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Whether you go in the depth of the winter season or are a fan of the spring snow, there are very few resorts which can offer as much to the intermediate skier as Tignes. Part of the Espace Killy area (which also includes neighbouring Val d’Isere), Tignes has a great range of intermediate runs with some extremely challenging blues and demanding reds. Of course, there’s more to a winter sports holiday than just pushing yourself to improve, so this resort also has plenty to keep visitors happy off the piste, including a great range of catered ski chalets. Tignes is actually made up of five villages including the high-altitude Tignes Le Lac, Le Lavachet and Val Claret, all of which are connected by a series of fast lifts and some lovely blue and red runs. Here are the Stats For intermediates the resort has an impressive array of 38 blue runs (some of which are so challenging they would be listed as red in many other resorts) and 17 red runs which vary in difficulty from just above a blue to verging on black. The runs in the resort are enough to keep most intermediate winter sports enthusiasts happy for the duration of their holiday, but if you are particularly intrepid then don’t forget that this is part of the Espace Killy with its 300km of maintained pistes. Make the most of it with an Espace Killy pass and you’ll have a no fewer than 61 blue runs and 46 reds to explore. Runs to Head For There are so many great runs in the resort that it’s hard to isolate a few but to get your ski legs on the first day I would definitely recommend heading up to the top of the Merles chairlift and taking the blue run all the way back down into Tignes Le Lac. You can’t leave the Espace Killy without enjoying a run down from the top of the glacier into Val Claret. The funicular train will speed you up the mountain to where there’s a great restaurant with panoramic views; you can then board the Grand Motte telecabine to take you to the top of the glacier at 3456m. There’s an excellent, very long red run which will take you back down to the resort, after which you’ll certainly deserve a slap-up meal at one of the many catered ski chalets Tignes has to offer. Ski Schools If you really want to improve then there is no better way than taking a class or two. Like most French winter sports resorts ESF has all the villages in Tignes well covered, offering excellent classes with English-speaking instructors, but there are other options. In Tignes you can choose from a number of British Ski Schools including New Generation, Progression Ski, Ultimate Snowsports and BASS. Where to Stay With five villages to choose from there is no shortage of holiday accommodation. If you want to spend your days on the slopes rather than in the supermarket and your evenings relaxing with friends rather than cooking, then I would always recommend catered ski chalets. Tignes has an excellent selection of catered accommodation to suit a range of budgets. Author Plate Tim Heal is the founder of Chaletline, a travel agency offering catered chalet accommodation in worldwide ski resorts. With an extensive knowledge of resorts and excellent post booking care, they pride themselves on the personal touch they offer to each and every client. If you're looking for catered ski chalets, Tignes is just one of the superb ski resorts in which they can quickly and efficiently match you with the perfect accommodation. Catering for individuals, couples and groups up to 50, the knowledgeable Chaletline team will help you choose the right chalet in the right resort.
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