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What's New in the Espace Killy for Winter 2012-2013

All the latest news from Tignes and Val d'isere

featured in News & reviews Author Sophie Nicholson, Val d'Isere Editor Updated

Last weekend’s snow in the Alps has really focused attentions towards the upcoming winter season so we thought we’d update you on all the latest goings-on in the Espace Killy. The powers that be have been pretty busy in Tignes and Val d’Isere over the summer and both resorts are set to launch several new and improved facilities to help make the winter season of 2012-2013 the best yet!

First up is Tignes where the big news is that the €150m re-development of Tignes-les-Boisses is well underway and this season sees the launch of the eco-residence - Kalinda Village.Tignes-le-Boisses is being rebranded as Tignes 1800 and the Kalinda Village makes up part of the overall transformation that is due to be completed in 2014. Kalinda Village comprises 250 ski-in, ski-out 4 Star apartments and a 28 bedroom 3 Star hotel which sit in the heart of the pedestrianised Tignes 1800 with its bars, restaurants, shops and ski school. The residence will include an indoor pool, gym, spa, and fitness suite and all the apartments within it have been built using eco-techniques and feature eco-heating systems.

Another first for the ski resort is the completion of Tignespace - the indoor sports centre and congress centre that has been undergoing a makeover and is set to open in January 2013. The sports complex will feature a 13m climbing wall, 3 squash courts, an athletic zone, a gym and multi-sport area large enough for basketball, handball, volleyball or hockey. It is a multipurpose, functional and funky looking structure will prove to be another great addition to the many sports facilities on offer in Tignes.

When it comes to events, Tignes really blazes a trail and this year is no exception. Already the host to the huge international action sports event - the X Games - this year Tignes will also be the home of the Brits - one of the biggest week long freestyle and music festivals in Europe. After 8 years in Laax, the organisers of the Brits were looking for a change of scene and world class terrain so the logical choice was obviously the European capital of freestyle - our very own Tignes! The event lasts a week and will take place from 23-30 March 2013.

Another event coming to Tignes this year is European Snow Pride - a week of skiing and events dedicated to the European gay community. Tignes hosted the event three years on the trot but not since 2010 so we’re really looking forward to raising the rainbow flag once again and getting ready for a week of great music, parties and fun on the slopes from 23-30 March 2013. This is the same week as the Brits so it’s going to be a busy and lively week in resort for sure!

If you’re in Tignes or Val d’isere in February then you won’t want to miss the Cabaret de la Fruitiere - the highest cabaret show in the world. Every afternoon for an hour, the big cabaret classics will be performed by dancers on a special stage built at 2,400m which is certainly a unique concept for a ski resort! Peformers will be provided by Val d’Isere’s infamous La Folie Douce team.

If Val d’isere - the home of La Folie Douce - is your ski destination of choice this winter then you’ll be pleased to know that the old clockwork chairlift up the Fontaine Froide has been replaced. Notorious for being slow, freezing and generally massively unpleasant in bad weather, the new lift will not only improve the overall experience but also provide better and faster access to the Bellevarde ski area. It also has a slightly higher arrival point than its predecessor which is super convenient for the Olympique cable car. 

Another development on the slopes is that the iconic Face de Bellevard piste has undergone a bit of a makeover to help congestion on the run. The diggers have been hard at work over the summer smoothing and widening the run to make it suitable for World Cup competitions and also to make it more enjoyable for regular skiers. The venue for the Olympic Men’s Downhill event during the Albertville games in 1992, the 3km long Face is a legendary run and we’d like to keep it that way!

In the town itself the main change is that Val d’isere’s oldest building - the Maison Moris - has been converted into a museum dedicated to the history of Val d’isere. The ‘Val d’History’ museum will be open every evening from 17.00-19.00 except Saturdays and entry will cost just €5. Perfect for bad weather days and when you need a break from the hectic Val d’isere apres-ski!

Phew - lots going on here in the Espace Killy and all the changes suggest that we’re in for another great season out here so make sure you buy your lift passes asap!