Skiing
We spoke to a couple of locals when we arrived and we were informed that conditions were excellent due to the decent (and late) snowfall in the previous winter season. We decided to go for broke and purchased a 6 day pass incl carre neige for 990 euros. Most mornings we managed to catch the funicular by 7.30am and had breakfast in the Grande Motte restaurant (coffee and pain au chocolat!!) before skiing. The slopes were not too icy first thing, probably due to the relatively high temperatures. About 2 degrees overnight and max 6 in the day. The best skiing was from 8am to around 10am with the snow rapidly softening from 10am to 11.30am. We stopped skiing each day by 11.30am. It was very similar to Easter skiing. The slopes were not crowded and no waiting at all for the various lifts. It was great fun and the empty slopes allowed for some serious concentration on skiing technique. We all felt like we'd moved on with our skill level by the end of the week. Blue skies and very little wind for 5 of the 6 days. We had one cloudy day but certainly not a white out.
In summary, we were really happy with the quality of the skiing and it was probably a bit better than we hoped for, particularly as the day time temperatures in the resort were approaching 26 degrees. Quite expensive for the pass and hire compared to the winter but more fun than lying on a beach!!
Ski hire
We used Deep Snow Ski Set (french owned) close to the funicular. The owner, Frank (sp?), was very friendly and allowed me to change over skis part way through the week. My youngest also had both a set of skis and a snowboard. The quality of the equipment and attention to detail was very high. We left our equipment and boots in the shop each day and drove up and parked opposite in the main car park. Therefore only a short walk to the funicular in our boots. We would definitely use Deep Snow again if we holidayed in Tignes.
Accommodation
We booked our apartment through Peak Retreats and stayed in Le Telemark in Le Lavachet. £1,750 for 2 weeks for a 4 bed duplex apartment. In the main it was very good. However, there were only 5 of us using it and it felt just about ok. Can't believe that it is advertised as catering for a maximum of 10. Rates for the winter are almost 5x the summer price!! Kitchen area very cramped and lounge seating not very comfy. Bedrooms very good though and beds decent. Only 1 bathroom and 1 downstairs loo which was ok for us but hopeless for full capacity. Location ok and we were able to walk into the centre le Lac within 7 or 8 minutes (uphill). There is a swimming pool, fitness centre,sauna etc on the ground floor but we only used once. We were allocated a car parking space directly under the apartment block which was very convenient. I wouldn't stay here for a winter holiday though.
Resort
The free buses worked well and were pretty regular. We tended to walk though or take the car up to Val Claret. All of the car parking was free and spaces always available. A good number of the restaurants and shops were open. There were a couple of market days per week selling crafts, food etc. Ate in the Loop bar twice (very good) and also L'Arbina (also very good).
Free resort activities
Loads to do. We all had a 'Sportignes' card which allowed free access to the water sports (single and double kayaking, paddle boards, pedalos, sail boats) and land based sports like tennis, table tennis, petanque. There is a football pitch, volleyball, terrain park for skate boarders etc. Blob jumping and hot jumping into the lake also on offer.
Mountain biking
Pretty expensive but well worth the effort. We hired downhill bikes from Bazoom in Val Claret. I think they were 59 euros each per day including protective kit. We only hired for 1 day but I would be keen to do more next time although expensive for multiple days and very tiring (much more tiring than I'd expected!) The downhill routes are classified like ski runs although they seemed much more onerous. My wife and 2 daughters stuck to the green runs and were challenged enough with these. I ventured onto a couple of blue runs with my brother in law and was at the limit of my capability and managed to fall off once. Luckily the body armour protected me from major damage although I did cut my leg in two places and bruised my hip. The black runs looked suicidal to me!! Would probably try a red next time......I think!
Super fun!!
Walking
There were lots of people making use of the chair lifts to head into the mountains to do some walking. We took the Palafours and did one walk back down into the resort. We were busy with lots of other activities so this wasn't top of our list. Nevertheless, the views were spectacular. See pic below.
White water rafting
We wanted a day out away from the resort and had intended to do some canyoning but this was not possible due to water levels being too high. After speaking to Evolution 2, we opted for white water rafting on the Isere based in the H2O centre near Landry. It was fantastic. There were 5 of us + Jerome who did the steering and told us what to do in classic laconic french style. I think we were a little underpowered having two teenage girls as part of the team but coped ok. We were encouraged to jump in to test our ability to get back into the raft which was entertaining. Part way through we collided heavily with a rock and my wife and youngest were both catapulted out of the raft which was quite scary. Even Jerome was looking nervous at that point. We stopped part way down the river and we given the opportunity to jump 5 metres from the bank into the river. Most of us took the opportunity!
It was totally thrilling and I would love to do it again. I had to take out special insurance (via Dog tag before the holiday) to allow us to partake and I could definitely see why white water rafting is defined as a dangerous/extreme sport. The power of the river is unbelievable.
Transport
We caught the overnight ferry from Hull to Rotterdam. We drove from Rotterdam to Tignes in 1 day going down. 720 miles in 11 hours. Very very tiring and I wouldn't want to do this again. We stayed over in Reims on the way back which was much easier although still a drag. It did give us a day in Rotterdam which was very pleasant. Cool District is very cool!
May fly and hire a car next time (or look into rail travel)
Summary
Great holiday, one of the best we have enjoyed as a family. Would love to do again .
Some pics
Grand Motte
View down Dahu run (red)
View of Leisse (black) from chair lift
Yours truly + better half on Rimaye (blue)
Sunny Grand Motte restaurant terrace
View of Val Claret on walk down from top of Palafours
Mountain bike 'team'
A gentle paddle on the river
My eldest daughter, mid 'blob'
An olympic kayaker spotted on the lake
The lake at sunrise
