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Introduction
At over 2,000m (6,500ft), Tignes is one of France's highest ski resorts, and is snowsure throughout the season. There's no need to restrict your skiing to the winter months either - thanks to the 3,456m (11,339ft) Grande Motte glacier, the resort offers skiing virtually year round, closing only for a few weeks in September.
This purpose-built resort may lack the traditional architectural appeal of neighbouring Val d'Isère, but the variety of runs and excellent lift network more than make up for this.
Tignes is split into several villages: Val Claret, closest to the funicular station for access to the glacier; Tignes-Le-Lac and adjacent Le Lavachet (all 2,100m/6,890ft); then lower down, the quieter and more traditional Tignes Les Boisses (1,850m/6,070ft) and Tignes Les Brevières (1,550m/5,085ft). Together with Val d'Isère, Tignes forms part of the 10,000-hectare (25,000-acre) Espace Killy ski area.
This purpose-built resort may lack the traditional architectural appeal of neighbouring Val d'Isère, but the variety of runs and excellent lift network more than make up for this.
Tignes is split into several villages: Val Claret, closest to the funicular station for access to the glacier; Tignes-Le-Lac and adjacent Le Lavachet (all 2,100m/6,890ft); then lower down, the quieter and more traditional Tignes Les Boisses (1,850m/6,070ft) and Tignes Les Brevières (1,550m/5,085ft). Together with Val d'Isère, Tignes forms part of the 10,000-hectare (25,000-acre) Espace Killy ski area.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 1,550m (5,085ft) to 2,100m (6,890ft).
Top elevation: 3,450m (11,319ft).
Base elevation: 1,550m (5,085ft).
Number of lifts: Tignes: 47; Espace Killy: 96.
Number of runs: Tignes: 67; Espace Killy: 137.
Average annual snowfall: 6m (20ft).
Where in the world?
Tignes is located in the southeastern French region of Savoie in the western Alps, close to the Swiss and Italian borders.
Hit the slopes
The main winter season runs from early December until early May. The glacier is open for skiing from late September, usually closing in early September the following year.
Tignes alone offers an enormous variety of terrain. Add Val d'Isère into the mix, and you could easily ski a different zone every day of the week. Passes are available for Tignes only, the entire Espace Killy area, or you can upgrade for a day. Tignes' mainly state-of-the-art lifts and hands-free passes mean queues are kept down too.
Complete beginners can take advantage of the free Rosset chairlift, where first lessons take place. Intermediates have a huge choice of blue and red cruisers on either side of the valley or up on the glacier. Sache is an epic black run, when snow conditions are good, descending from the 2,478m (8,130ft) Aiguille Percée down to Les Brevières (1,550m/5,085ft).
Tignes is particularly good for snowboarding, as there are relatively few flat areas (unless you head over into Val d'Isère) and plenty of wide groomers. There's a good terrain park under the Palet chairlift, with jumps and rails for all levels, plus beginner and advanced halfpipes and a boardercross course.
The off-piste skiing in Tignes is fantastic, but if you're less experienced, head first to Le Spot, a specially marked off-piste zone. Skiers and boarders can seek advice from ski patrol at the chalet, then practise using avalanche transceivers. The Naturides are a good next step (ungroomed, but patrolled black runs), before you progress on to unpatrolled terrain. There's also space to build your own backcountry kickers.
The Ecole du Ski Français (ESF) has bases at both Le-Lac and Val Claret. Evolution 2 is an alternative option.
Tignes alone offers an enormous variety of terrain. Add Val d'Isère into the mix, and you could easily ski a different zone every day of the week. Passes are available for Tignes only, the entire Espace Killy area, or you can upgrade for a day. Tignes' mainly state-of-the-art lifts and hands-free passes mean queues are kept down too.
Complete beginners can take advantage of the free Rosset chairlift, where first lessons take place. Intermediates have a huge choice of blue and red cruisers on either side of the valley or up on the glacier. Sache is an epic black run, when snow conditions are good, descending from the 2,478m (8,130ft) Aiguille Percée down to Les Brevières (1,550m/5,085ft).
Tignes is particularly good for snowboarding, as there are relatively few flat areas (unless you head over into Val d'Isère) and plenty of wide groomers. There's a good terrain park under the Palet chairlift, with jumps and rails for all levels, plus beginner and advanced halfpipes and a boardercross course.
The off-piste skiing in Tignes is fantastic, but if you're less experienced, head first to Le Spot, a specially marked off-piste zone. Skiers and boarders can seek advice from ski patrol at the chalet, then practise using avalanche transceivers. The Naturides are a good next step (ungroomed, but patrolled black runs), before you progress on to unpatrolled terrain. There's also space to build your own backcountry kickers.
The Ecole du Ski Français (ESF) has bases at both Le-Lac and Val Claret. Evolution 2 is an alternative option.
Beyond the slopes
Outdoors, you can try ice diving, dog sledding, skijoring (being pulled along on skis or snowboard by a horse), ice skating on the lake or mountain biking on snow. Then there's horse riding, ice climbing and paragliding, and even an ice-driving circuit. There's also an ice grotto at the top of the Grande Motte funicular.
Back at the base, the sports centre, Tignespace (Le-Lac), offers basketball, football, volleyball, tennis, squash and a climbing wall. Or splash about in Le Lagon (Le-Lac), an indoor aquatic and wellness centre incorporating a 25m (82ft) pool, fun pool with water slides, bubble beds and waterfalls, as well as a spa centre and gym. There's also a cinema (Val Claret) and bowling alley (Le-Lac).
Back at the base, the sports centre, Tignespace (Le-Lac), offers basketball, football, volleyball, tennis, squash and a climbing wall. Or splash about in Le Lagon (Le-Lac), an indoor aquatic and wellness centre incorporating a 25m (82ft) pool, fun pool with water slides, bubble beds and waterfalls, as well as a spa centre and gym. There's also a cinema (Val Claret) and bowling alley (Le-Lac).
Family fun
Children's ski school Les Marmottons has its own specially marked areas and accepts children from age two-and-a-half to six. Lessons are available in English.
In the evenings, the children's toboggan runs are always a big hit, as is Le Lagon's fun pool.
In the evenings, the children's toboggan runs are always a big hit, as is Le Lagon's fun pool.
Retail therapy
Tignes is no shopping mecca, but there are a reasonable number of ski and souvenir shops to browse in. You can hunt for bargains in the ubiquitous Intersport shops (Le-Lac and Val Claret), with rack upon rack of ski gear and clothing. Snowboarders will enjoy checking out specialist stores Snowpark, Snocool (both Le-Lac) and Black Cats (Val Claret). The Galerie Palafour (Le-Lac) has a few fashion and souvenir shops.
Après ski
The après scene is livelier over in Val d'Isère, but there are still enough places in Tignes for a good pub crawl. On rue de la Poste in Le-Lac, La Grotte du Yeti's outdoor tables are a good bet for a sunny day. Across the road, angelbar has a happy hour every afternoon, live sport on the big screen and nachos to soak up the drinks. Down the hill, jam Bar is popular with snowboarders and open until 0200, while Jack's Club (by the bowling alley) has late-night dancing until 0400. Over in Val Claret, Grizzly's Bar is always a popular spot, as is Couloir.
Eating out
Many hotels offer half-board deals, but if you're on a B&B rate or in an apartment, there are plenty of affordable restaurants serving traditional Savoyard cooking, or you can take your pick from several pizzerias.
Dine in style at Le Caveau (Val Claret) or enjoy the views from the Hôtel L'Arbina's restaurant (Le-Lac).
Alternatively, head up the mountain via funicular or snowcat for a traditional Savoyard dinner, then ski back down by torchlight, or take a sledge. (Book through the resort.)
Dine in style at Le Caveau (Val Claret) or enjoy the views from the Hôtel L'Arbina's restaurant (Le-Lac).
Alternatively, head up the mountain via funicular or snowcat for a traditional Savoyard dinner, then ski back down by torchlight, or take a sledge. (Book through the resort.)
Getting around
Tignes is a car-free resort, and you must leave your vehicle in a car park. There are lifts within walking distance of most accommodation, otherwise you can take the free ski buses which connect the different parts of Tignes (but not Les Brevières).
Splashing out
Take to the skies for an aerial sightseeing flight over Tignes and the magnificent mountain scenery of the surrounding area. Available through Aéroclub du Palet (tel: (04) 7906 5760).
Accommodation
Luxury
Le Ski d'OrThis 4-star hotel has modern rooms with balconies, a bar, gourmet restaurant and a small spa with sauna, hammam and Jacuzzi.
Val Claret
Tel: (04) 7906 5160.
Website: www.hotel-skidor.com
Moderate
Le LévannaLocated right at the foot of the slopes, with bright rooms, restaurant and fitness centre.
Le-Lac
Tel: (04) 7906 3294.
Website: www.levanna.com
Budget
Agence ImmotignesOne of several rental agencies offering good weekly rates on apartments for two to 10 people.
Résidence le Sefcotel, Val Claret
Tel: (04) 7906 3565.
Website: www.immotignes.com
Getting there
Nearest airports: Chambéry (CMF); Geneva (GVA); Lyon (LTS).
Distance to resort: 140km (88 miles); 200km (124 miles); 220km (137 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour 50 minutes; 3 hours; 3 hours.
Nearest railway station: Bourg St Maurice.
Distance to resort: 31km (19 miles).
Driving time: 35 minutes.
Distance to resort: 140km (88 miles); 200km (124 miles); 220km (137 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour 50 minutes; 3 hours; 3 hours.
Nearest railway station: Bourg St Maurice.
Distance to resort: 31km (19 miles).
Driving time: 35 minutes.
Website
This resort is good for...
Environmental awareness, Summer skiing, Experts, Families, Intermediates, Snowboarders, Snow reliability
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