One of the most famous resorts in Europe, Tignes has a lot to offer skiers and snowboarders. Tignes is a commune in the Tarentaise Valley, which is in the Savoie department of the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. Read an extensive ski resort guide or take a look at the tips below.
Purpose-built Tignes resort
Tignes was purpose-built as a ski resort in the 1960s. Many say it is not as charming as other French ski resorts but it has everything you could want in terms of facilities for skiing.
The resort comprises the towns of Val Claret, Tignes Le Lac, Tignes Les Boises, La Lavachet and Tignes Les Brévières. The latter two are slightly more isolated in their location.
Even though they are linked into the ski area with their own lifts, Val Claret and Tignes Le Lac have more to offer when it comes to restaurants and shops. This is why these two towns are more convenient places to book accommodation.
La Lavachet can be found a little down the road from Val Claret and Tignes Le Lac, but it is linked to lifts by a ski bus.
It’s important to be aware of the exact location when you’re booking your accommodation because, for example, Les Brévières isn’t linked by a free local bus.
Val Claret in Tignes. Pic credit: Ian Gratton
Winter skiing in Tignes
In winter there is 150kms of skiing to explore on the Tignes’ local pistes, as well as the largest halfpipe in the French Alps and a terrain park.
Tignes shares a larger ski area with Val d’Isère and when combined, these areas offer 300km of pistes.
You will have to purchase a special ski pass valid for both areas in order to use the lifts that will take you to the Val d’Isère area.
Although the resort is suitable for all levels, you will be able to get more out of all the area has to offer if you are a more seasoned skier. Absolute beginners might struggle a little with the more difficult blue slopes for example.
If you’re visiting after late November, you can ski all the way down to the resort from Grande Motte. This red descent isn’t for the faint-hearted though – and it will challenge your skills and stamina.
Summer skiing in Tignes
The resort is not just open to winter skiing. As the area has access to the glacier Grande Motte, you can also do a bit of summer skiing. Each year, the glacier is open for six week of summer skiing and snowboarding in June to August. Due to its altitude, the winter season starts around October.
There is plenty of accommodation to choose from in the Tignes area. Pic credit: Tonkie.
Accommodation in Tignes
For the easiest access to shops and restaurants, choose your accommodation in either Val Claret or Tignes Le Lac. The three other villages are slightly further afield, though all offer lift access to the ski area.
You will find a large range of hotels, B&Bs and self-catered apartments in Tignes. The hotels range from budget to more luxurious options. The high-end hotels will not only offer half-board, or even full-board, but there will also spa & fitness facilities available to guests and the rooms are generally bigger than when you book a budget hotel room.
Some hotels also offer nanny services, which is perfect if you are travelling with kids and want to enjoy some couple time during your holiday.
If you’re only after a room and potentially some breakfast, then consider booking a room at a lower-end hotel or a B&B.
Prices for a high-end hotel in high season can cost around £1,500 per week for a bedroom that sleeps 2-4 people. At the lower end, you could be looking at approximately £600 per week for 2-4 people, including half-board.
Some people much prefer to set up a home away from home. If this is you, then research the many self-catered apartments available in Tignes. You will have your own living room, some bedrooms, a kitchen and bathroom.
You will have to cook your own meals, but at least you will be in charge of the menu and the times food is served!
You can secure a self-catered flat for as little as £350 per week for up to four people. When researching your accommodation, decide on your budget first.
There are also tour operators that include flights, transfers, accommodation, and perhaps even ski passes, in their holiday package deals. These types of deals tend to sell out quickly, as they can be good value.
If you’re not bothered by booking in advance and you’re flexible in your travel dates, there are also great last-minute deals to be had as hotels would rather sell a room for less money than have it laying empty all week long.
