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Introduction
La Tania is a small, purpose-built centre that's very young in Alpine skiing terms. It was first used to house journalists attending the 1992 Winter Olympics staged in the area. It has since built a reputation as one of the most intimate (there are only 4,000 guest beds), affordable and relaxed resorts in the Trois Vallées.
As well as being one of the world's newest resorts, in the world's largest ski area, it is also one of the world's most environmentally friendly ski centres. From the time the resort was conceived, all the ecological and environmental aspects have been integrated into its design. La Tania's local power is supplied by hydro-electric energy, as are the lifts, snowmakers and trail groomers of the Trois Vallées.
The resort's buildings are of a traditional style, integrated into the local architecture of the Savoyard villages. All the buildings are wood covered, in the style of the local La Perrière community, a group of 10 small, traditional Savoyard hamlets below the resort.
As well as being one of the world's newest resorts, in the world's largest ski area, it is also one of the world's most environmentally friendly ski centres. From the time the resort was conceived, all the ecological and environmental aspects have been integrated into its design. La Tania's local power is supplied by hydro-electric energy, as are the lifts, snowmakers and trail groomers of the Trois Vallées.
The resort's buildings are of a traditional style, integrated into the local architecture of the Savoyard villages. All the buildings are wood covered, in the style of the local La Perrière community, a group of 10 small, traditional Savoyard hamlets below the resort.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 1,400m (4,593ft).
Top elevation: La Tania: 2,738m (8,983ft); Trois Vallées: 3,230m (10,597ft).
Base elevation: La Tania: 1,400m (4,593ft); Trois Vallées: 1,300m (4,265ft).
Number of lifts: La Tania: 62; Trois Vallées: 182.
Number of runs: La Tania: 118; Trois Vallées: 333.
Average annual snowfall: 5.3m (17.4ft).
Where in the world?
La Tania is located in the Courchevel Valley, between Méribel and Courchevel, in the Trois Vallées, the world's largest ski area in terms of lift-linked terrain. The resort is situated in the French Alpine region of Savoie, in the southeast of the country, close to the Italian and Swiss borders.
Hit the slopes
The season runs from early December until late April.
With the world's largest ski area on your doorstep, it would be hard to imagine a better location than La Tania's. The relatively low number of guest beds usually means that access into this vast domain is queue-free too.
The local skiing is within the Courchevel Valley, which has 150km (93 miles) of pistes, a quarter of the Trois Vallées' total. There are lots of greens and blue easy runs directly above La Tania, ideal for beginners and intermediates.
Experts also have a huge choice, with quick access to the Saulire area and its steep chutes. There's a massive choice of off-piste skiing too, which the local ski school can take you to.
With the world's largest ski area on your doorstep, it would be hard to imagine a better location than La Tania's. The relatively low number of guest beds usually means that access into this vast domain is queue-free too.
The local skiing is within the Courchevel Valley, which has 150km (93 miles) of pistes, a quarter of the Trois Vallées' total. There are lots of greens and blue easy runs directly above La Tania, ideal for beginners and intermediates.
Experts also have a huge choice, with quick access to the Saulire area and its steep chutes. There's a massive choice of off-piste skiing too, which the local ski school can take you to.
Beyond the slopes
Facilities in La Tania are limited to a small cinema, and a swimming pool and gym in the Hotel Montana. However the resort organises a lot of events, particularly during the French school holidays. These may include torchlight descents, big-air displays, sledge races, concerts, ice sculpture or introduction to the sport of biathlon.
Throughout the season new arrivals can try a free ‘green chaud' drink every Sunday at 1700 and discover what's on that week. Regular activities include snowshoe outings and live music in the bars.
Throughout the season new arrivals can try a free ‘green chaud' drink every Sunday at 1700 and discover what's on that week. Regular activities include snowshoe outings and live music in the bars.
Family fun
La Tania is one of the few ski resorts to provide useful practical information to families on its website. For example it advises that babies aged under 18 months should not be taken above 1,500m (4,920ft).
The intimate, friendly nature of La Tania and its pedestrian ethos, along with affordable dining and good nursery slopes, make it a good choice for families. Babysitters are available to look after children aged six months and up, while children four and over can attend the ski school's Jardin des Neiges.
The intimate, friendly nature of La Tania and its pedestrian ethos, along with affordable dining and good nursery slopes, make it a good choice for families. Babysitters are available to look after children aged six months and up, while children four and over can attend the ski school's Jardin des Neiges.
Retail therapy
In-resort shopping is limited to a baker, minimarket, four ski shops, newsagent and Salaisons des 2 Savoie, which stocks regional specialities including a wide range of local cheeses, wines, sausages and hams.
Nearby Courchevel, a free shuttle bus ride away, dramatically increases the range of shopping, with one of the world's leading selections of luxury boutiques in a ski resort.
Nearby Courchevel, a free shuttle bus ride away, dramatically increases the range of shopping, with one of the world's leading selections of luxury boutiques in a ski resort.
Après ski
As with most French purpose-built resorts, the après-ski opportunities are rather limited and liveliness levels depends on who's in town. Of the six bars, L'Arbatt pub sometimes has live music and has a pool table. Pub le Ski Lodge has similar attractions whilst La Taïga is a cocktail lounge.
The tourist office organises activities throughout the week. For a wider choice of après-ski activities, take the shuttle bus to Courchevel or Méribel.
The tourist office organises activities throughout the week. For a wider choice of après-ski activities, take the shuttle bus to Courchevel or Méribel.
Eating out
There are eight places to eat in the resort (most the same as the bars) and a far wider choice in nearby Courchevel or Méribel. In La Tania The Telemark Bistro and Les Chanterelles both offer Savoie specialities, the latter also crêpes. Les Marmottons is best for pizza.
Le Farçon has some of the highest calibre cuisine, recognised in the Michelin Guide.
Le Farçon has some of the highest calibre cuisine, recognised in the Michelin Guide.
Getting around
Most of La Tania's facilities are easy to walk between. A free shuttle bus circulates around the wider areas and to neighbouring Courchevel and Méribel.
Splashing out
Pamper Off Piste (website: www.pamperoffpiste.com) operates a mobile massage and beauty service that will visit you in your chalet or hotel.
Accommodation
Moderate
Hôtel Le MontanaSlopeside 3-star hotel at the base of the slopes, with satellite TV, small pool and fitness room.
Eurogroup La Tania
Tel: (04) 7908 8008.
Website: www.hotel-le-montana-la-tania.federal-hotel.com
Moderate
Chalet ElangeniBritish-run chalet in resort centre, new in 2007, features sauna and outdoor hot tub.
La Tania
Tel: +44 1303 249 998, in the UK.
Website: www.alpine-escape.co.uk
Budget
Résidence Le ChristianiaTypical selection of French apartments with basic facilities in two to five rooms for four to 10 people.
La Tania
Tel: (04) 7900 8701.
Website: www.eurogroup-vacances.com
Getting there
Nearest airports: Chambéry (CMF); Geneva (GVA); Lyon (LYS).
Distance to resort: 90km (57 miles); 140km (87 miles); 200km (125 miles).
Driving time: 2 hours; 2 hours 30 minutes; 3 hours.
Nearest railway station: Moûtiers.
Distance to resort: 20km (13 miles).
Driving time: 20 minutes.
Distance to resort: 90km (57 miles); 140km (87 miles); 200km (125 miles).
Driving time: 2 hours; 2 hours 30 minutes; 3 hours.
Nearest railway station: Moûtiers.
Distance to resort: 20km (13 miles).
Driving time: 20 minutes.
Website
This resort is good for...
Snowboarders, Beginners, Environmental awareness, Intermediates, Experts, Families
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