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April in Tignes: What's on and weather

Skiing in a t-shirt and long lunches - there's a lot to love about spring in Tignes

featured in News & reviews Author Tracy Wise, Destination Editor Updated

Spring is officially in the air as we enjoy longer sunnier days. Don't forget your sunscreen!

The Easter holidays bring families back to the valley for a short end of season break in the mountains. The warmer spring days also brings a party-vibe to the town and the sun and snow conditions obviously warrant a longer lunch break on a sunny terrace to top up the tan, and après-ski seemingly starts a little earlier.

To make the most of the longer sunny days we like get out on our touring skis and split-boards, get away from the lifts, and find that last bit of untouched snow. Whilst some locals are brave enough to bring out their bikes for a quick trip into town, in general it's still too cold and icy to risk any road biking adventures.

Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout April.

What's new in Tignes winter 2019/20

What are the weather and snow conditions like?

As winter draws to a close for another year, the snow on the lower slopes is usually much heavier by midday. The temperatures rarely dip below freezing, usually falling between a low of -2ºC and a high of 5ºC, plus there's still the chance of snow as April averages seven days snowfall, and therefore a powder day isn't out of the question.

Tignes Tech

What's on in Tignes in April?

Party with the telemarkers
For fans of old skool skis, it's all about Tignes at the end of the season when fans of telemarking descend on the resort to celebrate. For over 30 years this event has taken place here, so go watch or grab a pair and join in - there's a snowpark session, jump contest, even a race for children telemarkers.

Spring break
To finish the season in style the resort is planning a final two weeks of events such as luge races, human curling, pool parties, concerts, happy hours, après-ski, and more.

Check out what's on in April in Tignes on our events calendar.

What's On in Tignes April 2018

School holiday skiing

Easter is a popular time for families so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the holidays begin. Fortunately, the ski area is so vast, that even in the height of season you can find some quiet slopes and minimal lift queues. Here's our insider's top tips for the school holidays:

  1. It will be almost impossible to book private lessons over this period, group lessons are the best option. Make sure to get your ski and snowboard lessons booked well in advance to avoid disappointment.
  2. If you're not in ski school, be an early bird. Arrive at the lifts before they open so that you get up and away before the ski school classes set out around 09:15.
  3. Ski over lunchtime. The slopes are calmer between 12:00 and 14:00 while the French take a leisurely lunch break.
  4. Pre-book your lunch and avoid the queues. Some restaurants offer a Click & Collect service. It's the best way to avoid the queues and make the most of your time in the mountains.
  5. Seek out the peripheral areas. Try to avoid the busy main ski areas closer to town
  6. Get off-piste. Competent off-piste skiers can book a local mountain guide and explore the vast off-piste areas in the valley or even go touring to find complete solitude in the backcountry.
What's on in Tignes for December 2018/19

Bars and clubs

There is still time to enjoy the legendary après-ski parties before the season comes to an end. La Folie Douce has the après-ski hotspot crown, but for a more relaxed affair you can always try one of the local bars for some happy hour discounts - and if you're here late enough in the season there are some wild closing parties.

Folie Douce closing party
The only good thing about the ski resort closing is the end of season parties. La Folie Douce doing what it does best usually throws a huge party lasting a couple of days. As always, you can expect live performances and more than likely someone spraying expensive champagne wildly into the crowd.

More inspiration...

If you're coming to Tignes this month or later in the summer, now is the time to start thinking about booking accommodation, how to get here, and some of the many things to do while you're in town.