Tignes!

[pisteagain]

Can anyone give me anymore info on Tignes? Nothing much came up after doing a search, am thinking it's not that popular and a bit worried that it's a bit crappy for kids.

Is there a play area/sledging area?

Has anyone been with Esprit? What is the deal with spritelets at lunchtime. Our chalet is the opposite side of the town to where they have lunch. Do they get ferried about on a minibus[worried emoticon]?

Is it a faff getting over to Val Claret?

Any info gratefully received!

Have not been there for a few years but there is nothing wrong with it as a resort(stayed at Le Lac) - loads of runs. We went pre-child and all I can remember is that the snow garden area was under the bubble (we usually went up the other side on the chair as it was closer to the chalet). It isn't a pretty resort (ie, no trees) but it is functional and does the job. There is a free bus service between the areas that runs quite frequently.

Not THAT popular then??

I've been there but pre-DC. AFAIK there is a lake which is usually frozen and there are children's things on there - tobogganing etc. The weather was so frickin awful that I don't recall seeing much else during the 7 day whiteout.
It is a doddle to get to Val Claret as Caurnie says, there is a free bus.
I was a beginner and there were plenty enough terrifying precipices runs for me, including some free lifts. The area where I recall children's lessons was out of the way of the main "traffic".
Sorry can't help about lunch arrangements.

Don't have info on chalets etc, but ds learned there a couple of years ago age 6. The slopes are fairly steep ie what would be graded red elsewhere will be blue in Tignes, but the nursery slopes in Le Lac are more gentle than those in Val Claret. Buses run frequently between Val Claret and Le Lac, or you can walk across the lake. It's not a pretty resort - rather functional, although it has improved in recent years - and I always have the feeling that it is for skiers rather than people in search of great apres ski (those people go to Val d'Isere instead). Having said that, lots of families go to Tignes - it's certinly popular with the French - and it's my favourite place to ski.

I was there earlier this season and there seemed to be quite a range of kids areas and there were a few sledging areas so I'm sure you'll be fine! :-)

If you have any major worries I'd give them a ring!

Liz