Spring is officially in the air as we enjoy longer sunnier days. Don't forget your sunscreen!
April in Tignes: What's on and weather
Skiing in a t-shirt and long lunches - there's a lot to love about spring in Tignes
The Easter holidays bring families back to the valley for a short end of season break in the mountains. The warmer spring days also brings a party-vibe to the town and the sun and snow conditions obviously warrant a longer lunch break on a sunny terrace to top up the tan, and après-ski seemingly starts a little earlier.
To make the most of the longer sunny days we like get out on our touring skis and split-boards, get away from the lifts, and find that last bit of untouched snow. Whilst some locals are brave enough to bring out their bikes for a quick trip into town, in general it's still too cold and icy to risk any road biking adventures.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout April.
What are the weather and snow conditions like?
As winter draws to a close for another year, the snow on the lower slopes is usually much heavier by midday. The temperatures rarely dip below freezing, usually falling between a low of -2ºC and a high of 5ºC, plus there's still the chance of snow as April averages seven days snowfall, and therefore a powder day isn't out of the question.
Closing parties
There is still time to enjoy the legendary après-ski parties before the season comes to an end. La Folie Douce has the après-ski hotspot crown, but for a more relaxed affair you can always try one of the local bars for some happy hour discounts - and if you're here late enough in the season there are some wild closing parties.
Bars & Clubs in Tignes
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La Folie Douce
The most famous mountain clubbing hotspot in the Alps with live music, DJs, dancers and performers
La Folie Douce in Val d’Isere is a true mountain icon, offering an unforgettable blend of gastronomy, celebration, and art de vivre. From the moment you arrive, the energy is palpable, making it the perfect spot for après-ski lovers looking to extend the fun well into the evening. Whether you’re here for lively music, spectacular performances, or simply to soak up the alpine atmosphere, every visit promises something special.
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Couloir Bar and Restaurant
International restaurant and bar in the centre of Val Claret close to the Tufs chairlift
Situated in the main square of Val Claret, only two minutes from the Tufs chairlift, this restaurant serves an international menu and offers live music for après-ski.
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Le Brasero Bar and Restaurant
Great food and drinks at this ski-in/ski-out location with fantastic outdoor seating on the suntrap terrace
Le Brasero Bar and Restaurant is a welcoming ski-in, ski-out spot located in Tignes Le Lavachet, perfectly placed for a relaxed stop straight from the slopes. Known for its friendly atmosphere and great value, it’s a popular choice with skiers and snowboarders looking for good food and drink without the fuss.
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Loop Bar and Restaurant
Lively bar with happy hour and après-ski plus tasty burgers and live sport
The Loop Bar is where food, music, après-ski, and nightlife come together in Tignes. Established in 2007, it enjoys a prime ski-in, ski-out location at the bottom of the Trolles slope in Tignes Le Lac, making it an easy stop straight from the piste.
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La Queue de Cochon Restaurant and Bar
Great food and cocktails in this hidden gem tucked away in Tignes Lavachet
Well worth seeking out!
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Cocorico après-ski bar
Awesome outdoor après-ski bar on the snowfront with live music throughout the season
Coco Rico Bar sits right on the snow front in the heart of Tignes Val Claret, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the slopes. Located at the foot of the Grande Motte funicular, it’s easily accessible both on skis and on foot, so popping in for a drink couldn’t be simpler.
Ski Schools in Tignes
Easter is a popular time for families so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the holidays begin. Fortunately, the ski area is so vast, that even in the height of season you can find some quiet slopes and minimal lift queues. Here's our insider's top tips for the school holidays:
- 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
- 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
- ski over lunchtime when the slopes are calmer (between 12:00 and 14:00) whilst the French take a leisurely lunch break
- 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
- seek out the peripheral areas - try to avoid the busy main ski areas closer to town
- 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
Ski School Lessons in Tignes
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Group ski lessons
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
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Group ski lessons
Group ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
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Private ski lessons
British school offering a wide range of private lesson options tailored to all ages and abilities
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
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Private ski lessons
Ski school offering private lessons with fully-qualified British instructors
This school is a reputable ski school that was originally set up in Val d'Isère in 2006 and is well respected for their off-piste clinics.
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Private ski lessons
Private skiing and snowboarding lessons with highly rated instructors
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
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Private ski lessons
Exceptional private ski and snowboard tuition for all ages and abilities
With this ski school it’s all about having fun! Recognised internationally as one of the best ski schools in the Alps, they continue to develop, bringing technique and pleasure closer together.
Winter Things To Do in Tignes
If you're not up the mountain enjoying the spring sunshine and snow conditions, make sure you check out one of the many activities put on this month - make memories both on and off the slopes.
Wintersport Things To Do in Tignes
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Helicopter tours
10, 30 or 60 minute private helicopter tours for up to five people
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
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Heliskiing/boarding
Heliskiing/boarding trip in Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass.
For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
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Tignes Snowmobile Activity Company
Night time skidoo tours in & around Tignes
Snowmobiles are illegal on the pistes during the day but once the slopes are closed you can get out on your Skidoo and discover Tignes under the stars.
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Ski bungee jump
A new adrenaline rush combining zip wire, bungee and huge ramp!
Thrill seekers prepare yourselves for the new winter/summer attraction in Tignes. The Bun J Ride allows you to jump a 30m ramp, falling off into a 40m drop on bungee cords, and then locks you into a zip wire taking you back down to earth.
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Heli-Skiing
High mountain guides, ice climbing, mountaineering and heli skiing
Alpamayo are a group of high mountain guides based in Chamonix all year round as well as in Val d'Isere and Tignes in the winter.
April events in Tignes
As the season begins to wrap up there's still plenty of action in April - both up the mountain and in town, so keep an eye on the activites and events calendar to make sure you're not missing out.
Events in Tignes
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Xplore Alpes Festival Film Tour
Film festival screenings to highlight the world of outdoor sports
Enjoy a film festival showing prize-winning outdoor films.
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Tignes opening weekend
Tignes ski resort is open for the season from this weekend
Take part in the first descents of the season and enjoy the freshies
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Les Etoiles du Sport
Sports stars and young athletes team up and compete in snow sports
Professional and Olympic sports stars partner up with young athletes to help them win the title in the "Etoiles du Sports" (Sport Stars) competition.
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Yeti Race
Fun mountain time-trial race on snow in teams of two or four
With 10km on the snow of Tignes, the course includes tests in orientation skills, precision, strength, agility and endurance.
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Criterium de la Première Neige
World Cup downhill and giant slalom ski races
One of the biggest events of the season with the world's best men's and women's slalom racers competing on the Face de Bellevarde and OK (Oreiller Killy) slopes in Val d'Isère.
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