Our five favourite off-piste runs in Tignes
If you’re looking for some of the best off-piste skiing and snowboarding in Tignes, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of our five favourite runs with powder stashes, challenging terrain and breathtaking views. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, these runs are sure to give you an unforgettable experience. Happy shredding!
LES VALLON DE LA SACHE
Less than a 3 Minute hike that gives you access to endless off-piste terrain
Les Vallon de la Sache is a true off-piste paradise, just waiting to be explored. This descent combines breathtaking scenery with easy access to endless off-piste terrain – making it an excellent option for those who want to stretch their legs.
Less than a three-minute hike from the nearest chairlift, you can quickly escape the crowds and get incredible turns without earning them first. There are plenty of different routes you can choose depending on how much you want to challenge yourself. It’s an off-piste area you can explore all week long without taking the same route twice.
The run starts near aiguille percée and ends in Tignes Les Brévières. It’s one of the longest descents the resort can offer, with a 1200m drop in altitude and varying terrain from long flat and open areas to narrow couloirs. You can even take a route where you’ll have to go through a hole in a rock while the snow cover is good enough.
THE COULOIR DU CHARDONNET
A beautiful north-facing couloir that is often quiet
The Couloir du Chardonnet is an incredible north-facing couloir that always has great snow and is rarely crowded as you have to do a steep but short hike to access it. Standing atop the summit offers an incredible view over majestic Mont Blanc and the Resort of Tignes.
The couloir widens as you ski, meaning you can gradually increase your speed and start to ski more fluidly without such high consequences if you fall. It is also quite unusual in that you can see the entire run from the top of the couloir, so those who want, or whose legs can take it, can ski the whole pitch as one.
The hike starts near the top of the Gratalou lift. There are also more challenging variations if you follow the ridge to the right of the central couloir or head right to the summit.
THE PETITE BALME
A playful north-facing run that is high and generally skiable from November to May.
The Petite Balme is an exceptional ski run designed to enhance your skiing experience. There are 3 Main variations, although the entrances to 2 of them are hard to find unless you know the way. This north-facing slope has many playful features, including small drops and kickers for those who want to hit them. Limited exposure to more significant features makes it a great place to push yourself. The high elevation offers reliable snow coverage from November until May, although you always have to be aware of rocks at the start and end of the season. The run finishes at the bottom of the funicular, so you can quickly go around for another lap.
The run starts at 3032m near the Glacier de la Grande Motte. The beginning of the run is a wide and open area which is very easy to ski and also a great spot for an introduction to off-piste. You can join DOUBLE M piste here or stay off-piste and make your way down to the main face. We recommend skiing this route with a guide, with someone who knows the run or using an app like FatMap as a wrong turn can quickly leave you on top of some massive cliffs. You need to be especially aware of this if visibility is poor.
THE COULOIRS DES TUFS (THE FINGERS)
A series of challenging couloirs that make an incredible Freeride playground
The Fingers are an awe-inspiring freeride playground that will test the most experienced riders. This series of couloirs offers a fantastic descent for experienced skiers and boarders. The terrain looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.
The Fingers can also be incredibly dangerous with steep pitches, changing snow conditions, and narrow chutes. The entrance to the couloirs is convex and funnels into a narrow space. So even small avalanches can quickly become a big problem. To make matters worse, some options come down immediately above the lake, which is a severe terrain trap.
As you’ll have to take the bus back, there is never too much traffic, so the snow is always great, making it one of the best runs in Tignes.
So if you have the knowledge and skill to manage the risk and want to tackle some of the most challenging off-piste runs in Tignes, the Fingers may be the perfect run for you. You can’t miss these couloirs if you walk between Tignes le Lac and Tignes Val Claret on the frozen lake. From there, you’ll be able to work out the way in.
THE MARMOTTES/LOGNAN
A fun and easy off-piste run that is the perfect place to hone your skills.
If you want to perfect your ski skills, the Marmottes is the ideal place. This fun and easy off-piste run is a great place for all levels, from experienced skiers that want to push themselves a bit further to beginners who are just taking their first steps out of the groomed slopes.
The run itself has gentle undulations and steps. For those new to off-piste skiing, this allows you to practise on steeper pitches, safe in the knowledge that it flattens out again. More experienced skiers can use these to practise getting air or even nail a few new tricks.
There are a few terrain traps to be aware of, and the run spends almost all day in the sun, so snow conditions and risk can vary massively in just a few hours.
Follow the red Merles Piste until it makes a sharp left. You can ski down here between the Golf Black run and the Stade de Lognan.
A QUICK REMINDER ON OFF-PISTE SAFETY
Off-Piste Skiing is an incredible experience, but it can also be dangerous. You must carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, assess the avalanche risk on the day and take all other appropriate safety precautions. You can buy all the avalanche safety equipment from Ellis Brigham in-store and online. Accessing these runs without an off-piste guide is done entirely at your own risk.
If you are heading off-piste but don’t feel comfortable with the above, then it is likely that you may be better placed to explore these runs with an off-piste guide or as part of an off-piste course. New Generation Ski School offer off-piste courses for all levels.
Whether you are just making your first turns away from the groomed slopes or have years of experience ski touring, our guides will help you find the best runs, and while we can’t guarantee a powder day, we can find you the best snow!
