Tignes ski resort information
The ski resort of Tignes is linked to Val d’Isere in an area known as the Espace Killy, it covers a total of 300 km of piste with a mass of off piste skiing available too.
It’s not hard to see why Tignes is so popular, its high at 2100m making it one of Frances most snow sure areas with skiing to suit all abilities.
There are 3 distinct villages within Tignes, Le Lavachet, Tignes la Lac and Tignes Val Claret all offer excellent access to the slopes with much of the ski accommodation offering ski in ski out locations, or very close. If you intend to ski on the Val d’Isere side of the ski area, it’s best to stay in either Le Lavachet or Tignes La Lac as these villages have quicker access. If you intend to head for the glacier at La Grande Motte, (3455m) stay in Val Claret.
Tignes certainly wont win a beauty parade as it was built before France realised that purpose built ski resorts could be attractive and high, but this never stops a huge number of Ski Lines clients coming here each winter.
Below Tignes close to the dam is a small satellite village called Tignes Les Brevieres at 1550m with a few chalets, hotels and the odd apartment, It’s a great place to head for lunch or for when the weather closes in.
The lift system here is excellent with very few queues even in peak weeks. If you haven’t been here yet it should defiantly be on your list of ski resorts to visit.
Après ski in ski resort Tignes
There is plenty going on in Tignes if you know where to look. Val Claret has lots as the lifts start to close with happy hour bars. The Crowded house is very popular with the Brits, so too is the Grizzly. But Tignes La Lac has the best of the night life on offer.
Activities off the slopes in ski resort Tignes
It’s possible to book dog sledding and ice skating on the frozen lake with a 500m circuit. The leisure centre has pools with slides, and a wellness and fitness centre which are free with your lift pass. Tignes La Lac also has a bowling alley. Shops mainly cater for the skiers and boarders so if you are a non skier here you might feel a bit like a fish out of water or come home with more bobble hats than any one needs.
Beginners skiing in ski resort Tignes
Tignes La Lac and Lavachet have great nursery slopes that meet at the top, this area doesn’t get the through traffic of more experienced skiers making it ideal for children without the worry of collisions with speeding skiers or boarders. Once you have mastered the basics the possibilities are endless.
Intermediates skiing in ski resort Tignes
Tignes has to be one of the best resorts in the whole of Europe for intermediate skiers who like to rack up the miles. The runs around the Grande Motte glacier always have good snow. Some of the best cruising runs around Tignes can get crowded particularly runs like the “H” run, but it’s always well groomed.
Advanced Skiing in ski resort Tignes
Tignes and Val d’Isere offer some of the best lift connected off piste runs. The drop from the Col du Palet down to Champagny and Peisey Nancroix is scenic and not too difficult. The Sache black is one of the best dropping 1200m to Tignes Les Brevieres.