La Folie Douce
This celebrated après-ski haunt is situated at the top of the Daille cable car. Known around the world for its top-notch entertainment and wild parties, La Folie Douce is the place to party on the piste in Tignes.
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
Spring is officially in the air as we enjoy longer sunnier days. Don't forget your sunscreen!
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.
School holiday skiing
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.
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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Loop Bar and Restaurant
Loop bar is right at the bottom of the Trolles & Rosset pistes in Tignes Le Lac, in a perfect spot to drop in for an après drink, snack or a bit of darts, pool or live sport.
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Bar Hors Piste
Relax after a day on the slopes in the comfortable surroundings of the Bar Hors Piste in the 4* Hotel Le Ski d'Or.
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Le Brasero Bar
Le Brasero is a lively bar and restaurant ideally located in Le Lavachet, Tignes at the foot of the piste des Digues and next to bus stop number 4.
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Couloir Bar and Restaurant
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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La Queue de Cochon Restaurant and Bar
Well worth seeking out!
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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Heliskiing/boarding
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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Ski bungee jump
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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Tignes Snowmobile Activity Company
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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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.
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School of Ice Diving
Experience the sub aquatic world, the beauty of the colours below and the explore the icy lake in Tignes.
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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Criterium de la Première Neige
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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Christmas in Tignes
Christmas week in Tignes includes a parade through the streets with Father Christmas, a torchlit descent and a fireworks display.
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New Year in Tignes
What better way to celebrate the arrival of the new year than a fabulous fireworks display at midnight.
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Lac gelé 24 hour race, Tignes
At 2,100m, competitors will follow a course traced on the lake that will test both endurance and team spirit.
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Valentine's Day in Tignes
If you're looking for a special way of celebrating Valentine's with a loved one then Tignes is a great choice.
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Freeride World Tour qualifier and Freeride Junior Tour
A qualifier of the French Freeride Series as part of the Freeride World Tour, the biggest all mountain competition on the planet, right here in Tignes.
More inspiration...
If you're coming to Tignes this month or later in the summer, now is the time to start thinking about booking accommodation, how to get here, and some of the many things to do while you're in town.
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