Tips for an unbeatable Tignes ski holiday

Perched high in the French Alps, Tignes offers skiers everything they could wish for in a winter getaway – snow-sure slopes with options for all abilities, stunning mountain scenery and an impressive range of thing to do on and off the slopes. Despite this, blissfully it’s one of the lesser-visited ski resorts in Europe. Discover how to make the most of your stay for an unbeatable holiday.

1. Find the right time to visit

The Tignes ski season kicks off in November and can run through to early May, thanks to the resort’s high elevation and its crowning Grande Motte glacier. Finding the right time to visit depends on your preferences and priorities.

Christmas and early January is the most popular time to visit. Families especially will love the festive atmosphere, and you can be confident of fresh powder on the slopes. This is unsurprisingly the most expensive time to go too, so if you’re concerned about cost consider going just before the school holidays or in spring.

It’s worth checking deals on Tignes ski holidays where you can often save on accommodation and flights while benefitting from fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere.

• Compare transport options

UK travellers have got a few options for reaching Tignes. The key to choosing the best transport lies in balancing cost with convenience. You can fly into Geneva or Lyon and take a bus transfer to Tignes which is two to three hours away depending on the conditions. A direct taxi will get you there faster but at a price.

There’s also the option to fly or take the Eurostar to Paris and connect to a train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. This is a scenic, eco-friendly option but is slower than flying and so will eat into your precious holiday time.

Plan ahead to find the best prices for flight and train tickets. Airlines also offer deals on flights throughout the year, including January which is a popular time for sale fares.

• Investigate the runs

Tignes is a haven for all levels of skiers, from those taking their first steps on the snow to experts chasing challenging thrills. The resort links seamlessly with Val d’Isère, and together they make up the Espace Killy ski area which boasts over 300km of runs. Investigating the options on offer ahead of your holiday will save you time when you’re there so you can maximise your time skiing.

Tignes has invested in making its ski schools top-tier, so beginners should take the opportunity to book a lesson and make the most of time on the mountain. The resort also has plenty of terrain parks where skiers and snowboarders can practise tricks.

Include varied activities

Though skiing and snowboarding will be the main focus of your Tignes holiday, don’t miss out on the resort’s other offerings. Carve out time for the après-ski which is a real treat here, whether you prefer a laid-back drink or lively evening. Dine on delicious warming local fare and enjoy the uplifting social atmosphere.

For those keen to keep active, the resort boasts a range of other winter activities, from ice climbing and snowshoeing to tobogganing. If you prefer a slower pace of life when on holiday, Tignes also has excellent spa facilities where you can relax and recover after long days on the slopes. The resort also boasts an area of activities for kids to help ensure a varied, fulfilling experience for the whole family.