Mad Dog Ski: Ski Resort guidebooks for Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland

On the piste - Tignes - France

Tignes sits on one side of one of the most varied and expansive ski areas in the world. Whether its backcountry powder, technical mogul runs, snowparks or just miles upon miles of cruisy blue runs, it has enough to keep every standard of rider busy.

A recent ski lift modernisation programme has seen most of the lifts in the Tignes valley rebuilt to be faster and more comfortable meaning that many of the long queues have disappeared and getting around is a lot faster. A hands-free electronic pass system has also been introduced streamlining the process of getting on the lifts. In short, a lot of money has been spent on making the ski experience better And with all the runs back into resort being serviced by snow cannons, even in snow sparse years, it is always possible to ski back to resort.

 


Our favourite runs

Beginners
The Palafour run back down to Le Lac is the best place for beginners just off the nursery slope with a wide gentle piste and a new fast lift to get you back to the top again.

Intermediates
Start from the very top of the Grande Motte and keep heading down all the way back to Val Claret via Glacier and Double ‘M’ – it’s a leg-burning run with great views.

Advanced
From the top of Aiguille Percee, take the Sache all the way down to Les Brevieres for a leg-burning mogul-filled frenzy.

Off-piste
From the top of the Grattalu, you can hike up and take one of many couloirs down into the Chardonnet bowl. Beware though, you should only do this with a guide as it slides a lot.

Day trips

Ever wished you could have someone to guide you round the mountains showing you the all best spots without having to pay a fortune? Well now you can for free!

Download one of these PDFs of step-by-step day trips to guide you round on some of the best skiing in the area…

The Tignes tour
• Les Brevieres day out
Val d’Isere
The Solaise sprint
Le Fornet