Tignes

Tignes is one of the highest and most snow-sure resorts in the Alps. Sitting at 2,100 m, its villages spread around a frozen lake, with skiing reaching up to 3,456 m on the Grande Motte Glacier. Linked with Val d’Isère to form the Val d’Isère–Tignes ski area, Tignes delivers 300 km of pistes, vast freeride terrain, and one of the longest seasons in Europe.

Unlike Val d’Isère, Tignes is unapologetically modern. Its villages are functional rather than traditional, but almost everything is ski-in/ski-out, making it one of the most convenient ski destinations in the Alps.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Tignes is a skier’s resort through and through. Sitting above 2,000 m, its wide-open bowls and dramatic peaks give the area a vast, untamed feel. The skiing here is defined by its scale and variety – from gentle nursery zones in Le Lac to the huge glacier descents of the Grande Motte.

Beginners aren’t left out despite the altitude. The resort has invested in well-planned learning areas, with protected nursery slopes and magic carpets in both Le Lac and Val Claret, giving new skiers a safe space to find their feet before they venture higher. Once confidence grows, gentle blues around Grattalu and Bollin open up scenic circuits with a true sense of the high mountains.

For intermediates, Tignes is a dream. The sheer width of the pistes makes carving irresistible, with long reds and cruisy blues snaking down the mountainsides. Runs like Creux let you open up the turns, while the connections to Val d’Isère mean every day can be a new adventure. It’s here that Tignes really shines – the resort feels like one giant natural snow park for skiers who love covering distance.

Experts, meanwhile, will find no shortage of challenge. The infamous La Sache run is a rite of passage, dropping more than 1,200 vertical metres from the Aiguille Percée down to Les Brévières, combining steep pitches, rolling terrain, and tree-lined sections that test every muscle. Off the glacier and around the Chardonnet, couloirs and powder fields beckon. This is terrain that rewards strong legs and adventurous spirits, and with a guide, whole valleys of backcountry open up.

And then there’s freestyle. Tignes has long been at the cutting edge of park design, hosting the Winter X Games and World Cup freestyle events. The Val Claret snowpark is a magnet for riders, with a halfpipe, big-air kickers, and progressive lines for all levels. Add in natural terrain that seems purpose-built for drops and jumps, and it’s no surprise Tignes remains a magnet for snowboarders and freestyle skiers alike.

Above it all sits the Grande Motte Glacier at 3,456 m, accessible by funicular. Here, wide pistes stretch beneath towering peaks, offering guaranteed snow and year-round skiing in summer. On a clear day, the views sweep across the Alps, reminding you why Tignes is considered one of the most snow-sure and versatile ski areas in Europe.

• Beginners: Le Lac and Val Claret both have dedicated beginner zones with gentle slopes and magic carpets.
• Intermediates: Wide-open bowls and long reds define Tignes – from Grattalu’s playful blues to sweeping descents off Tovière.
• Experts: The 10 km La Sache run from the Aiguille Percée down to Les Brévières is a classic, while off-piste routes from the Grande Motte are legendary.
• Freestylers: Tignes is a freestyle mecca, with one of Europe’s best snowparks and a world-class halfpipe.

Snow reliability is guaranteed thanks to altitude, extensive snowmaking, and glacier access.

Ski Lift Passes (2024/25 Season)

Tignes shares its passes with Val d’Isère, covering the full 300 km.

• Adult: ~€69/day | ~€345 for 6 days
• Child (5–13): ~€59/day | ~€295 for 6 days
• Senior (65–74): ~€59/day
• Under 5s & over 75s: Free

Deals:

• Beginner-area passes for Le Lac and Val Claret.
• Family discounts.
• Season passes include summer glacier skiing and leisure perks.

Full details on Tignes ski passes.

Accommodation

Tignes is spread across several villages:

• Val Claret (2,100 m): High, lively, with glacier access.
• Le Lac (2,100 m): Central hub with shops, après, and family appeal.
• Le Lavachet: Quieter, more affordable, but still well-linked.
• Les Brévières (1,550 m): Traditional hamlet with charm and good value.
• Les Boisses (1,850 m): Redeveloped with new luxury residences.

Luxury options include Les Suites du Nevada in Val Claret and stylish chalets in Les Boisses.

Dining & Après

On the slopes:

• Le Panoramic (Grande Motte Glacier) offers gourmet dining at 3,000 m.
• La Fruitière at Folie Douce delivers great food with après energy.
• Ferme des Trois Capucines in Le Lac serves hearty farm-to-table Savoyard dishes.

Après:

• Loop Bar (Le Lac) and Couloir Bar (Val Claret) for live music and drinks.
• Folie Douce Tignes for the Alps’ most famous party.
• Val Claret nightclubs for late-night energy.

Non-Skiing Activities

Tignes is a true winter sports hub. The frozen lake is home to ice diving, ice karting, and ice driving. Adventurers can try paragliding or snowmobiling, while families enjoy the Le Lagon Aquatic Centre with pools, slides, and spa facilities. Indoor climbing, bowling, and cinema provide evening options.

Village Character & Access

Tignes is functional and practical – not as pretty as Val d’Isère, but hard to beat for ski convenience.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry, and Grenoble airports (2.5–3 hrs).
• By train: Eurostar Ski Train or TGV to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, then 40 minutes by transfer.
• By car: Around 9–10 hours’ drive from Calais.

Once in resort, free shuttles link all villages.

InTheSnow Verdict

Tignes is a resort built for skiers who want maximum slope time. Its altitude, snow reliability, and sheer terrain variety make it one of the most dependable destinations in Europe. Beginners are catered for, intermediates are spoiled with endless bowls, and experts can chase both steep challenges and world-class freestyle.

While it lacks Val d’Isère’s architectural charm, its convenience, big-mountain skiing, and lively après more than make up for it. For snow you can count on and terrain that keeps delivering, Tignes is one of the Alps’ most exciting choices.