News and FAQ's on cheap ski and snowboarding holidays in France. Fully catered in Chalet Chardons Hotel Tignes

News about our Ski and Snowboard Hotels and Chalets in Tignes, the French Alps.

News about Tignes and Val d'Isere Ski Area. Snow Reports from Tignes.

27/09/2011

Last November saw our Underground Bar undergo a make-over courtesy of a kindly Sommerset barn. This combined with our, tireless superhuman bar manager Jo, the Bar had a record breaking season in 2011 thanks to a new bar food menu and of course the same party atmosphere we all know and love. The underground is now open from 3pm for Apres and bar snacks right through the party hours until 1.30am. New for 2012 the Underground will also be offering a larger bar menu including a breakfast menu on Saturdays. We'll see you in there for Happy Hour! See our 'Underground Bar' page for details.

20/06/2011 - Free sports activities for our guests this summer

Tignes in the summer is just as beautiful and just as much fun as in the winter. And to prove it the resort offers loads of sports activities free of charge for our guests. Take your pick from air rifle shooting, archery, squash, swimming, trampolining, pedal boots, kayaks, canoes, tennis, beach football or volleyball and the famous lake jump. The Palafour and aeroski lifts also offer mountain bikers free unlimited access to the Tignes bike park. Walkers are also welcomed on these lifts free of charge to explore the higher waking routes and stunning views the mountains have to offer.

Come and stay with us in Chalet Hattiers, B&B and half board accommodation offered from 25 euros per night. See our 'summer website' for details and how to book.

01/06/2011 - June snow in Brevieres!

The Glacier may not open until June 18th but Brevieres enjoyed some great inter-season snowfall on Wednesday. Waking up to a foot of the white stuff all over the village we could be forgiven to begin to wonder just how long we had been asleep!
Sadly it did not last at this level but the conditions on the Glacier are looking good for it re-opening later in the month.
Our Chalet Hattiers is open in July and August for any of you who cannot wait until December for your next snow fix see our 'summer website' for details and how to book.

30/04/2011 - No snow in the Alps? -You should have come to Tignes!

Not your usual winter conditions in the Alps, but we had an incredible season with an increase in guests and the Underground bar smashing all previous records.
The snowfall across the Alps this year started so promisingly, temperatures as low as minus 28 hit us in November and brought a deluge of early season snow through November and early December.
The bad weather that caused so much chaos in the UK set us up beautifully with a good base that stayed with us throughout the season.

This year thanks to its altitude, Tignes truly earnt it's reputation as a 'snow sure' resort when the snowfall dwindled across the Alps.
We really appreciated the north facing slopes bringing us back to Brevieres with guests complimenting the piste conditions right to the end of April.
We would like to thank all our guests who came out to stay with us this season. You all made it so much fun and we hope to see you again in the future.
Pip and the Chardons Team.

16/03/2011 - Find us on Facebook! Chalet Chardons - Tignes Les Brevieres

Not just an excuse for us to be on facebook whilst 'working' (honest guv).
Follow us on our facebook page to keep up to date with the snow conditions (and the Underground Bar conditions!) and other news and ramblings from our Tignes ski and snowboard hotel. If you are lucky we may even throw in the odd cheeky last minute facebook deal!

03/02/2011 - Come and celebrate the royal wedding (and the extra bank holiday) with us! The news of Prince William's marriage to Kate middleton was great news for more than the obvious reasons. The extra bank holiday on Friday April 29th allows a week's skiing and celebrating with us to be possible taking just 3 days off work! So come and help us add a little British celebration to the French Alps for just 189 euros for 7 nights half-board! See the special offers page for details.

01/01/2011 - HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! Season's greetings from all of us here at the Chardons. We've a terrific snow base set up from the HUGE amounts of snow we saw in November and the season is in full swing. We all enjoyed a fantastic night in the bar last night and the new year this morning brings snow and sunshine. What better way to recover from New Year's eve in the Underground bar?! See you in 2011!

03/08/10 - TRAVEL TO THE ALPS AT 186 MILES AN HOUR- LEGALLY! Eurostar will once again this winter be whisking snow enthusiasts to the Alps at speeds of up to 186 miles an hour! The ski routes from London St Pancras International or Ashford International will be running from 19 December 2010 to 16 April 2011 giving you the choice of a day train or a night train (to optimise time on the slopes!). Most helpfully, Eurostar will be running trains on Sundays throughout Christmas and new year week due to the Sunday changeover on Boxing day and January 2nd. Just hop on the train to Bourg St Maurice and then it's just a short bus or taxi journey up to us in Tignes Les Brevieres. Easy! Eurostar have French Alps travel tickets beginning at £149 return. For details visit the Eurostar website

25/07/10 - THE EUROPE WINTER 'X GAMES' RETURNS TO TIGNES IN 2011 Arn't we lucky? For the second year running the Winter X games will see the slopes of Tignes transformed into gravity defying kickers and half pipes. More than 125 athletes from all over the world will compete in skiing and snowboarding with jaw-dropping results from March 16th to 18th 2011. Come and watch the action for just 229 euros for 7 nights half board at Chalet Chardons March 12th - 19th 2011. Perfect your own snow skills in the build up to the Games before enjoying watching the best in the world battle it out in the 3 day event. See you there!

28/06/10 - PRICES FOR WINTER 2010/11 ARE NOW LIVE! Make your winter holiday one thing you don't need to cut back on this year with accommodation from 30 Euros a night. See the Prices and Offers page for holiday prices at our cosy ski & Snowboard hotel. We can once again offer you a fantastic 7 night half board package including a 6 day lift pass from 329 Euros, or if you are staying for a short break, we can still offer a reduction on lift passes from 3 to 21 days. We will of course continue to offer great deals on Ski and Snowboard hire, so be sure to check our prices before you look anywhere else!

30/04/10 - WHAT A SEASON! The snow may be melting, but we're still smiling. It's been a fantastic season at the Chardons, good snow, good friends - and watching the best in the World at the 'Winter X games' wasn't too shabby either! We would like to say a big thank you to all our guests who came to ski and board with us this season. It was great to see so many familiar faces back and we look forward to seeing you again next winter. Have a great summer, we'll see you when the hill turns white again. A bientôt - The chardons team.

31/12/09 - CHEAPER TIGNES SKI AND SNOWBOARD HIRE We have renegotiated more favorable rates on ski and snowboard hire from the 1st of January. Prices are from 64 euros skis and boots for 7 days. Others may look as cheap but bear in mind that they often only open a few hours a day, often run out of the popular sizes and models and are often only as cheap if you take '2 for 1' deals or other such gimmicks. Our equipment comes from a large group owning 6 shops in the Espace Killy meaning plenty of stock. They open all day, employ expert staff and all of the equipment is under 2 years old. Like for like we think you won't find a better deal for your Tignes holiday. See the prices page for more details.

02/12/09 - BIG SNOW FALLS MARK THE START OF THE SEASON The snow has been falling hard for the last two days in Tignes Les Brevieres and everything looks good for the lifts opening on the 5th of December. There has been over half a metre higher up meaning we are ready to go for the season in Tignes! See the 'weather and webcams' page for the latest pictures.

01/12/09 - CHEAP ESPACE KILLY AND TIGNES SKI PASSES WITH CHALET CHARDONS Make your money go further in Tignes when you stay with us. Depending on when you travel we can obtain up to a 25% reduction on your ski pass when purchased as part of an accommodation package. See the prices page for details.

28/11/09 - CHEAP BUS SERVICE STARTS FROM LONDON TO TIGNES Ski Bus UK have begun a service offering coach travel from London to the Alps from only £100 return. We think this is stunning value. It's almost as quick as the plane once you factor in the airport transfers, there are no annoying excess baggage problems and you can get a good sleep on the way out and back!

28/11/09 - SKI CLUB GB REVIEW OF CHALET CHARDONS Click here to see a review from this year's Ski Club GB magazine. Read the last page first as the article has been scanned back-to-front.

20/11/09 - FREE SWIMMING AND SKATING WITH YOUR SKI PASS New for this year is the addition of both the swimming pool complex and the skating rink in Tignes on the ski pass. For all passes of more than 6 days duration there is now free access to both facilities.

25/11/08 HUGE EARLY SEASON SNOW - LIFTS OPEN TWO WEEKS EARLY Another big snowfall hit us overnight on the 3rd December and it's not stopped snowing since. The bubble lift and pistes opened to Tignes Les Brevieres today, two weeks earlier than planned. All this means excellent conditions for early season skiers and snowboarders who can benfit from our cheap winter sports deals including some very cheap ski passes for December and January. See the special offers page for details.

25/11/08 MAJOR SNOWFALLS IN TIGNES We've had big snowfalls for the last few days which is good for the coming ski season - although a pain for us as we left all our building supplies out and they got buried. It's taken all day to dig everything and all the cars out. About a metre has fallen in the last two days and the pistes are all skiable down into Les Brevieres. In Tignes most of the lifts are now open with fantastic powder conditions on the Grande Motte.

20/11/08 FANTASTIC LIFT PASS AND ACCOMMODATION DEALS We are now able to offer combined lift pass and accommodation deals from only 269 Euros saving you more money on your ski holiday in Tignes. Check the special offers and prices pages for deals which are especially good in the first few weeks of January.

28/11/07 WORK IN PROGRESS The Chardons is being completely renovated to a high standard this year. All the rooms are being painted and renovated, the whole hotel is being re-carpeted and the dining room and bar transforemed by our three carpenters Rick, Jonno and Paul. Ten of us have been working full time since the start of November to be ready for the season. Here's a pic of some of the team at work.

21/11/07 NEW WEATHER AND WEBCAM PAGE ADDED We now have a comprehensive weather page including a live webcam and information on piste and lift openings. The webcam is not very good at the moment but we've got a higher resolution model on order. It will give you an idea, at least. Find it here.

21/11/07 NEW BUDGET AIRLINE SERVICE TO CHAMBERY Startup Snowjet are running flights into Chambery Airport from many UK regions this season. Chambery boasts easy transfer links and is the closest airport to Tignes geographically. Flights are currently only on Saturdays but the company has ambitious plans to expand to other days of the week should there prove to be sufficient interest. You can book a flight at Snowjet

22/10/07 NEW ACCOMMODATION ADDED TO THE SITE We are pleased to announce that we have secured the use of two important properties in Tignes Les Brevieres. Chalet Hattieres is a lovely alpine lodge for 22/24 people situated just up the hill from Chalet Alpey and commanding beautiful views over the village and pistes. See the new page for details. Hauts Hattiers Apartments are located on the top floor of the same building and are unique in Brevieres having large picture windows and great views. They can be reserved either fully catered or self catered and combined with Chalet Hattiers below them to make enough room for even large groups. See the new page for details.

08/09/07 ANOTHER NEW SEASON APPROACHES This year will see an extensive renovation of Chalet Chardons and the Underground Bar. Alpey remains a great location for those seeking a cosy chalet on the pistes and there will be new apartments and chalets added to the range just as soon as we've signed the contracts on them.

20/08/06 NEW AIRPORT TRANSFERS. Due to demand last year, we have teamed up with some private airport transfer providers to try to help our customers get an easier and more personal transfer from the Airport. This service is really only intended for our own clients but call if you are looking for something as we may be able to fill up a 'dead leg' if some our clients are travelling one way and the bus is empty coming back or going to the airport. As ever, call Nicky on +33 493 597 354 or Email (ANY EMAIL PROBLEMS CLICK HERE) for details

31/01/06 NEW TRANSFER OPTIONS FROM GRENOBLE TO TIGNES. AGBus (www.agbus.fr) are now running daily transfers from Greonble St Geors (served by Easyjet and Ryanair) to the resorts of the Tarentaise. The bus runs to Bourg St. Maurice where you can get a local bus to Brevieres for 8 euros. Transfer price is 45euros one way, 65 return.
Times are 13.20 departing airport, arrives Bourg St Maurice 15.50, Departs Tignes 08.30 arrives airport 11.00 everyday.
On Saturdays there are two buses. Leave airport at 14.05 or 19.45 arriving Bourg St Maurice 16.55 or 22.15 respectively
Saturdays leaves resort at 08.00 or 13.45, arriving airport at 11.00 or 16.45 respectively

22/10/05 GRRENOBLE FLIGHTS Easyjet are now flying to Grenoble from Luton and Gatwick. This option is looking to be a lot cheaper than the traditional Geneva and Lyon airports and you can be in Les Brevieres in around two hours using the motorway network. Drive through Grenoble then follow signs to Albertville. There is car hire at the airport and AG BUS run transfer buses

2/12/04 NEW CHEAP FLIGHT LINKS There are many new cheap airlines now running flights to Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble and Chambery. I have spent a day going through all the websites and compiled a list of links and advice to help you find the best flight option to France. See the Travel page for details.

20/11/04 MIDWEEK TRANSFERS AND BOOKINGS We are now doing all we can to allow skiers and snowboarders to take advantage of the changed airline flight market by not insisting on Saturday changeovers. From now on, we will not charge any extra for midweek arrival dates. The only thing we may have to ask if we have a large 'traditional' group arriving on a Saturday is that you may need to change rooms on that day to allow us to accommodate them. This allows you to find bargain flights on Easyjet, Ryanair or any of the new budget airlines and also to take weekend ski breaks to the Alps without paying inflated prices for the privilege.

01/10/04 CHALET CHARDONS Chalet Chardons, Tignes les Brevieres, France. Specialists in cheap ski and snowboard hotel accommodation in Tignes. This year we will continue to provide quality cheap hotel accommodation at the lowest rates we possibly can with midweek changeovers, cheap lift passes and equipment rental, relaxed atmosphere and much more.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who are we?
  Chalet Chardons aim to provide quality cheap hotel and chalet accommodation for budget minded skiers and snowboarders in Tignes, the French Alps
• How do you offer skiing and snowboarding holidays cheaply?
  We use our local knowledge and many years of experience to source accommodation and supplies at the best possible rates along with a commitment to provide the best possible value to our customers rather than producing large profits.
• How far are your Tignes hotel and Tignes chalets from the ski lifts?
  All our accommodation is within 100 metres of the main ski lift out of the village. This links directly to the Espace Killy.
• What standard is our hotel accommodation?
  Most rooms are now en suite with at least a bathroom with shower and, in most cases, a loo. Check out the Hotel accommodation page for details.
• What standard is our chalet accommodation?
  Chalet Chardons has recently been renovated to modern standards and has mainly bunk-bed style rooms, mostly en-suite with a pleasant dining room and hotel bar to relax in. The atmosphere is convivial and friendly and is a perfect place to meet fellow minded skiers and snowboarders. Chalet Hattiers offers all en-suite rooms and a higher standard of accommodation than Chalet Chardons.
• How do I book my ski or snowboard holiday with you?
  In the summer, phone the Tignes Hotel office number, in the winter, phone either the hotel or the office. Better still, send an email and we will reply promptly with a quote. Quotes normally assume you fill the room to capacity though this will depend on how busy the week is. You will be advised of this when booking.
• How many beds do you have in the ski hotel in Tignes?
  Chalet Chardons sleeps 56 if we cram everybody in but more normally about 50. An extra 40 beds are available in other hotels we can sub-let.
• How many beds do you have in the ski chalet Hattiers in Tignes?
  Up to 40 in Chalet Hattiers including the apartments.
• What does the cost of the ski or snowboard holiday include?
  Continental breakfast with a hot option and a 3 course evening meal with complementary wine on 6 nights, linen and guests reduction in the bars. We don't normally provide towels but we have a limited number we can lend out if you forget yours.
• Do you charge single supplements?
  Not normally unless it is during a busy period and we have to move other people out to accommodate you. Discuss this by email and we can normally find a solution.
• Do you have special offers or cheap weeks?
  Yes, see the new special offers page for details.
• Can I stay at your hotel for a weekend or just a few days?
  Yes. We are happy to take bookings across weekends and for midweek arrivals. This can be more difficult during school holidays and other busy periods but send an email and we can let you know if this is possible.
• Can you arrange transfers from the airport?
  Yes. Email or phone us and we can arrange a transfer if a minibus is available. This is not always possible but we will try our hardest. You pay the minibus driver directly but pay a cheaper rate through us.
• Do you accept children?
  Yes with special rates for infants and under 12's or if children can stay in the same room as parents.
• How will I pay for my ski or snowboard holiday?
  You can give a credit card number when you book for reservation and pay the balance on arrival by cash or card. Easy.
• Can you arrange a reduction on ski and snowboard equipment hire?
  Yes. See the reps on arrival and they will issue you with a ticket. Take this to the ski and snowboard shop and you will get skiing or snowboarding equipment which you can pay with your hotel bill at a special discount. We will be cheaper than any other deal as we get very good rates because we hire so many skis and snowboards through the season.
• Can I stay for an extended ski and snowboard holiday?
  We have a number of people who stay at our ski hotel in Tignes for the whole season or sometimes for a month or so. See the 'longstay' page for details.
• We are a large student skiing or snowboarding group. Do you offer reductions?
  Yes. Contact us for a quote. We can normally arrange travel through one of our sister companies and we can offer attractive free places and big drinks reductions in our bar to ensure the week goes well.
• Do you accept stag or hen parties?
  No problem and we can organise reductions in our bar for groups.
• Do you cater for vegetarians/vegans and allergies?
  Yes. Let us know at the beginning of your stay and we will organise vegetarian or special food for you. Please let us know in advance if you have food alergies or other special requirments as some foods can be very difficult to source in the mountains. If you have an allergy and need specialy prepared food like gluten-free bread please ensure you bring it with you as this extremely difficult to find and get delivered in France.
• Do we have to transfer to the ski resort on a Saturday?
  No. We accept hotel bookings from any day to any day allowing you to take advantage of cheap midweek flight prices.
• I am travelling to France by Train. Can I get from Bourg St Maurice to Tignes?
  There is a bus about every hour and a half for about 10 euros or a taxi ride is about 40 euros.
• Do you have childcare facilities?
  Not normally but you can often bribe one of the chalet girls to look after any very young children in the daytime whilst you ski. Older toddlers (about 2 onwards) can be put in the special 'marmottons' ski club.
• Do you accept dogs?
  If they are well behaved yes. Our hotel dog Bungle acts as the night watchman to ensure security so your dog must be able to socialise with him. He generally ignores other dogs as he thinks he's human and they are all beneath him. Small dogs he tends to regard as barking toys, bigger ones just get ignored.
• Do you have internet access? Can I watch the football match that I'll miss when away?!
  We have two computers in the Underground bar and and a free wireless network. We have the full range of Sky Sports for all of you who just can't miss that vital game!
• Can you arrange reductions on the Tignes Ski Pass?
  We are able to offer substantial reductions on ski passes depending on when you are travelling. This varies from up to 25% in low season down to only around 5% in high season. See the prices page for details. Discounts are available for passes of over three days duration.
• Does the Espace Killy pass include days in other ski resorts?
  You get a free day in Les Arcs, Three Valleys, La Rossiere and La Plagne. In addition, you get a reduction at St Foy (correct at the time of writing)
• What else is included on the pass?
  From 2009 the swimming pool and skating in Tignes are included on all passes over 6 days duration.
• Do you have car parking facilities?
  There is lots of space available in either of the two large car parks at either end of the village. Please do not park in un-authorised places around the village as vehicles occasionall get towed if they are causing an obstruction or the road needs to be plowed.
• Are you all jolly good chaps?
  Of Course!!!!! See you here!
  
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