Tag Archives: Short Break

La Tania: Skiing & Gastronomy

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Igloo & Snowmobile

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It Is Minus 8 Degrees Outside

and as there is wind, it is freezing cold! If you need keep action between ski sessions, go to Courchevel Adventure! Among many activities you can participate in the construction of an Igloo. Or drive a snowmobile on the Courchevel heights, overlooking the small airfield …

Picture below : the view of the entrance, from inside the igloo where the temperature is better than outside.

France-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-French-Alps-Courchel-Aventure-Igloo-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KFrance-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-French-Alps-Courchel-Aventure-Igloo-5-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K
France-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-French-Alps-Courchel-Aventure-Snowmobile-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

I finally drove a snowmobile!

When I put on my helmet, I’m a little impressed, but soon I found my rhythm. I confirm: driving is a thousand times more exciting and fun! In addition, it’s very nice here because the snowmobile circuit is pretty “flat”. 

France-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-French-Alps-Courchel-Aventure-Snowmobile-3-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KFrance-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-French-Alps-Courchel-Aventure-Snowmobile-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Gourmet Lunch at Le Farçon

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Back To La Tania

to discover the inventive cuisine of Michelin-starred chef Julien Machet (one star for ten years), who started as a pastry chef (pictured below, my favorite dessert!). The restaurant Le Farçon is located both in the resort center and near the slopes.

The food is original and delicious! While tasting, first you can identify each aromas that mingle in the mouth. The plates are also beautiful to look at. A graphic modern presentation that reminds me of the “Japanese style” (photos above).

If the chef has no favourite ingredient : “the favourite ingredient is the right ingredient”, he likes using an unusual ingredient, the hay in sorbet, syrup, beer and even chocolate! “The hay has a strong smell. I wanted to taste it.” he prosaically adds. Being honest, my brain was unable to classify this ingredient in the “I like”, or “I don’t like”: too unique! Quite disturbing!  

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Julien Machet cooks with quality natural products from Savoie. He also enjoys travels: “It’s not good to be too chauvinistic” (below: a black and white portrait in the kitchen). Recently, he was inspired in Vietnam by a dish based on banana, coconut and tapioca that he added in his restaurant menu. 

He founded the Chef de Cœur four years ago. Each year, for this special event he cooks with other chefs and the profits are donated to the Banque alimentaire savoyarde (Food Bank of Savoy) to fight against hunger in the Savoie region. “My grandmother who came from Italy, has always shared the food. She had known hunger.” Do not miss the fifth edition next May with seven chefs. 

On the below third picture : the beautiful ceramics of Lorène Herrero, on the wooden walls of the restaurant Le Farçon. I don’t know why, they remind me Laponia (where I haven’t been yet). Check out the work of this gifted young artist! 

France-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-Gastronomic-Restaurant-Le-Farçon-Michelin-Starred-Chef-Julien-Machet-3A-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K  France-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-Gastronomic-Restaurant-Le-Farçon-Michelin-Starred-Chef-Julien-Machet-5-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KFrance-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-Gastronomic-Restaurant-Le-Farçon-Michelin-Starred-Chef-Julien-Machet-4-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K  France-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-French-Alps-Alpine-Chalets-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Let’s go skiing!

France-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-French-Alps-Skiing-Slopes-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

After The Festin,

I’m back to my ski training (need to burn millions of calories, lol)! Yesterday, it was cross country skiing, today skiing! I join Julian Malandrone, an ESF instructor for a ski lesson on the slopes of La Tania. If in Méribel, I was unable to grip a ski tow, in La Tania no problem. In fact it is pretty easy!

After assessing my level, we go skiing on almost empty slopes lined with fir trees! Magical! Go skiing excluding school holidays, especially if you are a beginner! You avoid the crowd and the stress. Occasionally, Julian shows me how skiing a bit in the fresh powder. Awesome! The sky clears revealing the mountains, there is no noise. See you at my next stop (coming up post) … 

France-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-French-Alps-Skiing-Slopes-3-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KFrance-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-French-Alps-Skiing-Slopes-5-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations  

www.latania.comwww.les3vallees.com  

For cross country skiing or skiing lessons, you can contact the ESF La Tania : +33 (0)4 79 08 80 39 and Julian Malandrone : +33 (0)677789353.

Related posts : DESTINATIONSHOTEL REVIEWS & LIFESTYLE

Many thanks to the 3 Vallées and La Tania Tourist Office for this exciting invitation. Many thanks to the chef Julien Machet and his team, and Julian Malandrone and the ESF La Tania. As always these opinions are my own.

Skiing & Driving a Ski Trail Groomer in La Tania, France

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The Arrival @ La Tania

France-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-4-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

The Small Resort That Rises

ideally located between Courchevel and Méribel. When I arrive from Meribel, it snows a lot. The drive was fast. And I decide to do a walking tour in the station crossed by the slopes and surrounded by fir trees (pictures below). I love fir trees! A real addiction!

I discovered La Tania or La Tagna meaning “the den of bears” in Savoyard dialect. The resort will celebrate its 25th anniversary in April. This is the newest of the 3 Vallées, the largest ski area in the world. Less known than Courchevel, but very near Courchel, La Tania offers accommodations at more affordable prices.

 I really like the area of wooden chalets, all different from each other (photo above). As the surfaces are large with modern amenities and concierge service, renting a chalet with friends or family is interesting. In the first picture of the post: the view, firs, snow from a superb chalet … isn’t it beautiful?   

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Cross Country Skiing

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The Magic of The Landscape

The last (and unique) time I did cross-country skiing, I was a pre-teen! So when in early afternoon I pick up my equipment, I was so surprised by the light weight of my boots and skis! Then I joined Adeline Girard, my ski instructor which is a former ski champion.

We drive to Meribel Altiport / La Tania, where we park in front of Le Blanchot restaurant, the starting point of the routes in the forest, with trails of various levels (blue, red … like in Alpine skiing). Nature is fantastic! And Adeline immediately knows how to put at ease.

What a fantastic afternoon in cross country, everything is magic! I also learnt that cross-country ski trails are groomed (in the pictures below, you can see the rails on each side of the track). And when I lift my head, I can admire the top of trees … Even cross country skiing is more physical than skiing, you forget the effort in the scenery. And we ski until the dusk.

France-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-Cross-Country-Skiing-Nordic-Skiing-Meribel-Altiport-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KFrance-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-Cross-Country-Skiing-Nordic-Skiing-Meribel-Altiport-3-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K France-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-Cross-Country-Skiing-Nordic-Skiing-Meribel-Altiport-4-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K France-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-Cross-Country-Skiing-Nordic-Skiing-Meribel-Altiport-5-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KFrance-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-Cross-Country-Skiing-Nordic-Skiing-Meribel-Altiport-8-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KFrance-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-Cross-Country-Skiing-Nordic-Skiing-Meribel-Altiport-6-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K  France-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-Cross-Country-Skiing-Nordic-Skiing-Meribel-Altiport-11-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KFrance-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-Cross-Country-Skiing-Nordic-Skiing-Meribel-Altiport-12-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K  France-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-Ski-Slope-Machine-Snow-Groomer-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Driving The Ski Trail Groomer

France-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-Ski-Slope-Machine-Snow-Groomer-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

The New Experience!

Yes I did it! Around 6 p.m., I meet the professional driver of a ski trail groomer to have a ride and see in real conditions how tracking the ski trails and driving a 700,000 Euros machine (if I correctly remember)!

I am like a kid, super excited to be behind the scenes! And when the driver asks me if I’d like to drive the machine, I was so happy! So I start driving on trails that lead to Courchevel. I am so focused (a bit too much, lol!) … And the machine is so sensitive that I dare not step on the accelerator!

Then around 8 p.m. I go back to La Tania through deserted slopes! I’m SO tired that I let the restaurant and directly go to bed! It was an exciting endless day!

France-La-Tania-Ski-Resort-Ski-Slope-Machine-Snow-Groomer-3-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations  

www.latania.comwww.les3vallees.com  

For cross country skiing or skiing lessons, you can contact the ESF La Tania : +33 (0)4 79 08 80 39 and Adeline Girard: +33 (0)6 30 36 56 13.

Related posts : DESTINATIONSHOTEL REVIEWS & LIFESTYLE

Many thanks to the 3 Vallées and La Tania Tourist Office for this exciting invitation. Big thanks to Adeline Girard and the ski trail groomer driver. As always these opinions are my own.

Meribel, France: Skiing & Wellness

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Skiing

France-Meribel-Ski-Resort-Slopes-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

This Morning It Snows A Lot

Taking breakfast, I doubt if I can ski for my second day in Méribel. At 10 a.m., I start my Skiing For Women lesson (to enjoy skiing in a way less based on performance and arranged for women with children too) with Cécile Crousaz, National BEES 1° Ski at the Ecole de Ski Méribel (Ski School of Meribel).

We reach the Rhodos gondola. The weather remains overcast, but visibility is better. And the pleasure of skiing is back! Same place, but the decor has completely changed … a different beauty, fog blanketed the peaks. Since the beginning of my stay (in Val Thorens), I’ve had less fear on skis and improved. Cecile is very patient and motivating too. 

When we arrive for lunch at La Folie Douce Meribel-Courchevel, the fog is denser, creepy on slope (photos below). Without comparison: nothing to do with La Folie Douce Val Thorens, much more festive. Here, the atmosphere is more relaxed. 

France-Meribel-Ski-Resort-La-Folie-Douce-Restaurant-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KFrance-Meribel-Ski-Resort-La-Folie-Douce-Restaurant-3-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KFrance-Meribel-Ski-Resort-La-Folie-Douce-Restaurant-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

The Hotel  

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Back To The Hotel Around 3 p.m.

to let my equipment in the ski room and get changed for my spa session this afternoon. Le Tremplin hotel is located close to the slopes and the center of Meribel (the hotel’s facade on the first photo of the post).

The 40 tastefully decorated rooms have just been redone. Mine is simple and comfortable. And the efficient smiling service make you feel good.

On the above photo montage: my room with a really good bedding and large bathroom with Pascal Morabito products. On the bed (1), a lovely travel beauty kit that the institute My Spa by Payot Meribel offered me. I will use for sure in a future trip!

France-Meribel-Ski-Resort-Hotel-Le-Tremplin-View-Room-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

The View

My room’s terrace has two sides, allowing me to enjoy different views, both of the city (above) and slopes (below)! The hotel also offers an outdoor pool, open until 8 p.m. 

France-Meribel-Ski-Resort-Hotel-Le-Tremplin-View-Room-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KFrance-Meribel-Ski-Resort-Hotel-Le-Tremplin-Swimming-Pool-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

The Outdoor Pool 

To go to the pool surrounded by bars and protected from view by a small wooden fence, you wear a bathrobe on your swimsuit and slippers (lol). At night, while you bathe, you can see the lights of the bars and town. I really liked (photos above and below).

France-Meribel-Ski-Resort-Hotel-Le-Tremplin-View-Room-3-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K  France-Meribel-Ski-Resort-Hotel-Le-Tremplin-Swimming-Pool-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

The Wellness  

France-Meribel-Ski-Resort-Spa-Payot-Hotel-Le-Tremplin-Swimming-Pool-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

My Spa by Payot

is located in the Olympic Centre, five minutes walk from the Le Tremplin hotel. The benefit of being in a central location, you are near everything! I recommend the jacuzzi overlooking the slopes! Before my customized massage, I “navigate” between steam room, cold shower and jacuzzi.

Then I choose a relaxing neck-shoulder-arm massage: as a skiing beginner, I contract the upper body muscles too much. My therapist applies an oil with essential oils: I am pleasantly surprised, I don’t have skin reaction. This is the first time I used Payot products.

During the massage, I fall asleep (good sign). Leaving the spa, I stop at the outdoor pool of Le Tremplin to swim while it snows. Awesome!

The Exclusive

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Gourmet Jars

After skiing, spa, massage and pool, I just want to stay quiet in my room. Eating a light dinner of vegetable soup and sleeping.

Looking for a soup bar, I came across the gourmet grocery store of a Michelin starred chef, Le Bokal by Laurent Azoulay. The shop opened since mid-December, has style: sober with black walls and a central wooden table for the tasting.

France-Meribel-Ski-Resort-Meribel-Chaudanne-Gourmet-Shopping-Bokal-Chef-Laurent-Azoulay-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations  

www.meribel.netwww.les3vallees.com  

For the ski lessons (all levels), or Skiing For Women (group lessons and weekend or week packages), you can contact the ESF de Méribel : +33 479 08 6031, [email protected].

DESTINATIONSHOTEL REVIEWS & BEAUTY

Many thanks to the 3 Vallées and Meribel Tourist Office for this beautiful invitation. Big thanks to the Hotel Le Tremplin team, Cécile Crousaz and the Spa By Payot. As always these opinions are my own.