The Mountain Centre, the new backpackers in the snow in La Tania, is teaming up with Natives, to put on a race for workers across the Three Valleys.

Workers will be able to enter the Dual Slalom race in teams of five and win some great prizes. Plans are still coming together but it looks as if local band Superfly will be playing live on the mountain, and there'll also be more music, beers, a BBQ and all those essential elements to a great day out.

== STOP PRESS ==
Now confirmed for Wednesday 7 March. Time to start thinking about your team.
Full details

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Meribel favourite The Ice Cafe looks set to become even more popular with the introduction of a liquor licence.

Tucked away by the cinema in Meribel Centre, the Ice Cafe has long been popular with workers as an intimate venue to catch up with news from the English papers, football on their satellite TV and emails from the terminals on the top floor.

Previously the main draw has been the atmosphere and 1664 on tap. However from 31 January, the liquor licence will bring shots into play. We've been lucky enough to have a preview of a very special mix that will be on offer from Rob and his team...trust us, it's *very* tasty!!!

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The word is that the Mottaret Snow Park at Platieres is in a mess after the departure of Fred, the sorted French rider who previously ran the park.

After a number of awards, Fred was apparently lured away to bigger and better things. Which is a shame as this season's riders report the kickers ill placed, with 'blithering billys' blocking the route wondering which way to go!

The resort press release about the park describes it as the same as last year, with spines and a nice range of black/red kickers, plus the usual pipes and the extensive BoarderX course. So far this doesn't stack up, but all are hoping the new boy will come through.

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Any staff out in the Tarentaise who are missing their rave nights might want to consider Buddha's Millennium Night near Lyon on Saturday 17 February. Quite how it will fit around transfer day and breakfast is another matter, but for those desperate for that big night out DJs Phil, Driss, Damien, Steph (all Spiritual Frequencies), Chai (Infinium Records), Pea (Yumade/Tripiatrik), Loic van Poucke (Totally Eclipsed Records) plus DJ KENT (Cosmic-bug.com) will sort you out.

All kicks off at 22:00 and the night costs 80 ff. For more info dial 3672 code 022001 or email spiritual_freequencies@yahoo.fr

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Ski Higher, the rental specialists with shops in Courchevel 1850, Courchevel Le Praz and Meribel Les Allues, will shortly be stocking Natives exclusive Powder and Addicted T shirts and Hoodys.

Any Natives who haven't been convinced by our fully secure online store will soon be able to try before they buy. Buy quickly while stocks last...

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Also in Courchevel, news in that one of the mountain restaurants on the Saulire burnt down last week. Certainly our observer in 1650 could see the fire clearly including the helicopters that flew by dropping water on it.

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Over in Dicks T Bar in Meribel, reports have come in of a skiing problem in the drinking resort...

Previous News from the Three Valleys:

Ski Cocktail go under
La Tania runs dry
Strange days in Courchevel
Natives @ Meribel
Natives @ Courchevel
The Mountain Centre opens
Meribel 2001 Update