Tignes
Sister resort to Val d’Isere, Tignes brings altitude as well as attitude to this iconic pair of resorts. Together they form the world famous Espace Killy area, named after France’s best known Olympic Skier – Jean-Claude Killy. Thanks to its altitude Tignes has an unbeatable snow record and provides outstanding conditions for intermediate and expert skiers and boarders while still providing for beginners and improvers.
The resort consists of three main villages in the snow-bowl, all linked by an excellent and free, 24 hour bus service. At 2100m the highest village is Val Claret which has a superb position at the foot of the snow sure Grande Motte glacier. Le Lac and Le Lavachet have a cosier village feel to them with excellent access to the slopes.
All the villages have a great selection of shops, bars and restaurants and a lively, friendly buzz about them. Further down the mountain is Tignes 1850 and Les Brévières with their laidback atmospheres. There really is something for everyone in Tignes.
Skiing Levels
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Beginners
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Intermediates
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Advanced
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Snowboard
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Cross Country
Mountain Facts
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Ski area
300 km
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Runs
87
0
0
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Longest run
10 Km
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Snowparks
1 snowpark.
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Lifts
Drag lifts 36, Chairlifts 45, Cablecars 4
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Slope direction
N,E,S,W
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Ski/resort bus
True
Things to do in resort
Restaurants, food and drink
As with many winter resorts in France, Tignes provides a grand gourmet experience. There are plenty of restaurants, both on the mountain and in the town, where you can sample the delicious, Savoyarde cuisine such as tartiflette and fondue. Typified by their use of cheese and potatoes, these regional specialities provide a filling and necessary meal after a heavy work out.
‘L'escale Blanche’ in the centre of Tignes le Lac serves a magnificent fondue, while ‘L'Alpage des Chaudannes’ at the top of the Chaudannes lift serves one of the tastiest tartiflettes on the mountains.
The ‘Aspen Coffee Shop’ in Val Claret is an American themed cafe with affordable food and a good range of burgers. A short walk from the pistes it is an ideal stop for lunch.
Alternatively ‘Tignes Cuisine’ which serves either noodles or burritos (an odd mix we know) is located at the end of the Trolles black run coming back from Val d’Isere. Why not reward yourself after taking on that challenging, steep piste?
Après, bars, clubs and nightlife
Tignes is a lively resort with a great range of bars and clubs. ‘Loop Bar’, near the Toviere gondola, attracts a young crowd and is popular with off-duty seasonaires and ski-bums. Their menu is pretty tasty too, especially the chilli nachos, and it makes a great stop off for lunch.
‘Jacks Club’, located in the local bowling alley, is open until late into the night. Cheesy pop and dance music will have you dancing through to the early hours of the morning. And ‘T-Bar’ in Val Claret is located directly underneath our very own Chalet Le Curling where residents have their own private access to the bar.
Those looking to have a more sedate après experience will enjoy ‘Grizzly’s Bar’ in Val Claret. Decorated in a very ‘bear’ fashion, as supposed to a very bare one, the benches in this establishment are lined with fur rugs and extra blankets are available. It’s a perfect place to cozy up with a hot rum chocolate.
Shopping
There are plenty of small supermarkets dotted about Tignes for those staying on a self-catering basis and require groceries. Similarly, there are lots of shops selling souvenirs and postcards so you can bring gifts back home for those unfortunate enough not to join you on your holiday.
Equipment rental and sports shops are typically open until late in the day so you can maximise your time on the mountain before returning your equipment at the end of your last day.
Spas and relaxation
Visitors to Tignes who have booked an Espace Killy lift pass will have free access to the swimming pool at Le Lagon aquatic centre. The centre also provides wellness facilities such as Jacuzzis, saunas and a hamman which can be paid for locally.
In addition to Le Lagon many of the hotels and apartments in Tignes have luxury spa facilities available for their guests to use. These include the Village Montana Hotel and the Résidence le Telemark Apartments.
Arts, culture and events
The culture of Tignes is heavily focused around sport – winter sports in particular. Tignes has played host to the SFR Freestyle Tour for the past two years as well as the Ski Halfpipe World Cup Final. Non-sporting events held in the resort include a Christmas parade with fireworks and Santa Claus touring the local villages, as well as a Pop-Rock festival to herald the New Year.
Towards the end of March Tignes hosts Europe’s largest gay festival of winter sports – European Snow Pride. The festival features many après events and DJ sets as well as a pool party.
For more information on travel and transport visit our Tignes page
