Nestled in the French Alps, Tignes is a premier ski destination renowned for its high-altitude slopes. If you’ve never been to Tignes before, here’s everything you need to know before you join the thousands of holidaymakers heading abroad this year.
Resort layout and accommodation
Tignes is made up of five main villages: Tignes les Brévières, Tignes 1800 (Les Boisses), Tignes le Lavachet, Tignes le Lac, and Val Claret. Each village has a unique atmosphere and access to various amenities.
- Tignes les Brévières: This is the lowest village at 1550 meters. Due to its less daring slopes, this village is excellent for those who aren’t quite as adventurous and want a quieter trip.
- Tignes 1800 (Les Boisses): This village is great for families thanks to convenient access to beginner slopes and a range of family-friendly accommodation options.
- Tignes le Lavachet: Known for its relaxed vibe, this village offers a mix of budget-friendly and mid-range accommodations, with easy access to the slopes.
- Tignes le Lac: Centrally located at 2100 meters, Tignes le Lac is a hive of activity with shops, restaurants and bars at every turn. Accommodation here varies from budget options to luxurious hotels.
- Val Claret: The highest village, Val Claret is perfect for avid skiers who want immediate access to the slopes.
Ski and glacier access
Tignes is part of the Espace Killy ski area, offering over 300 kilometres of pistes. The skiing here is varied and caters to all skill levels.
- Beginners: Each village has beginner areas, with gentle slopes and dedicated zones for learning. Tignes 1800 and le Lac are particularly beginner-friendly.
- Intermediate: Intermediate skiers will find plenty of blue and red runs spread across the resort. The long, cruising runs from the Grande Motte glacier down to Val Claret are a highlight.
- Advanced: For advanced skiers, ski holidays to Tignes offer challenging black runs and extensive off-piste opportunities.
There’s also the Grande Motte glacier. Thanks to its high altitude, this guarantees superior snow conditions even during the warmer months when some snow has melted.
Off-slope activities
Whether you don’t enjoy skiing or simply want to enjoy some activities off the slopes, there’s plenty to do in Tignes. Some of the best activities include:
- Le Lagon: This aquatic centre boasts a swimming pool, spa facilities and a gym. This makes it perfect for relaxation after a day on the slopes.
- Ice diving: For the adventurous, dive under the frozen lake for a unique experience.
- Snowshoeing and ice climbing: Explore the snowy landscape on a snowshoeing excursion or try your hand at ice climbing with a guide.
- Paragliding: Get a bird’s eye view of the Alps with a paragliding adventure.
Family considerations
Tignes is great for a family ski holiday as you’ll find plenty of children’s ski schools, family-friendly accommodation and activities like ice skating.
If you want to be surrounded by other families, 1800 and le Lac are especially family-oriented. Plus, they have plenty of childcare services so you can take some time out to enjoy the slopes while children are well cared for.
Final thoughts…
A holiday to Tignes is bound to be unforgettable. With plenty of accommodation options, world-class terrain and loads of things to do off the slopes, it’s an excellent choice for a winter getaway.
