Espace Killy Advanced Runs

Advanced Runs in the Espace Killy

The Espace Killy has a fabulous range of terrain for advanced skiers, with 25 black runs to test yourself on. Tignes boasts the area's longest run, an exhilarating 10km black run called La Sache, that descends fromthe top of the L’Aiguille Percée and 'the eye of the needle', through a spectacular valley to Tignes Les Brévières. In Val d'Isere, there is the world renowned 1992 Winter Olympics downhill run called 'The Face' (pronounced Fass), which took Patric Ortlieb a mere two minutes to ski from top to bottom (we don’t recommend you try and match it!).

Advanced Runs in Bellevarde

From the top of Bellevarde, there are several options for steep descents down to both Solaise and La Daille. It is best to do all these lower slopes in the morning while they are quieter and then perhaps have a lazier afternoon! You can ski Face (the ex-olympic run), Santons (a blue run through a valley but absolutely stunning when quite and freshly groomed), or Epaule du Charvet (steep black moguls) back down to the Olympique. OK (world cup run), Orange, Diebold and Raye are then options down to La Daille. In the afternoon, there is the network of blue runs available which are detailed above, and there is also the option to attempt the Vallee Perdue. This is an off piste run which starts at the bottom of the Tommeuses lift and involves negotiating rocks, nooks and cranies. Depending on the time of year, you may have to clamber through holes without your skis on – but it is good fun. Just make sure you have the experience and confidence to negotiate the valley.

last updated 3-Dec-2007

Advanced Runs in Le Fornet

Take the Train Rouge out of Val d’Isere centre to Le Fornet and the Le Fornet cable car followed by the Vallon de l’Iseran to the base of the glacier.

Advanced skiers will probably cover the Le Fornet area quite quickly although it is worth skiing every run for the excellent snow conditions. Try the Forêt, a black run through the trees down to the Le Fornet cable car and Signal, a steep red pitch at the top of the Signal drag lift. If you are skiing in a group, are confident, and carrying avalanche equipment, there is plenty of off-piste skiing just off the edges of the pistes in Le Fornet when the snow is good.

last updated 3-Dec-2007

Advanced Runs in Le Solaise

From Val d’Isere centre, take the Solaise Express chairlift up to the Solaise skiing area.

Warm up those muscles with an easy cruise round a few blue runs in the Madeleine area in the morning. Cugnai is also nice in the morning but it is worth waiting until the afternoon to ski Arcelle. After lunch, also try to cover Pistes A, M and S which go down to the Solaise area as this will be their quietest time. You can then go back up and ski the lower runs down to Laisinant. This is an easier place to end the day as the runs back down to Solaise can get very busy.

last updated 3-Dec-2007

Advanced Runs in Grande Motte & The Palet / L'Aiguille

Access Val Claret (highest village of Tignes) from the top of the Tommeuses lift and down Piste H. From here, head straight up the Grande Motte glacier. All of the red runs on this glacier are worth skiing due to the fantastic snow and views and Leisse is definitely worth skiing more than once. There are some tempting moguls down either side of this piste and it is nice and quiet in the mornings. Come down the glacier on the red runs before taking Tichot and Grattalu on the opposite side of Val Claret. For more challenging skiing off these lifts, there is the red mogul run – Le Mur – and also take Col des Ves which leads to the top of Guerlain Chicherit, the naturide black run. This is un-groomed and is usually home to come challenging moguls. The lift is currently the slowest in resort at 22mins, so although the run is well worth it, bear this in mind in poor weather, and in time-planning to get back to Val!

last updated 10-Dec-2007

Advanced Runs in Toviere, Les Brevieres / L'Aiguille Percee

The easiest way into Tignes Le Lac is straight down Trolles off Piste H at the top of Tommeuses. This is a wide black run with a steep pitch and schuss at the end. It is then worth going back up the Aeroski if you are feeling confident with naturide runs to do Paquerettes under the lift if it is open. Once in Tignes Le Lac, There are a few options at the top of the Palafour lift including red runs off the Grand Huit and Aiguille Percee lifts. Epilobe is another naturide off the Chaudannes chair which may also be worth a ski. In the afternoon, ski to Tignes les Brevieres on Sache, probably the most challenging black run in the resort, as it is usually full of moguls! Providing the snow conditions are good, it can be a fantastic run. There is an escape route on Echappatoire and Pavot if it does prove too tricky. Head back to Le Lac and Val by taking the Sache bubble, Aiguille Rouge, Bleuets run, and Aeroski back to Val d’Isere.

last updated 10-Dec-2007