Our commitments on ski area
At Tignes, the quality of skiing is based on optimum snow cover, enhanced safety, modern facilities and a strong commitment to accessibility and respect for the environment.
Tignes: a safe, accessible and sustainable ski area
Tignes makes every effort to improve its ski area over the years. Snow quality, safety, accessibility, comfort. Everything has to be constantly thought through and challenged to offer you the best experience on the pistes, whatever the time of year you come to Tignes.
Snow quality
At Tignes, the mountains are an exceptional playground that we are committed to preserving, making safe and accessible to all. Our ski area is renowned for its natural snow cover, thanks to its altitude and privileged location. As soon as the first cold spells arrive, we reinforce this precious resource with a controlled network of artificial snow generators, which create a stable, long-lasting base. This solid base guarantees the quality and durability of the snow cover throughout the season, for the enjoyment of skiers and the preservation of the terrain.
Safety first and foremost
Safety is at the heart of our daily commitment. Outside opening hours, our teams of professionals (and in particular the ski patrols) work to make the slopes safe, prevent the risk of avalanches and ensure that the area is ready to welcome skiers every morning. During the day, their constant vigilance, combined with clear signposting and regular information, ensures the peace and safety of everyone on the slopes.
An accessible ski area
Tignes is also committed to making skiing accessible to as many people as possible. From the diversity of slope levels to the provision of specially adapted facilities, not forgetting the special needs of the public, everything is designed to ensure that everyone can enjoy the mountains to the full, whatever their level of ability.
What’s the environmental impact?
Aware of our environmental responsibilities, we are developing our resort with sustainability in mind. Reasonable management of water and energy, preservation of biodiversity and sensible upkeep of the area are all concrete actions that guide our choices.
Modern ski lifts
Finally, we are constantly investing in modern, efficient and comfortable ski lifts, to guarantee fluid, fast and safe access to the resort, meeting the expectations of ski enthusiasts and families alike.
At Tignes, we do everything we can to ensure that every day on the slopes is synonymous with pleasure, safety and respect for the mountains.
Snowmaking in Tignes
Tignes operates 400 snowguns dispersed over the entire skiable area: from the top of Double M run to Les Brevieres and Toviere summit. Thanks to their continued operation, you can ski from one mountain to another.
Artificial snow is a complex mixture of water and air. In Tignes, the snow is “man-made”, which is different from artificial snow : man-made snow is a mixture of compressed air and water, which is mixed as it leaves the snow-cannon creating ice crystal upon which a snow-flake form as it falls to the ground : (artificial snow is a pre-determined “fake” snow crystal).
A granule of snow-covered ice forms in the snowgun nozzle before being forced through by pressurized air. To produce artificial snow, weather conditions are paramount:
- Temperature below -3° C
- Low humidity
- Minimal wind
Where does the water come from ?
Here in Tignes, the water is taken directly from the natural lake at 2100 meters. No chemicals are added.
Snowmaking professionals
Snowmakers are responsible for operating and maintaining the snowguns. As of the Christmas holiday period, snowmakers work primarily at night. The snowmakers can therefore take action should a nighttime incident take place. A remote surveillance system enables them to control the production system using an internet connection.
Slopes grooming
Tignes Snow Grooming Team’s 28 snowcat operators take over the ski runs from closing to opening. Tignes has 15 units of machinery, including 5 pipe-cutting attachments and a snowcat to mold half-pipes and ensure maximal enjoyment for skiers and boarders. Their duties include:
- Grooming of fresh snow
- Apartmenttening ofmogul fields
- Production of artificial snow
5 mechanics maintain the proper working order of the 15 snowcats, eight snowmobiles and various other vehicles used by Tignes Snow Grooming Team.