Skiing The Three Valleys - Staying in La Tania

The Three Valleys has some of Europe’s best areas for skiing. La Tania is a small village nestled into the heart of this classic ski area and makes a great option for a winter holiday. The resort itself is located in the Courchevel Valley and is situated at 1400m above sea level. A relatively new addition to the Three Valleys, it was built for the 1992 Albertville Olympics and was the proud host of the ski jump event. For those who want to be based in a smaller Alpine resort but still want to enjoy exceptional skiing, this is the perfect choice.

A Beautiful Resort with Fantastic Skiing

La Tania itself is completely pedestrianized, and despite it being built primarily with functional apartment blocks, there are also some traditionally built chalets spread throughout the surrounding forests. The charming French bakery, the grocers and the local newsagent typify a French village and, although a young village compared to its neighbours, it retains a sense of charm and character. There are some lovely restaurants, some lively bars and an excellent selection of ski hire shops. For beginners or for those wanting to improve their skiing, La Tania's Ecole du Ski Francais office and Magic in Motion ski school can help.

The main lift out of the village is a 12-person gondola that links to the main Courchevel lifts and the Three Valley lift connections. Alternatively, you can take a draglift that delivers you straight onto the Courchevel Valley slopes. Skiing back into your base resort will take you through some of the best scenery in the Three Valleys. The tree-lined pistes wind in and out of the alpine forest and the advantage of the snow cannons means that you can ski down to resort right until the end of the season. Snow cannons also mean that conditions are kept optimal throughout the season. Pistes range from red to green, so no matter how inexperienced you are you can finish your day by skiing right back to the centre of the resort.

For more advanced skiers, the off-piste options in this less busy part of the Three Valleys offer some fantastic opportunities too. The northeast facing Col de la Loze and Gazex couloirs hold their powder much longer than the south facing slopes in other parts of the area. Off-piste skiing, however, should only be done with the correct equipment and by experienced skiers who understand the mountain code of conduct.

If you are looking for a new destination for your winter skiing, this lovely resort is a great option. So close to some of the best skiing in the world, and only two hours from Geneva and Lyon airports, it is a wonderful place in which to be based – and when it comes to skiing, La Tania can't be beaten.

Danielle Hodges is the Marketing Manager for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service offering bonded ski holidays. When it comes to skiing, La Tania is a superb destination, with excellent catered or self catered chalets. For a luxury or good-value break and the best catered chalets call Ski Amis.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.