Tignes
Tignes gives ski holidays the altitude that most other resorts will never be able to match! Tignes is regarded as one of the world’s highest and most snow-sure ski areas, with a large ski area - the Espace Killy - which appeals to all abilities from beginner to expert powder skiers. Tignes is open for skiing over much of the summer too, thus labelling the resort as one of the most reliable snow destinations in the alps.
Tignes Les Brevieres is the pretty part of Tignes with lovely old architecture, and its appearance and atmosphere is further improved by the fact that it is always caked in so much snow! Nightlife is very good indeed, with a few late night bars and pubs on offer in Les Brevieres. There is also a small nightclub for those wanting a more hedonistic apres ski!
Tignes Le Lac is a very convenient and user friendly resort not only for the slopes but for its numerous apres ski and non skiing activities. It benefits from having 57 bars and brasseries, 4 clubs and a plethora of shops. It has something to suit everyone's tastes from ice diving for adrenaline junkies to a more relaxed pace of life for those who want to be pampered in style in the resorts spa centres. Tignes is famous for its excellent high altitude snow, largely due to the Grand Motte which plays host to the highest ski-able Glacier in France. However, the unfortunate fact about Tignes is that it is rather an ugly resort that has fallen foul of the high-rise concrete revolution of the 1960s! The solution very much lies in Tignes Les Brevieres. Les Brevieres is the original old town of Tignes which oozes alpine charm and consists of lovingly restored and converted farmhouses to exclusive new and tasteful chalet developments. Yet the real beauty of this village lies in its snow sure slopes and high altitude, allowing guests to enjoy premium skiing of a Glacial 'super resort' without the ugliness that goes with it!
The slopes in Tignes are characteristically wide, long lasting and highly efficient. All in all, this allows for some effortless skiing for all abilities, less slope congestion and not so much waiting in the lift queues! The slopes are immaculately kept and link very well with neighbouring Val D’Isere to offer a superb variety of steeper descents and networks of easier runs for the progressive intermediates to cover some mileage.
The advanced skiers will revel in the Off Piste opportunities around Tignes, and the wide, open expanses of terrain which are perfect in the powder and don’t get tracked out too quickly. Some of these border the national park, and can be extraordinarily quiet, especially those routes down to Les Brevieres.
Tignes is very good for a beginner skiing holiday. Beginners are able to progress very quickly from the highly accessible nursery slopes in Tignes centre to a gentle network of well kept green runs which make up the local area. The nurseries are also operated by a slow chairlift which allows beginners to improve with confidence in the early stages and away from their ski or snow board schools. The atmosphere for beginners is also very easy going. For Ski or snowboarding holidays in general - then you really can't better the variety of Tignes! The slopes are very suitable to all levels of Snowboarder and the Pipe and Park in Tignes is legendary. It usually has permanent shapers and is cut and groomed by people who really know how to use Pipe Dragons! The park is maintained daily and so it is usually in very good condition, with a range of jumps for all abilities.
All levels of rider can enjoy the Freeriding in Tignes, with some really interesting features and terrain, combined with high altitude snow, which makes for some epic riding. It is the opportunity for serious powder riding that makes Tignes an unbeatable destination for many, and is often where the fun can really start!