Easter in Tignes
High altitude resorts like Tignes are as popular with British families at Easter as at Half Term. Less expensive and less crowded and warmer temperatures in April can be big plusses over a mid-February holiday. We take a look at some of the reasons why.
Tignes lake and Val Claret in April
Spring Snow
Ski conditions are always good in April up on the Tignes plateau. With Tignes Le Lac, Val Claret and Le Lavachet all above 2000M the snow lasts beyond the ski season. There is often fresh snow at Easter and the conditions vary from powder to firm pistes in the morning and softer spring snow from mid-day.
Runs at lower altitudes and facing the sun can get slushy in the afternoons, so we tend to travel to the higher runs after lunch.
La Grande Motte Glacier 3656M
The glacier has the best conditions on the hill all day long. Because the snow does not melt in the afternoons, the groomed runs stay consistently soft and grippy in the mornings and afternoons. This makes the glacier the perfect place to teach confident blue run skiers to the most ardent black run skiers.
Spring Lunches
With the sun shining, stops on the mountain are always a pleasure. There are a multitude of restaurants on the slopes with sun terraces. One of our favourites is the Soli at the top of the Chodannes and Aiguille Rouge. A great place to lie back in a deck chair and relax in the sun and maybe partake in a cocktail at the end of the day.
The Panaramic is another sun-drenched spot where the Faniculaire mountain train meets the Grand Motte cable care. There are stunning views, snack bar, self-service and a 5-star restaurant.
On the Val D’Isere side, the Marmottes Restaurant offers great value food in their fast-moving self-service and a large terrace to enjoy the warm spring air.
Kids in Spring
Easter is our favourite time of year to teach the kids. What’s not to like, warm kids are happy kids and no runny noses. Our kids program is always full at Easter, mostly with kids that have been with us one or more years before. We have seen so many kids grow up, coming back to our groups year after year and becoming avid skiers that love the mountains. Hot chocolate breaks are still a must, but in spring we can sit outside in the sun.
4. Ski School
BASS run ski lessons and guiding all through April. With fun group lessons for kids, private lessons and week long ski courses for adults.
5 Quick Tips To Leave you with
1. Use high factor sunscreen and lip balm, reapplied regularly throughout the day
2. Accommodation in the 3 highest areas in Tignes are best, but there is an efficient gondola up from Tignes 1500 & 1800.
3. Book meals and activities before you arrive as all the best sun terraces fill up.
4. Book your ski lessons with British Alpine well in advance as Easter gets booked up sooner than you would think.
5. Download the Tignes App with a live bus feed and all the up to date lift and slope opening information.
