TIGNES, FRANCE
Ski holidays in Tignes, France
One of the highest ski resorts in the Alps, with guaranteed skiing virtually year round, Tignes can justifiably boast a fantastic snow record that is the envy of many resorts worldwide. The Tignes skiing area is part of the vast Espace Killy ski area, with over 300kms of varied terrain, linked to the neighbouring resort of Val d’Isere.
Tignes is a world-famous ski resort which suits all abilities. Whilst the village charm may not be inspiring, the quality of skiing certainly is. Tignes is a fantastic option for any advanced or intermediate skiers who love to whizz around endlessly. The resort has very few queues and the snow is ever-reliable due to the high altitude. All of these factors combined make Tignes one of the most popular France ski holiday destinations.
Resort Statistics
Level | Rating | Runs |
---|---|---|
Beginners | 83 | |
Intermediates | 46 | |
Advanced | 25 | |
Snowboarders | ||
Total Runs | 154 |
- Off piste
- Families
- Non-skiers
- Groups
Resort Altitude | 2100m |
Highest Lift | 3450m |
Total Piste | 300km |
Longest Run | 10km |
Directions of Slopes | N,E,S,W |
Uphill Capacity | 149425 |
Total Lifts | 89 |
Gondolas/Cable cars | 10 |
Chairlifts | 45 |
Drag Lifts | 34 |
Snow Parks | 2 |
Tignes ski resort
Tignes consists of 5 different areas, all of which have access to the Tignes skiing area, but will offer a different experience during a Tignes skiing holiday. Tignes le Lavachet, Tignes Le Lac and Tignes Val Claret make up the three main stations of Tignes with Les Brevieres (1550m) and Les Boisses (1800m) lower down the valley.
The nightlife is great, particularly in Val Claret with lots of late night bars and a club. There are plenty of busy bars, restaurants and clubs between the three main villages to keep even the most avid night owls interested during their ski holiday.
Tignes also has a modern sports centre, featuring aerobics, squash and sauna, and a nearby cinema, skating rink and bowling alley.
Skiing in Tignes
The skiing in Tignes is simply vast, and with several free lifts for beginner skiers helping the excellent local ski and snowboard schools, (particularly Evolution 2 receiving glowing reports), progression is normally quick for first timers on a Tignes skiing holiday. There are huge long sweeping runs up on the Grand Motte glacier which should be the goal for the end of the beginner’s first week skiing in Tignes.
For intermediate skiers there is a good percentage of difficult blues and reds, which are more than enough to keep even an ambitious intermediate challenged for during their Tignes skiing holiday. The trip down to Les Brevieres can be particularly enjoyable, with nice restaurants awaiting you at the bottom.
Advanced skiers come back year after year to try the vast array of black pistes and endless off-piste challenges skiing in Tignes has to offer. Try Mickey’s Ears, the Fingers or the Lavachet Wall for real spine tingling vertical drops. If you crave backcountry skiing there is a spectacular tour from Tignes to Les Arcs that you cannot miss.
The are many off piste areas in Tignes and plenty to keep the most experience skier happy, but less experienced skiers and snowboarders should first try Le SPOT (Skiing the Powder of Tignes) which is Tignes’ latest freesking project located at the Col de Ves lift. This is an ungroomed but patrolled area of the mountain named after a four time freeride world champion Guerlain Chichert. Skiers and snowboarders can build up their confidence here before progressing on to off piste.
Best ski runs in Tignes and Val d’Isere
The Espace Killy ski area has a huge selection of terrain for all abilities. Discover the best ski runs in Val d’Isere and Tignes here:
Best of the blues
- Diebold – Bellevarde Mountain, Val d’Isere
- Plan Millet – Solaise Mountain, Val d’Isere
- Genepy – Grande Motte glacier, Tignes
- Corniche, Rhododendron, Melezes amd Myrtilles – L’Aiguille Percee Mountain, Tignes
Race the reds
- Combe Folle – Toviere Mountain, Tignes
- Double M – Grande Motte glacier, Tignes
- OK – Coupe du Monde - Bellevarde Mountain, Val d’Isere
- Orange - Bellevarde Mountain, Val d’Isere
- Arcelle - Solaise Mountain, Val d’Isere
- Germain Mattis - Solaise Mountain, Val d’Isere
Experts only
- Descente - Grande Motte glacier, Tignes
- La Sache - L’Aiguille Percee Mountain, Tignes
- La Face - Bellevarde Mountain, Val d’Isere
- L’Epaule du Charvet - Bellevarde Mountain, Val d’Isere
- Rhone Alpes - Solaise Mountain, Val d’Isere
Snow conditions in Tignes
Conditions in Tignes are almost always exceptional. The resort has summer as well as winter skiing on its glacier area, and the high altitude of the resort (2100m) usually means a high amount of snow is on the base for the most of the winter, particularly in the higher areas.
Some west-facing runs suffer from the afternoon sun; however, it is not too problematic as there are good quality snow-making machines there. Towards the back end of the season, some slopes may become a touch slushy, but this is nothing too serious. In fact, Tignes offers some of the best conditions for Easter and late season ski holidays - check out our guide to Easter skiing for more insight and make sure to look at the Tignes snow history, where you can also check the current snow report, forecast and webcams.
Ski accommodation in Tignes
From family ski holidays to group ski holidays, our Tignes apartments will accommodate you in any way you require. Not to mention the fantastic locations and cheap prices, they'll finish off your stay perfectly. Tignes ski chalets are the ideal way to enjoy ski holidays in Tignes and with Iglu Ski's vast selection of Tignes chalets we have something to suit everyone. If you are looking for somewhere more tranquil or luxurious, our Tignes hotels offer lots of variety. From family run traditional hotels to all-inclusive accommodations.
Family skiing in Tignes
Tignes is a great family ski destination. There are many thrilling activities to explore on and off the slopes in Tignes. The huge 300km ski area has a variety of pistes for all abilities, so there is plenty for the entire family to enjoy. One great thing about Tignes is the brilliant ski schools, so beginners and children are well catered for on a family ski holiday. There are plenty of non-ski activities in Tignes and a large range of shops, bars and restaurants to cater for all tastes.
Group ski holidays in Tignes
Tignes is the ultimate resort for a group ski holiday. All age ranges, abilities, skiers, snowboarders or non-skiers will love a ski holiday in Tignes. With endless runs, fantastic snow conditions, lively après and a huge choice of ski accommodation in Tignes it is a brilliant all-round resort suitable for everyone. Book early for the best choice of group chalets, early booking offers and low deposits for your ski holiday in Tignes.
Après-ski, restaurants and activities in Tignes
Après-ski in Tignes is good with plenty of options across all villages. The Loop Bar in Le Lac is a favourite option for après straight off the slopes with it's large sun terrace and regular live bands, in Le Lavachet Scotty’s Bar is a lively and popular with English skiers . Drop Zone in Tignes Val Claret has a large south facing terrace with a 3 hour happy hour perfect for an apres ski sesh.
For night-time partying there are 3 clubs in Tignes: Jacks in Le Lac, and Le Melting Pot and Blue Girl in Val Claret. Other bars include: Saloon bar, Le Studio, Couloir, Grizzly’s Bar, Underground, The Marmot Arms, Jam Bar and Alpaka Lodge.
Other activities in Tignes include:
- Lagoon Swimming Centre in Le Lac
- Ice Skating
- Ice diving
- Heli trips
- Paragliding
- Husky Rides
- Ice driving
- Snowshoeing
- Bowling
- Bun J ride
- Snowkiting
- Snake Gliss
- Ice climbing
With a 2 - 15 day skipass, you have free access to the Lagoon swimming centre and the ice rink (including the load of the skates) for each validity day of the ski pass (e.g. with a 6 day lift pass, you will be able to acess the pool and ice rink for all 6 days).
Transfer times & airports for Tignes
The nearest airport to Tignes is Chambery, however, as flights are less frequent, Geneva is the most common and popular airport to fly into as it gives skiers a greater choice of flights.
Chambery: approx. 2h 15min
Geneva: approx. 3h 00min
Grenoble: approx. 4h 00min
Lyon: approx. 4h 00min
Tignes SKI PASS PRICES
The prices for the Tignes Espace Killy lift pass, for the Winter 23/24 ski season can be found below.
Number of days | Adult price | Child price | Senior price |
---|---|---|---|
6 | €396.00 | €336.00 | €336.00 |
4 | €264.00 | €224.00 | €224.00 |
3 | €198.00 | €168.00 | €168.00 |
Prices are normally based on a full area lift pass and child ages vary by resort. The above are guides, so please call one of the Iglu team for prices for your holiday.
Ski Hire in Tignes
There are normally a number of shops where you can pick up your pre-booked ski or snowboard equipment from. Which shop you go to will depend on where you are staying in Tignes. Here is a guide to ski or snowboard hire in Tignes:
Ski Hire Type | Adult 6 days | Child 6 days |
---|---|---|
Bronze - Skis and Boots or Snowboard and Boots | £72 | £58 |
Silver - Skis and Boots or Snowboard and Boots | £104 | £72 |
Gold - Skis and Boots or Snowboard and Boots | £125 | |
Platinum - Skis and Boots or Snowboard and Boots | £135 |
You can book your ski hire for your trip to Tignes here
Tignes Reviews
The chalet offers a great location, just a short ride down an easy blue to your choice of two lifts, or a short walk into the main hub of Le Lac for the Toviere Gondola. The living area offers a lovely space with a woodburner - a perfect place to spend the evening. The bedrooms are a good size also.
Apres Ski: 5/5
Accommodation & Value: 5/5
Laura Waple
A great place to cruise the Blues as well as challenge your technique on Reds and Blacks. There are fast chairs and gondolas as well as Funiculars in key areas making the whole area easily accessible toVal D’Isere and beyond.
Apres Ski: 5/5
Carol Jones