The resort of Tignes is located in Savoie, in the Tarentaise valley. Its ski area, coupled with that of Val d’Isère, is one of the largest in France and the Alps. You can also take advantage of the Grande Motte glacier, which allows you to ski downhill most of the year.
Tignes, a family resort
As early as 1936, Tignes welcomed its first tourists who came to ski on the only ski lift installed. It was following the construction of the dam that Tignes developed at an altitude of 2,100 metres. Little by little, the resort took off and it was in the 1970s that it gained the international reputation it has today.
Tignes is a family resort par excellence. It is composed of 4 entities, namely :
- Les Brévières, an authentic village located at 1 550 metres and at the foot of the dam
- Tignes Le Lac, the centre of the resort at an altitude of 1790 metres
- Les Boisses 1800, the latest village to open its doors in 2013
- Tignes Val Claret, 2 100 metres and a paradise for young people and riders
Each village has its own identity. If you have not yet booked your stay for next winter or summer, we recommend that you take the time to look at the specifics of each. For example, Val Claret is perfect for friends who want to party into the night. If you prefer traditional chalets, we suggest you look at Les Brévières.
The history of the Tignes dam
If you stay in Tignes, you can’t miss its dam. Not least because you have to cross it to reach the top of the resort. Completed in 1952, this hydroelectric dam is the highest in France. With its height of 180 metres and its width of almost 300 metres, it can hold 235 million cubic metres of water.
You may not know it, but an entire village lies beneath the Lac du Chevril. The old Tignes was engulfed in 1952, after the inhabitants were evacuated, some by force.
The Tignes ski area
The ski area of Tignes is coupled with that of Val d’Isère. The Espace Killy has 300 kilometres of pistes at altitudes of between 1,550 and 3,450 metres. The advantage is that skiers of all levels can find something to suit them in Tignes. Riders will enjoy large areas of powder, beginners, dedicated areas and the most experienced skiers black and red runs.
In a few figures, the Espace Killy is :
- 76 ski lifts, 9 of which are free and give access to green runs
- 1 906 metres of maximum vertical drop
- 3 680 hectares, of which 3 200 are off-piste
- 163 runs, including 21 green, 67 blue, 41 red, 29 black and 5 dedicated to ski touring
The Grande Motte glacier, the highest point of the area
The Grande Motte glacier can be reached in 7 minutes by the Perce-Neige funicular and the cable car. We can only recommend that you try the slopes of the glacier, from where you will have a unique view of the surrounding mountains. They are usually open from autumn until May. Traditionally, the glacier was open in the summer as well. But with global warming and high temperatures, summer skiing may be lost. Thus, the glacier remained closed during the summer of 2022.
Top rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected for you four accommodations in the heart of the resort of Tignes. They all have very good reviews from guests.
Langley Hotel Tignes 2100
The Langley Hotel is located in the heart of the village of Tignes Le Lac, just 150 metres from the slopes and 250 metres from the lake. In addition to the classic facilities, you can enjoy a spa, and a library.
From 98€ per night.
Hotel Le Refuge
Hotel Le Refuge is located less than 100 metres from the ski lifts. All rooms are served by a lift and some offer a balcony with mountain views. Pets are allowed in the hotel.
From 177€ per night.
Les Suites – Maison Bouvier
Les Suites is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Tignes Val Claret. An indoor swimming pool, a gym and a spa are available to guests of the hotel. Each room includes a balcony and a seating area.
From €208 per night.
Hotel La Vanoise
Hotel La Vanoise is a 2-star hotel. It is located in the centre of Tignes Val Claret, at the foot of the slopes. Amenities are just 50 metres away. You can enjoy local specialities in the restaurant in a pleasant setting. The rooms are decorated in a modern style.
Ratesstart at €90 per night.
The most beautiful chalets
For an unforgettable holiday in the mountains, we offer three flats or chalets for rent. They are very popular with holidaymakers.
Chalet Opale
Chalet Opale is located in the Almes district, in Tignes Le Lac. It has a surface area of 200 m² and has 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. A ski equipment rental service is available to guests directly in the chalet, as well as a ski pass sales point.
Le Mazot d’Urbain
Le Mazot d’Urbain is located in Les Brevières, 8 kilometres from the Tignes ski area. This small and cosy house has one bedroom. Ideal for couples, you can enjoy the warm atmosphere of Le Mazot d’Urbain during your evenings. A ski room is available.
Le Monte Bianco
The Monte Bianco chalet is located in Les Boisses. All rooms have a private bathroom and you can also enjoy the jacuzzi. The ski lifts are 350 metres from the accommodation and ski in/ski out access is possible.
Winter sports
Tignes is not just about downhill skiing. There are many other activities to enjoy. Here are some of them:
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Dog sledding. You will enjoy the snowy landscapes, comfortably installed in the sled. The best thing is to do this activity the day after a snowfall. You will feel like you are in the Great North.
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Mountaineering. This emblematic discipline of the Alps must be accompanied by a professional. It will allow you to discover new sensations and to surpass yourself.
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Ice diving. Beginners or experienced divers can try this experience. Under the thick layer of ice, you will discover a new universe, that of the lake of Tignes.
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Snowmobiling. Snowmobile rides are an opportunity to enjoy the landscape. The best part is that you can do this experience at sunset or at night. You can even extend the activity by spending the night in a yurt.
The resort’s athletes
Every resort has its athletes. We invite you to discover two of Tignes’ most famous figures and members of the French Alpine Ski Team and the French Handisport Team.
Johan Clarey
Johan Clarey is a skier on the French Alpine Ski Team. Originally from Tignes, his speciality is speed. Over the years, the Frenchman has had a great career. He won a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics and became the oldest skier to reach the podium. In 2013, he also set a World Cup speed record. His speed was 161.9 km/h.
Lou Braz-Dagand
Lou Braz-Dagand is a handisport athlete of the French team. Born near Annecy, in Cusy, he discovered skiing as a child. In 2014, he contracted Lyme disease which left him paraplegic. In 2022, Lou Braz-Dagand participated in the Beijing Paralympic Games.
The must-see events in Tignes
Several events punctuate the winters in Tignes. We suggest you discover the most emblematic of the resort.
The Yeti Race
The Yéti Race is a team race which takes place every year in Tignes. Its objective? To finish first and pass the ten or so obstacles presented to you. Strength, stamina, agility and mutual aid are required to complete the 10 kilometre Yéti Race. The race can be timed or not.
The Sports Stars
The Étoiles du Sport is an event that has been launching the season in Tignes for several years. The concept is simple: 20 sponsors are chosen and form pairs with 20 French sports hopefuls. The teams compete in various events. It is also a great opportunity to bring together great champions.
European Snow Pride
The European Snow Pride in Tignes is the biggest LGBT event of its kind. Every winter since 2008, the rainbow flag is raised in the resort. The programme of the European Snow Pride includes skiing and partying galore.
Ski passes
Various ski passes are available in Tignes. The choice will depend on you and your expectations. For example, you can choose to ski only in the Tignes ski area or to ski the whole Espace Killy. There are also kiosks available so that skiers do not have to spend too much time in line.
Our tip: take the passes online. This way you can take advantage of better discounts than if you buy them at the lifts. For example, the children’s promotion is €100 online, compared to €60 on site, for any purchase of 4 or more passes for 6 days or more.
Summer activity ideas
Tignes is a 4 season resort. It is possible to do a lot of activities all year round and especially in summer. For example, you can try out new experiences on the lake, such as canoeing, stand-up paddling and water ball. There are also many walks and many are in the heart of the Vanoise National Park.
We recommend the Lac de la Sassière for families and the Aiguille Percée for the more experienced hikers. Several ski lifts are open during the summer season and will give access to beautiful views.
Access and public transport
To get to Tignes, there are several options: the car, the train, but also the plane and the bus. The idea is to use modes of transport that have a limited impact on the environment as much as possible. And don’t forget that during winter, snow tyres or special equipment are compulsory.
Video presentation of Tignes
Resorts near Tignes
Tignes is not the only resort in Tarentaise. Val d’Isère is close by, as the two ski areas are linked. Les Arcs and La Plagne are also nearby. Passing the Col de l’Iseran in summer, you can also enjoy the resort of Bonneval-sur-Arc.
