Resort information

Buses.

Absolutely invaluable. Initially these seem like a pain, but they turn out to be fantastically useful. And Free!!

 Out side the apartment, catch the bus to Le Lac, for the Aeroski bubble lift, Chaudannes and Parlafour lifts. Bus goes past central square, up a hill and stops by the Maison de Tignes, next to the Aeroski lift (just watch for all the other skiers to get off)

 Getting back is more involved. Maison des Tignes (huge chalet style information building in Centre of Tignes le Lac where English speakers will help you with info on parking, weather  etc etc) (Toilets here also). Behind this down the stairs to bus stops. Second row from the taxis is the bus you need to return. The bus will say  Val Claret or Grande Motte.

Wait till you can see the roundabout by the apartment and press red button for bus to stop. You will be right across from the apartment!!

 From this same stop, you can get to the funicular if you can’t be bothered to walk ( I never walk), or catch the tow rope ( not always open). Its only two stops , but better than walking with boots on.

 From the funicular, catch any buss, press button when you see the apartment ( second stop, et Voilla, you are home again).

 Lift pass

 Need a passport photo. There are booths in Tignes for these, but they need the correct change etc, so try and get them before you go. Either at the Maison de Tignes in Le Lac, or by the Funicular at Val Claret. Bus there and bus back. You can book on line at www.tignes.net

 You do not need a photo for  day pass or half day (available after 12.45), but you will need to stick these to the copper clip on part of you ski clothing (zip on jacket or trousers). Passes for two or more days need the photo. You can choose for just Tignes lifts, or Tignes and Val D’Isere, which is called Espace Killy. Espace Killy is huge and covers all of ValD’Isere, It is important to know that with the Tignes pass, you can go over towards Val D’Isere as long as you only catch the Tomeuse lift home. If you go on any other lifts, they will not accept your pass. U have been warned!! Having said that Tignes will keep you busy for a week, but if you like exploring, try Val D’Isere.     PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU GET A LIFT MAP (OR TWO) FOR EACH MEMBER.  

Both passes are available with or without insurance. If you have holiday ski insurance you will not normally need this, again the choice is yours here.

If you end up in Val d'Isereafter the lift stops, you need to go to the central bus station in Val and catch an Autocars Martin bus to Tignes, for which you will have to pay. Alternative is to call any chums still in Tignes and get them to come down in the car and pick you up

 Ski hire

 A quick walk in Val Claret will have you spoilt for choice.

You will need a passport or driving licence which they will copy, possibly a credit card, and they will sort you out with boots, skis and poles. If you want to change boots or skis, just bring them back and ask to change them. They will also ask if you want insurance against loss or damage. Again this depends on your personal insurance as to whether you think this a good idea or not.

 Lessons.

 Either in ESF or Evolution 2, both in Val Claret and Le Lac. Go through Sport 2000 into the square and ESF are there, alternatively in Le Lac, opposite the Maison de Tignes. Evolution 2 up the hill in Le Lac toward s the Post Office, in Val Claret, opposite the supermarket, on the left.

 Pool complex

 Pack towels, swimming costumes and swimming hats (speedo, Nike or similar), or they will sell you some hats at their prices. ( Hats are relatively cheap, but look it). You can use the pool as much as you like. Its not open on Saturday though.

 Go to reception of pool and say you are a guests of Mr Stephen (Try saying Stefann, it helps).  Fairly weird non private changing rooms, vestibule and free lockers.  Pool, aqua jets , are all free. You can pay extra for Sauna, steam room, massage, and water exercise classes. There is a Gym which you will have to pay if you want to use. We normally find we have enough exercise on the slopes,!!.

 Shopping

 Groceries. Two main choices  out toward The funicular and the Huit a 8 on the corner. Alternative is to go out of appt, turn left, up towards the Accenseur( lift). Through the corridor and bridge and out across the road to the supermarket on the right. Most shops shut from 12 to 14.00. Sells bread croissants etc.  These guys will also lend you a fondue set if you want to have a go yourself.

Other Bakers out of corridor , across bridge,straight ahead  across the road, has savouries and patisserie and opens at 7.00.

 Cashpoints

Most cashpoints take English cards, credit cards accepted in supermarkets, lift pass, ski hire, ski lessons petrol etc. I get my Euros from the Post office in the UK, as they do not charge commission. Difficult to change sterling, you will have to go to Le Lac and take a passport. Credit Agricole is in the Maison de Tignes in Tignes Le Lac

Eating out

Loads of restaurants. Pizza, take a hike to the one next to Club Med. Good French meals with music in an underground den in Val Claret past the Grizzly bar and before you get to the Fish tank Bar.

 Lunch:

 Tignes has relatively few mountain restaurants. My recommendations.

 ● High altitude blow out.

Funicular lift. Tablecloths and posh service restaurant ( don't go to the self service which I think is over priced ) at over 3000m !

 ●Mountain self service

 Grattalu chairlift

 Chaudannes chairlift. They will only serve you till 5.00 pm, as the piste patrol comes down and kicks everyone out.

 ● In Le Lac

 La Montagne,, With your back to the Aero ski and the Maison de Tignes on your left, turn right up the street and its on your left Great gallettes ( brown pancakes). Avoid the vin chaud here, great hot chocolates with cream. Great fondues here too.

 If you get a snowfall, consider skiing all the way to les Brevieres from the Chuadannes lift. At les Brevieres, there are two or three out-door restaurants but allow at least an hour to get there from the chaudannes lift, as it’s a long ski, but great, as it goes through the trees on trails and the food is great there too. If you are lucky to have a sunny day, its one of the best days of the week. Just be careful not to spend all day in the restaurant. It is very tempting!