Tignes
One of the highest ski resorts in the world , snow sure and a long season , this resort is a firm favourite with season workers who quite often end up doing several seasons here !
Although it’s not picture perfect with large 70’s apartment buildings perched on the mountainside , and not a tree to be seen ( well there are one or two) , but on a powder day and blue skies its so stunning it hurts your eyes !
Tignes is split into 5 areas : Val Claret , Le Lac , Le Lavachet, Les Boisses (or Tignes 1800) and Les Brevieres below the dam. Most seasonaires live in Le Lavachet but the free buses run 24 hours and you can come out of a bar in one part of town and home 20 mins later!
Jobs in Tignes
There is a wealth of opportunities here , every big ski company along with smaller chalet companies , you sometimes wonder if you are in France when you hear the amount of English staff !
Bar & restaurant jobs are plentiful here too.
No job listings found.
Slopes
The area is vast , with great off piste areas such as “the Spot” and hard-core couloirs called the fingers that drop you back into Le Lac; on powder days the “bus stop” is a classic open fields run dropping off the avalanche barriers to catch the bus back .For those who live in Le lavachet the best run can be the one home , dropping into the Lavachet wall …straight into a bar for après ski and a live band !
Top Off Piste areas
1. The Vallon de la Sache
- Description: This is one of the most famous off-piste routes in Tignes, offering a long and varied descent. It starts from the top of the Aiguille Percée and drops down into the beautiful Sache Valley.
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Features: The run includes open powder fields, narrow couloirs, and a scenic descent through the forest.
- Access: From the Aiguille Percée lift, follow the marked path towards Vallon de la Sache.
2. The Chardonnet Couloir
- Description: A challenging and steep couloir that requires technical skiing skills. It’s a favorite among expert skiers looking for an adrenaline rush.
- Difficulty: Expert
- Features: Steep and narrow with occasional rock drops and variable snow conditions.
- Access: Reachable from the top of the Grattalu or Tichot lifts, requiring a short hike.
3. The Fingers
- Description: Located above Tignes Le Lac, The Fingers are a series of steep, narrow couloirs that drop into open bowls. This area is known for its excellent snow quality and thrilling descents.
- Difficulty: Advanced to Expert
- Features: Steep couloirs, often requiring careful navigation around rocks and cliffs.
- Access: Accessible from the Palafour lift, with a short traverse to the start.
4. Mickey’s Ears (Oreilles de Mickey)
- Description: This off-piste area offers several lines with different levels of difficulty, making it a versatile spot for advanced skiers.
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Features: Varied terrain with powder fields and some narrow sections.
- Access: From the top of the Aiguille Rouge lift, with a traverse to reach the different lines.
5. The Tour de Pramecou
- Description: A scenic and long off-piste descent that takes you around the Pramecou peak. This route offers a mix of open powder fields and challenging sections.
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Features: Stunning views, powder fields, and some technical sections.
- Access: From the top of the Grand Huit lift, followed by a short hike to reach the start of the descent.
6. The Lavachet Wall
- Description: Known for its steep pitches and deep powder, the Lavachet Wall is a favorite among locals. It offers a direct descent into the Lavachet area.
- Difficulty: Advanced to Expert
- Features: Steep gradients, deep powder, and some cliff drops.
- Access: Accessible from the Chaudannes lift, with a traverse to the starting point.
7. The Col du Palet
- Description: A less crowded off-piste area that provides a mix of open fields and challenging descents. It’s ideal for those looking to escape the more popular routes.
- Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
- Features: Wide-open powder fields, some narrow sections, and a long descent.
- Access: From the Col du Palet lift, with a short hike to reach the best lines.
Bars
- Val Claret : Couloir, Drop Zone The Studio
- Le Lac : Loop , Jam Bar , Marmot Arms , and Jacks bar (open till 4am)
- Le Lavachet : Le Brasero , La Queue de Cochon, So Bar
- Les Boisses :Les Melezes
- Les Brevieres :The Boot room (same guys as the Moose)