Ski Holidays in La Tania, France

Snow report issued:	2nd Feb 12
Last snowed:	31st Jan 12
Fresh snow depth:	8cm
Depth at resort:	145cm
Mountain depth:	230cm
Piste state:
Excellent (Great skiing thanks to the recent snowfalls)
Weather report:
Partly cloudy, some sunny spells
Temperature:	-10°C
Open lifts:	10 of 10

View La Tania snow history

Slope Direction	SE E N W
Very Easy Runs	27
Easy Runs	44
Medium Runs	38
Difficult Runs	10
Toughest Run Name	Le Grand Couloir
Skiable Vertical	1388m
Number Of Lifts	58
Top Lift Height	2738m
Night Skiing	N
Snowboarding Parks	1
Half Pipes	3
Swimming Pools	1
Night Clubs	0
Mountain Restaurants	11

Geneva:	2 hours and 30 minutes
Lyon Satolas:	3 hours

There is a free ski lift serving the Troika piste for beginners, and then first-timers can progress on to one of the easy green or blue runs directly above the resort. The only real argument against learning to ski here is if you are on a tight budget, as the cost of lift ticket, ski rentals and tuition are all very high compared to many other small resorts.

Alternatively, you could put off buying the lift ticket for a few days and use the free lift and, if you are part of a mixed group, La Tania does give you the opportunity to holiday together but ski apart, with something for everyone on the slopes.

La Tania is located in the Courchevel Valley, itself one of the larger ski areas in the brochures. Intermediates can opt for a local valley pass, or the huge Three Valleys' pass, to the world's biggest ski area.

So the opportunities are clearly huge and enough to keep even the most demanding intermediate level skier busy for a whole season, let alone a week. With more than 250 easy and intermediate runs to choose from, and local trails up to five kilometres (three miles) long, all accessed by a fast gondola straight out of the resort, the opportunities are exceptional.

One of the world's greatest ski areas for advanced skiers is right on your doorstep, with almost every conceivable challenge on skis and snow available in the Courchevel Valley, and then multiplied in the other two of the 'Three Valleys'.

Expect steep groomed runs, huge mogul fields, tree skiing, chutes and powder fields. Ski touring led by local ski guides is quite popular in the area, easier routes include a one hour ascent of the Col des Saulces followed by a wonderful descent through the wild, natural scenery.

La Tania has its own snowboard park for freestylers, and of course there are plenty more at the larger resorts of the Three Valleys. Free riding terrain is also exceptional and there are several half pipes and a boarder cross to enjoy. As with other snow sports, this is one of the best areas in the world for boarders.

It's worth turning up for free hot chocolate once the ski lifts close on Sunday afternoon, as new arrivals are given a run-down on resort facilities and the week's activities programme, managed by the tourist office.

Cross country skiers will enjoy the Bous Blanc itinerary which follows a 12km long circuit from the village centre to either Courchevel or Meribel, with the option of returning on ski or taking the free bus back. If you prefer to hike, the Chemin des Teppes signposted walk takes you to some great views across the local Vanoise national park.

Tandem paragliding jumps are also available from the Col de la Loze, and dog sledding or snowmobile excursions are available. Snowshoeing tours are also popular, with the option of a lunchtime fondue stop on the full day tour.

Indoor options include a cinema, and the hotel Montana has a fitness centre and a swimming pool that organises aqua gym sessions, open to all.

Courchevel and Meribel are both close and can be reached on skis or by the free ski bus. They have many more shops and additional facilities including large public swimming pools, ice rinks, ice karting, bowling alley, climbing wall, hot air ballooning and much more.

Although there's a limited choice of bars and restaurants, they're generally livelier than in many other small purpose-built French resorts. The Ski Lodge pub and Arbatt bars are both lively as soon as the lifts close and continue right through the evening with live music, happy hours, themed evenings, and major sports events shown on big screen TV.

Dining options range from creperies and pizzerias to gastronomic evenings at Le Farcon restaurant, which serves regional specialities and refined cuisine.

La Tania makes a special effort for families and its car-free location and low-rise apartment complexes make it a good place to stay. La Maison des Enfants accepts children aged three and older to their non- ski kindergarten with plenty of games, both inside and out.

On the snow le Jardin des Neiges run by the French ski school accepts children aged four and over in a special snow nursery area. There is also a baby-sitting agency, Les Farafadets, which can book a baby sitter for your children. La Tania has also recently created a sledging area just for kids in the village centre.