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Tignes Ski Resort
Tignes ski resort (pronounce it 'Teens') is one half of the stunning Espace Killy, one of the biggest linked ski areas in France. Because of its high-altitude terrain and access to the Grande Motte glacier, the resort is open both earlier and later in the season than many others and often the lifts are running for short periods of summer skiing.
Predominantly purpose built, the resort itself is divided into 5 villages, each different in its own way but all well linked by lifts and bus services.
The main area, currently being rebranded as Tignes 2100, is made up of Le Lac, Le Lavachet and Val Claret, all at around 2100m altitude. Le Lac is the central bit, where you not only have the convenience of the main lift system pretty much at your doorstep, but also some gorgeous views across the lake. Party lovers will find the best nightlife at Val Claret, which is also near the glacier if you're holidaying here at the very beginning or end of the season. Le Lavachet is cosier and quieter (often cheaper too as the slopes take longer to get to). Lower down at 1850m is quieter Les Boisses and at 1550m you'll find classic alpine village charm at Les Brévières.
The local pistes alone stretch to an impressive 150km, served by a fast and reliable lift system. Somewhere to definitely seek out in clear weather conditions is ‘the eye of the needle' - one of the natural wonders of the ski-travel world.
Besides the 150km of local slopes, there's plenty more to ski if you want to. With Val d'Isere, this is part of the Espace Killy (named after triple-gold winning Olympic skier Jean Claude Killy). Get the whole-area lift pass for 300km of fantastically conditioned slopes – if you’re not sure whether you’ll need the extra miles, there’s always the option to upgrade in resort as and when you want to.
Stats & FAQ
Location: France, Alps.
Established: 1936
Open: October - May
Downhill: 300km
View our detailed Tignes snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Tignes snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Chambéry (CMF) | 138km, 1h50 |
| Geneva (GVA) | 165km, 2h |
| Grenoble (GNB) | 200km, 2h45 |
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| Top Altitude: | 3456m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 1550m |
| Resort Altitude: | 2,100m |
| Longest run: | 15km |
| Slope Orientation: | NSEW |
| Vertical Drop: | 1,900m |
| Skiable Vertical: | 1,900m |
| Night Skiing: | Yes, every Thursday |
| Glacier: | Yes |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 300km |
| Beginner slopes: | 56% |
| Intermediate: | 28% |
| Advanced slopes: | 16% |
| Lift Pass Price: | €294 (adult 6 day) |
| Nearby resorts: Val d'Isere, Espace Killy, Les Arcs, La Plagne, La Rosiere | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Tignes
With varied pistes at a high altitude, the ski area has impressive powdered terrain for skiers and boarders alike.
Beginners can practice on the nursery slopes at Le Lac and Le Lavachet, where you'll find gentle, quiet runs that are accessible via free beginners' lifts. Le Bollin at Val Claret is another conveniently situated green and Grattalu is a lovely wide blue for those wanting to build confidence.
Tignes is incredible if you ski at an intermediate level, with miles of powdery blue and red runs including the now famous Genepy and Double M. Its main USP is arguably the presence of the striking Grande Motte glacier. With 20km of snow-sure trails, it provides some of the world's best runs for confident intermediates pretty much all year round and virtually guarantees great conditions throughout the winter.
Advanced snow lovers should also try the steep moguls at Toviere and Solaise or the 10k La Sache. A big attraction for Experts is the abundance of off-piste terrain, much of which is lift-served.
There's loads of quality freeriding terrain – including 9 safe but ungroomed areas called ‘Naturides', where all abilities can practice and perfect their freeriding in a safe environment.
Tignes comes very highly recommended by the snowboarders here at Sno, who enjoy its long, wide pistes. There's a great Boardercool area and a mini boardercross (with airbag) at the Gliss' park as well as challenging bends, whoops and curves on Tignes' 1400m boardercross.
The Swatch Snowpark, with an airbag, rails and good jumps for beginners and intermediates has a very cool "shoot my ride", where your performance is filmed and can be watched back. You can practice freestyling at high altitude during the summer in the Glacier Snowpark, and there's also an XXL halfpipe (one of the best in France) that features in the Winter X Games.
Tignes Apres Ski
While it's said that those who appreciate Tignes do so for the serious skiing over the après ski, this doesn't do justice to the fact that Tignes' 60+ bars/pubs and 4 night clubs provide some of the best nightlife in the Alps. All villages have their fair share of places to eat and drink, and with a shuttle bus service running 24 hours, you can enjoy your evening without worrying about the journey back. Jam bar is small but with a great atmosphere and Loop bar pretty much offers it all: with live sport, world class DJ's and well known comedians as well as great food. For a more sophisticated atmosphere, the Couloir has cocktails and comfy sofas. Whether you want a lively night of music and dancing or a quiet nightcap to round off a great day on the slopes, Tignes really does have it all.
There are 60+ restaurants in Tignes including pizzerias, grills and traditional French establishments. Whether your day on the snow leaves your mouth watering for a kebab at Le Tchüss or some fine dining (accompanied by live music) in Le Caveau, the numerous and varied restaurants are sure to satisfy every craving.
While it goes without saying that those on the piste are well entertained, Tignes is also notable for its' excellent range of activities for non-skiers. You can experience the incredible Espace Killy scenery on dog-sled, horseback, snowmobile or hang glider; try ice climbing or snow shoeing or experience a different perspective entirely by ice-diving through a hole cut into the frozen lake. There are also two children's sledging runs which are sure to keep little ones entertained in their mini bobsleigh. Indoors, Tignes has a bowling alley, ice rink and cinema. If there's plenty left in your energy reserves, there's a bungee trampoline, swimming pool and gym as well as a football pitch and basketball, volleyball, squash and table-tennis courts. If you prefer entertainment at a slower place, play a game of bridge or browse the museum, library and shops.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Tignes
Best time to visit & ski Tignes
Thanks to the Grande Motte glacier, the winter season in Tignes lasts longer than most other resorts. You can often ride the glacier from the end of September and enjoy excellent snow through to mid-May, but the main Tignes ski holiday season runs, like the rest of the ski world, from early December until mid or late April. You can also get on the glacier in the summer (June – September), where lifts provide access until 1:30pm.
In terms of snow quality, Tignes is a tough resort to beat – with its' high altitude, excellent snowfall and the presence of the Grande Motte glacier, the Espace Killy is considered one of the Alps' most snow sure ski holiday destinations. While nature does an admirable job of maintaining the powdery pistes, excellent grooming technology and more than 300 snow cannons also serve to ensure you enjoy slopes of the highest quality. The slopes face N,S,E & W, which means that whatever time of day or year you're out, you can find sunny pistes to enjoy all day long.
If you prefer avoid hustle and bustle on the slopes, book outside the peak weeks of Christmas and February half term where a cheerful clamour of families head to Tignes during school holidays, and when hedonists hit the resort to party at New Year. At Sno we like it busy and exciting, so those are actually our favourite times to ski Tignes!
Peak Dates
If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, a Christmas in Tignes will be one to remember. Father Christmas usually makes an appearance on Christmas Eve as well as the day itself, and there's a festive market, Christmas ice disco and spectacular torch-lit display. With the snow-covered surroundings and festive activities, the whole resort is buzzes with an infectious festive spirit. Tignes Christmas ski holidays ‣
There’s always something big going on over New Year in Tignes, from the legendary ‘Fire Mix Party’ of recent seasons (past DJ’s include David Guetta) to performances by the spectacular Eloize Circus. Tignes New Year ski holidays ‣
Even during February half term, when Tignes is a popular destination for families looking to make the most of their week off, queues are reportedly short, and with the huge Espace Killy area to ski, you'll be able to find quieter slopes if that suits your needs. Tignes Half Term ski holidays ‣
Because of its snow-reliability, those who spend Easter in Tignes are rarely disappointed by the condition of slopes, and can enjoy a good dose of sunshine too. With organised events like street theatre and Egg hunt, Easter in Tignes is an enjoyable holiday for all, and one of the more snow-sure ski holidays when booking a late-season trip. Tignes Easter ski holidays ‣
Families in Tignes
Book a hotel with childcare services if you’re travelling with little ones too young for to ski. Hotel Le Paquis is a popular place for families less than 1 minute from the ski school meeting point. For a cheap family getaway, self-catering Residence Le Telemark Apartments is near the ski school meeting place and kindergarten. Chalet hotels like Chalet Hotel Aiguille Percee are popular family favourites offering a fantastic combination of traditional alpine charm in a sociable hotel-sized property – many offer family rooms where everyone can stay together, while the children play and make friends and parents enjoy other adult company in communal dining and lounge areas. For an intimate, homely setting, stay in one of our smaller ski chalets – if you can arrange a group to match the number of beds you can book a sole occupancy.
Tignes is a brilliant place for family holidays – the ski area caters for all ages and abilities fantastically with excellent nursery areas and a variety of runs the family can enjoy together. Book anyone who wants to learn or improve into group lessons to match their age and ability or enjoy quality time together with a private instructor or guide. Little skiers and snowboarders will have lots of fun at the Gliss Park and freestyling teenagers will love the Swatch snowpark which has a ‘shoot my ride’ facility. Non-skiers and those too young to ski are well looked after here too – with a variety of non-ski activities indoors and out and excellent kids clubs, nurseries and childcare options.
Book your family getaway to the slopes with flights from your nearest airport and transfers to the resort for the easiest way to reach the slopes. With driving to the Alps becoming an increasingly popular way to ski, we also have self-drive packages for families. If it’s just the accommodation you’re after, select ‘Independent travel’ instead of an airport in your search.
GroupsGroup Holidays Tignes
For an intimate setting, book a chalet like Chalet Colombero where groups of 8-10 can book sole occupancy and enjoy the place to themselves. In our ski hotels, groups of all sizes can book private rooms and enjoy communal living and dining areas. Hotel Diva is a large property, popular with groups for its slopeside position opposite the ski lifts in Tignes’ party capital Val Claret. Those looking for a cheap group holiday who don’t mind sharing out the workload should check out our self-catering apartments.
Whether your group is looking for a chalet, hotel or apartment, you don’t need to look further than prestigious ski in-ski out Montana Village which has all three! Chalet Montana offers a traditional setting for groups of up to 16, the Montana Hotel has a good amount of rooms if any stragglers want to join up later and the Montana Apartments are able to sleep groups of up to 10 on a self catering group holiday.
The ski area caters for piste-lovers, freestylers and freeriders alike – whether at the beginning or well-established in their skiing or snowboarding careers – so groups of mixed abilities will love it here. Beginners can take advantage of quiet nursery runs in Le Lac and Lavachet while more confident skiers seek steeps, moguls and powder further afield in Espace Killy. Non-skiers tagging along won’t be left at a loose end while everyone else hits the slopes – Tignes has brilliant sports and wellness facilities as well as a great variety of shops and a cinema. Relax with a drink and a good book on one of many sun terraces or book accommodation with wellness facilities and beauty treatments.
Which are the best ski holidays in Tignes?
| Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| Chalet Aigle Royal | 7 | £ 799 |
| Chalet Tavaillons | 7 | £ 823 |
| Chalet Phoebe | 7 | £ 858 |
| Chalet Corniche | 7 | £ 899 |
| Chalet Catherine | 7 | £ 908 |
| Chalet Katalin | 7 | £ 918 |
| Chalet Les Arolles | 7 | £ 949 |
| Chalet Teresa | 7 | £ 968 |
| Chalet Hera | 7 | £ 978 |
| Chalet Cairn | 7 | £ 1049 |
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