Tignes Piste Map

Tignes is the very large and established younger sister resort to Val d’Isere in France. They combine to create the ski area Espace Killy which has 300km of downhill pistes and some great facilities and the nightlife is not bad either, although we have to say this is slightly outshone by its flashier neighbour Val d’Isere.

The area actually has 4 resorts with Tignes in the name all connected by an efficient lift network but at different altitudes. Tignes 2100 is the main Tignes area, this and Tignes Val Claret are nestled high in the mountains and are purpose built resorts with a lot ski-to-door apartments and hotels. Further down the slope is Tignes 1800 and Tignes Les Brevieres at 1550m, both still at very respectable altitudes with direct access to the slopes and the ability to ski home at the end of the day via some well-planned tree lined pistes. However, it should be noted the lower resorts are less vibrant than their brasher namesakes when it comes to apres and nightlife.

Architecturally Tignes and its sister are very different. Whilst Val d’Isere is a pretty village now turned into a ski resort with a traditional look and feel, Tignes is concrete in both substance and style. The beauty of Tignes is what surrounds it. Fantastic skiing at altitude in a purpose-built resort that has everything you could possibly need.

Off the slopes Tignes has all the entertainment you would expect, swimming pools/lagoon, bowling alley, spas, ski bungee and lots of bars and eateries.

On the slopes, Tignes excels. The resort has a lot of runs which suit all skiers, whatever their ability. You can stay near the resort on a nursery slope, or ski over to Val d’Isere via the World Cup run, and there are plenty of linked blues and reds in between to test intermediates and learners.

The lift network here is modern and efficient which helps keep queues to a minimum in this popular resort especially during high season and weekends. The pistes are renowned for being well groomed which helps keep the snow throughout the season. Intermediate skiers will really enjoy the layout of the area, as they can get to 3456m easily and experience the most spectacular views and then ski down relatively easily on reds and blues.

The accommodation in Tignes is marginally less than Val d’Isere as a general rule, and so if you want access to this great ski area on a budget Tignes is probably your best bet. Tignes really is for everyone who enjoys snow and a good holiday will be had by all who locate themselves here. The area is popular with families as they are less in need of nightlife and there is a lot of apartment style accommodation on offer with very easy access to the slopes which tends to suit families very well.

Tignes is a bit of trek from either Geneva and Chambery with travel times of 3 or 2 hours respectively, however, it is worth the trip.