Tignes is one of our most popular skiing destinations for Brits
An absolute staple of French skiing, it’s no surprise that huge numbers of Brits flock to Tignes every season.
Its superb snow record is just one reason for its popularity (it ranks very highly in Iglu Ski’s top snow-sure resorts in France), meaning you’ll likely have great skiing whenever you decide to visit.
There’s also rapid access to a phenomenal skiing area which has some of the best skiing in the world.
Tignes has had something of a family reputation - and while that is still the case in certain areas, it’s also transformed its après scene recently to rival its lively neighbour, Val d’Isère.
It’s a purpose-built ski resort, so there’s plenty of ski in/ski out accommodation, and things operate very smoothly indeed.
Every member of Iglu Ski’s sales team has visited Tignes - including three who have done seasons there! - so we really are experts on the area. Carry on reading for all the reasons it’s a great resort.
1. Outstanding snow conditions throughout winter
Nestled right up in the famous Tarentaise Valley, there really aren’t many ski resorts with better snow. Slopes in Tignes go up to a whopping 3,450m, with the lowest ones still a very impressive 1,550m - making it one of Europe’s highest resorts.
Like its neighbour Val d’Isère, Tignes has plenty of north-facing slopes - the advantage of this is that there’ll be much less opportunity for the sun to melt the snow, meaning the conditions will remain in top condition for skiing.
Strong snowfall records are a plus as well. Over the past 11 years, Tignes has seen an average of 37cm of snow falling in December, with January, February, March and April coming in at an impressive 38cm, 33cm, 37cm, and 28cm respectively.
Based on this record of the recent past, you’ll probably get at least 3 days of snowfall per week - if not 4 in April!
2. It’s an entry point into one of the most famous ski areas on Earth
Alongside Val d’Isère, Tignes makes up the superb Espace Killy ski area. This famous space has a whopping 300km of downhill skiing, and 150 pistes that are linked by 90 ski lifts.
Named after the world champion skier and former ‘Val D’ resident, Jean Claude Killy, the high quality of skiing means you’ll have a thrilling time every day.
There’s plenty of well-groomed pistes, as well as some gorgeous off-piste areas to explore. High points include the Grande Motte glacier at 3,456m, and the longest run is a nice 10km (La Sache). There’s also 900 artificial snow cannons to make sure all the conditions are perfect. We’ll get into all of this later.
There's absolutely loads of terrain to cover in the vast Espace Killy ski area
3. Great skiing for mixed-ability groups
If you’re in a group of varying abilities (or indeed all of the same ability) then Tignes is a great choice of ski resort.
For beginners, Tignes has 9 free lifts and enough nursery slopes to ensure you can get to grips with being on skis. There are also 22 green slopes and 65 blues, which should be more than enough to keep you busy.
The Genepy green run from the top of the Borsat char lift is a top pick to get your teeth into, and this will help you progress onto blues and reds.
Intermediates are also well catered for. On top of the 65 blues, there are also 41 red runs. The Cyclamen is a top red in the area - starting at the top of the Aiguille Percée chairlift, it passes the spectacular Eye of the Needle rock formation, and offers big turns and areas to build up some speed.
Advanced skiers have lots to get on with, too. There are 32 blacks, and the pick of the bunch is arguably La Sache, which is a thrilling 10km route from L'Aiguille Percée to Les Brévières.
Have a look at our list of the best runs in Tignes for more inspiration.
4. Top pick for glacier skiing
The highest point for skiing in the Espace Killy is the Grand Motte glacier - a vast icy ecosystem that allows for some beautiful cruising above the treeline. Situated at 3,500m, it has blue, red and black runs - meaning even beginners can venture up for some fun. Just head up the Perce-Neige funicular, then the adjoining cable car.
Located on the Tignes side of the Espace Killy, it’s also the training base for the regional and French national alpine and freestyle ski teams.
Val d’Isère is also easily in reach from the Grande Motte - and on that side is the Pisaillas glacier. Another icy powerhouse, this one’s at 3,000m, and is accessible via the Cascade chairlift or the Montets drag lift, for even more cruising.
5. Plenty of attractive off-piste skiing
While Tignes and the Espace Killy might be known for the quality of its pistes - venture off them and you’ll also find a world of fun and thrills.
You’ll inevitably find your own favourites when you’re exploring out there, but our top picks include the Couloir du Chardonnet and The Marmottes.
The first is a stunning north-facing couloir (a steep, narrow gully) which is almost always crowd-free and has great snow conditions. All the way down, you can soak in the incredible views of Mont Blanc and Tignes.
It starts very narrow, but only ever widens as you go down - meaning if you’re confident enough, you can whizz straight down before decelerating with some turns.
The Marmottes, meanwhile, is an easy off-piste for most abilities which has gradual drops which all flatten out quite quickly - making it a super practice area for getting used to steeper gradients.
This one is in the sun all day as well, meaning it won’t be icy - although the snow will be quite thick as a result.
6. Tignes is really upping its après game…
Tignes has long been dubbed the family-friendly version of Val d’Isère (we’ll touch on families next!), but recently, Tignes’ reputation for a post-skiing jolly has gone up.
More and more people are choosing to let their hair down here, with new clubs and great bars popping up.
While the main attraction is probably still the Folie Douce, which is on Val d’Isère’s side of the Espace Killy up in the mountains, there’s now a Cocorico in Tignes (following on from its original success in Val D).
Other fun hotspots include the Cave du Loop and the Melting Pot, while the old bowling alley has recently been converted into a warehouse-style club, called Strike.
There are plenty of places to catch some live sport, and lots of options if you want just a relaxed drink with a nice view.
Have a look at our guide to Tignes’s après ski and nightlife to know exactly what we’re talking about.
Tignes's Cocorico is just one of the new venues that are popping off
7. …it’s still great for families though
Don’t be put off by the above point on après if you’re a family! Its reputation as a nice, gentle retreat for families is still very much intact - you just need to find the right areas.
Firstly for the skiing - you’ll find loads of brilliant ski schools in Tignes, as well as excellent child care facilities. Each of the various villages have ski lifts from which you can access the mountains - meaning you won’t have to jump on any buses or lug your skis around for too long.
Of those various villages, Tignes Les Boisses is a purpose-built one that was made with families in mind. It is located below the three main villages and is a quiet haven among the trees. Away from the noise and buzz of the main town, but still within easy reach if you want to go there after skiing, it’s a great location for families.
Another top choice is Tignes Val Claret’s Club Med, which is an all inclusive heaven which has plenty of youngsters roaming around. There’s a bar and lounge fit with a fireplace, as well as multiple restaurants, theatre shows (including dance, circus, magic and other local entertainment) and a swimming pool with a wellness area.
8. There’s five different villages - all with their own character
Expanding on the above point, Tignes has five villages in total.
Tignes Les Brevieres is the original, authentic village. Nowadays, it’s quite quiet, with old-fashioned stone farmhouses and ski chalets nestled among its rustic narrow streets.
Tignes Le Lac has long now been the main hub of the resort. This is where you’ll find most of the shops and supermarkets that you might need to pop into, as well as restaurants, bars and clubs. It’s also where the lake is - you can ice skate and walk on it over winter. There are plenty of other activities that you can do here (we’ll get into that next!).
Tignes Val Claret, meanwhile, is set further up from the Lake and is known largely for its bars and clubs.
Tignes Les Boisses and Tignes Lavachet are the quieter villages - these are mainly residential areas.
All of the villages are connected by a regular bus service on the ground, while the ski lift system extends into each of them as well.
9. Lots of other activities will keep you busy off the slopes
If you buy a six-day lift pass, then you’ll have free access to Le Lagon swimming complex, which has a huge pool, and a fitness and wellness centre.
Meanwhile, at Tignespace centre, you can enjoy a golf simulator, racket sports, and even a whopping climbing wall.
Outdoorsy activities include snowtubing, sledging and horse riding among others - while the remarkable Bun J ride involves chucking yourself off a huge ski jump while attached to a bungee cord.
Have a look at our top 10 things to do in Tignes for some more inspiration.
Discover how great Tignes is for yourself
If this guide has got you thinking about Tignes for your next ski trip, then let us make your experience a great one.
Iglu Ski is the largest ski travel agency in the UK. Everyone here loves skiing, and our knowledge and expertise will help you nail all the little details.
Have a look at the best ski deals in Tignes - you can book online, or phone us on 020 3848 3700, where we’re happy to advise you on anything you want to know - all our sales team have done at least one season in the mountains, so they really know what they’re talking about.
If you’re the lead booker for a group, then have a browse of our group booking guide to help ease the stress.
