Secrets de Tignards: why is spring the favorite season for locals?

Among those who love springtime in the mountains? The Tignards (inhabitants of Tignes)! They have the opportunity to ski from October to May, and know all the delights of each season. And many of them place the last weeks before closing time at the top of the podium if you really ask them to choose their favorite period. But why? We take a look at the little secrets that make spring so desirable.

Longer days and higher temperatures mean even more time to enjoy. We can ski longer without being stopped by the cold ; we can hang out on the terrace at lunchtime and in the evening until the last rays of sunshine come through; we can discover activities and take part in family events even at the end of the day, without having to race as night falls. In short: you take the time to live, with a real vacation rhythm! So much so, in fact, that the locals themselves feel a little like they’re on vacation when they take their lunch break on the terrace or meet up for an after-work party, sunglasses on…

Sports tobogganing (from 1m40), dog sledding, snowtubing (from 3 years), swimming pool (with paddling pool and 3-lane slide!) etc. After a day on the slopes, put on your après-skis: you’ll have plenty of time to share the essential winter sports activities with the whole family.

For a solo getaway, try a microlight or paragliding experience: two activities you’ll enjoy even more in spring, when temperatures rise.

Throughout the day, the texture of the snow changes according to the amount of sunshine. While it may be a little hard at daybreak after the night’s refreezing, it softens as soon as it warms up under the effect of the sun’s rays. The secret? Choose your route according to the exposure of each piste and its altitude, starting at the bottom of the ski area and working your way up to its highest point: the Grande Motte glacier (where the cable car arrives at 3,456 metres). Don’t hesitate to ask a ski instructor to accompany you for the first few days: they know the area like the back of their hand and will guide you through the entire Tignes – Val d’Isère ski area from morning to night, so you can enjoy the “best snow” without even having to look at the piste map.

The softness of the spring snow will also reassure beginners and families with young children: falls, which are inevitable when you’re learning, are always less frightening when the snow is “softer” and you’re not going as fast! In fact, you’re likely to witness the first slides of Tignes’ children (future Olympic champions?) on the free beginners’ sectors, with their parents as coaches. It has to be said that at the resort, people know how to ski even before they know how to walk (or almost)…

Spring is also ski touring season! Hire a mountain guide to show you the wild landscapes of the Vanoise National Park (accessible in just a few minutes via the Palet sector lifts). After the effort, the comfort: treat yourself to a cheese speciality at the refuge du Palet or the refuge de la Leisse to recover from all the ascent you’ve “swallowed”! Be sure to check their opening dates before putting on your skins.

We work on our good looks on the terrace (sun cream essential!). We share a crêpe with our little ones to congratulate them on the day’s progress. We jump into the aperitif season with both feet (but with a local beer… or a spritz to toast our Italian neighbors). We have no qualms about “ski-terrasse” (going from one high-altitude restaurant to another on the slopes for a coffee, lunch, snack, drink…).

Spring is also a good time to check out the snowpark and easy park: two freestyle spots particularly popular with local freestylers at the end of the season (and of course open to all), when receptions are milder and you can ride in a hoodie before slipping off to the most festive après-ski addresses at the foot of the slopes.

April also sees the return of springtime activities such as the water slide (crossing a stretch of water on skis, without falling!) and the traditional Easter egg hunt. A must for the kids!

As you can see, spring concentrates the best of chill-out vacations in just a few weeks, with the added bonus of great deals on accommodation + ski pass packages, and even lessons, at very attractive prices. Don’t miss out on your last run (before next season)!