Apres-ski
As with most French purpose-built resorts, the choice of après-ski in La Tania is rather limited, and the liveliness of the resort generally depends on who's in town.
Of the handful of bars, Le Chrome Bar (tel: +33 4 7907 2583) and Pub Le Ski Lodge (tel: +33 4 7908 8149; www.publeskilodge.com) often have live music and big screens, whilst La Taïga (tel: +33 4 7908 8033; www.easytaiga.com) is a great cocktail lounge that also serves food.
The tourist office organises activities throughout the week. For a wider choice of après-ski activities and bars, take the shuttle bus to Courchevel or Méribel.
Eating out
There's a moderate range of restaurants in La Tania, most of them cheerful, friendly and relaxed establishments, with crepes, fondue and pizza commonly gracing the menus.
La Ferme de la Tania (tel: +33 479 082 325; www.laferme.latania.fr) located slopeside at the foot of the Folyères piste is a family friendly venue with great crepes, fondue and raclette.
Among the other restaurants in La Tania, The Telemark (tel: +33 450 327 121) and Les Chanterelles (tel: +33 479 082 325) both offer Savoyard specialities – the latter is famous for its buckwheat crêpes oozing with delicious fillings. While Les Marmottons (tel: +33 479 088 163) is best for pizza and offers a handy take away service.
For a really special evening, head to Le Farçon (tel: +33 479 088 034; www.lefarcon.fr) for a true tantalising treat. This gourmet restaurant has held a Michelin-star rating since 2006.
Resort Information
Beyond the slopes
Indoor entertainment facilities in La Tania are limited mainly to a small cinema and a swimming pool and gym in the Hôtel Le Montana (tel: +33 479 088 008). The resort organises a lot of events, however, particularly during the French school holidays. These may include torchlit descents, big-air displays, sledge races, concerts, ice sculpture or an introduction to biathlon. Some of the bars also put on live music events, and throughout the season new arrivals can try a free 'green chaud' drink every Sunday at 1700 while discovering what's on that week.
There's also the chance to follow in the tracks of Olympians on the major cross-country ski trail that passes through the village en route from Méribel to Courchevel. This track was the venue for Nordic events at the 1992 Winter Olympics.
Family fun
The intimate and friendly nature of La Tania combined with its pedestrian ethos, affordable dining and good nursery slopes, make it a good choice for families - the fact that it is largely car free is another bonus.
The Chez Nounours kindergarten (tel: +33 479 084 040) is a non-ski service welcoming children aged from four months upwards, while the resort can also provide a range of activities to keep older children aged up to 11 entertained while off the slopes.
The resort also holds regular child-friendly events and even puts on a 'children's week' of fun-filled activities during the Christmas holiday period.
Retail therapy
Shopping in the resort is limited to holiday essentials. There's a baker, minimarket, newsagent and a delicatessen that stocks regional specialities, including a wide range of local cheeses, wines, sausages and hams. There are also four ski shops in La Tania stocking the latest gear.
Nearby Courchevel, which is a free shuttle bus ride away, dramatically increases the range of shopping outlets on offer, with one of the world's leading selections of luxury boutiques in a ski resort.
Splashing out
Pamper Off Piste (tel: +33 617 608 902; www.destinationpamper.com) operates a mobile massage and beauty service that can visit customers in their chalets or hotels. Among the treatments available is the three-hour Beautiful Beginnings package that includes a manicure and pedicure.
Hotels
With only 4,000 guest beds available, accommodation in La Tania is somewhat limited for a ski resort, though this does aid the resort's reputation as one of the most intimate and cosy resorts in the Trois Vallées (Three Valleys). Accommodation is mostly in catered chalets and apartments built in the traditional style, with only a couple of mid-level hotels in La Tania itself.
Luxury
Moderate
Chalet Topaz
A comfortable chalet, which sleeps up to 16, located just 60 metres (200ft) from the slopes, Chalet Topaz houses an on-site restaurant and also has an outdoor hot tub - perfect for alleviating those aching post-ski muscles.
Address: , , , F 73125Telephone: +33 1737 306 029
Website: http://www.thefreeriderepublic.com/chalet-topaz.html
Chalet Beauvallon
A homely chalet offering spacious rooms and an excellent location next to the foot of the blue Folyers piste, Chalet Beauvallon offers breakfast and dinner at the on-site restaurant, a private nanny service and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Address: , , Courchevel 73120, F 73125Telephone: +33 1737 306 029
Website: http://www.chaletsdirect.com
Hôtel Le Montana
A 3-star hotel at the base of the slopes, Hôtel Le Montana offers satellite TV, a small pool and a fitness room. Guests here have the added benefit of being able to ski straight to the doorstep.
Address: , , , F 73125Telephone: +33 4 7908 8008
Website: http://www.alpineelements.co.uk
Cheap
Maeva Residence Grand Bois
A large wood clad slopeside apartment complex in a central location, the apartments at Maeva Residence Grand Bois are generally larger and better equipped than the average in the resort.
Address: , , , F 73125Telephone: +33 158 215 550
Website: http://www.pierreetvacances.com
Hotel Telemark
A slopeside complex housed above a bar and pizzeria, the Hotel Telemark provides 12 en-suite bedrooms including twins, doubles and larger family/group rooms.
Address: , 41 Route du Plan du Saz, , F 73125Telephone: +33 964 273 038
Website: http://www.ski-inn.co.uk/ch_telemark.html
Residence Le Britania
A basic apartment complex, well located in the resort centre, Residence Le Britania offers compact rooms and a lively bar downstairs, which is open until 0100 – a good or bad thing depending on your preferences.
Address: , , , F 73125Telephone: +33 158 215 550
Website: http://www.pierreetvacances.com
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