Ski Start Progression zones : 1,2,3... Ski !

New to skiing or haven’t skied for a while, welcome to Tignes!

On your skis… Get set, go !

With the development of the Ski Start three-step progression zones, Tignes welcomes you as you begin your journey to learn to ski or snowboard. 1, 2, 3… Ski Start! has been designed to help you learn by yourself or with the help of a professional, safely and calmly in specially created learning zones. 

Young or not so young, you can start at any age!

Everyone progresses best at their own pace and on ski runs that are suitable for their level so follow this advice and progress with confidence on the right slopes for you!

By yourself or with the help of a professional, the Ski Start progression zones intended for beginners are located on the various snow fronts in Tignes: 1550 / Les Brévières; 1800 / Les boisses; 2100 / Tignes le Lac; 2100 / Tignes Val Claret. 

Head to the easily accessible zones and simplify your first experience on skis before going on to explore your potential in the Tignes ski area.

As you progress, from Ski Start 1 to Ski Start 3, you will experience new sensations on different ski runs. 

So discover, learn and progress at your own pace but don’t forget to respect the safety advice when skiing. 

There are 3 distinct progression phases: the Ski Start 1 “Discover” area and the Ski Start 2 “Learn” areas are both served by free ski lifts. Perfect for low-cost, stress-free learning in a safe and easily identifiable learning environment!

Once you have mastered your first experience on skis and are feeling more confident, be brave and buy a Tignes ski pass for the day (or half-day). Ski over to the Ski Start 3 “Practice” area consisting of gentle blue runs! This is a great way to work on your technique and style on proper ski runs.  

You are now becoming a skier and have enjoyed skiing on pistes that are slightly steeper than in the Ski Start 2 zones. After lots of practice, you can start to explore the Tignes ski area. 

You have learned the basics of skiing in 3 phases: discover, learn and practice. So 1, 2, 3 ski around the huge Tignes & Val d’Isère ski area before the end of your holiday, with a dual ski-area ski pass!

When you’re in the mountains and your body tells you to stop, listen to it and take a break!

Equipment to suit everyone

Skiing is a sporting activity and using the correct equipment is important. The equipment you require depends on your ability.  

Head to a sports shop to hire equipment that is appropriate to your level:

• Skis should be approximately 10cm less than your height 
• Poles are useful for balance
• Comfortable and correctly sized ski boots are needed so that you can enjoy your first few days of skiing!
• Ski socks are also very important when it comes to being comfortable so don’t forget them.
• Helmet, the minimum level of protection

Even if the sun is shining, you are at altitude where the cold can affect you more quickly than elsewhere. Be prepared with good clothing i.e. ski jacket and ski pants, neck warmer, gloves or mittens (whatever the time of year), sunglasses (minimum UV 3 rating) or ski goggles. 

Don’t forget sun cream, which also provides protection from the cold and a little energy bar in your pocket!