Located 2,100m high in the French Alps, this ski resort has 300km of slopes and a glacier for summer skiing. Five mountain villages and a submerged original town beneath Lac du Chevril.
At 2,100 meters in the French Alps, Tignes welcomes skiers almost year-round. You can carve down the Grande Motte Glacier at 3,450 meters, race through the Olympic freestyle course, or ski between five mountain villages. In summer, mountain bikers tackle 100km of trails while runners compete in the High Trail Vanoise ultra-marathon across the Alpine peaks.
Historical Background
The original village of Tignes now lies beneath Lac du Chevril, submerged in 1952 when the valley was dammed for hydroelectric power. This led to building the current resort higher up the mountain, where lifts and runs now connect directly to accommodations.
Skiing in Tignes
The 300-kilometer ski area connects with Val d'Isère through 97 lifts, including two underground funicular railways. You'll find gentle slopes like the 7-kilometer Prariond blue run, and steep challenges like the Double M black run with its 40-degree pitch. Beyond the marked trails, experienced skiers can explore off-piste zones, while freestyle riders hit the terrain parks and Olympic half-pipe.
The Five Villages
At 2,150 meters, Val Claret puts you next to the main ski lifts. Tignes-le-Lac forms the central hub with 50 shops and 30 restaurants. At 1,550 meters, Les Brévières maintains its Alpine character with dark wooden chalets and grey stone buildings from the 1800s. Le Lavachet and Les Boisses remain calm alternatives away from the main resort areas.
Summer Activities
Ski the Grande Motte Glacier until late August, or play a round at the 5-kilometer mountain golf course. The July High Trail Vanoise draws ultra-runners to its 70km route through the Alps. You can bike 100km of marked trails or climb the artificial walls that host international competitions.
Getting to Tignes
Fly to Geneva airport (170 km) or Lyon Saint Exupery (220 km). From Paris, take the TGV train to Bourg Saint Maurice, 30 kilometers from Tignes. Winter buses run every two hours from the train station to all resort villages.
Nightlife and Mountain Dining
Val Claret and Le Lac have 40 bars and clubs ranging from quiet wine bars to dance venues open until 4 AM. For lunch, climb to Le Panoramic at 3,032 meters on the Grande Motte Glacier. The villages contain 75 restaurants, including raclette and fondue specialists, French bistros, and casual eateries.
