The ski season has begun in Tignes, with the ski lifts already starting to open and the snow falling thick on the ground!
With December just around the corner we thought we’d give you a run down of what’s on next month, and why an early season ski trip could be just what you and your family or friends are after for a little get away.
Here’s what is coming to Tignes and Val d’Isere this December…
Yeti Race Tour
Kicking off the month of December is the hilarious yearly event the Yeti Race Tour, taking place on the 1st. It’s a 12km running race but with an alpine twist as runners battle and slip slide their way through the mountains in Tignes and Val d’Isere.
Trail running in the Alps can be an amazing experience and immense fun as runners tackle the wintery conditions. At such a high altitude, the run is not only great for your fitness but also has views you certainly won’t find at your regular Saturday morning park run.
And of course, because we all love the mountain apres, there’ll be sure to be some great celebrations and ice-cold beers on tap after the race is over!
The Alpine Winter World Cup
The annual sporting event of the Alpine Winter World Cup, including the world-cup downhill and great slalom races, is heading to Val d’Isere this year.
The event comprises of approximately 90 races hosted across three different continents, as international teams compete to hold one of the winning crystal globes. And this year, Val d’Isere will host four races – two women’s, and two men’s.
The races take place on the “Stade Olympique” black piste which runs down to central Val d’Isere. So if you’re keen to form part of the audience this year, either get yourself over to the large Olympic stadium located at the bottom of the piste, or find yourself a nice little spot on the mountain on either side of the run.
On December 14th the slopes will host the Men’s Great Slalom at 9:30am and 1pm. And on December 15th you’ll be able to see the Men’s Slalom at 9:30am and 12:30pm.
Jumping ahead to the following week, the Women’s Downhill will take place on 21st December at 10:30am. And on December 22nd Val d’Isere will host Women’s Alpine Combined at 11am and 2pm.
Christmas celebrations
In the run up to Christmas, Tignes and Val d’Isere transforms into city of fairy lights, mulled-wine, and seasonal events. Not only will you be guaranteed a white Christmas in the Alps, you’ll also be guaranteed a celebration done properly, brought to you by the true heroes of Apres ski.
With Tignes and Val d’Isere famous for its nightlife, restaurants, bars, and clubs will be celebrating Christmas in style. Be sure to explore some of the world-famous ones, such as the original Folie Douce, Dick’s Tea Bar, and Cocoricos. And it’s also definitely worth popping along to the smaller local pubs and restaurants to experience a more authentic French Alpine Christmas.
Opening Party Week
As well as the Christmas celebrations, venues across the Alps will be opening doors for the first time for the season and this can only mean one thing – a week full of opening parties!
The week commencing 30th November will be the first week where all the lifts in Val d’Isere will be open and all the Apres ski venues will be opening doors.
For accommodation in central Val d’Isere, take a look at Chalet Bivouac by Chardons. Sleeping up to 15 guests, you can have the whole chalet for the week commencing either the 30th November or 7th December for just €3,000!
Email info@chaletchardons.com to book this beautiful chalet.
Avant Premiere Prices
If the above wasn’t enough to entice you for a last minute ski trip in December, I’m sure the avant premiere prices might just be!
As standard, lift passes are a fair bit cheaper for the days leading up to Christmas week, and you’ll often find some unbeatable accommodation deals in these first few weeks of the season
An Early Christmas Gift from Chardons…
We’d love to give you an early Christmas present and offer you a special December chalet offer at Chalet Chardons.
For the weeks running up to Christmas week, book a week-long stay in any chalet plus a six-day lift pass and you’ll get 50% off the accommodation price!
This includes breakfast and afternoon tea everyday and dinner and free flowing French wine six nights of the week.
And means you’ll be taking advantage of pre-Christmas quiet slopes, with the majority of the area open by the 30th November
and the whole area then open from 14th December.
To get this unmissable deal, email info@chaletchardons.com
(T&Cs apply)
*Photos courtesy of Tignes.net