Easter Skiing? Go High in Tignes & Val d’Isère
Why choose High Altitude at Easter
By April, many lower resorts in the Alps are battling slushy afternoons, patchy pistes, and closed valley runs. But Tignes and Val d’Isère form the legendary Espace Killy ski area, where top lifts reach around 3,400–3,450 metres. Thanks to glaciers like the Grande Motte in Tignes and the Pissaillas in Val d’Isère, skiers can still carve crisp turns long after other resorts have packed away their season.
More altitude means:
- Reliable snow cover on upper pistes
- Longer season, often until early May
- Cooler temperatures up top, preserving conditions
Tignes
Altitude advantage: The main villages of Tignes Le Lac and Val Claret sit at about 2,100 metres, higher than most Alpine resorts. Add in the Grande Motte glacier (3,456 m), and you’ve got some of the most dependable snow in Europe.
What to expect:
- Great snow quality in the mornings, even on lower runs.
- Softening/slush on sunny afternoons down at village level.
- Superb high-altitude cruising on reds and blues above Val Claret.
- Family-friendly base with ski-in/ski-out convenience.
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If your main priority is snow security, Tignes often edges out Val d’Isère thanks to its higher base.
Val d'Isere
Resort character: Val d’Isère sits lower at 1,850 metres, but with lifts reaching 3,300+ metres and the Pissaillas glacier, it holds snow surprisingly well. The village itself has more of a traditional Alpine charm compared to Tignes’ purpose-built layout.
What to expect:
- Reliable skiing above mid-mountain, especially around Solaise and Bellevarde.
- The Pissaillas glacier near Le Fornet offers excellent late-season runs.
- Lower slopes to La Daille or down the valley can get patchy or slushy.
- A livelier après-ski scene and picture-postcard village feel.
If you want atmosphere, nightlife, and charm alongside great skiing, Val d’Isère delivers.
Easter skiing tips for both resorts
- Ski high, ski early: Get your best runs in before lunch while the snow is still firm.
- Save lower runs for later: By afternoon, expect soft snow or slush lower down.
- Check avalanche forecasts: Spring warmth can destabilise snowpacks, especially off-piste.
- Enjoy the sunshine: Longer days, mountain terraces, and blue skies are part of the Easter magic.
So, which one should you choose?
- Pick Tignes if: you’re focused on guaranteed snow, glacier skiing, and convenience with ski-in/ski-out bases.
- Pick Val d’Isère if: you want a blend of reliable late-season skiing with more traditional Alpine charm and lively après-ski.
Either way, both resorts are among the very best places in Europe to ski at Easter. High-altitude terrain, glacier access, and a long season make the Espace Killy a safe bet for snow when many other resorts are already turning green.
Whether you’re new to skiing or a seasoned pro, I can help you find the perfect resort, chalet, or hotel. With early bird offers running now, there’s no better time to lock in Tignes, Val d’Isère, or other top Alpine destinations. I’m already booked back to Tignes — let’s get you on the slopes too!
Best wishes
Bianca x
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