Kathryn and Tom
For the very best things to do in Tignes, we spoke to Tom “BFG” Berry and Kathryn “Okay Dokey” Wright, Resort representatives for Ski Total and Esprit. Working, living and breathing the resort since the start of the season Kathryn and Tom have popped together some of their favourite things to do both on and off the pistes of the famous Espace Killy Ski Area! From fun to thrill seeking activities there is something to satisfy the needs of any mountain lover! Tom and Kathryn are on their combined fourth season, having previously enjoyed winters in La Rosiere and Meribel.
Challenging black slopes and some of the best skiing in the world
Photo from Esprit Ski
Tignes indisputably offers some of the best intermediate and advance skiing in the world and holds an iconic status amongst expert skiers. The ‘Espace Killy’ ski area, combining Tignes and neighbouring Val d’Isère, is completely snowsuredue to the Grande Motte Glacier and is home to over 300kms of pistes. The area offers well over a mile of vertical drops, from the peak of the Grande Motte down to the picturesque old village of Tignes-les Brevières with plenty of trickier runs. Whilst Tignes offers many activities for non-skiers and boarders, we strongly recommend giving the slopes a chance here as the resort offers miles and miles of wide open pistes.
Ice diving
Not for the faint hearted, one of the most unusual activities on offer in Tignes is ice diving! This unique scuba experience is available in frozen Tignes lake, with brave guests diving under 30 – 50cm of ice to discover the wildlife that lives beneath the surface. Evolution 2 offers daytime and night time dives, and the activity is suitable for beginners as well as expert divers. Ice diving costs from €95 per person and includes wet suit hire.
Bun J Run
The Bun J Ride combines ski jumping, bungee jumping and zip wire with participating guests jumping off a 30m ramp, falling off into a 40m drop on bungee cords, and then taking a zip wire back down to earth!
Ice-climbing
Val D’Isere activities – ice climbing (Esprit Ski)
There is a frozen waterfall located in Tignes Les Brevieres, open to all for ice climbing. As an experience climber with the correct safety equipment you can tackle it on your own, but if you are a beginner and have never climbed before then a mountain guide or adventure company such as Evolution 2 can teach you the basics of using crampons and an ice axe. This natural phenomenon is a must for climbing enthusiast.
Apres-ski at Le Loop bar
Loop Bar views (Esprit Ski)
Le Loop bar in Le Lac is a very popular bar with seasonaires and holiday goers alike, it has a sunny terrace overlooking the Trolles black run and Rosset learner slope, making it a great location to sit back with a cold beer and people watch. In the evenings the bar has frequent live music acts and therefore gets very busy with a great atmosphere. Tip: Ask for a Loop bar loyalty card and earn points to get money off drinks.
