Enjoy your own space on the piste at Tignes ski resort
By: Julia Aidan
Submitted: 2008-12-25 13:26:46 | Word Count: 579
So much space available to skiers on the slopes, it might start to feel slightly crowded, but never jam-packed with people. So don't worry, you will always be able to enjoy your own space on the piste.
Hit the glacier for some off-season skiing
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Tignes, which came to prominence in the 1960s and still holds on to some nonconformist charm, is your best bet if you are looking for a place to serve as your base in the area. The nearby Grande Motte Glacier offers over 1,000 meters of vertical skiing nearly all year round (eight to nine months per year) and the landscape of the area is said to be somewhat smoother than elsewhere. This can also have drawbacks, however, as the resort can be more exposed to any slight change in weather conditions.
New-look town with a retro feel
While some say Tignes's "retro" feel adds to its personality, the resort has its eyes firmly on the future and is striving to become a leading Alpine skiing destination. The town has been making improvements to make visitors' stays as enjoyable as possible. In order to help ease the way for people to make their way from the eastern to the western slopes, for example, the Tignes-Le Lac Street was situated underground. Some of the town's resorts have seen better days and renovations could be a help, but many of the hotels and buildings are getting makeovers, keeping the look of Tigris hip but with a throwback feel. The town has 20 hotels, fewer than 10 hotel residences, over 11 holiday centers, two holiday clubs, and nearly 75 private and leased-out apartments.
Not just for skiers!
Skiing is still the most popular recreational activity in Tignes, but snowboarding is gaining ground. With two half pipes, boarder crosses and quarter pipes, snowboarders will find plenty to keep them busy. Cross-country skiing is another option for the outdoors types; Tigres has over 20 kilometers of marked trails.
From quiet village to party town
Though many may believe differently, Tignes is bursting with après-ski options. The town has successfully shaken off its past image as a quiet resort and has added some body-shakin' nightlife. Years ago in Tignes you could go out to just a few restaurants and bars, but today you will find packed bars, overflowing eateries, bumping discothèques and hot clubs. There is even a cinema playing the latest Hollywood blockbusters and a sports center where you can play squash, go swimming, do aerobics and use state-of-the-art exercise equipment.
An activity for every taste
If all this is just not enough, those more demanding guests can make full use of Tignes's indoor skating rink and bowling alley, as well as its outdoor skate rink. You can also keep busy by playing basketball, climbing (ice, waterfalls and rock), heliskiing, ice diving, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and hang gliding.
If shopping is your thing you should not miss Tignes's more than 125 shops; and the town is also home to several banks, post offices, petrol stations, and even churches of different denominations, so you will have no problem finding a place to open a retirement account or go to confession. No matter what you are looking for in a ski resort destination, Tignes has what you are looking for!
