What's available at Tignes ski resort?
It forms one half of the iconic Tignes-Val d’isere ski area, along with neighbouring Val d’Isere. The ski area was previously known as L’Espace Killy after Jean-Claude Killy, a former World Cup Alpine skier who was from the local Tarentaise Valley.
Tignes is an absolute top-tier ski resort and perhaps one of the Alps most well known among Brits. It has an excellent variety of high-altitde slopes across a terrain spanning 300km. Its slopes climb as high as 3,456m and offers a wide range of terrain from long glacier descents down the Grande Motte glacier or tree lined blues in Les Brévières.
Part of the beauty of Tignes is that each of its villages has a uniquely brilliant atmosphere and, since we’ve spent lots of time there over the years, we can easily advise on which one will satisfy your group’s requirements. When you want a French ski resort that has everything, Tignes is practically perfect.
Part of the beauty of Tignes is that each of its villages has a uniquely brilliant atmosphere and, since we’ve spent lots of time there over the years, we can easily advise on which one will satisfy your group’s requirements. When you want a French ski resort that has everything, Tignes is practically perfect.
Tignes the perfect ski holiday destination. Made up of different little villages located at varying altitdes on the mountain face, each village possess its own unique charm and ambience. Some of the villages have ski-in and ski-out accommodation, some have a vibrant nightlife and party scene, some are more chilled out and family friendly and so on.
Overall, Tignes offers a fantastic holiday experience, regardless of where you choose to stay. All villages have excellent facilities across the board from accommodation, leisure facilities, entertainment and general services/ammenities. There is so much to get up to in Tignes, read further for more information.
Tignes has three main ski areas: L'Aiguille Percée, Grande Motte Glacier, and Tovière, with altitudes between 1550m and 3456m. Most of the slopes are easy to reach from either Val Claret or Tignes Le Lac. Les Brévières – a small and quiet ski village – sits at the lowest point of Tignes and offers decent off-piste terrain as well as a fantastic mix of runs for beginner and intermediate skiers.
One of the standout areas is the Grande Motte Glacier, which boasts the highest peak and offers year-round skiing. Tovière has easy connections to neighbouring Val d'Isère, too, giving you even more slopes to explore. And if you're skiing down L'Aiguille Percée, be sure to look for the iconic "Eye of the Needle" rock formation.
Tignes makes up one half of the Espace Killy ski area, one of the highest regarded ski areas in the world. Tignes is made up of several satellite villages, our favourites are the two highest and best, “Val Claret” and “Le Lac”.
These two areas cover all bases; tasty lunch spots, varied accommodation but most importantly jaw-droppingly good skiing! Beneath the Grande Motte glacier there are runs to be found for all abilities to enjoy, a huge beginners area sits in between Tignes and Val d’Isere for learning without repeating the same single runs and with 24 black runs and 40 reds there’s plenty of steep and deep to push you to your limits.
We love Tignes and believe the lift of any snowsports lover is not complete until they have explored it’s seemingly endless slopes.
Between the villages of Val Claret and Le Lac there is the perfect place to stay no matter what you’re looking for. Val Claret plays host to the nightlife scene featuring two nightclubs and plenty more bars, but even if you choose to stay down in the slightly quieter area of Le Lac there are regular shuttle buses all the way through the night to ferry you between the two. Plenty to choose from if you’re after a luxury stay, with multiple accommodations boasting spas and saunas. Then even if you’re after a budget studio apartment this is even possible with a pool!
The Eye of the Needle
This has to be one of the coolest sights to behold in all of the Alps, you’ll find it high above Le Lac at the top of the Aiguille Percée chairlift. Over the years the wind and snow has eroded a hole straight through the middle of the rock which looks incredible. From up here are several blues and reds to take you back down to resort level, or if you keep to the left you can reach one of the lower corners of the Espace Killy, Les Brevieres. Speaking of corners…
Hit the 4 corners of the Espace Killy
The 300km of piste that interlink the resorts of Val d’Isere and Tignes have countless hidden gems to be discovered. So maximise your chances of finding something no ones seen before by stretching the ski area to it’s limits! Looking at the piste map the four corners are La Fornet & the Val d’Isere Glacier to the left and Les-Brévières & the Grande Motte Glacier on the Tignes side. Once you’ve made it to each of these points you can really say you’ve skied the Espace Killy. Do it all in one day and you’re super human!
Stop for lunch
Obviously you’re here to ski, we know that, but it’s very important to refuel and Tignes has some of the best lunch spots around. Visit the Planks shop in Val Claret for a delicious pie and shop for some sweet new gear while you’re at it. You can head down to Tignes Cuisine in Le Lac for some drool inducing asia-inspired dishes or just next door is Loop Bar serving up some great burgers. After a pit stop and one of these fine places you’ll be more than ready for an afternoon of shredding hard.
Tignes is as famous for its epic nightlife as it is for its incredible slopes (and that's saying something). Many bars are busy from mid-afternoon when the first skiers pull up for a cheeky après beer. As the evening unfolds, you can find hotspots offering everything from live music and DJ sets to legendary "table-stomping" in your ski boots with the Tignes locals. When you've finished playing on the snow for the day, here are a few highlights:
- We can't rave about après-ski in Tignes without mentioning The Marmot Arms. 'The Marmot' (as the seasonaires lovingly call it) is a British-style boozer in Tignes Le Lac that serves up a great selection of beers and live music. Oh, and did we mention they do sensational homemade gourmet burgers?
- If partying late into the night sounds like your kind of après-ski, try Loop Bar in Tignes Le Lac. Its busy outdoor terrace is the perfect sun trap in the afternoon and offers a breathtaking view of the sunset over the mountains. As well as its buzzing atmosphere and signature shots, live music, DJs and even comedians are on the menu, so there really is something for everyone.
- La Flambée is the place to be if a cosy and traditional ambience gives you all the feels. Nestled in Hotel Village Montana at the bottom of the slopes in Les Almes in Tignes Le Lac, it's a wonderful place to sprawl out on a comfy fireside sofa and warm yourself up with a glass of vin chaud.
- Located bang in the middle of Val Claret, Le Couloir offers the perfect blend of fine French cuisine, cocktails, tapas and live music. If you're dining with a group of friends or want evening entertainment under one roof, you're guaranteed a great night out.
Le Couloir
A delicious restaurant and bar in the heart of Val Claret. This place is great for lunch or dinner or even for a few pints. The menu is great and the wine list even better. They cater for all dietary requirements, so vegans and intolerances fear not!
Le Panoramic
A great self-service restaurant at the base of the Grande Motte glacier at 3000m. The owner has a huge St Bernard called Igloo...he is very friendly but the size of a small horse!
Tignes Cuisine
The greatest value fast food in resort! Serving delicious Asian inspired dishes, this tiny little restaurant is a popular place with locals and tourists alike. The food is so good that you might end up eating lunch there every day...
La Ferme des 3 Capucines
A stunning chalet opposite the Chaudanne and Paquis chairlifts, this actual farm rears its own livestock. You can't get fresher than that!
Tignes 2100 Alpine Kitchen
The restaurant at the Langley hotel in Tignes le Lac serves some delicious cocktails and has a great food menu. If you are fancying something different to cheese then this place has got you covered!
Drop Zone
Drop Zone has been around in Tignes for as long as we can remember. It's a really fun bar that is perfect for a small group of mates or a large snowsports club. A firm favourite of ours!
The Marmot Arms
Great burgers and wild après ski!
Brasero
This great little bar and restaurant in le Lavachet has a great sun-trapped terrace and serves delicious food and drinks. Definitely one to try as a lunch treat!
Blue Girl
Check out Blue Girl if you have the stamina for a very late night...you've been warned!
