Hitting the Pistes in La Tania

Situated in the Courcheval area in the south-eastern part of France, not too far from the Italian and Swiss borders, the La Tania ski resort sits 1400 metres above sea level. When you fly into the area and arrive at the small resort, the first thing you will notice is that the whole centre of the village is traffic free, allowing you to walk around freely without the worry of stepping into the path of oncoming cars or crossing snowy roads. But although the village of the La Tania ski resort is extraordinarily lovely, wandering its streets is not why people really book holidays to this destination. People come from all over to hit the ski slopes of the Three Valleys, of which the resort is a part. This is an excellent place to go skiing, no matter what your level of experience may be.

The beginners

The La Tania ski resort area is one of the best places to go if you are just a "newbie" when it comes to hitting the slopes. Not only does it have plenty of easy green slopes for you to get your ski-legs on, but it is also home to the largest ski school in all of France, the École du ski Français. There is also the large Magic in Motion ski school, which can teach you all the ins and outs of skiing, snowboarding, speed-riding, tricks and more. Depending on what level you are at when you arrive, and what sort of snow-sport you want to undertake, there is something for you right in the heart of the area.

The skiers

Those who head to the La Tania ski resort with the knowledge of how to ski or snowboard already are in for a real treat. The village itself is served by a 12-person gondola to take you up to the next point. You can then take one of the three pistes back into the village and catch the gondola up again, or you can opt to head over to the Courcheval or Meribel areas.

The experts

The region gives you access to one of the largest skiing areas in the Alps, with a massive 175 lifts, 293 marked runs and a slew of off-piste runs to really test your skills and get your adrenaline pumping. Head over to the amusingly named Plumber’s Crack, and above Cote de Loze, which as at least three runs that are very popular. From the top of the Cote de Loze, there is an excellent spread of off-piste runs with drops and mild cliffs that take you down into the Meribel Valley. Plus, if you want to go further afield, there really is no end to the exceptional off-piste skiing in the area near the La Tania ski resort. But remember, whenever you plan to go off-piste, take care and use the necessary precautions.

Danielle Hodges is the Marketing Manager for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service offering bonded holidays staying in catered or self catered chalets in La Tania ski resort and other fantastic destinations. For a luxury or good-value skiing holiday and the best catered chalets call Ski Amis.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.