Location
Tignes Les Brevieres
Originally known as Les Brenieres or 'home of the goats', Brevieres has managed to retain all of its alpine charm. The village itself dates back to the 13th century and has avoided the harsh modern architecture of some larger resorts. Tignes les Brevieres remains the hidden jewel of Espace Killy, situated at the base of the valley between Val d’Isere and Tignes. Here it is still possible to enjoy traditional village life, however, in a matter of minutes you can be whisked right into heart of one of the biggest and most exciting ski and snowboard areas in the world.
Ski region
Espace Killy is the combined area of Val D'Isere and Tignes and boasts an incredible 300km of marked pistes, 100 high-speed lifts, three snow parks and kilometre after kilometre of easily accessible off piste. Included in an Espace Killy lift pass it is even possible to ski or board for a day in the off piste paradise of Ste. Foy or into Italy via La Thules. Many believe this to be the greatest ski region in the world. With 1900m of skiable vertical drop there is something for everyone.
The highest peak is the Grand Motte. At 3400m its glacier is home to over 40km of summer skiing. The high altitude makes this one of the most snow sure regions in Europe, but just in case, there are over 200 snow cannons. The season kicks off at the end of November and then comes alive at the beginning of December for "The Premier Neige" the first of the Downhill races, when the glitzy world of Alpine Ski-Racing comes to town. Lifts continue to run well in to May, such is the snow-sure nature of the region, by when most other ski areas have long since closed.
Beginners
Beginners are well catered for by a free drag lift on the Brevieres nursery slopes. They are sectioned off so as to remain 'traffic' free and safe. Once up at Lavechet and Tignes le Lac there are further nursery slopes with slow chair lifts. Here you will also find plenty of easy blues, one of which brings you right back to the village centre.
Intermediates
This is an intermediates paradise. The variety of runs is second to none. The keen intermediate can choose from the wide, perfectly groomed blue runs to the longer and more challenging reds. Over open terrain or down through the tree line an intermediate skier can experience the whole enormous ski area.
Advanced
Advanced and expert skiers are also spoilt for choice. The renowned Vallon de la Sache is over 10km long. It's the areas longest black run and descends from the Aiguille Percee(the eye of the needle) all the way down to Brevieres, through a beautiful and secluded valley. From moguls to powder, dozens of black runs and off-piste routes, it's almost impossible to run out of options.
Snowboarding
Tignes is home to the largest Snow Park in Europe. It boasts a half pipe, an impressive range of kickers and rails, jumps for all abilities and a change in level of over 600m. The free riding on and off the piste is awesome and as extensive as you will find anywhere in the world.
Skiing photo courtesy of Frédérique Fetiveau - www.amazing-photos.fr
