Still relatively "youngish" as a ski resort, La Tania began life as a mere accommodation base for ice hockey players in the early 1990s. These days, with its slew of cosy catered chalets and its unique, pivotal position that places it right smack in the middle of the more famous large resorts, La Tania has grown into a full-fledged resort that boasts of its own sought-after qualities. For one, despite all the developments it has undergone over the years, it still strongly retains its rustic ambiance-there's still that warm, friendly sense of community, reinforced by its intimate dimensions. In La Tania, even little things can surprise you.
Rustic Charm
Sure, La Tania may not be as sought-after as, say, Courchevel, and it may not have the throng of skiers from all over the world-but there lies its unique quality. It's a serene, relaxing place-never mind that skiing is essentially a white-knuckled, thrilling outdoor activity. The catered chalets or family-run hotels in the area also exude this homey character-from the way your meals are prepared and served, to the staff's attention to every detail just to make it cosy for you. While some people are put off by La Tania's sense of intimacy, it is this very quality that has been drawing its own kind of visitors.
Gentle Challenges
Generally, La Tania's pistes present few challenges-which, if you're an expert, may be a huge turn-off. You might end up being bored here, as even what are marked as blacks feel like reds most of the time, whereas those that are undeniably blacks exist only for short distances. The ski routes, easily accessible from the area's catered chalets, may be considered more challenging by any standard, but to be on the safe side, skiing in La Tania is largely for beginners and intermediates. Beginners should try the short run right at the middle of the resort, supported with a free drag lift. If you soon get tired of it, take the lift to the nearby Val Thorens for a good intermediate run. La Tania has links to the Three Valleys system, which means you're always a couple of lifts away from the posh Courchevel 1850, for instance, should you decide to try it out. And if you can have time to explore without forgetting your safety, there is still so much "untracked powder" to discover. But only with a caveat: do so when weather conditions are good.
Family-friendly
What makes La Tania stand out from its more posh neighbours are its family-friendly (read: children friendly) facilities-even the catered chalets and hotels make it a point to answer to your every need. In terms of facilities, La Tania has more than enough for self-sufficiency: its own supermarket, half a dozen bars and eight restaurants attest to this. There's also an unforgettable delicatessen and a decent pizzeria. The après ski scene is also vigorous, with live music and good parties on most nights.
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