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Skiing in Lavachet
Tignes is well known for being one of the highest, snow-sure resorts in Europe, and together with neighbouring Val d’Isere, makes up one of the most famous and exciting ski areas, L’Espace Killy. This huge area offers a network of 300km of varied and interesting runs, served by over 100 lifts, and is a favourite with more competent skiers who come to explore the vast amount of expert terrain and endless off-piste trails. The purpose-built resort of Tignes was developed in the 1950’s and is made up of 5 satellite villages – the modern Le Lavachet, Le Lac and Val Claret at the top of the resort, and the more traditional Les Boisses and Les Brevieres further down. All the villages in Tignes are conveniently linked by free bus service which runs throughout the night.
Skiing in Lavachet – The Mountains
The three villages of Le Lavachet, Le Lac and Val Claret surround a frozen lake high up in the valley of Tignes, above the tree-line, and are close enough to create the main centre of the resort. Le Lavachet, situated at 2,100m, has direct lift access to L’Espace Killy and beginners can start out on the nursery slopes here. There are five free lifts within the village area that novices can practice on before embarking on the higher slopes. Access to the Grande Motte Glacier, with its’ year-round skiing, is available from the neighbouring village of Val Claret by underground funicular, and the glacial peak at 3,550m can be reached in just over 5 minutes. Here on the glacier, the slopes are fairly wide and gentle and even after a few days most beginners can master them, whilst enjoying the spectacular views. Intermediate skiers have about a quarter of the terrain in Tignes to explore, with the enormous L’Espace Killy providing a further 100 blue and red runs. Tignes has some remarkable terrain for expert skiers, with a skiable vertical of 1,990m, one of the largest anywhere, excellent steep narrow black runs, challenging moguls and extensive off-piste that some consider to be the best in the world. Tignes is home to some legendary runs, including La Toviere, with its’ amazing moguls and the competitive course at Aiguille Percee. The area is a popular resort for intermediate and advanced snowboarders, with its’ year round, wide open slopes, and the largest snow park in the world, with beginners being better suited to the gentler runs of L’Espace Killy.
Skiing in Lavachet – The Après-ski
The après-ski scene in Lavachet, the lowest of the three main villages, is fairly quiet except for the popular Harry’s Bar, le Petit Pub and TC’s. Most people make use of the free bus service and frequent Le Lac and Val Claret, where there are many more bars and restaurants, offering the local Savoyard fare. Val Claret is home to some decent nightspots including Crowded House and L’Arobaze Café, an internet cafe. Other activities to enjoy whilst skiing in Tignes include bowling, swimming, hiking, snow-shoeing and visiting the fitness centre.
Tignes Skiing Holidays
Espace Killy Skiing Holidays
France Ski Holidays
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