Picking the perfect resort can be a tricky decision for intermediate skiers, as you will want somewhere that you can improve your technique but also not be overwhelmed. In addition to the right mix of runs, you will also want to factor in off-piste activities, ambience, après ski and everything else that is so important on a ski vacation.
Many intermediates flock to Tignes in the French Tarentaise Valley, which is widely regarded as a resort and region which is fantastic for intermediates looking to enjoy the snow whilst also boosting their abilities and confidence.
Great Intermediate Runs
Tignes is home to 38 blue runs and 17 red runs, ensuring that all levels of intermediate are well catered for. For confident intermediates, the long black run called Sache is sure to test your skills and provide a serious adrenaline rush. With such variety available, it also means that most skiers make great strides with their technique and ability during their holiday. Not only is there great variety, but all of the runs are well-groomed and the conditions are world-famous.
Ultra-Reliable Snow
Another reason that Tignes is so popular with intermediates (and other skill levels) is the ultra-reliable snow. With the three main villages at 2100m and with slopes that rise to around 3400m, this resort is known for being one of the most snowsure in the entire Alps. Thanks to a number of the key runs being north-facing, it also keeps the snow colder in spring and the conditions much better during this time of year.
Whilst this great coverage allows you to tear up the slopes throughout the year, it is also worth noting that most of the skiing is above treeline; this can cause problems if there is low cloud or a snowstorm. However, the lack of trees also suits off-piste skiers who can enjoy an enormous amount of terrain to explore.
A Good Range of Ski Schools
Most intermediates will see a skiing holiday as a great opportunity to progress with their technique. This is why Tignes, which is renowned for its wide range of ski schools, is a great intermediate choice. All of the schools receive extremely positive feedback from clients. Due to their reputation, it is important to book ahead to guarantee their services.
British ski schools which come highly regarded include New Generation, The Development Centre, Progression Ski, BASS and Ultimate Snowsports. If you are serious about improving, any of these schools will be worth the extra money. Most offer group lessons, private clinics and technical workshops all designed to rapidly improve your abilities.
For those on a budget, ESF is the main ski school which offers group and private lessons for a number of age groups. Alternatively, one of the French independent schools could be used, provided you can get an instructor that is fluent in your language.
For those visiting Tignes in the summer, keep a look out for Snoworks travelling ski school. This highly praised school put on a series of vigorous skills clinics that will help any intermediate to sharpen their overall performance through enhancing various skills.
How to Get to Tignes
There are a number of ways to reach Tignes, but the majority fly into Geneva (GVA) as it is the most convenient method with many flights made each day. A transfer from the airport to the resort will take roughly 3.5 hours. Chambéry (CMF) is the closest airport at 142km which will take 2.5 hours, but there are not as many flights and it may be closed during bad weather. Other options include Turin (TRS) (3 hours), Grenoble (GNB) (between 2.5 and 3 hours) and Lyon (LYS) (3 hours).
Tignes can also be reached by train, with Bourg-Saint-Maurice train station only 30km and a 40-minute transfer away. Lyon Saint-Exupéry train station is another option, but a transfer will take between 2.5 and 3 hours.
For a comfortable and stress-free onwards journey from any of these stations to the resort, it is worth booking a Shuttle Direct private transfer in advance. Not only will this alleviate the stress of using public transportation, but you can also benefit from our service to transfer your ski equipment and kit for free.
Where to Stay:
Budget
Grande Casse I Tignes: An apartment block with apartments that sleep four, this hotel is well located and has Wi-Fi available in all areas. Each apartment comes with a television, balcony, lounge area and full kitchenette. There are also private bathrooms with showers. The ski sport facilities are just 150 yards away.
Midrange
Maeva Tignes Le Lac: Located opposite the lake and with the ski slopes just 50 yards away, Maeva Tignes Le Lac is in the heart of Tignes-Le-Lac. The hotel has free Wi-Fi throughout, ski-to-door access and a shuttle bus that runs in the local area. The studios have a private balcony or terrace, an attractive décor and a shopping delivery service available (at an additional cost).
Luxury
Hotel Village Montana: A mountain-style hotel found at the foot of the ski slopes in the Espace Killy resort, the large rooms here have satellite TV, free Wi-Fi and a private balcony with amazing views. The facilities include 4 restaurants, 2 lounge bars, a spa and wellness centre, on-site ski hire, heated ski storage and indoor parking. Rooms are available in singles through to rooms of 4.
About Shuttle Direct:
Shuttle Direct provides reliable, affordable and professional transfers from airports, train stations, cruise ports, hotels and other areas of interest throughout Europe.
They are experts in providing winter transfers throughout the French, Italian and Austrian Alps and provide a service from Geneva, Chambéry, Lyon, Turin and Grenoble amongst other airports. All group sizes and budgets are catered for.
Book a transfer in advance and have all of your ski equipment and luggage transported for no additional cost.
