J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Llew

We were in La Tania last year.
There is a regular bus service, free with your lift pass, which goes between La Tania and the 3 Courchevel resorts.
Our 7 year old daughter has been skiing for a few years now and managed to ski to and from Courchevel. The route can be all blues, but the blue route back can get a bit icy. The La Tania nursery slope is ok, but I would say that the resort is not that good for beginners.

We went to La Tania last year. It's quite a small resort, therefore night life is some what limited. Where are you staying?
I had the best steak ever in a restaurant just off the nursary slope. I've just looked at an interactive map to try to work out the name and think it is Les Marmottons, but it is the one furthest up that row.
Skiing however is endless being linked to Three Valleys. Our 7 year old daughter came with us therefore we went for the local lift pass which covers Couchevel and La Tania.
What level of skiing/Boarding are you? as this could influence whether it is work getting a full area pass.
If you are up to easy reds, then I would definately go to try chapelets which is the furthest run to the left of a piste map. Its was very quiet and what I would imagine helli skiing to be like.
http://www.latania.co.uk/resort/MAP/map.htm
The airport over in Courchevel is spectacular, but be careful of the price of the restaurtant over looking it. Also we were slightly shocked by a jump on the run which goes around just below the airport.
The blue Indiens run has a couple of Indian tepee half way down with information of why they are there.
There are only 2 main runs back to La Tania of which the red is often closed. The blue can get quite icy.
We have previously been to Les Menuires and therefore skied other areas of the 3 valleys.
Hope this gives you some idea, but feel free to ask anything more specific.

Which resort are you going to?
I Agree that the most important rule is good grip.
However trainers could be an issue if you plan to go out exploring and loads of snow has fallen.
I have found that it varies depending on amount of snow and the resort.
Some resorts are purpose built and have lots of inside parts.

I agree with all advice to date. In January there is a good chance of needing some.
I have personal experience which would make the advice of trying to practice before you need them particularly good. It took 3 of us some time to work them out in snow and failing light on our way to Flaine; with increasing difficulty as hands got colder.
It is worth hiring from the Swiss side:
As well as chains being standard, the yearly Swiss motorway tax costs are included. From the French side I think you will need to pay the whole years tax or avoid Swiss motorways.
http://driving.drive-alive.co.uk/driving-in-switzerland.htm

Go Easter time, its early in 2008, therefore should be ok for snow and prices should be cheaper. Just make sure to go to a high resort just in case weather goes warm.