In late March, most of Europe is in full spring mode, but the Tignes/Val d’Isère ski resort in the Savoie region of the French Alps is still in winter mode with serious snow accumulation. The weather varies daily and can go from a snowstorm in the morning to glorious sunshine in the afternoon.
Tignes-le-Lac and Val Claret are fantastic places to stay and have access to some of the best skiing in the upper levels, with stunning views as well as abundant, high-quality snow base.
From Tignes-le-Lac, the main access point is Tovière that connects Val Claret and Val-d’Isère. The views are incredible, with 360-degree panoramic vistas.
Val Claret hosts competition and training areas for racing and snowparks. The Grattalu chairlift offers access to some excellent runs of all levels as well as a connection to freeride runs toward Aiguille Percée.
One of the most pristine and scenic views in Tignes is from the Grand Huit chairlift. The skiing is fantastic and provides access to the Aiguille Percée chairlift that has equally stunning views. Once at the top, the iconic view of the natural arch, l’Aiguille Percée, is in full glory.
One of the most unique ski resort experiences one can imagine is the Destination Glacier of Funiculaire du Perce-Neige to Grand Motte. The 3.5-kilometer (2.2-mile) train ride takes about six minutes as you arrive at, yet another stunning panoramic vista and more excellent ski runs and snow conditions.
The area between Tignes and Val d’Isère is fantastic with a snowpark, snowmobile tours, and the famous après-ski club of La Folie Douce. The Tommeuses chairlift connects several access points and has terrific intermediate ski runs as well as off-piste.
Val d’Isère is famous for its posh hotels and boutiques. The village has old-world charm but also has a contrasting, high-tech look with its black gondolas and sleek, modern hotels. The upper area has fantastic skiing from the Datcha and Glacier lifts and the exhilarating chairlift of Leissières, which is not for the faint of heart.
Spring break or Easter vacation attracts a lot of college-aged students, mostly from the United Kingdom. So, the après-ski and the nightlife are very lively and at times over the top. Cocorico is the place to go in Val Claret and offers an unforgettable experience.