A Sneaky Weekend in Tignes
And where better to go than Tignes.
Its high-altitude setting is always a good bet for early season turns but, this year, it’s had a spectacular start with large quantities of the white stuff falling just in time for its November 22nd opening.
Even a sudden turn in the weather over the last week, with milder than usual temperatures, was surely unlikely to cause too much damage to the slopes?
I’m glad to report that my assumption was correct.
I know Tignes well. I’ve skied here in every month of the winter season, from December to May, over the years.
So I’m fully aware how bleak and cold the months of December and January can be.
Not this year – or, at least, not this weekend.
Tignes, Saturday December 13th. Image © PlanetSKI
Tignes, Saturday December 13th. Image © PlanetSKI
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Wow. I could hardly have wished for more for my first outing on skis this winter.
It’s even nice enough for an al fresco lunch.
Al fresco lunch in December in Tignes. Image © PlanetSKI
It’s Saturday 13th December and it’s honestly one of the best days of piste skiing I’ve had this early in any season.
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I will never tire of views like these….
Tignes, Saturday December 13th. Image © PlanetSKI
Tignes, Saturday December 13th. Image © PlanetSKI
It’s my good fortune that I get to spend my time blasting around the slopes with the lovely Margot Sella.
I first met her back in 2010 when she was working for the Tignes ski resort.
She’s now a full-time instructor at ESF.
Reunited with Margot Sella in Tignes. Image © PlanetSKI
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Sunday, December 14th dawns and it’s time for another early start to make the most of this whirlwind trip.
It’s the World Cup Men’s Slalom just over the mountain in Val d’Isere and, with four British skiers in the starting line-up, I’m keen to see at least some of the racing.
The quickest way there – and the one with the best views –Â is to take the Olympique gondola down to the bottom of the Face de Bellevarde race slope.
Men’s Slalom, Val d’Isere, as seen from the Olympique gondola. Image © PlanetSKI
I don’t have a public or press ticket, but it’s still possible to catch a bit of the action.
World Cup Men’s Slalom, Val d’Isere. Image © PlanetSKI
From a distance, I can just about see Laurie Taylor’s first run.
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He crosses the line in a superb 7th to take the bragging rights as the best of the Brits.
Billy Major follows and also secures his spot in the second run with an equally impressive 12th place.
As always, they are happy to pose for PlanetSKI.
GB’s Laurie Taylor & Billy Major at the World Cup slalom in Val d’Isere. Image © PlanetSKI
Laurie ended up joint 12th and Billy 24th.
Sadly, the third Brit in the second run – the great Dave Ryding – failed to finish.
But what a piece of British sporting history – it’s the first time three GB athletes have made it into the top 30 of a World Cup race.
Meanwhile, away from the racing, there’s just time for a bit more of this…
Tignes, France. Image © PlanetSKI
Before it’s time for this…..
Electric E-buggy, Tignes, France. Image © PlanetSKI
Now this is something completely new for me – and for Tignes.
An e-buggy is a bit like a go-kart but it’s fully electric and you drive it on snow.
Evolution 2 has just introduced the activity in Tignes Val Claret using vehicles hand-made by a man in Val d’Isere.
It’s open to everyone aged 14 and over – subject to a minimum height requirement – and it’s brilliant fun.
PlanetSKI’s Jane Peel tries out e-buggying in Tignes. Image © PlanetSKI
The prices range from €35 per person for 8 minutes to €70 per person for a 30 minute (4-5 people) or 1 hour (8-10 people) race session.
Be warned, the racing can be addictive, though I’m sure my group of four was driving faster than it looks in the video.
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And so, all too soon, my brief pre-Christmas getaway comes to an end.
Was it worth enduring two long travel days for just two full days in resort?
You bet it was!
Tignes, France. Image © PlanetSKI
MORE INFORMATION
To find out more about skiing in Tignes, visit the resort website.
The Evolution 2 E-Buggy experience
Jane stayed at the Hotel Taos in Tignes le Lac.
Jane’s food recommendations:
- Le Drole d’Endroit, Tignes le Lac (new this season, used to be a garage)
- Le Bollin, on the slopes at the top of the Bollin lift above Val Claret
- Kodo, Tignes le Lavachet (tiny place, great Asian food)
- Alberto, Val Claret (used to be Le Coffee)
- Chez Juliane, Tignes le Lac (new this season)
And if you fancy some apres-ski with live music, try Cocorico in Val Claret, next the base station of the funicular.
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