Located in one of the best ski regions in France, Tignes is foremost a ski resort; but more importantly, it’s a community where skiers from all over the world come together to enjoy the slopes and marvel at the magic scenes that wintertime in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes brings. Comprising a cluster of purpose-built villages interconnected by ski lifts and slopes, with a complimentary shuttle bus operating all day, the region resembles a bustling snow city. As a host of winter sports enthusiasts have discovered, a Tignes chalet holiday is an ideal choice for those craving the excitement and enjoyment of a ski break with friends and family. The region is high altitude, which affords excellent snow conditions. In fact, it proudly boasts the longest ski season in Europe, with an elevation that ranges from approximately 1,550m in Les Brévières to around 2,100m in Le-Lac and Val Claret. The Skiing With over 300 km of slopes that span the region, and 97 lifts connecting them all, a Tignes chalet holiday provides possibilities for the avid skier and the novice snow-sport enthusiast. From dedicated learning areas that provide a safe place to practice, to steep ski areas such as the Grande Motte Glacier (at 3,456 metres it is the resort’s highest point), visitors are free to do downhill runs and race down slopes with friends at the gradient they choose. While scenic blue slopes lie all around the region, one route in particular – The Loop – is a favourite for many. Starting at Le Lac from the Palafour lift, this route takes you around the lake to Val Claret via the Merles lift. You might want to do an extra lap of Grattalu, as here you can have some fun in the snowpark or go for a blast on the boardercross. The Loop continues following the pistes back to Le Lac, where you can also break for a beer at Le Loop Bar. You can also choose to veer off-piste and onto freeride routes, with 32 square kilometres of off-piste snow waiting for the sporty or thrill-seeking skier who would rather not follow the crowd. You might even see some of the greatest athletes in the world of skiing training in the dedicated stadiums as they prepare for competition. The Aprés-ski As the resort has a fragmented, multi-village structure, there is no singular place where all the pubs and aprés ski bars are located – in fact there are far too many in the region to name, but we can single out a notable few! A favourite for many is the renowned La Folie Douce bar, where the festivities begin at 3 pm and extend long into the evening, and you can still catch the last lift back to Tignes or Val Claret. The Folie Douce similarly offers a wave of fun, with table dancing and live performances by DJs, dancers, and musicians every day. Down in Lavachet, there’s o Bar, Brasero, Le Queue De Cochon (formerly Scotty’s bar) and Box Cafe Bar. Along the famous Loop route, the Loop Bar is another hotspot hub for entertainment that you can frequent during your Tignes chalet holiday. In Val d’Isere, you can find the famous Cocorico’s, right next to the funicular at Tignes Val Claret, bubbling with all the character of the Alpine village, and for those looking for something more low-key, L’Embuscade is a hidden gem that is cosily French. The Chalet Accommodation Selecting accommodation here is made simple as you can freely choose from 52 different properties in the region, made distinct by their different tiers of catering. Whether you’d like to self-cater during your Tignes chalet holiday, simply have breakfast prepared for you, or revel in the comfort of a full board experience, there are a variety of chalets that can accommodate your individual needs. While the levels of service may differ depending on which property you choose, one thing that is constant throughout them all is their cosy interiors with all the appointments that ensure a homey and memorable Tignes chalet holiday. 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 a Tignes chalet holiday, Chaletline has a range of 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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