Tignes, France

Resort Overview for Tignes:

One of the highest resorts in Europe, Tignes also offers more skiing in winter and in summer than pretty well anywhere else, thanks to its high altitude skiing on the Grande Motte glacier and its commitment to maintain a vertical of at least 1000 metres (3280 feet) for eight months of the year. Sharing the vast and exciting 'l'Espace Killy ' ski area with neighbouring Val d'Isère, purpose-built Tignes has the stronger French influence of the two, as well as being largely based at a higher and more snow-sure altitude.

There are in fact five base areas to Tignes, although three of them - Le Lac, Le Lavachet and Val Claret - more or less run in to one another to form the main section. They stand together in a vast snowy bowl above the tree line resembling some sort of isolated moon base, from a distance. Further down the mountain, but lift linked to l'espace Killy are Les Boisses and Les Brévières and there are three traditional villages along the valley floor on the road to Val d'Isère (Le Reculaz, Le Chevril and Le Villaret du Nial), but these are not lift-linked.

Interestingly the original base is Le Lac, the relocated genuine village of Tignes that was submerged under Lake Chevril following the construction of a dam in 1952. The church bell was the only physical momento to be carried up to the new village site, but the spirit of skiing which began in 'old Tignes' in the 1920s was certainly carried forward with spectacular results!

The Skiing in Tignes:

Many regard L'Espace Killy as one of the best ski areas in Europe, and some regard it as definitively THE best. The 300km (187 miles) of trails include seemingly endless snowy motorways for intermediates to cruise around on, whilst experts will find more to entertain here than almost anywhere else on the continent, both on and off the slopes. The maximum skiable vertical of 1900m (6234 feet) is one of the largest in the world and the lowest lift height of 1550m (4085 feet) is high enough to ensure top-to-bottom skiing for a bigger chunk of the winter season than at other centres claiming similar or larger verticals but to much lower bases. The 216 snow cannons are a help too.

Beginners might not be able to appreciate the skiing heaven that is all about them, but they at least have five free lifts to choose from down at the resort. There's therefore no need for a lift ticket for the first few days, and with the resort altitude you don't need to go up the mountain to find the snow. When you do gain confidence, however, a trip on the high-speed, hi-tec underground funicular will take you up to the Grande Motte glacier where there are plenty of wide gentle trails, as well as spectacular views when you're taking a breather. Intermediates have the most to enjoy whizzing around between Tignes and Val d'Isère on the 100 blue or red runs aided by largely ultra-modern lift infrastructure to get you back to the downhills quickly and efficiently.
Recent investment in six-pac chairs includes a new link from Val Claret improving a key link over to Val.

It's the experts who will most appreciate what L'Espace Killy has to offer however, simply because it is they who rapidly run out of options at many lesser resorts. Black trail options are excellent, whilst off-piste opportunities are possibly unmatched anywhere. Legendary runs include 'The Wall' and the 'Double M' whilst the Tovière mogul runs are regarded by connoisseurs as the toughest in Europe and probably the world! The Aiguille Percée descents also boast a fearsome reputation.

Apart from normal piste and local off-piste skiing in the company of ski school or mountain guides, Tignes has many special itineraries available including ski-safaris to other resorts in the Haute Tarentaise area of the French Alps; or less strenuous helicopter pick ups for the return journey to Tignes after a long descent through the trees.

The ski school organises weekly courses with competitions in giant slalom, special slalom, ski jump, downhill and speed skiing on the flying kilometre. All take place in high season.

Telemark and carving skiing tuition is offered and there are over 50km (30miles)of marked cross-country trails.

Après Ski in Tignes:

The resort does not have the reputation of Chamonix or St Anton for non-stop hedonistic nightlife, but none the less there's plenty to be found if you want to keep partying through the night. Le Lac and Le Val Claret are the liveliest areas. Popular haunts include Harri's Bar and the Crowded House with the Blue Girl Disco and Les Caves Du Lac disco in Le Lac running through in to the small hours. Other favourites for northern Europeans are Harry's Bar and Grotte du Yeti.

Apart from the main sporting and fitness alternatives listed in the 'Other activities' section below, the resort's facilities include cinema showing two films daily - some films in English, some French, and Europe's highest bowling alley, with ten lanes.

Accommodation in Tignes:

Search through our database to rent private ski chalets direct from the owners in Tignes. Contact owners directly to make a booking. Rent ski chalet Tignes, France

Chalet du Saut, Sleeps 14 The Chalet du Saut is a 17th century Savoyard farmhouse, recently converted to a ski chalet. It offe...... View details

Chalet L'eperviere, Sleeps 10 Welcome to Sut Ski, an independently owned chalet company based in the extensive high altitude ski a...... View details

Chalet Alistelle, Sleeps 15 Chalet Alistelle is a beautiful chalet in the traditional Alpine village of Tignes Les Brevieres, ne...... View details

Chalet Tournavel, Sleeps 12 Chalet TOURNAVEL is a traditional chalet and a great place to stay Chalet Tournavelfor a ski holiday...... View details

Chalet Bollin, Sleeps 12 Chalet Bollin is a ski-in/ski-out, spacious, catered penthouse apartment with prices from £269 pp/pw...... View details