A resort that most skiers are familiar with, Tignes is set within the Tarentaise valley and is comprised of five main villages: Tignes Le Lac, Lavachet, Val Claret, Les Boisses and Les Brévières. Tignes Le Lac is the largest and most central village, sitting at 2,100 metres with glacier access, it is one of the most snow-sure resorts in the Alps. Tignes Les Brévières is the lower satellite village but with far more traditional charm and a range of luxury chalets and still is at a respectable altitude of 1,550 metres. Tignes is highly popular for very good reason.
With so many choices for accommodation, ski schools, directions of ski access to the Espace Killy’s 300 kilometres of pistes, excellent restaurants, cafés and bars, for us Tignes is one of the most easily accessible ski resorts.
Whilst the architecture leaves something to be desired with the exception of that found in Tignes Les Brévières, Tignes is purpose built and easy to navigate around. There is a 24 hour free bus service between Val Claret, Le Lac and Le Lavachet, the three main villages, and where one would go out in the evenings. Take the funicular up to the Grand Motte glacier, at 3,653 metres high, the Double M piste offers one of the longest and best runs in resort down from here.
Fantastic for all types of skiers, Tignes is good for beginner and intermediates and offers some challenging un-groomed black runs for the more adventurous. If you are looking for an on piste stop, Le Panoramic offers excellent lunches or L’Armailly, which is a sun trap in Tignes Le Brévières, is a great choice. Alternatively if you are looking for an evening meal, Petit Savoyard or Le Pignatta in Val Claret, and Loop in Tignes Le Lac are all excellent choices, or for something special try La Ferme des 3 Capucines. A short ski home from the Folie Douce, you can enjoy a lovely lunch at the Fruitiere and then dance and join in the après before it is time to ski back to resort before the last lift.
For the non-skier, there is pedestrian access throughout the Espace Killy it is really good and you can reach many on piste restaurants perfect for meeting keen skiers in your party. You can try the multi-sports centre, enjoy a spa day, go swimming or go to Val d’Isere for shopping. Each village is linked by bus, and some chalets have a driver service so it is very easy to get around.
