Tignes consists of five villages at varying altitudes: starting with Tignes Les Brévières at the base, followed by Tignes 1800 Les Boisses, Lavachet, Tignes Le Lac, and Val Claret at the top. Each village has its own distinct character, accommodation options, and access to different lifts and slopes. Tignes offers a variety of choices to suit every preference, whether you’re seeking ski in ski out access, close to the resort centre and ski school, or specific accommodation size and service level.

Tignes Les Brévières

Tignes Les Brévières serves as the gateway to the Tignes-Val d’Isère resorts. Located at the base of the Chevril Dam along the river’s edge, this charming, traditional village is the oldest in Tignes, situated at an altitude of 1,550m. Its location and elevation ensure a long ski season, with the home piste typically open until late April. The village features traditional chalets and farmhouses, offering a range of accommodation options, including catered, bed & breakfast, and self-catered stays.

Tignes Les Brévières is known for its good-value properties with excellent facilities, making it an ideal choice for larger groups looking to explore the Espace Killy ski area. The village has shops, bars, and restaurants, and is connected to the other Tignes villages by a gondola to Tignes 1800 Les Boisses. When the gondola is not in operation, there is an early bus service, followed by buses running into the late evening, allowing access to Tignes Le Lac and the other villages. There are also ESF ski school meeting points in Tignes Les Brévières next to the Sacha gondola at the base of the ski slopes.

Tignes 1800 Les Boisses

Tignes 1800 Les Boisses is located at an altitude of 1,800m, atop the Chevril Dam. It was built after the original village was submerged by the construction of the dam that now supplies the electrical consumption of 392,000 inhabitants annually. It is one of the quieter villages in Tignes, but its position at the base of several slopes offers excellent value luxury chalets providing ski-in ski-out access with great facilities.

The views across Lake Chevril, the surrounding mountains, and down the valley are stunning. The village also features an ESF ski school meeting point and a covered magic carpet for beginners learning to ski. While there are a few bars and restaurants in Tignes 1800, you can easily access the main resort by skis via the gondola and then the Aiguille Rouge chairlift and the frequent in-resort ski bus runs until 2 am, providing convenient transportation.

Tignes Le Lavachet

Tignes Le Lavachet is a quieter neighbourhood located next to Tignes Le Lac, with the resort centre of Le Lac just a 10-minute walk away, providing easy access to restaurants, bars, and shops. The Paquis and Chaudannes chairlifts depart from this area, making it a convenient choice for those who want to be close to the slopes with easy access to ski lifts. The neighbourhood primarily consists of apartment blocks, along with a few chalets. While there are a few restaurants and bars in Le Lavachet, the in-resort bus runs 24 hours a day, taking just three stops to reach the centre of Tignes Le Lac.

Tignes Le Lac

Tignes Le Lac is the main resort village, located at an altitude of 2,100m and perched on the banks of a stunning frozen lake it is surrounded by breathtaking 360-degree views of towering mountains. The village offers a wide range of self-catered apartments, from small to large, as well as luxury catered or self-catered chalets, many with ski-in ski-out access or just a short walk to the nearest slope or ski lift. This central location is ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the resort, with numerous restaurants, bars, shops, and ski school meeting points. The free in-resort buses, some which run 24 hours a day, make it easy to reach Val Claret and Lavachet, as well as the lower villages.

Val Claret

Val Claret is the highest of the Tignes villages, situated at 2,111m. This village is home to the funicular railway that ascends to the Grand Motte Glacier, along with four other chairlifts serving different ski slope sectors in Tignes. Val Claret boasts a variety of restaurants and bars, including the legendary Cocorico’s après-ski bar and the two nightclubs in Tignes. Accommodation here mainly consists of self-catered apartments, and the village offers a wide selection of shops, bars, and restaurants. A 24-hour bus service connects Val Claret to Tignes Le Lac and Lavachet, allowing you to enjoy the nightlife without worrying about getting back to your accommodation.

SKI AREA

Tignes is renowned as one of Europe’s most snow-sure resorts, with its main village perched at 2,100m and slopes reaching up to 3,456m on the Grande Motte glacier. Thanks to its high altitude, Tignes enjoys one of the longest ski seasons in the Alps, running from late November to May, and even offers summer skiing on the glacier.

As part of the expansive Espace Killy ski area, which it shares with neighbouring Val d’Isere, Tignes provides access to 300km of marked ski slopes. Nestled in a natural mountain bowl, the resort boasts some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery you’ll encounter. Each run reveals a new, stunning vista, with wide slopes and consistently excellent snow conditions, thanks to the resort’s altitude and aspect.

While many think of Tignes as a destination for expert skiers and snowboarders, it caters to all levels. Beginners will find excellent areas to start their ski journey, intermediates have plenty of terrain to improve their skills, and advanced skiers will love the challenge of black runs, ungroomed pistes, and endless off-piste.

BEGINNER SKIERS & SNOWBOARDERS

If you’ve always thought Tignes was only for seasoned skiers, think again! Tignes offers excellent beginner areas that are perfect for practising your first turns. Despite these areas being located at the base of the slopes, the high altitude of this snow-sure resort ensures ideal conditions for beginners. The green runs here are wide and gentle, providing plenty of space to build confidence and perfect turns at a relaxed pace.

For those new to skiing or snowboarding, lessons are crucial, and Tignes boasts a fantastic range of ski schools. You can choose from French, British, and international schools, all staffed with highly qualified instructors from around the world. Group lessons typically include six to eight participants, with private lessons available for individuals or small groups. While most group lessons meet in Tignes Le Lac, ESF (French Ski School) also offers meeting points in Val Claret, Tignes 1800 Les Boisses, and Tignes Les Brevieres. Booking in advance is recommended, and we can help you find the best ski school to suit your needs.

The Tignes ski pass office provides beginners access to eight free ski lifts, including four magic carpets, three drag lifts, and three chairlifts. Magic carpets are available in Tignes 1800 Les Boisses, Tignes Le Lac, and Val Claret, each paired with nursery slopes to ease you into skiing. As you progress, the drag lifts in Lavachet and Val Claret offer access to wide and gentle green slopes, ideal for practicing your technique. There’s also a nursery slope and drag lift in Tignes Les Brevieres.

When you’re ready for longer runs, try the green runs off the Rosset chairlift in Tignes Le Lac or the Bollin chairlift in Val Claret. When you’re feeling confident enough to tackle blue runs, there’s a short one from the top of the Rosset chairlift, and the Almes chairlift will also take you to some great blues, perfect for practising on longer, slightly steeper terrain.

To further your progress, the Palafour chairlift offers blues that serve as a smooth transition from greens, giving you the chance to navigate more challenging terrain and longer runs. If your ski pass includes Val d’Isere, take the Fresse chairlift in Val Claret, which leads to the beautiful Bellevarde ski area, home to a selection of wide green slopes. Don’t worry if you’re not ready to ski back into Tignes—just hop on the Tommeuses chairlift and take the Toviere gondola back down to Tignes Le Lac, making Val d’Isere accessible even for beginners.

For those staying in Tignes Les Brevieres or seeking a longer green run, the Myrtilles trail is a scenic, tree-lined green that winds its way from Tignes 1800 Les Boisses down to the village.

INTERMEDIATE SKIERS & SNOWBOARDERS

Intermediates will find plenty to enjoy in Tignes, with a wide range of fantastic blue and red runs to explore. If you’re eager to cover some serious distance, the neighbouring slopes of Val d’Isere offer a wealth of intermediate terrain, ensuring you’ll never run out of new challenges.

If you’re transitioning from beginner slopes or just getting back into your skiing groove, the Lys and Combe blue runs from the Palafour chairlift in Tignes Le Lac are ideal starting points. Another great option is the blue run Genepy, accessible from the Grand Motte funicular. It offers breathtaking views, and you can return to the resort via the Prariond blue run. Just be cautious around the Fresse chairlift area, as it tends to get busier with skiers returning from Val d’Isere. The Grattalu blue run is another favourite, and it conveniently connects to the snow park, where you can test out various jumps and tricks, with features suitable for all skill levels.

For those seeking more challenging terrain, the long red run from the Grande Motte glacier, known as “Double M,” is a must-try. This north-facing slope maintains excellent snow conditions, providing a thrilling challenge, though it can get crowded. The red run “Cyclamen,” starting from the top of the Aiguille Percée chairlift, offers both stunning views and a quieter atmosphere. From this point, you can also embark on an epic 6.2km journey down to Tignes Les Brevieres, combining blue and red runs with a few challenging sections—perfect for intermediates looking to push themselves. There are breaks in the descent to give your legs a rest before reaching the charming village, where you can enjoy a well-earned lunch or hot chocolate before heading back up the mountain.

ADVANCED SKIERS & SNOWBOARDERS

Tignes is renowned as a premier winter destination for those seeking challenging terrain and abundant off-piste routes. With access to the vast Espace Killy area, advanced skiers and snowboarders will be thrilled by the selection of demanding runs and the stunning off-piste experiences available throughout the resort.

One highlight is skiing on the Grande Motte glacier, where a fun ascent via the funicular through the mountain is followed by a gondola ride to 3,456m offering truly spectacular views. From the top, you can choose between the smooth red run ‘Glacier’ or the black mogulled run ‘Descente.’ For a real test, take on Tignes’ longest black run, ‘Sache.’ Accessible via the Aiguille Percée chairlift and the blue ‘Corniche’ piste, this 10km run features challenging moguls, steep sections, and narrow passages, eventually leading down to Tignes Les Brevieres, where a well-earned break awaits.

If you’re returning from Val d’Isere and craving more excitement, the black run ‘Johan Clarey’ into Tignes Le Lac offers plenty of challenges with moguls, narrow sections, and a steep descent, all while rewarding you with incredible views of the lake as you approach the resort.

Tignes also offers a variety of ungroomed black runs to explore. ‘Leisses’ on the glacier is a quieter run where you can take a different route down each time. A must-try is the Aiguille Percée, where you can traverse behind the iconic “Eye of the Needle” rock formation. After snapping a photo, sidestep up to the ridge, take in the panoramic views, and then begin your descent on this ungroomed piste, which starts steep with big moguls but eventually flattens out. It’s best tackled later in the day when the moguls are softer.

For off-piste enthusiasts, Tignes offers near-limitless options, many of which are accessible right from the ski lifts without much hiking. For those new to off-piste, the ‘Marmottes’ area, located off the red ‘Merles’ piste between the Golf black run and Stade de Lognan, is an excellent introduction, with gentle undulations and some steeper sections to ease you in. Just below the Grande Motte glacier, you’ll find a variety of off-piste terrain suited to different levels. Meanwhile, the Vallon de La Sache from the top of the Aiguille Percée chairlift offers a diverse range of terrain, from narrow couloirs to wide, open fields of powder, all set against breathtaking scenery.

Remember to always check the avalanche forecast before venturing off-piste, and it’s strongly advised to hire an instructor or mountain guide.

SNOW PARKS

The Espace Killy ski area boasts two outstanding snow parks, one in Val d’Isere and the other in Tignes, each offering a distinct experience for those who love perfecting tricks and exploring varied setups.

The Tignes snow park, known as the DC Park, is located to the left of the Grattalu chairlift. It features three different zones and a long boardercross run. The first zone, just off the Grattalu chairlift, is designed for beginners and intermediates (green and blue levels), making it a great place to start practicing on boxes, jumps, and rails. For more advanced skiers and snowboarders, take the Col du Palet drag lift to reach the expert zone, which has red and black-level modules and rails to refine your skills. In the chill zone, you can relax, watch the experts in action, and enjoy a picnic in the sun while listening to music before heading back for another round.

Near the DC Park, at the top of the Col du Palet drag lift, you’ll also find a 1,200m boardercross run, packed with banked turns, bumps, and thrilling corners—perfect for anyone looking for an exciting challenge. Kids can also enjoy a fun area at the base of the Palafour chairlift in Tignes Le Lac, which features a small slalom course and a fun run with tunnels and bells.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING, SNOWSHOEING & WINTER WALKING

Looking for a new challenge beyond downhill skiing, but something that still gets your heart racing? Cross-country skiing might be just the thing to try. Tignes offers three cross-country areas for beginners: one in Tignes Les Brevieres, another accessible via the Tignes Les Boisses gondola, and a popular track around the lake in Tignes Le Lac. Once you’ve mastered the basics, there are three longer routes with ascents and descents to explore: La Fastoche (1 km with a 190m climb), Le Collu (2.5 km with a 390m climb), and Pala’ Foulée (3 km with a 450m climb), all located near the Palafour and Almes chairlifts.

Although not available in winter, experienced cross-country skiers can enjoy a 6km loop on the Grande Motte glacier during the summer. You can also venture over to Val d’Isere to explore their cross-country trails. If you’re new to the sport, it’s a good idea to take lessons from one of the local ski schools to learn the correct techniques for both ascents and descents. Equipment is easy to rent from the many ski hire shops in the resort.

For those looking to escape the busy slopes and enjoy the peace of the mountains, snowshoeing is a fantastic option. This activity lets you take in the fresh mountain air and explore the stunning Vanoise National Park. Tignes has several walking trails in Tignes Les Brevieres, Tignes 1800 Les Boisses, and Tignes Le Lac, where you might spot rare wildlife like ibex or chamois. To fully experience the area, consider booking a snowshoe tour with a ski school or private mountain guide. They offer half-day, full-day, or even overnight trips where you can see frozen waterfalls, secluded mountain hamlets, gorges, valleys, larch forests, and breathtaking views—an unforgettable adventure. Snowshoes and poles can be rented from many ski shops.

RESORT ACTIVITIES

If you’re looking for activities beyond skiing, Tignes offers a wealth of options for the whole family, both indoors and outdoors.

For more snowy fun, head to La Banquise, a magical winter wonderland in Tignes Le Lac featuring igloos, sledge runs, curling, and a snow maze. Try snow tubing at Grande Motte park in Val Claret or enjoy the 3km toboggan run from the top of Palafour chairlift, complete with a 40-meter tunnel. Sledging areas are also available in La Lavachet, Tignes 1800, and Les Brevieres.

Experience the thrill of being pulled on a sled by a team of Nordic dogs with a trained musher or opt for a gentle horse-drawn sled ride around Tignes Le Lac. Horse riding with an instructor is also an option. For water enthusiasts, ice diving in the lake with qualified instructors offers a unique adventure, welcoming both beginners and experts. Alternatively, relax and float on the lake for a different perspective of Tignes.

Take to the skies with activities like paragliding, microlight flights that land on skis, speed riding (skiing with a micro parachute), or helicopter rides and heliskiing to the Italian Alps. The small airfield in Val Claret is your starting point for these breathtaking experiences.

Or if you prefer to stay grounded head snowmobiling on a dedicated circuit, or explore the resort under the stars with a stop at a Mongolian yurt. Try mountain biking on snow or Moonbiking (minimum age 16), both offering thrilling nighttime adventures. For those who love their cars, head to Tignes Les Brevieres for an ice driving course with professional instruction that will teach you the skills for driving on ice.

For adrenaline junkies, Bun J Ride is a must-try. Ski down a 30m long ski jump, leap off, and glide down on a zip wire, all while attached to elasticated cords. Suitable for ages 13 and up, bookings should be made a week in advance. Other mountain activities include ice climbing and winter mountaineering with guides.

Indoor activities are plentiful as well. Le Lagon aqua centre features a 25-metre swimming pool, a recreational pool with water slides, bubble beds, and a paddling pool area. Relax in the wellness area with saunas, steam rooms, and Jacuzzis, or stay fit in the gym with cardio machines, weights, and fitness classes including yoga and Pilates. Le Lagon Aqua centre is located beside the lake in Le Lac, and near the Toviere gondola.

Nearby the Tignespace indoor sports centre offers an indoor climbing wall, athletics zone, badminton and squash courts, ping pong tables, trampolines, a volleyball court, golf simulator, plus a mini ramp and skateboarding park.

For a unique après-ski experience, try an escape room challenge where you solve riddles to access a locked cool box with drinks and snacks. In the evenings you can catch a movie at the two-screen cinema in Val Claret and next to the golf car park, or visit Le Panorama in Le Lac for activities including exhibitions, board games, a library, VR headsets, and a gaming area.

With so many activities available, Tignes has something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

RESORT AMENITIES

Tignes has a wide range of amenities to enhance your holiday experience. For shoppers, Val Claret offers a selection of boutique fashion shops, while Tabac shops around the resort provide various souvenirs and knick-knacks.

For self-catering visitors, there are numerous supermarkets across Tignes, including Val Claret, Le Rosset and Le Bec Rouge areas in Tignes Le Lac, and Tignes Les Brevieres, featuring Sherpa, Spar, and Carrefour. These shops have all the essentials for your stay, along with offering fresh bread and pastries every day. Throughout the resort there are also bakeries, delicatessens, and cheese shops offering local produce. If you’re driving to the resort, you can also stock up at larger supermarkets in the towns of Moutiers or Bourg Saint Maurice in the valley below for a wider selection of groceries.

Those looking to update their winter ski wear will find plenty of ski sports shops in Tignes, offering the latest equipment and apparel. Equipment hire is also available at shops throughout the resort.

Tignes is well-equipped for any medical needs with pharmacies in Val Claret and the Le Bec Rouge area of Le Lac. There is a dentist in Le Lac’s Le Bec Rouge area and a medical centre with GPs, sports doctors, and X-ray facilities. Osteopaths and physiotherapists are available for home visits, with offices in Val Claret and Le Lac. For more serious medical issues, there is aa large hospital is in Bourg Saint Maurice.

Many of our catered chalets offer an in-resort driver service to the slopes. For guests staying in Tignes Les Brevieres, different sized heated ski lockers are also available at the foot of the slopes and can accommodate either three or five pairs of skis, boots, and poles. Lockers can be booked online and are available from 8am to 10pm. If you are staying elsewhere in resort and would like to use a ski locker, it is worthwhile checking with your ski hire shop to see if they offer this service.

Getting around Tignes is easy with free resort buses connecting all areas. A bus from Tignes 1800 to Le Lac runs from 7:15am to 2:15am, and a 24-hour bus operates from Le Lac to Val Claret. In Tignes Les Brevieres, a free gondola runs to Tignes 1800, with early buses at 8am and 8:30am before the gondola opens. Return buses from Tignes 1800 to Les Brevieres run from 4:45pm to 10:45pm, allowing ample time for après-ski activities or dining out. Additionally, an in-resort bus also connects Tignes with Val d’Isere, making it easy to enjoy après-ski in both resorts.

Taxis are also readily available throughout the resort for convenient travel between different areas.

APRÈS-SKI, BARS & NIGHTLIFE

Tignes is an excellent resort for après-ski fun, offering plenty of options to suit everyone’s taste. A must-visit spot between Val d’Isere and Tignes is the iconic Folie Douce, an après-ski party venue up on the ski slopes that promises an unforgettable experience. The festivities begin after lunch with DJs, live bands, and performers ensuring a memorable afternoon. Be sure to allow enough time to catch the Tommeuses chairlift back to Tignes before it closes, unless you plan to take the bus from Val d’Isere.

In Tignes Val Claret, the popular après-ski bar Cocorico’s provides a vibrant atmosphere with live DJs, bands, and dancing on the tables. Another lively spot is the Loop Bar, located at the bottom of the Johan Clarey piste with ski-in ski-out access. Its large sunny terrace and live bands make it a fantastic place to party late into the night.

For a more relaxed post-ski drink, visit Le Whitney Bar in Val Claret’s Les Suites du Nevada hotel. Here, you can unwind on comfy sofas by the fireplace, enjoying a cocktail or one of their 70 Chartreuse liqueurs. In Tignes Le Lac, the Icebreaker Bar at the VoulezVous hotel offers live music and expertly crafted cocktails in a cosy setting.

To keep the party going late into the night, head to Caves du Loop, located beneath the Loop Bar in Tignes Le Lac. In Val Claret, the Melting Pot nightclub features a mix of dance music, hip hop, and drum ‘n’ bass, along with regular drink promotions, keeping you dancing until 4am.

Tignes also hosts a spectacular New Year’s celebration where you join the open-air party on the main snow front of Tignes Le Lac. Dance and sing along to various bands on the live stage, and marvel at the spectacular fireworks display lighting up the mountainside at midnight. This is a night you won’t want to miss.

RESTAURANTS

Tignes has a wonderful array of dining options, both in the resort and on the ski slopes. For those yearning for panoramic views from a vast terrace, Lo Soli at the top of the Chaudannes chairlift offers an exquisite experience. Choose from gourmet cuisine, a self-service bistro with pasta and burgers, or a snack restaurant with paninis and soup.

For a truly memorable lunch, ascend to 3,032 meters via the Grande Motte funicular to Le Panoramic restaurant. Here, you can savour meals cooked over a wood fire while soaking in the breathtaking vistas—an ideal spot to rendezvous with non-skiing friends. If a quick snack or morning coffee is more your speed, Le Bollin at the top of the Bollin chairlift is perfect and offers modern French cuisine. As the day winds down, their sunny terrace transforms into a lively après-ski party with drinks and dancing.

Within the resort, the dining choices are equally delightful. In Tignes Les Brevieres, La Bouida serves traditional Savoyard dishes with stunning views of the Sache ski area. Open for lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the day, it’s a great spot for relaxing. For a fun and unique dining experience, Le Bollin hosts a Thursday evening soiree featuring a three-course seasonal meal and drinks around an open fire, reached via a piste groomer for a dining experience you won’t forget.

For true culinary aficionados, the one Michelin star restaurant, Ursus, located in the Bouvier family-run Hotel Les Suites, is a must-visit. Chef Clément Bouvier sources 80% of his ingredients locally, guiding diners on a gastronomic journey through the lakes, woodlands, and mountain pastures of the Savoie region.

Tignes offers an abundance of restaurants for families, large groups, or couples to enjoy, making every dining experience an enjoyable part of your holiday.

TRAVEL TO RESORT

Tignes is easily accessible via various transportation methods, making your journey straightforward and convenient. You can fly into one of four main international airports: Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble and Chambery. From these airports, private and shared transfers are available for booking through our trusted transport partners, ensuring a reliable and professional service.

For those preferring train travel, major European train stations offer routes to Bourg Saint Maurice, the closest station to Tignes. From Bourg Saint Maurice, it’s about a 40 minute trip by taxi or shuttle bus to reach the resort. Additionally, buses and trains are available from Lyon and Geneva airports. If you fly into Chambery or Grenoble, you’ll need to travel to the town train stations first to catch a train.

For those using bus services, routes are available from major European cities and some of the main airports. These buses provide a comfortable journey with feature air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and scheduled toilet stops.

Driving to Tignes is another option. Whether you’re coming from an airport using car hire or your home, ensure you carry the legally required equipment—snow chains, a high-visibility jacket, a warning triangle, and a self-breathalyser. Be sure to check the weather conditions on your travel day and allow extra time during peak weeks, as travel times can be longer on main transfer days.

If you require additional parking to that provided by your accommodation, then car parking in Tignes is well-catered for, with eleven car parks available. In the Tignes Le Lac area, there are four covered car parks, while Val Claret offers one covered and one uncovered car park. Tignes 1800 has three uncovered car parks, and Tignes Les Brevieres has two uncovered car parks, with the latter two locations offering free parking. It is advisable to pre-book a space, especially during peak weeks.

Electric car travellers can find charging terminals at five points in the Parking du Lac 3 car park and two points in the Parking du Golf car park in Val Claret. It’s also a good idea to check with your accommodation for additional charging facilities.

If you prefer to travel to Tignes in style, there is a helipad located in Tignes 1800, offering the option to arrive into resort by helicopter.

Overall, whether you choose to fly, take a train, drive, or use a bus service, Tignes is readily reachable, making your travel experience smooth and enjoyable.

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