Tignes and its surroundings
Want to know more about Tignes before you arrive? Look no further...
The glacier resort of Tignes in the magnificent Savoie Alps is widely recognised as one of Europe’s, if not one of the world’s most comprehensive ski destinations. With only a half-hour ski or 15-minute drive to the established resort of Val d'Isere, a holiday in Tignes really gives you two resorts in one.
It is widely known that Tignes boasts more diverse slopes than its chic neighbour and lies 200m higher, at an altitude of 2,100m. The majority of experienced skiers who stay in Val d’Isere often find themselves drawn towards the varied terrain and outstanding off piste on offer in Tignes. Together the two resorts make up the expansive Espace Killy ski area, with a ski pass that covers both resorts.
The Espace Killy is one of the largest ski areas in France, and is certainly one of the most snow-sure resorts in the Alps, meaning the resort and lift system is open from November to mid May.
The main resort, built at 2100m is set beneath the beautiful twin peaks of La Grande Motte (3656m) and La Grande Casse (3852m). The easily accessible Grande Motte glacier provides skiing for 10 months of the year; as a result it has become one of the most respected summer destinations for national ski team training. During the winter the ski area is transformed and Tignes slopes cover over 300kms (190 miles) of marked pistes. And with 20 green to 14 black runs and easily-reached off-piste, the skiing is suitable for all standards and ages. There are also two great snow parks in the area: one in Tignes and one in Val d'Isere.
The Grande Motte can be reached in under 10 minutes by funicular or by two chair lifts, both routes start in Val Claret. This takes you to the ‘Panoramic’ mountain restaurant and from there you catch a cable-car raising you to 3456m at the top of the glacier.
Huge investment in recent years has transformed Tignes into a more aesthetically pleasing environment in keeping with the naturally spectacular landscape. Work is ongoing each summer, as the local government’s drive for improving accommodation, infrastructure and facilities continues. There are now top quality apartments to rent in all of the Tignes villages.
Tignes is split into five villages. The three main areas: Le Lavachet, Le Lac and Val Claret. There are two other villages slightly further down the mountain that are well connected to the resort: Les Boisses/Tignes 1800 and Les Brévières.
