Ski holidays in Tignes
Tignes ski resort is the perfect ski destination for anyone looking for a ski area that has it all, with world-class skiing right on your doorstep. Tignes ski resort is made up of several areas – Val Claret, Tignes 1800, Le Lac and Le Lavachet – within the Espace Killy ski area, which also includes Val d’Isère. The Grande Motte glacier sits at 3,550 metres, so you can count on excellent conditions in Tignes. Summer skiing is also possible in Tignes.
Tignes as a ski holiday destination
The town of Tignes itself sits at 2,100 metres, making it one of the highest-placed ski towns in France. The ski area spans 1,550–3,450 metres. The L’Espace Killy lift pass covers 300 km of pistes; the areas included are Val d’Isère, La Daille, Le Fornet and Val Claret. There are 120 lifts and 155 pistes to ski.
Tignes has also invested heavily in being a summer holiday destination. There are plenty of activities such as tennis courts, a swimming pool, bowling, squash, sledging, and hiking in beautiful nature. You can also go ice skating on the huge lake, Le Lac de Tignes.
Lots of ski-in/ski-out
From the very beginning, the goal of Tignes ski resort has been to ensure skiers can wake up as close to the pistes as possible. That’s why you’ll find plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation options in the area – and if you don’t have ski-in/ski-out, it’s usually no more than a 200–300 metre walk.
The Grande Motte glacier: Tignes’ highest point
The Grande Motte glacier, at 3,456 metres, is Tignes’ highest point. Skiers and snowboarders can explore the highest terrain and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views – the skiing up here is fantastic, and it’s so snow-sure that summer skiing is possible. However, it’s also the first area to close if the weather turns bad.
How much skiing is there in Tignes and Val d’Isère?
With a total of 300 km of pistes across Tignes and Val d’Isère, there’s something for everyone. 24 green, 65 blue, 40 red and 32 black pistes ensure challenges for all levels. On top of that, there are two large snowparks for freestyle fans, plus a wealth of off-piste options – once you know the area a bit.
In Tignes, you’ll experience an impressive variety of high-altitude pistes shared with Val d’Isère. Each area has its own character – from lively Aprés-ski to quieter, family-friendly zones.
A relaxing afternoon at the Le Lagon swimming pool
To round off a perfect day on the pistes, you get free access (as long as you have a 6-day lift pass) to the public pool, Le Lagon. Here you can let your body unwind with a swim after a day full of skiing. It’s especially popular with families. It
Outstanding snow conditions
Tignes is known for some of the best snow conditions in Europe, which means great skiing well into early May. It’s a resort with the full package: the area is high-altitude, and that’s one of the reasons the snow stays so reliable all season.
Beginners on skis or snowboard in Tignes
Tignes is the perfect place to start for complete beginners in skiing and snowboarding. This is where you’ll find easy-access green pistes in Tignes le Lac, plus more green runs in Val Claret and Les Brévières. Explore the mountains and sharpen your skills on the wide blue pistes, designed especially for beginners and lower intermediates.
Ski schools in Tignes
Tignes has a range of ski schools offering high-quality instruction. As a beginner, you’ll appreciate Tignes’ high altitude, which ensures reliable snow conditions. You don’t need to go all the way to the top of the mountain to find good-quality snow.
We recommend that anyone completely new to skiing or snowboarding takes ski school for at least the first two days of their ski holidays, so you learn the right technique from the start.
Skiing and snowboarding for lower intermediates in Tignes
Tignes is an ideal area for intermediate skiers and snowboarders, with a wide selection of long blue and red pistes. From the Grande Motte glacier you can enjoy spectacular views across the whole area. If you go all the way to the top of Grande Motte, be ready for speed – it can be technical and a bit icy right from the summit. Otherwise, take the funicular up from Val Claret. Val Claret is the last area in the Tignes domain – you get off there and don’t continue higher. From here you can return to Val Claret, or head the other way towards Val d’Isere, La Daille and Le Fornet.
Fantastic pistes in Tignes
The blue piste from the top of the Grattalu chairlift is known for being wide and having excellent snow conditions.
In peak season, when all pistes are open, the long blue and red runs from the top of Aiguille Percée (2,748 m) all the way down to Tignes les Brévières (1,550 m) offer skiers and snowboarders some truly great skiing.
Wild skiing in Tignes
The Tignes ski area is known for its wild and challenging runs, giving even the most experienced skiers an unforgettable ski holidays experience. Let’s dive into the many options for advanced skiers and snowboarders in Tignes.
High speed: the Sache piste
For those looking for steep pistes, the Sache run is the ideal choice. A thrilling piste that starts from Aiguille Percée and continues all the way down to Les Brévières. Your skiing skills will be put to the test here.
Off-piste skiing in Val d’Isère
For more experienced skiers, we recommend heading over to Val d’Isere to explore some fantastic off-piste options. The tree areas above Le Fornet and Banane off the Bellevarde both offer excellent terrain for off-piste skiing – on big snowfall days, when you want to be there from the morning, we recommend taking the car, as everyone wants their share when fresh powder arrives.
Snowboarding in Tignes
Tignes is a paradise for snowboarders – the worst thing as a snowboarder is flat sections, and you should be aware there’s a stretch if you come down from Grande Motte towards Val Claret where you need to keep your speed up. Otherwise, we’ve only had good experiences, and there are also very few drag lifts in the area.
World-class snowboarders train and compete here, which comes as no surprise given the extensive terrain, great off-piste, snowparks and powder-filled bowls. Beginners can enjoy a great snowboarding experience on the beginner pistes in Le Lac, while freestylers will have fun in the large terrain parks at Palafour. With a 120 m superpipe, this park is built for adrenaline-seeking snowboarders.
Glacier skiing: the Grande Motte glacier
The Grande Motte glacier offers skiing up to 3,456 m. You can get up here via the underground Perce-Neige cable railway (actually a train) in just 7 minutes, followed by a gondola. From the top, you can choose from a range of terrain spread over 20 km, and some runs even take you all the way back to Tignes.
Hotels and apartments in Tignes
Hôtel Le Diamond Rock
Hôtel Le Diamond Rock is in the heart of Tignes, just 300 metres from the Tignes/Val d’Isère pistes. This five-star hotel offers outstanding amenities, including a shared lounge, private parking, a large terrace and a bar. The hotel is from 2020, so it’s in top condition, and it sits that little bit away from the piste because it’s so new.
This boutique hotel has a restaurant, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool and sauna—everything you need and more. The hotel’s amenities include ski-in/ski-out, a ski storage room, the option to buy lift passes at the hotel, a hammam, sauna, swimming pool, and a spa and wellness centre.
Hotel Les Suites – Maison Bouvier
Hotel Les Suites – Maison Bouvier was the first 5-star hotel in Tignes. Ideally located in the heart of Tignes Val Claret and close to the pistes, it’s a luxurious boutique hotel that blends traditional Alpine chalet architecture with contemporary design, with a strong focus on gastronomy.
With 31 rooms and suites, guests can choose between Classic and Tradition – the latter is slightly larger. Each room is individually furnished and decorated, and they’re all both spacious and truly luxurious. So it does cost a bit more.
Hotel Village Montana: Ski-in/ski-out
Hotel Village Montana in Tignes is a ski-in/ski-out property. With a wide range of amenities and accommodation styles, it’s an excellent choice for all ages. Village Montana sits in an elevated position in the Les Almes area of Tignes le Lac.
Club Med – Tignes, Val Claret
Club Med’s recently renovated Tignes Val Claret property gives ski lovers access to the Espace Killy ski area, one of France’s most beautiful domains. Set at 2,100 m, guests can explore both Tignes and Val d’Isère. The hotel is styled in a cosy Alpine look, furnished in a modern style with amenities such as TV and billiards, and more. In addition, all rooms embrace the local style, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for a truly royal ski holiday.
Read more about: Best hotels in Tignes
If you need to rent ski equipment in town, check out ski rental in Tignes, where we’ve found the best places. There are also plenty of other activities in Tignes.
France has many fantastic ski resorts, including – Valloire, Valmeinier, Valmorel, Vars, Val D’Isere and many more.
Number of pistes in Tignes
20
67
41
26
Restaurants in Tignes
Tignes is a ski holiday town that ranges from budget-friendly brasseries to Michelin-listed restaurants. Whether you’re looking for classic French cuisine or something a little different, we’ve picked out a few excellent choices that won’t disappoint.
We should also mention Val d’Isere, which isn’t far away by car and is well worth a visit for great restaurants – and plenty of shops too.
Couloir, Val Claret
A traditional and friendly spot, Couloir is one of the most popular restaurants in the Tignes area. The international menu includes delicious dishes such as almond-coated camembert, crispy pork belly, burgers and côte de boeuf. Couloir has a cosy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed evening after a great day on the pistes.
Loop Bar, Tignes Le Lac
After a day on the pistes, Loop Bar is the perfect place to unwind or party. The food is good, with everything from burgers to wraps. Loop Bar is also known for its Aprés-ski, so you can enjoy great food and a few drinks to good music.
Texmex Tignes, Val Claret
Texmex Tignes is a retro diner with an American/Tex-Mex menu. Chef Jean-Michel Bouvier creates a wide range of delicious dishes with something for everyone. The staff are super friendly and give you an authentic French experience, wearing the traditional Savoyard beret as part of their uniform. Prices here are good too.
L’Alpage des Chaudannes
L’Alpage des Chaudannes is a fantastic mountain restaurant with a large sun terrace. It’s a great place to soak up the sun on those beautiful blue-sky days. The cosy, warm interior is also very inviting, especially on snowy days. Here you can enjoy outstanding Savoyard gourmet dishes along with an excellent selection of Savoie wines.
Le Panoramic, Glacier de La Grande Motte
High above Val Claret at 3,032 m, you’ll find the highest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world. Here you can enjoy suckling pig, T-bone steak, and even pigeon straight from the wood-fired grill. It’s on the pricey side, but it’s also an experience.
La Ferme des 3 Capucines, Lavachet
La Ferme des 3 Capucines is a rustic farm and restaurant serving Savoyard favourites such as raclette, fondue and tartiflette, made with their own homemade cheese. Experiencing La Ferme is experiencing the essence of Savoyard culture.
- You might also want to take a look at our other article about restaurants in Tignes.
Tignes and Val d’Isère: Aprés-ski
Tignes is a town made up of several villages, including Le Lac and Val Claret. These two villages are the liveliest, but each village has its own unique atmosphere. Let’s take a tour around these fantastic villages and look at some of the best Aprés-ski spots.
Couloir Bar
Couloir Bar is one of the most popular Aprés-ski bars, located in upper Val Claret. Most days you can listen to fantastic acoustic singers, and one day a week you can dance to soul and funk. The lively atmosphere here is second to none, and you’re guaranteed a great night. As mentioned under restaurants, they also serve really good food.
Drop Zone
Drop Zone has fantastic staff and international DJs, making it one of the best choices for a big night out – or you can simply relax, watch sport on TV, or play pool. With its international vibe, Drop Zone is a must-visit for any Aprés-ski lover.
Ranga’s
Ranga’s is the perfect place to play pool, watch matches on Sky Sports, or dance to the local DJ. They also have a daily happy hour, so there’s always a reason to visit Ranga’s.
Marmot Arms
Marmot Arms is a popular choice for skiers in Tignes Le Lac. With happy hour, affordable snacks and live music, it’s a great pick for a cosy afternoon. Located at the bottom of the Palafour lift, it’s also the ideal spot for a beer and a burger while you watch sport on the big screens. In the evening there’s live music and DJs—perfect for ending a great day on the slopes.
Jam Bar
If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, head to Jam Bar, right next to Marmot Arms. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat and catch up with friends and family.
Le Whitney Bar
Le Whitney Bar in Val Claret has a cosy, stylish interior. They offer an excellent selection of fine wines to enjoy with gourmet snacks.
Bar Hors Piste
An alternative to Le Whitney Bar is Bar Hors Piste, also in Val Claret. This bar has an open fireplace and comfortable sofas, where you can enjoy apres ski cocktails or warm up with a hot chocolate. It’s a relaxing bar, perfect for a few quiet drinks with your partner, friends or family.
Cave du Loop
Cave du Loop, a sister bar to The Loop, offers delicious cocktails, live music and sport on TV, all with a fantastic view over the ski area.
Cocorico
With happy hour starting at 14:00 Monday to Friday, you can take a break from hard-charging skiing here for an afternoon of pizza, beer, live music and DJ sets.
- You might also want to take a look at our other article about Aprés-ski in Tignes.
Prices in Tignes
Pris på Liftkort
A 6-day lift pass costs DKK 3,180 for an adult.
This lift pass covers the entire area.
You can order and view lift pass prices at tignes.nes
Pris på skileje
Adult ski equipment rental for 6 days from DKK 800.
Adult snowboard rental for 6 days from DKK 800.
You can save a lot of money—yes, in fact up to 65%—by booking early and online. You can rent ski equipment in Tignes via Alpy.
En god Restaurant
In Tignes, there are plenty of great dining options, including Loop, Le Kaya Restaurant, La Ferme des 3 Capucines, Mendikoa, A la Creperie, and many more.
Piste map Tignes
Video from Tignes
FAQ – Questions about Tignes
Når vi får spørgsmål, så tilføjer vi svarene herunder. Har du et spørgsmål, eller noget vi mangler her på siden - så kontakt os hellere end gerne, så vi kan få tilføjet det til siden.
Is Tignes a good ski area for young people?
Tignes may be the perfect area for young people—many upper secondary schools and universities organise ski trips here. The reason is the wide range of pistes, plenty of ski schools, and lots of bars. So whether you’re completely new to skiing or snowboarding, or you’re travelling with 10 people who’ve been skiing since they were kids, you can split up and everyone will get something out of the trip.
Which is the longest piste in Tignes?
10 km – La Sache, a black piste. To get to it, take the “Palafour” lift, ski down to the “Aiguille Percpe” lift, take it up – and then you’re ready to fly down La Sache.
