Tignes Ski Resort in Savoie

Tignes ski resort features 5 distinct villages:

• Tignes Le Lac
• Val Claret
• Le Lavachet
• Les Brevières
• Tignes 1800

Each village is no more than 10 minutes away from the next. You’ll find the best selection of dining, shopping, and leisure entertainment in Le Lac and Val Claret, although a free shuttle service connects each village and runs from morning to night.

At a height of 2,300 metres, Val Claret is the highest of Tignes’ villages. It also has an impressive range of luxury dining and accommodation. Le Lac and La Lavachet are the largest villages with the most choice.

If you’re looking for a budget trip to Tignes, consider Les Brevières and Tignes 1800, which are further down the mountain. These are also quieter, for a more relaxed experience. There’s little in the way of historical attractions in the villages – the original Tignes village was flooded to make way for a hydroelectric dam. But for adventure sports, Tignes is one of the finest destinations in Europe.

Tignes at a glance:

• The huge ski domain has over 300 km of pistes
• Tignes enjoys the longest ski season in France (from December to May)
• Glacier skiing on Grande Motte (elevation: 3,459 metres) is open throughout the year
• A wide range of adventure sports are available in Tignes

Tignes has around 90 green and blue runs, many on the lower slopes, with several nursery slopes for absolute beginners. Tignes Le Lac is one of the best areas to stay in as they have 3 drag-lifts and a magic carpet lift to use for free. If you’re looking to practice with plenty of space, the beginner slopes around Tignes 1800 are often empty, although the snow quality might not be quite as good. Tignes Val Claret also has a child-only nursery slope to help your little ones learn in a safe space.

There are several ski schools in Tignes with instructors teaching in French, English, and Italian. A popular option for those who've just taken up the sport is to book 3-hour lessons in the morning, which gives you the afternoon to practice what you've learnt.

• 60% of Tignes is suitable for beginners
• Nursery slopes are free to use. No lift pass needed
• High-quality instruction is available for adults and children in multiple languages

With 46 red runs crisscrossing the mountains in Tignes, intermediates have the chance to find some serious speed without the feeling that you’re always in someone’s path. This helps to push your ability in a safe manner. There’s also plenty of back-country skiing available in Tignes, which is especially fun after a large dump of snow.

Take the Aiguille Rouge lift, which drops you off close to the famous Eye of the Needle rock formation – a local landmark in Tignes. From here, the wide, steep red run down to Tignes Le Lac is a great piste to ride if you’re looking for speed. After that, you can also cross over to Val d’Isère for a few hours.

• 46 red runs
• 25 black runs
• Lots of backcountry (off-piste) skiing available

Due to the huge ski area in Tignes and neighbouring Val d’Isère, advanced skiers and snowboarders are spoilt for choice. You’ll find 4 different snow parks in the Espace Killy ski area. For skiers, the Tignes Snowpark is best. It has a series of kickers and rails with cameras that take pictures of your tricks. Find it at the top of the Grattalu chairlift. There’s also a drag lift if you fancy multiple runs. For snowboarders, the halfpipe at the top of Les Lanches chairlift above Val Claret is always popular.

Experienced skiers should head to the 3,656-metre summit of the La Grande Motte glacier, one of the highest slopes in the Alps. It’s especially good after recent snowfall as you’ll find some deep powder to enjoy. Time it well and you can stop for lunch at Le Panoramic restaurant, which is accessible by a funicular from Tignes Val Claret.

• 10-km black run, La Sache, above Tignes Les Brévières
• 4 snowparks (2 in Tignes, 2 in Val d’Isère)
• 6 slalom stadiums
• 1 mogul stadium

The dining scene in Tignes is excellent, with a fantastic range of restaurants and bistros in each of the 5 villages, in addition to many acclaimed dining spots up on the slopes.

Local

Check out L’Escale Blanche in Tignes le Lac, which serves wholesome pizzas, salads and burgers and has a large terrace that you can literally ski up to, unclip and sit down to order.

Luxury

For something fancy, head to Tignes Val Claret. Here, you have the choice of Le Grattalu for classic Savoyard specialities such as raclette and fondue, or the Michelin-starred Ursus, which has creative plates of haute cuisine that’s sure to dazzle on a special occasion.

Iconic

For unbeatable views, head up to the top of Le Grande Motte glacier via the funicular and dine at Le Panoramic. The food is as good as the sweeping views.

The best place for shopping in Tignes is in Val Claret village. Although all 5 villages have sports stores, Val Claret has the best collection of boutiques selling fashion, jewellery and high-end souvenirs. If you’re looking for winter gear, Intersport is a famous sports’ retailer in France and stocks everything you might need, from skis to goggles to furry hats. Bear in mind that items are typically more expensive as you get farther from the big cities.

Tignes Le Lac has a small market every Sunday, with local delicacies and souvenirs on offer. Come here to pick up local artisanal cheese and meat, especially locally produced Beaufort cheese. It’s also a good place to experience the local culture.

For nightlife in Tignes, you’ll find the biggest selection of bars and clubs in Le Lac and neighbouring La Lavachet.

Bars

Several bars offer ski-in services straight off the pistes. The most popular bar in Tignes Le Lac is The Marmot Arms. It’s located close to the base station. Also check out Jam Bar, which is popular with international visitors.

Val Claret is more relaxed, with a nice selection of homey pubs and refined wine bars. Head to Bar Hors Piste for a few glasses of wine in front of a roaring fire.

Clubs

For late-night revelry, the most popular spot in town is Le Loop, which attracts famous DJs and bands in the high season.

Val Claret does have 1 club, Melting Pot, which is where you’ll end up if you’re looking for a final beer after midnight.

Lagon Aqua and Wellbeing Centre is a popular place to enjoy when you want a day away from the slopes in Tignes. It features indoor and outdoor pools, children’s slides, Jacuzzis, saunas, and treatment rooms with a range of massage and physio available. There’s also a well-equipped gym and yoga studio. Facilities are cleaned thoroughly and there are lifeguards stationed at every pool.

It’s unusual to find a wellness facility of this quality in a ski resort. It’s suitable for families looking to relax and groups seeking a day of relaxation. If you book a weekly ski pass, you receive free entry to the swimming pools and Jacuzzis in Lagon Aqua. It’s easy to find in Tignes Le Lavachet.