Tignes for Skiing & Snowboarding

Tignes is one of the top ski resorts in the world providing over 150 kilometres of pistes and this, together with vast areas of accessible "off piste", makes it ideal for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Skiers seem to outnumber the snowboarders a little but there is a comfortable balance of both sports – each taking advantage of the different areas Tignes has to offer. ... see "Tignes Skiing Revealed" for more

With such a big ski area to explore, it's sometimes good to have a little bit of inside information… For your pleasure, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite runs throughout the Espace Killy and suggested some itineries for you to try. There are also sections on where to find the best off piste, where you're most likely to find the quietest pistes, and where to find the nicest mountain restaurants for lunch. Happy exploring! ... see "Where to go in the Espace Killy for..." for more

The Tignes Snowpark can be found at the bottom of Les Lanches lift in Val Claret and is the largest in the world covering 1,600 vertical feet and 2-1/2-km. It boasts a quarterpipe and halfpipe, a boardercross course and a plethora of table-tops for skiers and boarders alike.

The annual Tignes Airwaves event sees some of the best riders in Europe competing here on obstacles such as the enormous expert pipe; but for us mere mortals the park is reshaped to more do-able proportions once the competition is over!

The smaller park at La Grand Motte is kept in tip-top condition year round and has another half-pipe and some tabletops for you to practise on until the main park reopens for the winter.

If you have an Espace Killy lift pass the Valpark in the Bellevarde/La Daille sector of nearby Val d'Isère is also well worth a visit.

'Classic' Style

Get back to nature and explore tranquil cross-country trails at your own pace. There are two different techniques – classic and skating. Classic is the easiest for beginners; you simply place your skis in two parallel groves, push off and glide around the trails. Skating is more energetic and a slightly harder skill to grasp; you push your feet out to either side as though you are ice skating and use your poles simultaneously to gain momentum.

You can hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops and book a group or private lesson to learn the basics from most ski schools or private instructors.

For those used to downhill skis, at first you feel precariously balanced and downhill sections are definitely more exciting on narrow skis with no edges! The skis are lighter and slimmer than downhill skis and the boots are much softer and more comfortable. The tranquility of cross country (also known as Nordic) skiing is perfect for anyone who enjoys peace and quiet, or finds the downhill pistes too crowded or too steep. It is a great form of aerobic exercise and one can be as energetic or slow as one likes, while the relaxed pace makes it a more tranquil way to enjoy the surroundings!.

'Skating' Style

Once you have grasped the essentials, head off into the beautiful and tranquil cross-country trails that meander through the Espace Killy. No lift pass is needed, so once you have bought/hired your equipment it is free to take part in, and one can be as energetic or slow as one likes. The Espace Killy has a total of 44km of tracks for cross-country skiing, approximately half of which are in Tignes and most of the ski schools also offer instruction in this discipline.

The Tignes cross country circuits are free to use and are shown on the piste map with their level gradings – green, blue, red or black. Most of them are situated at the foot of the ski area, on or around the lake.

Val d'Isère also has it's share of cross country trails to be explored, such as:

• La Daille – To the left of the main road just past La Daille is an easy, green,1.5km long trail
• Manchet Valley – There is a 1km track running from the Solaise cable car to the Clochetons restaurant (green) and then a further 3km to the Manchet old hamlet (blue) - this trail is sunny in the morning and early afternoon. There is also a 6.5km long red run – Le Manchet
• Ouillette lake – At the top of the Solaise cable car, walk to the Madeleine chairlift and there is a 2km blue trail around the ‘Ouillette lake’ on the right hand side
• Le Fornet – From the Le Fornet cable car, there is a 5km blue trail out of Val d’Isere to the border of the Vanoise National Park

Tignes caters for disabled skiers with lessons and equipment hire being available from ESF and certain other ski schools. They can discuss the specific needs of each skier and advise on or provide equipment accordingly.

In terms of accommodation, the best thing to do is check with your tour operator or chalet owner about the facilities they provide for disabled visitors. Tour Operator Erna Low offers ski holidays tailored to the needs of adaptive skiers. They source suitable accommodation and organise lessons with qualified handiski instructors.

For more information on adaptive skiing and the British Disabled Ski Team please visit Disability Snowsport UK.

Have you literally got 'all the gear' but have no idea what to do with it?? Unless you want to look like Posh Spice on the slopes, knowing a bit about your skis/snowboards/bikes/transceivers etc will help you avoid being any old Wannabe... Having the right equipment for your chosen activity will help ensure that you get the best possible introduction to your sport (if you are a beginner), or speed along your learning curve if you are looking to improve. The easier and quicker you learn, the more pleasurable your experience will be! In this section, you will find guides to help you select the most appropriate gear for your sport and ability, as well as some insider knowledge on the "must have" kit for this coming season. ... see "All the Gear But No Idea...?" for more

We have teamed up with one of our top ski school instuctors to produce guides on ski technique. The articles featured here include learning how to carve and how to conquer moguls. To ensure you get the most out of your time on the piste, check out our Ski & Snowboard School Listings and perfect your skills! ... see "Tips and Techniques - Skiing" for more

Improve your snowboarding style with our helpful techniques tips section, brought to you courtesy of Keith McIntosh at Alpinelines. It's often the smallest thing that makes all the difference to your riding! ... see "Tips & Technique - Snowboarding" for more

With such an extensive lift network in operation both summer and winter, it makes sense that there are a wide range of lift pass options available for the skier or boarder, mountain biker and pedestrian. ... see "Tignes Lift System & Passes" for more