Tignes, France
The French resort of Tignes sits high on a mountain above a spectacular large lake and is backdropped by the awesome Grande Motte glacier. Although Tignes is surrounded by unquestionable pure beauty, it has suffered in past decades due to the amount of poorly designed living quarters and buildings that have tainted what is a fine and affordable budget ski resort. All this is changing, however.
In recent years Tignes has been on the receiving end of mass redevelopment that has seen tastefully built buildings, chalets and hotels come to the forefront, restoring pride to the resort. Gone are the concrete and, frankly bizarre, designs – in their place are beautiful wooden-clad buildings and an improved resort environment.
With this in mind, Tignes once again provides the ideal gateway to the fantastic Espace Killy ski area that is shared with the neighbouring (and more expensive) resort of Val d’Isere – 350km of designated piste and seemingly limitless off-piste skiing opportunities. This, of course, means that skiing for all abilities is on hand, thanks to both the diverse terrain and the amount of snow Tignes always enjoys thanks to its high altitude.
Snowboarding is also popular in the resort. National and international events pass through the resort on an annual basis due to the amount of challenging black runs. However, beginners are also well provided for due to the amount of novice slopes and good tuition on hand to guide you through your first time on the snow.
St Gervais, France
With the ski resorts of Megeve, Combloux, Les Contamines and Les Houches all within a drivable distance, the 500km of world class slopes that sit beneath the mighty Mont Blanc are yours to enjoy when staying at the reasonably priced resort of St. Gervais.
This charming 19th century spa town is punctuated by the picture-perfect scene of a narrow gorge, with accommodations all lying close to the slopes and lifts to take you to other ski areas.
Like any resort worth its salt, St. Gervais has slopes designated for all skiing levels. Beginners have been particularly rewarded thanks to a fine range of nursery slopes to get their teeth into, while intermediate skiers are offered a handful of extremely enjoyable long runs. St. Gervais is also plentiful of off-piste skiing for the more advanced enthusiast, whilst snowboarders are gifted by two excellent terrain parks at neighbouring Megeve, a half-pipe, a quarter-pipe and a mighty 320m slope.
Away from the slopes there is also much to entertain. More than 50 restaurants and bars can be found in the ski resort village, meaning that all tastes and budgets are catered for as well as a nightclub, casino, two cinemas and a youth club for youngsters. On top of all this, you are also spoiled by paragliding, ice skating, curling, swimming and a number of superb walking trails to really soak up this formidable Alpine environment.
The amount of choice continues through to the living quarters also. Due to the number of hotels and chalets, you are again spoiled for choice when it comes to what you want to pay and what you want from your stay – typical of just why St. Gervais is the best ski resort in the Alps for those who are looking for value for money without reducing the level of enjoyment.
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