Tignes, France

300 km of continuous ski runs

Located in the Rhône-Alpes region of south-eastern France in the Tarentaise Valley sits Tignes’s wonderful ski resort. Tignes shared with Val d’isere what used to be called the Espace Killy ski area, is today called the Tignes-Val d’Isere ski area officially. Here you will find a natural arch, two lakes, 300 km of continuous ski runs, and lots of freeride terrain. The modern 79 lifts move skiers from 1500m to the highest point at 3456m. With Val Claret, Le Lac, Le Lavachet, Les Boisses and Les Brevieres, you have fives villages in Tignes. Containing unrivalled off-piste, two terrain parks and plenty of blues, reds and blacks, Tignes is suitable for all.

 This Review will show you the most important things you need to know before heading to Tignes. We will share excellent tips to help you make better decisions, save time and money, and have an enjoyable Holiday in Tignes.

Tignes-Val d’Isere ski area. Tignes Le Lac in the middle, Tignes Le Lavachet on the left, Tignes Val Claret in bkgd

Villages Overview In the upper valley, there is Val Claret, Tignes Le Lac and Le Lavachet. Lower down are the smaller and quieter villages, Les Boisses & Les Brevieres.

 Tignes Les Brevieres is based at 1500m. This area is connected with the 8-person Breviere gondola, which runs Mondays to Saturdays until 8 pm and Sundays until 5 pm to Les Boisses. 

Tignes Les Brevieres is based at 1500m

Les Boisses, at 1800m, is the newest village – opening in 2013. These two villages are quieter and more suited for families. Both are located on the west side of the ski area. They are generally more modest, with fewer services and less nightlife; however, both offer affordable & more traditional options than staying in the two main upper resort villages. Tignes 1800 is connected to Tignes le Lac with a free shuttle every day until after midnight. The valley runs to 1800 and 1500 are north-faced and the most beautiful runs in the whole ski area – some say in France. 

Les Boisses, at 1800m, is the newest village

Then there is Tignes 2100.
Tignes Lavachet is separate from Le Lac only by the Lacachet and Petit Col runs and the Paquis and Chaudonnes chairlift. It is quieter and cheaper than Tignes le Lac and has the highest concentration of hotels in Tignes. Most are hillside, and only a short ski/board or stroll to the lifts. 

separated only by the Lacachet and Petit Col runs and the Paquis and Chaudonnes chairlift

Tignes le Lac is the heart of Tignes. In a picturesque setting, Le Lac is at the shore of a frozen lake connected to both sides of the Tignes natural stadium. Le Lac and Le Lavachet are connected almost 24 hours by free shuttle.

Tignes le Lac is the heart of Tignes.

 Tignes Val Claret, at 2150m, is the most connected village to all areas and has the best nightlife. Its location is adjacent to lifts facing in all directions providing fantastic first lift and fresh track possibilities.

Tignes Val Claret

But with all that convenience comes a price – in contrast, to lower down the valley.

Tignes Val Claret, at 2150m, is the most connected village with the best Apres ski.

 Ski Pass and ski lessons

 Adult prices range from €51 for half-day pass to €378  for a 6-day pass. The Tignes ski pass comprises 167km of ski runs. Meanwhile, children’s and seniors range from €41 (half-day pass) to €318 (6-day pass). 

In Tignes, there are six free beginner lifts. If you are a beginner or starting lessons, you should check with your instructor to see if you need a lift pass.

There are several ski schools in Tignes.The price for adult group ski or snowboard lessons from Sunday to Friday from 09:30 to 12:00 costs around 207€. The exact hours for 3 days, from Sunday or Monday, cost 135€. 

5 hours a day, 6 days from Sunday to Friday of ski school for children during vacanse costs 334€. You can choose only 5 days from Monday for 314€.

There are more options and categories of courses. This is just an example from ESF.

 Ski Area

The ski map does not do justice to the vastness, complexity & quality of the terrain. Your heart will be thumping, riding up the gondola from the bottom of the resort at Les Brevieres to the cable car at the top of the Grande Motte – a vertical drop of a lazy 1,906m.

the gondola from the bottom of the resort at Les Brevieres

The Grande Motte, one of the two glaciers, is above Tignes Val Claret, alongside Val d’Isere; the area is now called the Tignes-Val D’Isere ski area – previously, it was called the Espace Killy ski area.

Grande Motte glacier

Tignes’ combined ski network with Val D’Isere features 300km of runs linked by 79 lifts plus over 10,000ha of diverse riding terrain. Easy runs comprise 170km (57%), intermediate runs make up 78km, and 52km of advanced terrain. Many easy runs combine well with the numerous long, cruisy intermediate runs.

cruise with spectacular views

The snowiest week in Tignes is week 1 of March. There are typically 4.2 snowy days this week with 53 cm of snowfall.

A testament to the quality of the snow & terrain at Tignes is that it has the longest ski season in France. 6 lifts create access to 12km of piste on the 700m vertical on the Grande Motte glacier from late June to early August. Then, opening again from mid-October to the end of November, the glacier provides quality autumn riding until the whole resort opens for winter through to May.

longest ski season in France

Slope Recommendations

 From pros to beginners, free riders to thrill-seekers, there is a run for everyone in Tignes! The longest run in Tignes is down from the Grande Motte. The most difficult run is the Sache black.

 We recommend you not miss the Double M red run. This north-facing s shape run begins at the top of the Les Lanches chairlift. It curves left and right in a magnificent canyon and then goes in a straight line all the way down to Val Claret, with views of Tignes Val Claret, the lake, Tignes Le Lac and Mont Blanc (4810m).

Double M. north-facing s shape run begins at the top of the Les Lanches chairlift

 Another great run is the  Johan Clarey black run. Gliding from Toviere peak (2704m) to Tignes le Lac (2100m) and being the fastest way from Val D’isere to Tignes Le Lac, it is quite a surprise that it’s so uncrowded. It is fantastic from top to bottom; it is curvy on the 1st part but not steep. Closer to Le Lac, a right turn takes you through a steep funnel – the steepest part. After that, the slope gets narrower but finishes with a wide slope. The 2nd part of this black has unique views of Tignes le Lac and Tignes Lavachet as it is the only run from the Val D’Isere area towards these two villages. For the faint-hearted, or if you had a couple of drinks at the Folie Douce, take the Toviere gondola down.

Johan Clarey. Fantastic from top to bottom

The Blue run from Aiguille Percee to Tignes 1550 is excellent for beginners. This run is one of the most beautiful around. It is 8.3km long, and the vertical drop is 1200 meters. It is actually comprised of 5 blue runs. You begin at one of the most identified icons in Tignes: Aiguille Percee, or the eye of the needle, at 2748 meters.

Aiguille Percee, or the eye of the needle

Then, you start the Corniche blue, which curves east on the north face of Aiguille Percee ridge.

Corniche blue, which curves east on the north face of Aiguille Percee ridge.

It then turns south and becomes Poney. Here is your first glimpse of the lake. After passing Aiguille Rouge chairlift, you will arrive at a mountain restaurant. Here you turn left towards 1800 and 1500.

Poney. Here is your first glimpse of the lake.

Next, you enter Rhododendron and Petit Col. Then take another left and continue north on Rhododendron until you cross back under the Aiguille Rouge chairlift.

Rhododendron run

Petit Col.

Next, enter Melezes run, which takes an east turn. Here, especially after crossing under the gondola, are the best lake views. The Melezes continue zig-zagging, penetrating the tree line. The last part is Myrtilles which has fantastic views of Tignes 1550. The whole section between Aiguille Percee and 1550 has the best views, in our opinion. This area is the only one in the Tignes section where you can ride between trees.

Melezes. Here, especially after crossing under the gondola, are the best lake views.

Myrtilles which has fantastic views of Tignes 1550.

A great run for intermediates is The Grande Motte to Tignes Val Claret red run. The highest vertical in Tignes with a vertical drop of 1330m from 3456m to 2128 meters. With a length of 6.3 km.

The Grande Motte to Tignes Val Claret red run. A vertical drop of 1330m

a length of 6.3 km.

The Glacier red run is the highest red run in France, at 3456 meters. It is a long open red run. You enter the Rimaye red run after you cross under the Grand Motte cable car. A 2km long speed cruise autostrada with a view of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the alps. When it turns right, the last part is the Face run (also known as the Rimaye). Up until the end of this run, the glacier is beneath you. The runs are uncrowded until here. You enter the Double M red run after you cross under the Vanoise chairlift. These runs Down are incredible – but can be crowded. Beware that the Grande Motte cable car to its top might not work in windy conditions.

The Glacier red run is the highest red run in France, at 3456 meters.

Face run (also known as the Rimaye)

 There are also two big snow parks. DC snowpark in Tignes and Val D’Isere Snowpark. At DC, there is an easy snowpark – for beginners. The Tichot lift, on the west side of Val Claret, will take you there. From Le Lac, you will need two lifts. To enjoy the big DC park or the boardercross, you must take the Col Du Pallet T-Bar.

DC snowpark in Tignes

To the Val D’Isere snowpark middle section, you can ski directly from the Toviere summit. There is also a designated T-Bar lift and various public racecourses with time measurement for a fee of €2/run.

Val D’Isere snowpark. you can ski directly from the Toviere summit.

 Other Activities

 Le Lac has many attractions, like the La Lagoon Aquatiqe centre – with a free pool by purchasing a 2-15 days ski pass.

La Lagoon Aquatiqe centre

There are three pools: the hydrotherapy pool, the kid’s pool and the semi-Olympic pool. There are water slides too.

water slides inside Le Lagoon

Bun J Ride. a great way to gain confidence in the air.water slides inside Le Lagoon You can find in Tignes almost any winter attractions like paraskiing, dog sledges and others. Still, the most unique attractions here are the Bun J Ride – a combination of bungee & ski jumping – a great way to gain confidence in the air. 

Bun J Ride. a great way to gain confidence in the air.

There is even an ice diving club for those that can’t get enough of the cold!

ice diving club. dive under the Ice with a qualified guide.

At Val Claret, all the family could have fun on the night-time snow-tubing lanes. Or you could try a scenic helicopter ride, snow-shoeing, horse riding, yoga, ice skating & or dog-sledging. There is a swimming & ‘wellness’ complex called Le Lagoon – located next to the lake. Entry is free with a multi-day lift pass.

Apres Ski & Nightlife

The main nightlife is in Val Claret. Here are some of our recommendations:

La Robaze café. A nicely decorated, cosy bar for a warm-up before Avantgard club just next door. Both are in the middle of Val Claret, near Hotel Curling.

The Inside bar is the place to dance in the early hours. A venue with some bar games like table football. It is located where the ski run passes in the middle of Tignes left to the main road – just 50 meters south of La Robaze café.

The La studio. It may look small and humbled, but it has a cool vibe. The seasonalities favourite. That says a lot. It is just between La Robaz cafe and Inside Bar, on the left side of the road.

The Avantgarde is the only real club in Val Claret and the only place that remains open after 2 am. It is located adjacent to Cafe La Robaze, at the heart of Val Claret.

The last place in Tignes Val Claret, but definitely not least, is Cocorico! The legendary Apres ski bar from Val d’Isere lately opened a branch between the Le Lanches chairlift and
Grande Motte Funicular base stations. This is The place to finish your last run of the day.

Cocorico Tignes Val Claret. Apres ski scene game changer

In Tignes Le Lac we recommed:

Le Strike. This is the largest club in all the ski resorts in the Alps. It opened in 2022. This huge venue opens from Tuesday to Saturday and hosts big names.

The Loop. It is situated right at the bottom of Rosset and Trolles pistes. On a sunny afternoon, it’s impossible to resist the temptation of its bustling terrace, which gets the sun until it disappears behind the mountains. There is always something going on with live bands, DJs and comedy, and live sports.

 The Marmots, opposite the Palafour chairlift and right next to Residence Le Lac, the Marmot Arms is another popular spot for Après Ski. With live music, live sport on the big screens, or a game of pool.

Located at the La Daille gondola lift top in Val D´Isère is The Original Folie Douce – a must-go. There are daily Après-Ski Parties with live DJs, Musicians, and dancers on the balcony. Sometimes up to 1000 people dance here in the afternoon.

The original Folie Douce!

Pros

• World-class on-piste maintenance
• great for intermediate & advanced skiers & snowboarders.
• Most reliable snow in France
• Off-piste & backcountry terrain for all levels.
• Big range of expert & extreme ski options.
• Excellent apres ski
• Good value skipass

Cons

• most of the terrain is above the treeline,
• Limited amount of beginner piste trails
• Eating & drinking out can be pretty expensive
• Surprisingly few restaurants & bars on the slopes/peaks away from the villages.
• It can get highly overcrowded.

How to get to Tignes?

The nearest airport to Tignes is Chambery, an hour and 55 minutes drive. Grenoble airport is a drive of 2 hours and 33 minutes, and the nearest intercontinental airports are Geneva and Lyon, with 2 hours and 45 min drive to Tignes.

Here’s a link to the best online flight engine.

Here’s a link to the best online car rental website.

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The closest train station to Tignes is Bourg St Maurice, 30km from the ski resort. High-speed trains running from London and Paris stop here.

  CONCLUSION:

Tignes is a must-visit mountain resort in the heart of the French Alps. 

There are snow parks for thrill-seekers, an Incredible off-piste for adventurers, and three beginner areas with free lifts.

Although high prices and high-rise buildings could be more pleasant to the eye, there is impressive nightlife and incredible views in Tignes,         

RATINGS

here are our ratings for Tignes:                      

Beginners:…7.5.                                                              

Intermediate: …10.                                                          

Advanced: …9                                                                 

Snowboarders: …10                                          

Freestylers: …8.7

Freeriders: …10                                      

Apres Ski: …9                                                              

Nightlife: …8.5                                                                 

Resort Charm: …8                                                          

Value for Money: …8.5

 So, the ‘‘Ski Resorts video’ total score for Tignes is… 9.1!                                                                                             

INSIDER TIPS

Remember the secret we promised before?

1. Ask the locals about the hidden valley. Take note it is only for advanced skiers and snowboarders. Do it with someone who did it your first time.

the hidden valley

2.  The most impressive machine in Tignes is the Grand Motte funicular. This caterpillar will take you to the Grand Motte Cable car from Val  Claret in 7 minutes and is the best way to get there on cold days or in bad weather.

Grand Motte funicular.

 On beautiful days, particularly bluebird days, consider taking the Les Lanches, and Vanoise express chairlifts to the same point. It will take you a bit longer, but you will enjoy the view and can check the snow conditions on and off the pists.

3. Remember that the snowiest week here is the first week of  March? Well, just after that week, between the 10th and 18th of March, the Mountain Shaker festival will take place here.
   Mountain Shaker became The board culture’s leading event in the 2020s.

Mountain Shaker Festival. The best week of the season, with the best snow, usually

Professionals and wannabes will compete in free-ride ski, snowboard and indoor skateboard events, and the cherry on the cake will be the World Cup ski slopestyle.

4. We recommend once to finish your day in the Cocorico apres-ski bar in Val d’Isere.One of the best in the world. You can also scroll around the Val D’isere centre. The last shuttle back to Tignes leaves at 7 PM, costs 6€ and takes 30 minutes to arrive at Le Lac. This recommendation is still valid but less important since the opening of the Val Claret branch. It is better for people who stay in Tigne le Brevieres.

Cocorico apres-ski bar in Val d’Isere.

If you want to explore more about Cocorico, Val d’Isere’s fab nightlife, and recommended runs in  Val d’Isere,  you should read our Val d’Isere thorough review. If you want to discover a fantastic late-season ski resort, you absolutely want to read our in-depth review of Zermatt.