Tignes

Welcome to the breathtaking ski resort of Tignes, known as 'the most beautiful place on earth'. Situated within the Tignes Ski Resort, this winter paradise lives up to its majestic reputation with an array of exceptional features. Spread over 10,000 hectares of terrain, it boasts a whopping 300 kilometres of slopes and 1,906 metres of vertical drop, promising an exhilarating experience for the adventurous. What sets Tignes apart are its two glaciers, which sit at over 3,000 metres, offering not only stunning views but also exceptional skiing conditions throughout the season.

Why ski at Tignes?

Espace Tignes-Val d'Isère is the epitome of skiing excellence in the French Alps and caters for enthusiasts of all levels. For beginners, the resort offers plenty of opportunities to learn and practice, with numerous free lifts scattered throughout the resort and a vast expanse of gentle green slopes. Of particular note are the 21 green slopes in the upper reaches of the resort, all of which are situated at an altitude of over 2,400 metres, providing an excellent learning environment.

Experienced skiers will enjoy the challenge of the 67 blue slopes, 43 red slopes and 24 black slopes in Tignes and Val d'Isère. The extensive 10,000 hectares of skiable terrain offer endless off-piste options, including the adrenaline-pumping experience of heli-skiing, where enthusiasts are taken by helicopter to pristine slopes for an exhilarating descent.

The resort boasts an extensive infrastructure of 800 snow cannons, 42 chairlifts, 9 gondolas and 2 cable cars, ensuring seamless access to the slopes. You will even have the exciting opportunity to test your skills on World Cup slopes and witness top-level competitions such as the Winter X Games Europe, which showcase freestyle skills.

All you need to know about the Tignes ski area

Let's take a closer look at the magical resort of Tignes, which offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. With 150km of pistes, the resort offers endless opportunities for adventure, whatever your level of ability.

For beginners looking for their first taste of snow, Tignes offers 6 green slopes with free lifts and 33 blue slopes for gradual progress. Meanwhile, experienced skiers can conquer 19 red slopes and 16 black slopes, including World Cup slopes renowned for their challenge.

The resort prides itself on innovation and offers unique activities such as ice diving, ice circuits, ski joering, paragliding, climbing, dog sledding and snowmobiling. For adrenaline junkies, experiences such as ice karting and heli-skiing add to the thrill of winter sports.

Tignes' speciality is its summer skiing, made possible by the Grande Motte glacier. Even in June and July, visitors can enjoy the blue, red and black slopes, making skiing an all-year-round experience. Whether you ski in winter or summer, Tignes promises an unforgettable alpine experience like no other.

Off the slopes in Tignes - Val d'Isere

The excitement doesn't stop when the sun goes down in these vibrant ski resorts. With a wealth of après-ski facilities and activities, visitors can continue their alpine adventure well into the evening. Tignes' lively après-ski scene offers a range of lively bars and welcoming restaurants. In Val d'Isère, the nightlife is equally enticing, attracting a young and international crowd with live music venues and renowned nightclubs such as the Saloon and the Doudoune.

Food lovers can indulge in the diverse culinary offerings in both resorts, ranging from traditional Savoyard cuisine to international delights. Try La Table en Montagne, a restaurant at an altitude of 2,100 metres that offers panoramic mountain views and gourmet French cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. La Folie Douce in Val d'Isère is famous for its lively après-ski atmosphere, combining fine dining with live music and entertainment for an unforgettable dining experience on the slopes. For something a little more sophisticated, book a table at L'Atelier d'Edmond, a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its creative and refined cuisine, offering the best of French gastronomy with an innovative twist in an elegant mountain chalet setting.

For those seeking relaxation, luxurious spas such as Les Bains du Montana Spa (Val d'Isère), Deep Nature Spa (Tignes Le Lac) or the Hotel Spa Les Suites du Nevada (Val d'Isère) are all havens of tranquillity, offering personalised spa experiences, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis and a range of wellness

Skiing in Tignes For Families

In Tignes and Val d'Isère, families are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities for all ages. The renowned Club Piou Piou in Tignes offers specialised ski lessons for children aged 3 to 5, encouraging a love of skiing in a safe and playful environment. Meanwhile, Les Lutins in Val d'Isère offers a crèche service for young children aged 18 months to 5 years, allowing parents to hit the slopes in peace. And the Tignespace Aquatic Centre, with its swimming pools, waterslides and paddling pool, is the perfect place for the whole family to relax after a day on the slopes.

As well as skiing and swimming, families can go on scenic snowshoe hikes, ice skate on outdoor rinks or even try their hand at dog sledding for an unforgettable experience in the snow-covered countryside. With a wide range of activities to choose from, Tignes and Val d'Isère offer families the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration for an unforgettable winter holiday.

Adventure awaits at Tignes Ski Resort

Nature lovers visiting Tignes and Val d'Isère will find a wealth of outdoor adventures that will make for an unforgettable alpine experience. In Tignes, take a cable car ride to the Grande Motte glacier for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. You can also ski on this magnificent glacier during the summer months.

Guided snowshoe hikes offer the chance to explore unspoilt winter landscapes and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the snow-covered surroundings. For those seeking a different kind of glide, cross-country skiing adventures along scenic trails and forest paths offer a peaceful escape into the alpine wilderness. Thrill-seekers can test their skills on ice-climbing excursions, scaling frozen waterfalls and ice formations under the guidance of experienced guides. Winter hiking trails offer breathtaking views and rugged terrain, inviting you to explore the snowy splendour of the mountains. Wildlife watching tours offer the chance to see native species such as ibex, chamois and birds of prey in their natural habitat. Photographic expeditions led by expert photographers capture the essence of the Alps in winter, showcasing stunning landscapes and wildlife encounters. Winter festivals celebrate Alpine culture with traditional music, food and activities, and provide an insight into local traditions. For those who prioritise safety, avalanche awareness courses equip participants with the essential skills to navigate avalanche terrain and practise safe backcountry travel, ensuring a fulfilling and safe outdoor experience in the majestic surroundings of Tignes and Val d'Isère.

Exploring beyond Tignes Ski Resort

For those seeking cultural enrichment, visits to local museums and historic sites offer a glimpse of the region's heritage. Discover the picturesque village of Le Fornet in Val d'Isère, famous for its traditional alpine architecture nestled at the foot of the mountain. It is the ideal starting point for enchanting hikes and nature walks. Relax at Lac de Tignes, a tranquil lake nestled in the mountains, where you can enjoy summer activities such as swimming, canoeing and picnicking, or winter delights such as ice skating and ice diving. Experience the thrill of La Face de Bellevarde, an iconic ski slope in Val d'Isère that has hosted numerous World Cup ski races. Even if skiing isn't your forte, a chairlift ride promises unforgettable views from the summit. Explore the charming streets of Val d'Isère's old town, with its quaint shops, eateries and historic 17th-century buildings. Be sure to check out the baroque church of Saint Bernard de Menthon, which adds a touch of architectural splendour to your visit.

What's more, both resorts host a wide range of events and festivals throughout the season, from music concerts to cultural celebrations, ensuring there's always something exciting to do off the slopes. In the Tignes and Val d'Isère area, several prestigious events add excitement and entertainment to the winter season. These include the Winter X Games Europe, where top athletes demonstrate their skills in extreme sports such as snowboarding and skiing. Val d'Isère has been a memorable stage of the Tour de France, attracting cycling enthusiasts to witness the excitement of the race. Both resorts play host to the prestigious Freeride World Tour, where audiences are enthralled by daring off-piste performances. In addition, Val d'Isère's Winter Film Festival celebrates the art of filmmaking, while Tignes hosts the lively Snowbombing Festival, with music, parties and more set against a stunning Alpine backdrop.

Best time to ski in Tignes

The best time to visit Tignes depends on what you're looking for in a ski holiday:

✓ Early season (November - December): Ideal for those looking for fresh snow and quieter slopes.
✓ Middle Season (January - February): Offers the best snow conditions and a lively atmosphere, perfect for families and social skiers.
✓ Late Season (March - April): Enjoy longer days and sunny weather with excellent snow conditions on the glacier. It's a great time for spring skiing and outdoor events.

How to get there

› By car
Tignes is easily accessible by car, with well maintained roads leading to the resort. It's a straightforward three-hour drive from Lyon or Geneva. Parking is available at the resort, including indoor and outdoor options.

› By air
The nearest airports to Tignes are Lyon, Geneva and Chambéry. All three offer shuttle services to the resort, making it convenient for international travellers.

› By train
For those preferring to travel by train, Bourg-Saint-Maurice is the nearest major station with regular bus and taxi services to Tignes. The train journey from Paris to Bourg-Saint-Maurice takes approximately four hours, making it a convenient option.

Book your Tignes Ski Holiday with Esquiades.com

At Esquiades.com we believe that experiencing these aspects first hand is essential to understanding why skiing in Tignes is unrivalled. Explore our Tignes ski deals and embark on an unforgettable ski weekend in this stunning destination. Our packages include accommodation and lift passes, and you can easily add ski hire or car hire for a seamless holiday. Book now and enjoy an unforgettable ski holiday in one of France's top resorts.

Tignes offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. With 150km of pistes, the resort offers endless opportunities for adventure, whatever your level of ability.

→ For beginners looking for their first taste of snow, Tignes offers 6 green slopes with free lifts and 33 blue slopes for gradual progress.

→ Experienced skiers can conquer 19 red slopes and 16 black slopes, including World Cup slopes renowned for their challenge.

The resort prides itself on innovation and offers unique activities such as ice diving, ice circuits, ski joering, paragliding, climbing, dog sledding and snowmobiling.

→ For adrenaline junkies, experiences such as ice karting and heli-skiing add to the thrill of winter sports.

The Tignes snowpark, with its green (XS) and blue (S) modules, is ideal for beginners and those looking to improve their freestyle skills.

Already comfortable with freestyle? Head to the red (M) and black (L) lines! These modules and rails offer the perfect opportunity to showcase your technical abilities alongside pro riders from our partner DC, who frequently film in the resort throughout the winter.

The DC Park also includes a chill zone with free Wi-Fi access.

All snowpark modules are free to use.

Access to different zones:

→ BEGINNER / INTERMEDIATE ZONE: GREEN & BLUE

Start from the top of the Grattalu chairlift

→ EXPERT ZONE: RED & BLACK

Access from the top of the Palet ski lift

→ BOARDERCROSS: OPEN TO ALL

Access from the top of the Palet ski lift

→ CHILL ZONE: OPEN TO ALL

Access from the play run under the Grattalu chairlift
Access from the top of the Palet ski lift

In Tignes families are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities for all ages.

→ The renowned Club Piou Piou in Tignes offers specialized ski lessons for children aged 3 to 5, encouraging a love of skiing in a safe and playful environment.