Tignes

Unconventional, cosmopolitan, sporty and innovative, Tignes offers you the unique experience of enjoying the mountains in a different way. For winter sports enthusiasts, Tignes is first and foremost an internationally renowned ski resort offering the best snow and a wide variety of slopes from September to May. Nestled in the heart of the French Northern Alps, in the Savoie department, the resort of Tignes is located between 1,550 and 3,456 metres above sea level and offers a unique mountain experience, combining Alpine traditions with modern innovations.

The Tignes ski area

Tignes is part of one of the most prestigious ski areas in Europe: the Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area, which covers a magnificent terrain culminating at an altitude of 3,456 metres. Formerly known as the Espace Killy (in honour of triple Olympic champion Jean-Claude Killy), this legendary area is a true paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, with over 300 kilometres of marked, carefully maintained slopes spread over a range of altitudes and exposures offering a wide variety of sensations.

Tignes, over 300 kilometres of skiable slopes

In total, the resort of Tignes offers more than 300 kilometres of skiable slopes and a large area dedicated to cross-country skiing. Together with the resort of Val d’Isère, it forms the Espace Killy, one of the best ski areas in the world. Its high altitude (3,456 metres) offers good snow conditions throughout the season and incredible off-piste areas.

The main resort of Tignes is located at an altitude of 2,100 metres and offers a wide range of hotels and apartments in two areas: Le Lac and Val Claret. However, given the rapid development of the valley, you will find all types of accommodation at the bottom of the valley.

Between Tignes and Val d’Isère, you will find the Grande Motte glacier, which skiers can easily access via a funicular and a chairlift. This magnificent glacier remains skiable even in summer: the blue, red and black runs offer you the unique joys of snow from June to August. Summer skiing is for early risers.

Thanks to its high altitude, particularly with the Grande Motte glacier, Tignes enjoys exceptionally reliable snow cover throughout the season. From November onwards, the first skiers hit the slopes, and until May, you can enjoy optimal skiing conditions, even during the spring thaw. The northern exposure of the glacier and the numerous snow cannons distributed throughout the area guarantee a consistent, well-preserved layer of snow on the main slopes, while the shaded areas preserve powder snow that is particularly appreciated by freeriders.

Always on the lookout for trends and new ways to enjoy the snow

Always at the forefront of trends and new forms of skiing, the resort of Tignes offers a range of original and varied activities. Here, thrill-seekers can discover ice diving, a unique experience that allows you to explore the frozen lake in a magical setting. For the more playful, the natural ice rink and ice karting offer fun moments with family or friends. Among the more unusual activities, ski-jöering, where you are pulled by a horse, and snow mountain biking guarantee new sensations. Add to this paragliding, ice climbing, dog sledding and snowmobiling, making Tignes a real playground for adventure and discovery.

But Tignes is much more than just a ski resort. Since 2012, it has been home to the Tignespace sports and conference centre, a modern facility unique in Savoie, which hosts sporting, cultural and professional events throughout the year. After a busy day, there is plenty to do in the resort, with spas, restaurants, nightclubs, cinemas and a variety of shops offering relaxation and entertainment. Whether you are looking for peace and quiet or a lively atmosphere, Tignes has something for everyone.

Every winter, the resort organises spectacular events, such as the Winter X Games Europe, which bring together the best freestyle ski and snowboard athletes in an electric atmosphere. Thanks to its dynamism and state-of-the-art facilities, Tignes is an essential destination for all lovers of snow sports and sporting innovation.

The Tignes ski resort is committed to sustainable development

The Tignes ski area is world-renowned for its serious commitment to sustainable tourism. This responsible approach is nothing new: since 2008, the Société des Téléphériques de la Grande Motte, which manages the ski area, has been proudly certified ISO 14001, guaranteeing environmentally friendly management.

In order to reduce its environmental impact, more than a hundred pylons have been removed from the area,

significantly reducing the visual and ecological impact on the natural landscape. At the same time, grass planting work is carried out every year. These improvements allow the slopes to blend harmoniously into their surroundings, stabilise the snow cover and promote the restoration of local biodiversity.

The Société des Téléphériques de la Grande Motte (STGM) is also committed to sustainable mobility. It regularly renews its fleet of buses to offer an efficient eco-friendly shuttle service. Visitors are encouraged to leave their cars in the car park, helping to reduce pollution and traffic in the resort.

Unforgettable experiences in Tignes

In Tignes, you don’t have to be an alpine skier to enjoy your stay in the mountains. The ski resort offers a wide range of activities for all tastes and ages.

Tignes is not only a renowned ski resort, it is also a unique sports and conference centre in Savoie, inaugurated in 2012. After a day on the slopes, the resort offers a wide range of services to prolong the fun. You’ll find games rooms, nightclubs, a thermal spa, spas, cinemas, restaurants and a multitude of shops that keep the nightlife going long after the ski lifts have closed. Whether you are looking for a change of scenery, a gastronomic discovery, a cosy atmosphere or a festive evening, Tignes will satisfy all your desires with its many great places dedicated to relaxation and entertainment.

Throughout the winter season, Tignes hosts original and spectacular events where sporting performance and artistic daring come together. Among them, the famous Winter X Games Europe attract the world’s best freestyle skiers and snowboarders every year, making Tignes a true temple of extreme snow sports. The Tignespace centre, a true architectural gem, is now recognised as the most innovative sports and conference centre in the Alps, embodying the dynamic and avant-garde spirit of the resort.

The mountain resort of Tignes in summer

A stay in Tignes in summer is not just about the mountains, it’s also a real water adventure. The natural lake becomes the heart of summer entertainment, attracting holidaymakers and those looking for a cool escape.

Located on the outskirts of the hamlet of Val Claret, the water sports centre welcomes you to its sparkling emerald waters. Swimming, catamaran sailing, paddleboarding and pedalos: everything you need to make the most of the 25 hectares of Lake Tignes, in a setting that is both relaxing and dynamic. A perfect balance between leisure and alpine nature.

In summer, Tignes reveals a completely different side: that of a living mountain accessible to all hikers. Marked trails lead you to discover the fauna and flora typical of the Alpine world.

Among the must-see walks, the route to Lac de Chevril is particularly appealing for its wild beauty. From Tignes Val Claret, a forest path runs alongside the stream, offering total immersion in nature. As you walk, colourful flowers, a refreshing waterfall and breathtaking views of the peaks punctuate this mountain escape.

Hotels in the resort of Tignes

Hôtel le Diamond Rock *****

Rising proudly from the ground and spreading over 11 floors, Le Diamond Rock embodies the dynamism of the Tignes Le Lac resort. Retaining its warm atmosphere worthy of a mountain refuge, the hotel’s décor reinforces this welcoming feel with a chic and refined touch.

Le Diamond Rock offers you a stay at the foot of the slopes.

Everything has been designed to ensure an exceptional and unforgettable experience. The furniture has been custom-made in Indonesian forests to match the hotel’s exotic spirit. Noble materials such as brass, marble and stone blend into the décor of the Diamond Rock, the luxury hotel in Tignes.

Village Montana Hotel ****

Make the most of your holiday: restaurants, bars and spas are located in the heart of Village Montana. Parents and children will appreciate the ideal ski-in ski-out location and the nearby beginners’ area. The fun continues in the hotel rooms, which have been redesigned with a cosy, chic Alpine feel. The Les Chanterelles restaurant invites you to enjoy seasonal cuisine in a setting that combines comfort and modernity. The à la carte and set menus offer French cuisine infused with flavours from around the world.

Will you be able to resist the spa? It opens onto an outdoor Nordic pool. Swimming under snowflakes while gazing at the mountains is an experience you will remember.

Hotel le Refuge ***

Located in the heart of the resort of Tignes, facing the natural lake and the Grande Motte, close to the ‘Maison de Tignes le Lac’, the aquatic centre, covered car parks and all sports activities. 26 rooms and 7 suites and family suites with balcony, bathroom, toilet, direct telephone, cable TV, Wi-Fi, mini-bar, safe, hairdryer. V, Wi-Fi, minibar, safe and hairdryer. Access for people with reduced mobility, lift, panoramic area for breakfast, seminar room, lounge, billiard room, library, spa, beauty treatments and massages at your accommodation.

Skiing in Tignes: key features

An XXL ski area, linked to Val d’Isère. Together with Val d’Isère, Tignes forms one of the largest ski areas in the Alps: 300 km of marked trails linked between 1,550 m (Les Brévières) and 3,456 m (Grande Motte).

Altitude, glacier and long season. The Grande Motte glacier and the high altitude of the resort allow for a long season (sections open from late autumn and good skiing in spring). The entire Tignes–Val d’Isère link is normally operational, with descents from 3,456 m to 1,550 m.

Modern and extensive lift network. The domain operates more than 76 lifts with a fast, high-capacity infrastructure.

Iconic itineraries for all levels. From school areas with free lifts for beginners to benchmark descents for experts. Among the classics, we believe Vallon/La Sache is worth highlighting, with 10 km from the Aiguille Percée area to Les Brévières; a long and varied line that requires good technique and physical condition.

Freestyle and well-designed play areas. The Tignes Snowpark offers green/blue lines for beginners and red/black lines for advanced riders, as well as boardercross and chill zones. We recommend looking it up on the official piste map so you don’t miss it.

A variety of villages and customized access. Val Claret (direct access to Grande Motte), Le Lac (service center), Le Lavachet (quieter), Tignes 1800/Les Boisses (families), and Les Brévières 1550 (valley and forest atmosphere) make up a range of bases depending on your travel profile.

Information on slope openings, weather in Tignes, and official maps. The Tignes website and app publish live slope and lift openings/closures and an interactive map, essential resources for planning days with changing weather (wind/visibility).

Tips from the I Love Ski Community for skiing in Tignes

In a ski area offering a whopping 1,906 meters of vertical drop, 78 lifts, and 3,680 hectares of skiable terrain, it’s best to have a plan for each day. Here are some tips for skiing in Tignes and Espace Killy. You don’t have to take them literally, but we’re sure that some of them will help you enjoy Tignes more and better.

Choose your “base” according to your skiing plan. If you prioritize altitude and speed to the glacier, Val Claret is the most agile base; for an “everything at hand” approach, Tignes Le Lac is the most versatile; if you are looking for peace and quiet, Le Lavachet works very well; for families who value recent accommodation and easy access, Tignes 1800/Les Boisses; if you are attracted by forests and long turns, Les Brévières (1550 m) has charm and tree-lined slopes.

Manage the altitude and the sun. Start early at Grande Motte when the snow is cold and consistent; as the day progresses, descend to lower elevations or change slopes (e.g., Tovière axis) to take advantage of gentle transformations. On days when you have to ski in windy conditions, prioritize more sheltered areas (Palafour, forests above Brévières) and check live openings before setting out.

Plan your connections with Val d’Isère. Crossing via Tovière in the middle of the morning can help you avoid the early morning crowds. If you’re feeling tired or the final descents are crowded, the best option may be to take the gondola down.

Beginners: start skiing for free in Tignes. Take advantage of the free beginner lifts and school areas in Val Claret, Le Lac, Lavachet, 1800, or Brévières. They are perfect for the first few hours; once you have mastered turning and speed, link up easy green/blue runs at higher altitudes.

Classic runs that never fail (if your level is up to it).

• Vallon/La Sache: long, sustained and with a valley atmosphere; best in the middle of the morning to avoid transformed snow.
• Double-M from Grande Motte: an iconic red run for enjoying carving turns with views of Val Claret.
• Snowpark areas: start on green/blue runs to warm up and move up a level without overestimating your physical and technical abilities. Always wear protective gear such as a ski helmet and back protector.

Safety and off-piste. The Tignes area offers very tempting off-piste and high mountain routes; do not leave the marked areas without an avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, and qualified guide, and check the daily report, the actual opening, and the avalanche risk.

Logistics when there are lots of people skiing in Tignes: Eat early or late to avoid rush hour; stay hydrated (altitude), don’t eat snow, and have a plan B in case the peaks are closed due to wind. If you’re traveling with children, alternate between easy slopes and fun areas in the snow park to keep the little ones motivated.