidays have been part of the ski experience for many years, and we have been providing them in Meribel and La Tania for the last 27. 

There are many ways to stay in the mountains on a ski holiday, from hotels to self-catered apartments, with motorhomes and iglus also accommodation options.

But there is something about a chalet holiday that keeps skiers returning to this unique way of holidaying.

The Chalet Hosts

A great chalet host is a key ingredient in making a chalet holiday. The perfect chalet host or chalet team need to master a variety of skills.

They must be an excellent cook and baker as well as being a capable housekeeper.

But its the personal touch that the chalet hosts bring that adds to your chalet experience. The best chalet host will be welcoming, thoughtful and great to chat to.

reasons that Chalet holidays are the best

Chalet Dinner

Who doesn’t like sitting down to a home-cooked 4-course meal with fresh ingredients with all your friends and family that you have spent the day exploring the mountain with.

Best of all you don’t have to clear the table or do the washing up at the end. 

While eating out is exciting, you can eat too many pizzaz, burgers or fondu and miss out on the vital nutrition you need to ski all day long. 

A good chalet menu will make sure you are fed well with food to fuel you. 

Oh and don’t forget the canapes. Who doesn’t like canapes?

SEE AN ALPINE ACTION SAMPLE MENU 

reasons that Chalet holidays are the best

Chalet wine 

For some, chalet wine has a reputation for being undrinkable and has no place on a things to look forward to list.

However, we have made sure that our wine is something that our guest look forward to enjoying.

We offer a wide selection of red and white wines to make sure that there is a drop for everyone to enjoy. 

Home from Home 

Whether you book a chalet for your group or share with some others the joy of a chalet holiday is being in a home from home. 

Just like home, you have a living room to relax in, a bedroom to escape to but more importantly, you feel like you can unwind in a way you cant in a hotel.  

Little things like leaving your book on the coffee table, knowing it will where you left it or being able to have a cup of tea when you want one.

And nothing makes you feel more at home than having breakfast in your pyjamas.

reasons that Chalet holidays are the best

Cake – Afternoon Tea

Anyone who has been on a chalet holiday will tell you about the cake they had in the chalet after they had finished skiing.

Over the years, we have been collecting cake recipes and have a great selection that even Mary Berry would love to get her hands on. 

The Chalet 

If you are booking a ski holiday, you will probably take time to choose your chalet. 

The beauty of a chalet trip is that every property is different and you can easily select the perfect property to meet your holiday needs or reflect your tastes

Do you need an area for the kids to play or a big social space for friends to gather? Do you like a modern feel or do you prefer a traditional style. 

Maybe you want to experience what it is like to live in the heart of a ski town or you may prefer a little bit of wooded rural charm? 

There will be a chalet for everyone. 

SEE ALL OUR MERIBEL CHALETS
S

reasons that Chalet holidays are the best

Chalet Extras

While we are talking about choosing a chalet, don’t forget that you can pick a chalet with those added extras.

There are all sorts of things you can put on your wish list, hot tub, sauna, steam room, UK TV, free wifi, to name a few. 

“But I can get all this in a hotel” we hear some people say. Sure but the treat here is that you don’t have to share them!

The skiing 

While a chalet holiday and the host can’t influence the snow and the skiing it can make the skiing experience easier. 

A chalet with a quality boot room makes a big difference to getting on the slopes and will let you leave feeling ready for the day. 

The hosts will have knowledge of the area so they can share their experience of the current conditions. 

There will rep that visits that can arrange lift passes, other activities and help make restaurant reservations. 


Why Méribel is a great destination for beginners!

Meribel is perfect for beginners.

For intermediate and advanced skiers, the beauty of Méribel is that it’s a perfect springboard resort for the Three Valleys Ski area as a whole, the largest ski area on earth in fact, with over 600km of accessible pistes. 

But that’s not to say those new to skiing are overlooked or left too far behind. With a wide choice of English speaking ski schools, two separate nursery areas, 8 green runs and 25 blues to tantalise. There is plenty of places to practice those turns and work on technique.

“The master has failed more times than the beginner has ever tried”

Méribel is a great destination for beginners!

It’s also worth saying that the friendly, welcoming and easy-going nature of the resort in general, lends itself well to those strapping on their ski boots for the first time. Because everyone’s gotta start somewhere…

The two designated beginner zones are found in the centre of Meribel Mottaret (Zen Zones) and at the Altiport area in Meribel itself. In Mottaret, the beginner-only area has its own magic carpet and drag lift, and the Combes chairlift serves the great fun green run known as Little Himalaya. 

In Meribel there’s a magic carpet lift at Rond-Point and the quiet and safe slopes of the Easy Rider beginner area are great for children and adults alike to practice.

Think Snow Parks are out of bounds for beginners? Think again! Both Méribel’s Elements Park and Mottarett’s DC Area 43 have specifically designated learner zones, and they’re not just for kids!

Sourcing a Great Ski School

It goes without saying that ski schools get particularly busy during peak times and school holidays so it’s worth doing some research before you arrive and get yourself or your kids signed up. Check out our guide to some great Méribel Ski School here, all of which are English speaking and run by highly experienced skiers that know Meribel and The Three Valleys inside out.

Consolidating those skills.

After the nursery slopes comes the gentle greens, of which there are several to choose from.  We love the wide, tree-lined Blanchot piste, accessed by the Rhodos Bubble Lift from the Altiport; it’s great for newbie skiers and snowboarders alike. You can return to the top via the draglift or, if you’ve had enough of falling off those for the time being, there’s a chairlift too! And remember, regular pit stops and time-outs on sunny terraces are highly recommended!

Méribel is a great destination for beginners!

Our top tips for beginners:

Catered Chalets over Self Catering

For those coming skiing for the first time, booking a fully catered chalet is by far and away the better choice. Ski resorts can be overwhelming. Having the helpful advice of chalet staff on tap is a huge benefit. Check out our Meribel and La Tania catered chalets here.

Physical Fitness

If you can, spend some time prior to your holiday doing some preparatory exercise. We’re not talking hours in the gym here, but taking the stairs over the lift, walking the dogs a bit further and faster, and practising the classic ‘flat back against the wall with bent knees’ pose, will all help build the stamina and endurance that six days straight on skis will call for.

Méribel is a great destination for beginners!

Practice on an Indoor Ski Slope

For those of us that like to have a teeny bit of experience before our first lesson in resort, there are 100’s of indoor slopes dotted around the UK, some big and some very small. You can find a full list of slopes on the Ski Club of Great Britain web site.

Be prepared for the cold

We’d recommend for first-timers, that wherever you can, it’s best to borrow kit rather than shell out a lot of money on clothing, helmets and goggles you may not use again (Ok, you will probably use it again, because one ski trip is rarely ever enough, but, you know, just in case). However, you need to make sure you are fully prepared for the extreme temperatures. Because nobody wants to cut short their slope time due to frozen fingers. Check out our in depth guide here.

Watch some videos

From full-length films and YouTube Ski Technique guides and tips, there’s a wealth of ski and snowboard related content out there. You could even subscribe to our channel and get a proper feel for an Alpine Action catered chalet experience. All of this will get you super keen and excited to get started on your own skiing or snowboarding journey. 

(Just don’t overdo the ‘Best Ski Fails of All Time’ vids…)

Check out our current pricing and availability for your Merbel or La Tania catered Chalet holiday here.

 Looking forward to seeing you shredding it very soon…x


What’s on in Meribel this Season 2019/20

Our guide to what’s on in Meribel & the Three Valleys this season.

7th December: The Three Valleys ski area opens for the winter. 

The day also includes a laser and light performance to mark the opening from 5 pm.

25th December: Christmas celebrations kick off on the night before Christmas with fireworks, a torchlight descent and an appearance by Father Christmas.

31st December: Straight from the slopes there are parties at the main lift areas in Meribel and Motteret from 4.30 pm. Then wrap up warm for the open-air late-night party down at the Chaudanne area until 1.30 am. Or find a bar you like and party there.

28th & 29th January: Men’s Europe Cup, Giant Slalom. GS races held over two days on the 2023 World Cup slope. Winners of the event will be eligible for the WC circuit.

30th January: Winter Film Festival. An evening of short films from legends like Jeremy Prévost. The showings take place at the Auditorium by the Tourist office. 

1st February: Yooni Moon Trail Run. All the best ski resorts now have a night time trail running race and Meribel is no exception. Get your head torch charged and choose between the 8km and the 15km trail. Register here https://www.meribel-sport-montagne.com.

7th March: Have you ever wanted to have a go at competitive skiing? If you have why not try the Roc de Fer. Live the life of an alpine racer by entering this competition and turning your hand at Super G, GS and Slalom. Enter here… https://salomon.win-in-sports.com/rocdefer2020/

9th – 13th March: Piste Bash Festival. A 5-day festival packed full of music, comedy and freestyle action. Acts are still being confirmed, but if we go based on past performers, it will be a great week. 

14th March: The streets of Meribel get turned into a snowpark for the Jib Sessions. 

27th March: The mogul’s competition is always impressive during the Olympics, but if you are in the resort this week you can watch the French Championship live in Motteret.

5th April: The Enduro des 3 Vallees is not what it sounds this is an inclusive event aimed at giving everyone to take part in multiple activities, From Biathaoln to boardercross, there are events for everyone.

26th April: Season close


How to help your body recover from skiing or snowboarding

Our guide to how you can help your body recover from a day skiing or snowboarding : Get the most out of your ski trip.

Do you plan to get ski fit for your next trip only to put it off and then suddenly you’re on a plane and you haven’t done any relevant exercises?

Skiing and Snowboarding work parts of your body that you don’t use in everyday life.

If you aren’t “ski body” ready there are going to be parts of you that will ache after a day on the slopes.

There are things that you can do during the evening in your chalet to make you feel ready for the next day on the slopes.

Meribel ski lift

Stretching

Stretching is one of the best ways to help your body recover after skiing, it will help you to avoid sore muscles the next day.

Stretching after a day of riding helps muscles return to their original position by removing the tension.

During your post ski stretching the circulation of blood will return to your muscles allowing them to recover and repair. Make sure that you focus on stretching your leg muscles, glutes and lower back.

Here is a handy warm down guide from ski expert Warren Smith.

Warm up

Warming your muscles up a few hours after exercises can really help ease the pain and get your body back to it’s full potential.

In most of our ski chalets you will find a hot tub or a sauna. Don’t mistake these for novelties that add a level of sophistication to your holiday, these are important bits of kit that can help your post-ski recovery.

Warming your body in a hot tub or sauna increases blood flow and allows more oxygen get to your muscles.

Experts advise that you wait for several hours before hopping into a sauna or a hot tub after skiing or snowboarding and to make sure that you are thoroughly hydrated.

Many sports therapists also suggest that you should wait until your a few days into your trip before indulging your muscles as the heat can also inflame your muscles and slow down the recovery.

… & in the morning

If you are an early riser or you don’t rush out onto the slopes you may want to use the time to warm up in the hot tub, sauna or shower. Warm muscles are less likely to be damaged during exercises.

Sauna

 

 GET FIT FOR YOUR NEXT SKI HOLIDAY

Massage

A great way to make sure you are ready for the next day on the slopes is to get a sports massage that works on the soft tissues around the most worked parts of your body.

A massage after skiing should focus on your lower back and knee area. Having your body looked after like this will aid your relaxation and increase your recovery.

Ice Bath

Out of all the techniques, this is probably the best at ensuring your muscles recover overnight.

The chances that your chalet will have enough ice on hand to do this is unlikely but don’t worry.

All you need is a bath at normal cold tap temperature, between 8°C and 10°C. The cold temperature will slow the inflammation and help get the recovery process working faster.

You should go for two sessions of five minutes with a warm-up in between. If there is a fresh dump of snow you could always jump in that.

Stay hydrated

All the above will be a waste of time if you don’t hydrate effectively at the end of the day.

We all know that at altitude you lose water from your body faster than at sea level. If you are then taking part in a strenuous activity such as skiing or snowboarding you will become dehydrated even quicker.

Your body needs liquid to help with repairing muscles as well as to extract the nutrients from your food during the digestion process.

Taking a drink directly after skiing will also lower your heart rate faster and ensure that you don’t spend the evening feeling fatigued. Please note that chalet wine is not an acceptable way to hydrate yourself!

As we mentioned at the start one options is to be ski fit for your trip.

Try this handy routine.


What’s new in the Three Valleys 2019/20

Discover what is new in the 3 Valleys this winter – Season 2019/20

Every year the resorts across the Three Valleys bring new upgrades to their ski areas, resorts and event offerings.

The 2019/20 winter season is no different with new runs, lifts and entertainment.

New runs in the Three Valleys

Meribel is opening two new red runs open in the Roc de Fer area at the top of the Olympic chairlift.

Up until now, this area has been served by blue slopes and the notorious black fun Face. The new runs will be called Gypaete and Daguet which can also be accessed from the Cherferie lift.

What's new in the Three Valleys 2019/20

READ MORE: A GUIDE TO SOME OF THE BEST PISTES IN THE THREE VALLEYS

New ski zones in the Three Valleys

As more and more of us want freeride to be easier to access and safer Courchevel and Meribel are introducing such zones.

Meribel is upgrading its “Back to the Wild” freeride zone that can be found on the north-facing Mont de la Challe sector. Skiiers can access area that is area via the Roc de Tougne chair.

Courchevel is revamping the Creux Noirs area that was closed for the 2018/19 season.

It will reopen as an ungroomed controlled freeride area under the name The Freeride Lab and will be accessed by a new 350m drag lift that replaces the very dated chairlift.

Starting at the 2700m peak will be two red runs and one black run, but it also means better access to some of the areas best off-piste. This is a welcome return.

New Ski lifts in the Three Valleys.

In addition to the new Creux Noirs new drag lift Courchevel are making it easier for skiers to commute from Le Praz.

A new €27 million lift will depart from Le Praz and arrive directly into La Croisette complex in Courchevel centre. This will make it easier for skiers to get to the Plantrey chairlift, the slopes and the resort

The base of the lift will also feature a multi-use centre that includes parking and a children’s activity zone.

St Martin de Belleville is upgrading Saint Martin 1 gondola that is the main lift out of the village.

It will replace all the old cabins and increase lift speed further, and capacity will rise from 1,800 to 2,400 people per hour.

More snowmaking in Meribel

To serve the growing army of snowmaking machines that keep the ski slopes white more water is needed.

Meribel has expanded two reservoirs to help increase snowmaking on the Bouvreuil Rouge, Mûres Rouge, sections of Combe du Vallon, Choucas.

New for Families in the Three Valleys

The Yeti park in Meribel-Mottaret has introduced a no skis area so children can run around, play blow Himilyan horns, have a snack and chill out.

And in the Family Cool area near the Meribel Altiport, there will be a load of free entertainment during the school holidays.

Activities will include eagle shows, ice carving, biathlon taster sessions and other surprises.

More picnic areas in the Three Valleys

After the success of the log cabin picnic spot, Cabane des Trappeurs, Meribel are introducing the Refuge at the bottom of the Lagopède piste.

Its worth remembering that the Cabane des Trappeurs doesn’t just provide seating there is also glove-warmers and smartphone chargers.

New Bars in the Three Valleys

Val Thorens is opening a new Igloo village that will be home to an ice bar for drinks and a restaurant serving mountain classics like fondue.

Meribel welcomed the return of the popular Jacks bar. It’s absence last winter was noticed by all.

This winter it will open in a new home across the road from the Chaudanne in the building that previously housed the Meribar.


If you are thinking about skiing in the Three Valleys this winter take a look at our accommodation in La Tania and Meribel.


Our Guide to Keeping Warm on the Slopes

Find out how to stay warm on the slopes this season

We have over 25 years of experience providing catered chalet holidays and whilst we obviously share the poet Edith Sitwell’s love for a cosy home, an open fire, quality time with friends and family and fantastic food, we differ slightly in her assertion that it’s the only place we want to be.

Winter is, naturally, our favourite season. We start counting down the days from spring! Then after a long wait, it snows and it is finally time to get outside and play! There’s stunning scenery to be explored and fluffy powder crying out to be skied!

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” Edith Sitwell 

But all this fun comes at a cold price and if, like us, you want to squeeze out every last second on the slopes during your ski holiday, staying as warm and dry as possible is paramount. Nobody wants to cut their day on the hill short because of the cold.

With this in mind we’ve put together some handy tips to help you stay warm and comfortable on the slopes the whole day long.

Courchevel Jan 2019

Food is Fuel

Start the day right with a good breakfast. However keen you are to get going, you need to put some fuel in the tank first! And eating makes you warmer!

Essentially, you are adding energy which serves to warm up the body. And the bonus is that you don’t have to worry about storing that energy as fat, as you’re sure to burn it all off in the day on the slopes. (Ah, the joys of a guilt-free full English or continental breakfast feast!)

Breakfast might be the most important meal of the day, but with all that shredding planned, you’re going to need to keep refuelling.

Pack some snacks, (granola or cereal bars are our go-to), and then make the most of a reinvigorating lunch at one of the great mountain restaurants.

Go for something nice and warm but avoid an afternoon energy-slump by skipping anything too rich or particularly carb heavy (we know you won’t), save that for dinner at the chalet!

Layer Up

Verb: To dress in multiple layers before heading out. Done to protect oneself from cold elements or just to look mad fresh. (UrbanDictionary.com)

We’re talking here about urbandictionary.com’s first definition here, but hey, if you want to look ‘mad fresh’ in the process who are we to judge. We’ve seen all sorts of trends come and go!

Seriously though, layers help trap small pockets of air and multiple layers are always better that one chunky ski jacket. Start with a Merino wool thermal layer which, unlike cotton, will still trap air even if it gets wet, then add a down filled mid-layer and a waterproof shell jacket.

Make sure you do up your jacket’s powder skirt and tuck in all those layers carefully, to avoid the dreaded shovel-full of snow up your back when you fall over (hey, it happens to the best of us).

Extremities in Extreme Cold

Cold head, hands and feet are the skier or snowboarder’s nemesis and sometimes, however good the conditions are, can be cause-enough to abandon slope. Combat really cold hands with a combination of mittens along with a silk glove liner and consider using a pair of hand warmers. They’re small, inexpensive and easily inserted into ski gloves and even boots.

Ski socks have come along way from the extra-thick chunky variety that ultimately restricts your circulation and it really pays to invest in some good quality thinner pairs. When it comes to feet, think merino wool again. With its excellent wicking properties, it will help your feet to keep dry and regulate body temperature. And of course, if you have them, make use of your chalet’s boot-warmers! It’s so important to start your day with dry-as-a-bone kit. If you don’t you’ll find it impossible to get warm.

Let’s face it: there are always going to be people that look great in any hat they put on their head and those that, well, just aren’t. But whichever group you fall into, some form of headwear is imperative on the mountain.

There are traditional wooly hats, helmets, snoods, buffs and balaclavas to choose from and the most important thing is that they help you conserve body heat and protect those ears from the wind chill. You can also try neck gaiters to keep out the drafts and snow.

Take A Break

If you’re out on the slopes and you can feel the cold creeping in uncomfortably so, despite good eating and good dressing, we highly recommend taking a break for a hot choc or a  vin chaud. Or maybe just take yourself off to the new Legends Chairlift that runs from the Chaudanne area up to the top of the Elements Park. It has covered and heated seats!

Meribel – Jan 2019

 


Six Reasons To Work a Season in the 3 Valleys

Find out why so many pick the Three Valleys to work a season in. They say it is one of the best things you’ll ever do in your life. No probably about it!

If you are looking for the best winter season experience and a job to match then look no further that Meribel or La Tania in the 3 Valleys with us.

Here are our top 6 reasons why seasons in the 3 valleys are so good.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WORKING A WINTER IN THE THREE VALLEYS

1.Sheer Scale

“Méribel is part of the largest ski domain in the world, with more than 370 miles of managed pistes. We skied non-stop for four days and barely scratched the surface of what was available.” Jon Sopel

When you’re in Méribel, you’re slap bang in the middle of the biggest linked ski area in the world, and with a Three Valleys Ski Pass, no two days will ever be the same, even over the space of a full season.

With over 600Km of accessible pistes including 328 downhill skiing pistes, 166 ski lifts and more than 2300 snow cannons, there’s no doing the same run every day here! Think adventure, think mountain exploration, think getting off the beaten track, think world-class lift systems that mean less waiting and more skiing.

By the end of the season, you’ll definitely have scratched that surface. In fact, you’ll be seeing how quickly you can ski into every village in the Three Valleys, still manage some quality pit stops in each and be back in time for work. 

 Work a Season

2.Quality as well as Quantity

So we get it, The Three Valleys is a big place. But thanks to its natural domain, the fact that 85% of the ski area is above 1800m and the impressive number of snow canons throughout the valleys, snow is guaranteed all season.

And over 70 grooming machines ensure that conditions are kept tip-top. Early morning corduroy anybody?

 Work a Season

2.Powder Days

“One can never be bored by powder skiing because it is a special gift of the relationship between earth and sky. It only comes in sufficient amounts in particular places, at certain times on this earth; it lasts only a limited amount of time before sun or wind changes it. People devote their lives to it for the pleasure of being so purely played by gravity and snow.”– Dolores LaChapelle, Earth Wisdom, 1978

Ah, the elusive perfect powder day. If your skiing has been limited to a week here or there, truly epic powder days have probably been few and far between.

In Meribel, there is a world of fun to be had beyond the marked and bashed runs. Regular dumps of snow and extensive off-piste means your season will see you chalk up some of the most exhilarating powder days of your life.

And let’s face it, if you’re working in Meribel for five months,  you’re gonna be privy to a fair few of them.

3. The SnowParks

Work on those Profile Pictures…

Over the course of a season in Meribel and the Three Valleys, you’re going to get lots of opportunities to practice those bonks and pops in the parks.

Give your Park confidence a literal boost by trying out the awesome Jump’Air at Val Thorens. The giant air cushion is the perfect solution if you want to learn or improve your freestyle skiing or snowboard technique.

The early weeks will probably see you at Elements, with its multiple kickers, rails and rollers, eagerly watching replays of your first successes, and before you know it you’ll be ripping it up at the DC Area 43 Park with the big boys and girls. And that perfectly timed photo of you nailing that corkscrew 720 will be a profile pic for months!

4. Awesome Apres and Festival Fever

It’s nothing new to say Méribel has an amazing Apres scene. And sure, if you want to party every night, Meribel and its host of bars and clubs can provide.  

The institutions that are Follie Douce and The Rond Pont (AKA the Ronnie) never fail to disappoint and with five months in the resort you’re going to have some ‘memorable’ experiences!

But the Apres scene in Meribel is nicely balanced, with bars like Barometer offering a more chilled night out. Because even the most seasoned party animal will want a quieter night every now and then, especially pre-transfer day!

The Three Valleys also hosts a number of festivals and live music events featuring international artists throughout the season. And by ensuring you’re here all season, the stress of trying to book your holiday to coincide with at least one of them is no more! FOMO be gone!

 Work a Season

5. Apparently, in the Three Valleys, people do things other than throwing themselves down a hill with planks of wood strapped to their feet…

That’s right, your downtime after work doesn’t have to be limited to epic powder days, park time and shredding the slopes (I mean, that might get boring right? …right?)

There are actually all sorts of other activities to try including Husky sledging, helicopter rides, ice skating and snowmobiling. As well as the opportunity to go all ‘Top Gear’ and have a go at Ice Driving. That’s definitely one to remember!

5. Friends in High Places

When we asked our staff what they love about working a season, they all said, erm, being able to ski five days a week, for five long snowy months, on some of the best slopes in the world?

But on an equal footing, was the fact they’d all made friends for life. There’s a camaraderie between season workers that quickly creates a special bond.

Everyone working there shares the love for all things winter…the powder days, the clear crisp mornings, the stunning scenery, the awesome Apres scene. While no-one ever said working a season was an easy job, the friendships made on the slopes see you through any tough times!

Check out our recruitment page here, and we’ll look forward to seeing you on the slopes for an epic season…


Our Guide to getting around by bus in Méribel.

All aboard…The Alpine Action guide to getting around Méribel by bus.

Transport and transfers are part and parcel of planning your ski trip and getting you to the resort, but what about when you’re all settled in at the chalet, or exhausted at the end of a hard day on the slopes, and are wondering how to get around by bus in Méribel?

Enter those bright blue ‘Navettes,’ pulling up at a bus stop near you every 15-20 minutes.

The villages and resorts that make up the Meribel valley are thankfully very well connected by the fantastic Meribus service.

The completely free to use, the hop-on / hop-off service runs seven days a week from early morning until Midnight and makes getting around the resort super easy.

You can take your skis and poles on board with you but make sure you keep a hold of them.

Timetables are available at each stop or you can pick up a copy in resort.

Handily all Meribuses come with free onboard WiFi so you can always check the website for routes too (in between uploading your latest ski selfies to social media) .

Meribel bus timetable

Download NAVETTES-GRATUITES-Meribus

There are four lines: Line A links Les Allues and Méribel Village with Meribel centre and La Chaudanne main ski lift area,  Line B links Le Belvedere with Rond Point, while  Line C runs from La Chaudanne right through Meribel up to the Altiport, stopping at Meribel Centre, Les Barons, Toubkai and Rond Point along the way. Line D serves as a link between Meribel, Mottaret Centre, the Teleporte and Le Hameau.

For our chalets

Most of our catered chalets in Meribel are located along on one of the bus routes. If they aren’t then we provide a minibus service at key points in the day.

For chalets Telekie, Azalee, Alysson, Virage & Chardon you can catch line B and C.

Chalet Ecureil is located on bus route A.

If you are staying in Meribel Village for your holiday in Chalet Rosalie busses on line A will take you to Meribel.

 

Meribel bus navette

 

Don’t panic if you accidentally get on the wrong line though, as all buses call at La Chaudanne and Méribel centre near the Tourist Office, which makes connecting from one line to another a doddle.

La Tania Bus Service

While there isn’t currently a free service between La Tania and Méribel, if you’re staying in La Tania, the free ski bus service runs between there and all the Courchevel Valley villages from the main road behind the Montana Hotel opposite La Taiga restaurant. The first bus leaves La Tania at 08.30 to arrive in Courchevel 1850 for 09.00 and then at 10 past the hour all the way through until 01.10, meaning you can well and truly make the most of the nightlife in nearby Courchevel.

LA TANIA BUS/NAVETTE TIMETABLE DOWNLOAD