A lot of people tend to follow similar itineraries for Europe, which is why it’s so nice to break the mould and do something a bit different – even if only to start with.
For instance, you could make your year out your own by kicking everything off with a short skiing trip.
And what better destination than beautiful Tignes!
Skiing in Tignes
Combining adventure, the chance to learn new things and the endless allure of apres-ski, this kind of break is the perfect way to start your year off with a bang.
Plus, it’s a really versatile option – say you’re going on a solo trip, for example, the chances are a couple of your friends are planning similar jaunts. If so, why not plan to spend an unforgettable few weeks together carving up the slopes before going your separate ways to discover the world independently?
Alternatively, ski resorts are great places for meeting new people – especially if you stay in a large chalet. This way, you can get to know fellow travellers after days spent dominating the pistes.
Another advantage of starting your year out with some skiing is that it also gives you the opportunity to have a go at some weird and wonderful activities you might never have heard of or considered doing.
Of course, just how much you can try and the variety of nightlife on offer can vary quite significantly depending on where exactly you choose to go. For the ultimate experience, I suggest you head to Tignes in the Espace Killy region of France.
Why Visit Tignes
Tignes is an amazing destination, whether you’re planning a big trip with friends, a solo adventure or just love winter sports.
It’s got over 300 km of the best marked pistes in France, as well as the brilliant Swatch Snowpark, while the Grande Motte glacier gives you the chance to ski from an impressive altitude of 3,450 m.
While its skiing credentials are of course very important, it’s the combination of other activities and nightlife that makes this destination best suited to travellers.
Activities
Some of the best things to do in Tignes include skiing, snowboarding, ice diving, paragliding, mountaineering, ice climbing, dog sledding and snowshoeing, to name but a few.
If you fancy trying something really daring and exhilarating, ice climbing on the frozen waterfall at Tignes les Brevieres should fit the bill; you can organise your trip through local travel operators.
Alternatively, if you’re travelling with a group of mates, don’t miss the chance to go snowmobiling together, which you can organise through Ecole de Motoneige. Set out at nightfall for an incredible, adrenaline-spiking experience – and see who can go the fastest!
During summer there are lots of walks, hikes and cycling routes.
If you fancy staying longer view seasonal jobs in France.
Nightlife
A massive part of the appeal of skiing in Tignes is that you can get stuck into some seriously good nightlife.
The apres-ski scene is second to none, so you won’t run short of amazing bars or clubs to hit. In terms of bars, one of the most popular is Le Loop Bar in Le Lac, which has a great mix of attractions alongside its drinks.
For instance, it has got a brilliant gourmet burger selection, while the sun terrace looks over one of the most scenic lakes in the whole resort. Back inside the bar, there are screenings of live sports, and later in the evening there’s often a DJ blaring out the latest tunes.
In terms of nightclubs, make sure you check out Melting Pot, which is in Val Claret. This spot is particularly popular because not only does it have a really decent mix of music, but it’s also very reasonably priced – good news for tight budgets!