Ski Information

Lift Passes

You may not need a ski pass immediately if you are a beginner because some of the lifts in Tignes are free. Ask your instructor before you buy one. There are two sorts of pass - one which covers just the Tignes area and one which includes all the lifts in the whole area including Val d'Isère (Espace Killy) There are also special family passes with considerable reductions available. Teenagers and students can also be included in these passes. Ask for details from the STGM before buying.

You can now book your ski passes on line which will save you some time on your first day. For details and some idea of cost have a look at

http://www.tignes.net/GB_type_forfaits.html

http://www.skipass-tignes.com/

The easiest way to get a ski pass in resort is to go to the STGM office at the base of the funiculaire lift at Grande Motte. You will need a passport photo. Tignes offers a hands free service so that if you put your ski pass in your left top pocket the sensors at the barriers for the ski lifts will pick it up and let you through.

Ski School

We would strongly suggest that you pre-book ski lessons so that you get exactly what you want especially in busy periods. We particularly like

Evolution 2 http://www.evolution2.com/ +33 (0)4 79 06 35 76

They offer various ski and snowboard lessons in small classes (no more than 8 in a class) as well as off-piste instruction and ski-guiding. They are very good with children as well and speak good English. Skiing starts at age five and snowboarding at age eight. Medals and certificates are awarded at the end of each week. Their meeting place is very close to the apartment, less than 5 minutes. Both our children enjoyed their time with them.

Marmottons Kindergarten http://www.marmottons-tignes.com/+33 (0)4 79 06 51 67 / +33 (0)6 81 52 31 69

Les Marmottons is a private company who offer week-long skiing lessons and kindergarten for children aged three to eight years old. They have a dedicated area with ski garden.

ESF Tignes http://www.esftignes.com/ +33 (0)4 79 06 31 28

This is the main French Ski school and is the largest ski school in Tignes. It caters for all ages from 3 to 97 and offers a wide variety of courses.

Equipment Rental

You can make considerable savings if you pre-book ski and boots before arriving in Tignes. This
can make a saving of up to 40% and your equipment will be waiting for you in the shop on your arrival.

The best value in Tignes at the moment in our opinion is

Ski Republic www.ski-republic.com/+33 (0)4 79 07 68 13

2 locations in Val Claret. This is the newest hirer in Tignes and has caused quite a stir with the locals by reducing the price of ski hire considerably and offering special offers.

For a more personal and friendly approach go to the family run

Ari'sports http://www.arisports.com/ +33 (0)4 79 06 50 10

If you mention that you are in our apartment they will give you an extra discount.

Children

Tignes has lots of excellent facilities for children. Les Mamottes and ESF run very good ski kindergartens (see ski school section). There is an excellent sledging area within 5 minutes of the apartment. Please ask for ideas if you need a nanny and we will try and help. Ski passes are free to under 5s and over 75s and these can be obtained from the main STGM office by the Grand Motte Funicular, 5 minutes walk from the apartment.

Even if your child cannot manage to ski up on the Grande Motte Glacier its well worth a ride up on the funicular and then on the cable car to the top to admire the view. Then visit the ice grotto and stop for lunch at the panoramic restaurant at the middle station.

Other Activities

Lagon Aqua centre
The fantastic Aqua centre, le Lagon, is in Le Lac and offers:• a 25-metre swimming pool• a play pool with a 3-track multi-lane water slide, leisure pool, bubble bed, whirlpool seat, geyser, swimming against the current, waterfalls and more...• 1 paddling pool with a water slide, mini whirlpool bath, mushroom feature,• 1 spa centre with a spa, steam baths, saunas, fun showers, solarium and more...• Gym weight-training, stretching and dance rooms, cardio training ...There are several packages available, both by the day and by the week. They even offer swimming lessons!

In the interests of research we tried out the 'Wellness' spa centre. There was the biggest hamman I have ever visited, 3 saunas (all at different temperatures), 4 jacuzzi type baths, several sorts of shower along with easy chairs and mattresses. The views through every window are of mountains and the lake - heavenly!!!

Sport centre at Tignespace (Le Lac)
Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Tennis, Squash, Climbing wall, Yoga lessons

L'Ecrin du Val Claret Hotel in Val Claret
This hotel offers day passes and they have an indoor swimming pool, gym and thermal baths. This hotel is approximately 800 metres from the apartment. Next door to the above hotel, and in the same group, is the “Residence La Ferme du Val Claret”. They offer all the beauty treatments you could want, including 2 body wraps: the algae wrap and the chocolate wrap (!). I prefer to eat my chocolate but each to their own! They do a whole range of massages including Shiatsu, plus manicures and facials.

Outdoor activities
Apart from the obvious skiing! There are miles of prepared and marked trails for walking and ski du fond. You can also go on a cable car or funicular, and walk at altitude - or just join your skiing friends for lunch at one of the many mountain restaurants.
There are many other activities to try eg: Horse riding, Ice Diving, Para gliding, Ice skating, Helicopter flights, Snow shoeing, Karting on ice, Dog sledding, snowmobiling etc etc

Ice Grotto
You must definitely visit this if you get a chance, it is amazing, and well worth a trip up the Funicular.

We have lots of other information about Tignes - if we have not covered anything - please just email us and ask!