Can you name all 5 of Tignes’ towns? Tignes Le Lac and Val Claret are the most well-known, sporting the main pistes and nightlife. Tignes Le Brevieres is their pretty cousin, sitting quietly below the dam. There’s Tignes 1800 (aka Les Boisses), the cool newcomer with its modern development and eco credentials. Then there’s hidden gem Tignes Le Lavachet – not a regular on the tourist trail until now, but just about to burst out of the shadows…

The 50^th anniversary of the building of Lavachet has coincided with its revival. The location of most seasonnaire and resident accommodation, it’s a friendly community and the hub of all gossip and goings on. Bars, restaurants and shops are based around an open area – the Alps equivalent of an English village green. Walk into the bars here year after year and you’ll find everybody knows your name. Regulars will know we’re referring to…

TC’s Bar

The bartending host with the most, patron Rob TC Howe has been established in Lavachet for 15 years. Enter here for barstool banter and be prepared to get as good as you can give. TC’s answer to Frostgun is his Rail Jam event, held outside the bar in March – a chance to show off your tricks in an informal contest with genepi rather than trophies on offer. Darts nights, open mics and DJs make TC’s a regular haunt for everyone.

This year sees the re-opening of another bar that earned its place in the hearts of visitors and residents in the 3 years since it opened…

So.Bar

The mix of off-the-wall entertainment, art deco decor and a specialist spirit and wine menu, make this cosy bar stand out among the standard ski resort fayre. Last winter you may have been disappointed to find So.Bar closed. In fact, one half of the charismatic couple running it – JP Last – passed away in October 2014, just weeks after the birth of their daughter Vivi. His passing left a real hole in the close-knit community but a year on and partner Fairy-Lou has re-opened the bar, urging everyone to ‘come, eat, drink, play and be merry because life is too short not to’. She writes:

To say that JP will be missed is a huge understatement. But So.Bar will march forward with his warrior spirit, endeavouring to carry on bringing smiles, laughs and good banter to the people of Tignes. Expect less abuse but just as many good times. We know that JP will be with us in spirit all the way and whether you knew him or not, you will definitely feel his legacy in every corner of the bar. RIP JP. Forever loved. Xx

This winter you’ll find new additions like nutritious and alcoholic VegTails, and the apres dessert/spirit taster experience. Expect a slice of French cafe culture during the day, and the popular rowdy anti-quiz/anti-bingo nights. All welcome, especially those with unusual open mic acts or anecdotes about the legend that was JP.

Last winter Lavachet really came into its own with the opening of two new bar/restaurants that made the 2-minute free bus ride from Le Lac a must for those in the know…

Queue de Cochon

This stylish bar (the name of which translates to Pig’s Tail) was opened by the same husband and wife team behind Lo Terrachu, on Tignes lake, the year before. It’s a real fine dining experience for a special holiday night out – all pretty china crockery and delicate touches; even gin cocktails in teapots! The food makes this place unmissable – it’s haute cuisine at exceptionally good value. The atmosphere is cosy – until the live music and DJs take over and get the whole place swinging.

Brasero

BBQs on the sun terrace, live music & DJs make Brasero the obvious choice to ski down to for a pick-me-up. Expect fun happy hours and good value; their house wine selection is spot on. The guys behind popular ski-in après bar Loop at the foot of the slopes in Tignes Le Lac, and bar/restaurant Couloir in Val Claret, added Brasero to their family last year and they brought the apres party with them!

It’s not just all about drinking and eating; Le Lavachet is serious about its skiing too! Pick up your gear from…

Tignes Spirit

The window of this equipment hire shop tempts you in with outlandish ski outfits and the most on-trend gear. The Tignes Spirit staff are real experts and you’re very likely to bump into them again on the hill (most likely in the park). Their technicians deliver equipment all around the Espace Killy region so you can be kitted out in the comfort of your own chalet or apartment at no extra cost. Having been established in Tignes for many years, their website www.tignes-spirit.com is pretty much a one-stop-shop for anything you need.

All eyes are on this part of Tignes, with some exciting plans for its development being talked about. Now’s the time to check out colourful Le Lavachet, the heart of Tignes.