February in Tignes: What's on and weather

There is still regular snowfall, and like January, the average daily temperatures generally fall between a high of 0ºC and a low of -9ºC, with around just over five hours of sunshine. Still very much a time for wearing a thermal under-layer.

Occupying the middle month of the season, February benefits from all the early-season snow whilst suffering none of the inevitable melt-off that occurs towards springtime. The snow has already arrived by February and it is about as snowy as the season gets, leading to pleasantly predictable conditions on-piste, the finest coverage off-piste (and thus options for exploration) and the perfect balance between winter’s cold and the sunnier, slightly longer days. Historically there are more powder and bluebird days than in any other month of the year.

February is a popular month for families so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the four-week French holidays begin. Fortunately, the Tignes-Val d'Isère valley ski area is so vast, that even in high season you can find quiet slopes and minimal lift queues. Here are our insider's top tips for the school holidays:

1. Group lessons are the best option in the busy period, as private lessons are almost impossible to book - unless you got in early. Make sure to get your ski and snowboard lessons booked well in advance to avoid disappointment.
2. If you're not in ski school, be an early bird. Arrive at the lifts before they open so that you get up and away before the ski school classes set out around 09:15.
3. Ski over lunchtime when the slopes are calmer (between 12:00 and 14:00) whilst the French take a leisurely lunch break.
4. Avoid the queues and make the most of your time in the mountains by pre-booking your lunch reservation - some restaurants offer a Click & Collect service.  
5. Seek out the peripheral areas. Try to avoid the busy main ski areas closer to the resorts and head to the edges of the valley. A bit of exploring never hurt anyone and you may find quieter lifts outside the main hubs
6. Get off-piste. Competent off-piste skiers can book a local mountain guide and explore the vast off-piste areas in the valley or even go touring to find complete solitude in the backcountry.

If, like most people, you like to follow several hours of exercise with several hours of drinking, you can hit up any of a number of local après-ski sessions. Tignes has a reputation for crazy clubbing and La Folie Douce is party central on the slopes. Enjoy one of their many themed parties after you've tucked into some delicious oysters or steak tartare.

February family fun in Tignes

The piste isn’t just amazing for skiing and sledging this month, there's toboganning, snowtubing, snake gliss and so many more snow themed winter activities to enjoy, just take a look at our guide.

Catch any number of sporting events up the hill during the month of February, and hopefully Valentine's day will bring some romance to your life - be sure to book that special spot in your favourite restaurant with your favourite person (or people). You are in the land of love after all.

February is probably the busiest month in Tignes. Follow the tips above and you should be able to avoid the worst of the queues and bottlenecks and find yourself riding great snow under often-sunny skies – the perfect mix. Bon ski!