Cocorico is one of Tignes's newest and most exciting additions
One of the most popular ski resorts in Europe for Brits, Tignes has a fantastic range of après ski, from its lively slopeside bars to wild nightclubs - as well as plenty of quieter spots for those who want to relax.
It really does have something for everyone off the pistes - not to mention its phenomenal skiing offerings. One half of the world-famous Espace Killy ski area alongside the similarly brilliant Val d’Isère, both resorts ooze quality - but it’s Tignes which is often more affordable.
Tignes’s après offerings were historically much more humble than neighbouring ‘Val D’, but the resort has really stepped up its game in recent years - so much so that it now features in Iglu Ski’s list of the top après ski resorts.
Every member of the Iglu Ski team has been to Tignes (including three of our sales team who’ve done seasons there), so we really are experts on the resort. Keep reading for the best bars, pubs, nightclubs and party venues in the area.
In case Tignes is new to you, here’s what you need to know. It’s split into five distinct villages: Tignes Les Brevieres (the original authentic village), Tignes Le Lac (the main hub of the resort), Tignes Val Claret (known for its clubs and bars), Tignes Les Boisses and Tignes Le Lavachet (both peaceful areas - largely residential). All are connected by a regular ski bus service on the ground, while you can get lifts up the mountain from any of them.
READ MORE: If you're keen on France, but looking to avoid the wild crowds, then find out all about La Rosière's bars and drinking spots.
READ MORE: Meanwhile, for a similar resort to Tignes in terms of nightlife, have a look at why Courchevel's après scene is so popular.
Our must-visit après ski bars and nightlife hotspots in Tignes are:
1. Cocorico (Val Claret)
2. Folie Douce
3. Loop Bar (Le Lac)
4. Underground (Le Lac)
5. Drop Zone (Val Claret)
6. Saloon Bar (Val Claret)
7. Cave du Loop (Le Lac)
8. Melting Pot (Val Claret)
9. Blue Girl (Val Claret)
10. Marmot Arms (Le Lac)
11. Grizzly's (Val Claret)
12. Inside Bar (Val Claret)
13. Bar La Flambée (Le Lac)
READ MORE: It’s also worth mentioning that, as Val d’Isère is just a 15-minute drive away, and is accessible on the slopes (although not after dark), you can also enjoy a night out over here during your holiday. Read our guide to Val d’Isère’s best après and nightlife.
Folie Douce is another French alpine classic when it comes to après ski
The best bars for mountain partying
- Cocorico (Val Claret)
- La Folie Douce
As you descend back into Tignes after a long and enjoyable day on the slopes, your tired legs and parched throats will be met instantly by the sight of Cocorico popping off. Located next to the Lanches chair lift, the huge outdoor sun terrace will gradually get busier throughout the afternoon, welcoming live music from 4-6pm, and DJ sets from 6-8pm.
Brace yourself for some inevitable dancing on tables and plenty of beers flowing. If you get there early enough, there’s a happy hour between 2-4pm as well. To avoid any possible confusion - there’s also a Cocorico in nearby Val d’Isère. This one was so popular that they decided to open another one in Tignes.
Meanwhile, the classic household name of Folie Douce - France’s biggest après chain - is of course present in the Espace Killy ski area. This place will be rocking every day without fail. It has live bands, DJs, and even colourful cabaret shows. Exuding plenty of typical French flamboyance and flair, it’s an unmissable stop off on your way home.
Technically in Val d’Isère, it’s located at the top of the Daille gondola. The lifts shut down at about the same time as Folie Douce closes, so you have two main choices to get back to Tignes. You can either make an easy ski down to La Daille (little satellite village of Val d’Isère) and get a bus back to Tignes… or make sure you leave about half an hour earlier and catch the well-signposted chairlifts back towards Tignes.
The best bars for live music and a lively evening in Tignes
- Loop Bar (Le Lac)
- Underground (Le Lac)
Once you’ve moved on from Folie Douce and Cocorico live music offerings, there’s plenty more in Tignes to keep you occupied.
The Loop Bar is a very popular venue for live music - it has a large bar and a classic dance floor, and showcases ‘the best live bands in the Alps’ and top DJs on a regular basis. You can stay here right through the evening, and it’s perfectly located at the bottom of the Trolles slope, meaning you can ski right up to its doors.
It takes its food seriously, too, with plenty of tasty burgers and wraps going round. There’s places to sit and eat here - including on the huge sun terrace outside - but the main attraction is definitely the music inside.
The Underground Bar is another great venue to enjoy some tunes. More lowkey than the Loop Bar, this place is found near the Palafour lift and has live music and DJs, with the atmosphere gradually building throughout the evening. Their nachos have earned a glowing reputation.
Best bars for a cheap drink
- Drop Zone (Val Claret)
- Saloon Bar (Val Claret)
It’s no secret that skiing isn’t the cheapest hobby in the world, and certain resorts can be much pricier than others. Luckily, Tignes is relatively affordable compared to some, and there are some good choices to keep your spending down a bit.
Drop Zone is known for its cheap beer anyway - but its happy hour from 3-6pm only makes life much nicer. And to any sceptics who assume it must be a depressing place to drink… it only has the largest south-facing sun terrace in the whole of Tignes. Get some Vitamin D in you and then head inside for some live bands, DJs and live sport on TV.
Another great venue with a strong happy hour is the Saloon Bar. Here, you can dance to live DJs and the occasional band, with cheaper drinks from 3-5pm.
Strike in Tignes makes great use of the resort's old bowling alley
The best nightclubs for partying ‘til the early hours
- Cave du Loop (Le Lac)
- Melting Pot (Val Claret)
- Strike (Le Lac)
If you’re the type who loves to just boogie all night long, then there’s no shortage of options in Tignes.
Downstairs from the previously mentioned Loop Bar is the Cave du Loop, which was opened in 2021. After spending the evening on the terrace outside, you can head down to where some brilliant DJs will mix it up for your enjoyment.
The early hours will see you moving about to funk, soul and upbeat tunes. It has an upmarket vibe to it, with plenty of fancy wine and cocktails floating about.
Over in Val Claret, meanwhile, the Melting Pot is the place to be to properly raise your heartbeat. Everyone here will be bouncing to DnB, electro and hip-hop until it shuts at 4am. It’s a great night out, with a special policy to play the latest tunes and is also accurately named - it can get quite sweaty!
Meanwhile, a new venue called Strike is making airwaves across the mountains. With 1200m² of space, it’s the biggest club in the Alps, with a range of rich French and international music regularly on.
Set up in Tignes’ former bowling alley, it’s got a massive stage and advanced light, sound and video systems, and is open Wednesday to Sunday from 8pm to 3am. Top DJs spin from 11pm onwards, making it a great place to try out on your holiday.
Best pub in Tignes
If you fancy something a bit more homely, then look no further than the Marmot Arms. It’s a proper pub - although brace yourself for its marmot theme - which offers a nice selection of pints on tap and a cosy interior. There’s a happy hour from 4-6pm, and you can also grab burgers, fish and chips and pasta.
It’s decent value for money here, and is also close to both the slopes and the shuttle bus stop.
Best bars for watching sports
- Loop Bar (Le Lac)
- Marmot Arms (Le Lac)
These two have been mentioned before, but they’re worth thinking of when it comes to live sport.
The Loop Bar has four TV screens, while the Marmot Arms has three screens with Sky Sports on. Both are a strong choice for some Champions League, Six Nations, England cricket or Premier League matches.
Best bar for craft beer
Grizzly’s is another favourite in Tignes. It's got a very cosy atmosphere, with fires, throws and blankets everywhere. The owner has put his own wood carvings all over the interior - including two large bears at the entrance.
There’s a nice outside seating area, too, which has a fire pit and barbecue grill. It’s a little bit pricier than average, but still a nice bar to visit.
Best karaoke bar
This place has a nice south-facing terrace and is open until 2am every day. Located in the centre of Val Claret, it’s a good place to note down if you ever have some karaoke cravings.
Best bar for something a bit more relaxed
Rest and warm yourself up in this nice bar inside the Hotel Village Montana, where there are plenty of sofas, rugs and warm drinks.
It’s a great place to kick back and wind down after a long day on the slopes.
Where to stay if you want to be near Tignes’s après hotspots
Tignes Le Lac and Tignes Val Claret are the two villages you’ll want to be in if you’re aiming to stay nearby.
In Le Lac, popular hotels include Hotel Levanna, while Tignes 2100 Hotel, and Hotel Voulez Vous are also highly rated. Meanwhile, Val Claret’s Belambra Club is always a top choice.
If you want something a bit cheaper, then you should think about staying in many of Tignes’ affordable apartments. The Village Montana Apartments are always a popular choice, as are Le Taos Suites Apartments.
Remember, you can refine your search to find exactly what you want on the date that you’re planning to go.
Discover the Tignes après scene with Iglu Ski
If this blog has got your après juices flowing, then why not act on it? You’ll have an incredible time out in the mountains - and we can help you find the perfect holiday.
We’re the UK’s number one ski travel agency, having been securing dream ski holidays for Brits for over 25 years. You can book entirely online, or if you’d rather call (020 3848 3700), our incredible sales team will look after you.
Have a look at the best Tignes ski holiday deals to kick things off.
Find out what the après and nightlife scene is like in other resorts:
