Tignes
In the heart of the Vanoise National Park, Tignes’ ski area is linked with Val d’Isère and is spread over 300km of pistes from the Grande Motte glacier (the highest point at 3456 m) to Tignes les Brévières (the lowest point at 1550 m). And here in this majestic landscape, it is possible to learn to ski for free thanks to Tignes’ free novice ski areas and progress zones.
The skiing is, of course, fantastic for all skiers of all levels. If you fancy trying another sport or activity, you’ll be spoilt for choice: ice-diving, sledging course, paragliding, dog sledding and more.
But don’t forget to stop for a moment and inhale the fresh mountain air and the glorious scenery at the Plateau du Marais, where a new viewing platform at 2,425m offers panoramic views of the surrounding summits.
New for this year is evening snowshoe outings in the magical setting of the Boisses forest. Or you could rise early and beat the other skiers to go with the ski patrol and make the day’s first tracks in the snow in Tignes le Lac. The trip includes a panoramic breakfast. Or how does a ski touring experience and overnight stay in a mountain refuge at 2,600m sound?
For a more high-octane experience, give ice climbing a whirl – the natural icefall at Tignes Les Brévières is the ideal spot. Or for a different, utterly magical perspective, try free diving beneath the ice in the depths of the frozen lake in Tignes. This extraordinary experience enables novice and experienced free divers to learn to control their breathing, to adapt to the cold in vertical immersion and to explore a hidden underwater landscape.
If you’ve brought the family, little ones can enjoy snowshoes and inflatables plus a new totally free fun trail with a mountain animals theme will delight all generations.
Eat, Sleep, Relax
Whatever style of vacation you’re taking and whoever you’re with, Tignes has the perfect place to stay for you. From thoroughly modern hotels to traditional, cosy chalets to B&Bs to self-catering apartments to camper vans – the choice if yours!
New for foodies is Le Casse-Croûte, at the heart of Tignes Val Claret, offering a choice of gourmet snacks: tapas, blinis, cheese boards, platters of delicatessen, tarts and cookies. For a meal with a view, head to the newly-opened Panoramic, serving gourmet food at an altitude of 3,032m.
Environment
Tignes resort aims to be 100% eco-responsible by 2030 and is working towards its second Flocon Vert. The new GoTignes.net travel platform simplifies travel to and from the resort by offering one-click booking for all tickets, plus it tells you how much CO2 your mode of transport will produce and rewards eco-conscious skiers with a voucher to use on their next stay in Tignes.
Events in 2024
Mar 9: French Freeride Series – this FFS competition, expected to be an intensely spectacular event, can be seen from the legendary Lac de Tignes. The ‘full moon’ freeride runs are the highlight.
Mar 12 & 13: The FISE Xperience – French and foreign skateboarders will compete on the 500m indoor skatepark at Tignespace.
Mar 9-16: Mountain Shaker – demos and shows, concerts and sounds, tricks and slope style are topped by two international events: a Ski Slopestyle World Cup and a twilight Big Air World Cup.
Mar 16-23: European Snowpride – a must for the LGBTQ+ community, this is a colourful and festive week, with memorable after-ski sessions on the slopes, DJs and live bands, a huge pool party and the Pride Parade on March 21. Tignes is also the only French resort to have signed a charter against homophobia in sport.
Apr 27: Centenary Celebrations – founded in 1923, the Sports Club in Tignes is one of the pillars of the resort’s sporting community, and the anniversary celebration will pay tribute to all the sportsmen and women who have proudly carried the colours of the club.
Apr 21-May 5: Spring Break – a fun week packed with concerts, evening entertainment, toboggan races, waterslides, human curling, pool party and obstacle courses. Look out for special offers for spring breakers!
May 4 & 5: Closing – Tignes celebrates the end of the season in style with two days of festivities include a giant concert and surprise entertainment!
At a glance
Ski until May 5
300km of pistes at altitudes of 1550m to 3450m