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Tignes Ski Holidays

Tignes is without doubt one of the world’s most popular ski resorts. With the Grande Motte Glacier providing year round skiing it is a snow sure resort all winter and many people even choose to visit it in the summer months.

Tignes is linked with the renowned resort of Val d’Isere to form the Espace Killy. Together they create an immense ski area with two glaciers and over 300km of piste to play with making it one of the largest ski areas in Europe. Unlike many adjoining resorts, Tignes and Val d’Isere are naturally connected with only one lift separating them. This ease of accessibility between the resorts has made the full area lift pass very popular for all experiences as both resorts have such a wonderful array of slopes that everyone will be able to take advantage of. The vast and varied pistes include 22 green, 61 blue, 46 red and 25 black runs including the world famous La Face and La Sache.

Tignes consists of five villages; Les Brevieres, Les Boisses, Le Lavachet, Le Lac and Val Claret, all villages are at different heights connected by a single road. All of the villages have direct access to the slopes and no matter where you stay you are only ever a few lifts away from the central village of Le Lac. Les Brevieres and Les Boisses are the lowest villages residing at 1550m and 1850m. Le Lavachet, Le Lac and Val Claret all rest at 2100m. These three are the biggest and form the main area of the resort.

The village of Tignes Le Lac was not founded until 1952, when the original village of Tignes was flooded to make the dam and the Lac de Chevril. The original villagers were given pieces of land to create a new village, what is now the village of Le Lac. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the first ski lift was built to connect Les Brevieres with its neighbours. However Tignes and Val d’Isere were put on the map when they hosted events in the 1992 Albertville Olympic Games. Tignes hosted the freestyle events whilst Val d’Isere held the Alpine skiing including the Men’s Downhill.

All the villages of Tignes are home to a host of shops, restaurants and bars as well as plenty of accommodation from self-catering apartments to incredible chalets and hotels. Its cosmopolitan centres combined with the vast ski area have made it one of the most popular Alpine skiing destinations, ticking many of the criteria that holidaymakers look for.

Tignes has quite a lot of après choices with many local bars. It is fairly quiet though so if you are wanting to spend some time at Val d’Isere’s Folie Douce, it is a simple lift away from Tignes, do be aware that this lift shuts between 16:30 and 17:00 so it is doable to enjoy the party and still get back to Tignes, alternatively there is the bus or a taxi back to Tignes.

Loop Bar, the pinnacle of the après scene in Tignes. A popular venue for both seasonnaires and holiday makers alike. The large sun terrace attracts a large crowd in the later season. Most days there are live bands and DJs offering a great atmosphere.

Alpaka is an English run bar in the centre of Le Lac. Dotted around are comfy chairs and sofas with a roaring fire at the centre. It is a very friendly, cosy bar where everyone is welcome.

Queue de Cochon is a hidden gem tucked away in the centre of Lavachet. They have an extensive gin bar and a reputation for having the best cocktail menu in town. They also have a very good restaurant, allowing them to do special deals at après time such as a 4€ pulled pork burger. The bar has lots of sofas and an extensive outside seating area.

Grizzly Bar is one of Val Claret’s most attractive spots. Located on the very edge of the piste the seats are adorned with luxurious furs and a fire pit occupies the centre keeping everyone toasty. There is even a hand carved wooden bear statue to great guests. It’s not the cheapest venue but the atmosphere is friendly and cosy in the sun.

Le Melting Pot, one of Val Claret’s nightclubs plays a trendy mix of hip hop and drum and bass. It regularly houses guest DJs.

Jack’s Club is Le Lac’s resident night club and bowling alley. Jack’s nightclub specialises in 80s music and is the go to place in Le Lac after all the bars have shut.

If you have a non-skier or if you don’t plan on skiing all day then you might want to consider some non-skiing activities that are available in resort.

As well as the large selection of shops, bars and restaurants that there is to visit, Tignes has a wide variety of alternative activities.

The Lagon Centre sits right on the lake side in Tignes Le Lac. This popular establishment houses a swimming pool, fun pool, paddling pool, gym and spa area. It is great for children and adults alike with separate pools for children to splash in as well as numerous gym and swimming pool fitness based classes for adults. You can also relax after a long day on the slopes in the sauna, hammam or jacuzzi.

Despite being above 2100m, Tignes Val Claret still has a cinema showing the latest releases in both French and British. Most screenings take place in the evening but it is sometimes opened early on bad weather days. To make sure that you go to a showing in English look out for ‘VOST’ on the cinema timetable as this signifies that the film will be in English.

Husky Sledding is available for up to two or three people in one sled. Enjoy a fast paced, energetic ride around Tignes’ lake enjoying the famous view of the surrounding mountains. If you want to be more involved then you can be in charge of your own sled and team of huskies. This is one of the more popular activities and so do book as soon as you can.

If you are looking to do something more unusual then Ice Diving in the Lac de Tignes should do the trick. Plunge up to 80m into the icy depths of the lake through a small hole. There is instruction and a dry suit provided. Suitable for beginner and experienced divers alike.

Fancy whizzing and skidding around on an ice circuit in a flash sports car? Well now you can try Ice Driving in Tignes Les Brevieres. They provide a variety of sessions with instructors. They also offer ice karting which is like go karting along an ice track.

Ice Skate on Tignes’ frozen lake all winter long. An area of the lake is cleared of snow as soon as the lake fully freezes. They have ice skates to rent as well as ice hockey equipment if you fancy a fun game. It is also a family friendly activity that everyone can take part in at après time.

If you fancy some racket sports or a game of football, then head to the Tignespace. Housing multiple courts for squash, tennis, badminton as well as an indoor climbing wall and indoor football pitch.

Dog Sledding

Rue de la Poste 73320

Tignes Le Lac

Tignes

+ 33 (0)7 60 82 10 12

Ice Driving

Les Brévières

Tignes

+33 6 68 52 20 95

Paragliding

Tignes Le Lac

Tignes

+33 4 79 06 30 28

Tignes has a range of restaurants both in the different villages and all around the mountain. There is such a range that there is definitely something to suit all budgets and tastes

Lo Soli is located at the top of the Chaudannes chairlift on the l’Aguille Percee. Serving a range of classic French cuisine in an efficient self service restaurants. Portions here are very hearty and provide great value for money. They also host a large sun terrace which is ideal in the spring months.

Le Panoramic is located at the base of the Grande Motte glacier. There are two sides to this venue with the Cantine du Panoramic serving great homemade dishes in a self-service style. Dishes such as pizza, salad bar and fresh pasta with a variety of sauces make the Cantine a fabulous stop off point if you are wanting a quick hassle free lunch with no compromise on quality. Alternatively there is the Panoramic Maison Bouvier gourmet restaurant serves a variety of spectacular dishes. A lot of them are available to share such as fondues and legs of lamb. The setting in this restaurant is renowned, you are greeted by a beret wearing waiter who shows you a ski boot warming room and offers some fluffy slippers to lounge in the restaurant in. A large St Bernard dog also lives up here and can often be found occupying a large space on the floor hoping guests will give him some attention. After a meat filled or cheesy meal, there is the option of some of the most extravagant desserts on the mountain! If you do not fancy skiing after this then the funicular is available just outside the restaurant to whisk you back down to Val Claret. This is also a great spot for non-skiers to head to and enjoy the mountain views.

La Taverne des Neiges restaurant is located at the base of the Bolin/ Fresse chairlift in Val Claret. This slope side restaurant has an abundance of outside seating is a very convenient stopping point, with six lifts surrounding it, it provides a great meeting point for groups who want to have lunch together but might be skiing in different areas. Pizzas and Savoyard dishes dominate the menu here.

Le Dahu is next to the Tufs chairlift in Val Claret, this is open throughout the day and is great for a quick snack. It also has many child friendly options such as Spaghetti Bolognaise, hot dogs and burgers.

L’Armailly is located in Tignes Les Brevieres close to the bottom of the Sache cable car. This rustic spot specialises in traditional Savoyard dishes and also does a range of typical French cuisine.

After surviving the long black, Sache, into Les Brevieres, you have definitely earned a break at the La Sachette restaurant at the base of this run. With lots of outdoor and indoor space there is range of dishes from steak to fondue and fantastic desserts. This restaurant also holds the title as the oldest restaurant it the Espace Killy, first opening in 1893.

Loop Bar is a popular spot for seasonnaires, this is usually where you will find your chalet team throughout the week. Although more popular for its après, Loop is reasonable and delicious lunch venue. Fine cuisine this is not but the burgers and chilli nachos are definitely worth the visit.

Tignes Cuisine is Tignes resident Asian takeaway. Offering a limited selection of lunch dishes including wraps and stir fry this small venue is frequently packed out. In the evening they offer a wider array with Indian and Thai curries as well as a selection of Chinese options. These can either be eaten in the small diner or picked up as a take away.

Brasero is the sister restaurant of Couloir. Located near to Tignes Le Lac in Lavachet, this restaurant is ideally next to a bus stop running all around the top villages of Tignes. They specialise in pub type cuisine with steaks, seafood and ribs being some of their best sellers. They also regularly have some unusual specials such as kangaroo.

Couloir is well known amongst locals as one of the trendier spots in Val Claret. It has a lively après scene in the bar area, but in the evening and lunch time the restaurants serves some excellent quality creative dishes, that wouldn’t often be found in Alpine resorts. With minimal cheese based choices, the restaurant leans more to a cocktail and tapas menu.

Le Pignatta is one of Tignes many Italian restaurants in the heart of Val Claret. This lively stop does excellent pizza and pasta dishes which all families can enjoy together.

Brasserie L’Escale Blanche serves delicious food throughout the day on both the warmed terrace or inside the modern restaurant. They have a wide pizza and grill menu. This is mostly a popular spot for the chalet night off mid-week, so do reserve if you would like to try it.

La Ferme des Trois Capucines offers a more unusual experience than most restaurants, located in a farmhouse, there are barns at the back with glass windows allowing diners to watch the animals such as goats and sheep. This novelty is combined with high quality Savoyard dishes such as Cote de Boeuf, making it one of Tignes’ hottest spots, a reservation will be necessary throughout the season.

Good for Couples

Clin d'Oeil

Le Rosset 73320

Tignes

+33 479 065 910

Good for Couples

La Table en Montagne

Val Claret 73320

Tignes

+ 33 (0)4 79 01 11 43

Good for Family

Daffy’s Cafe Tex Mex

Tignes

+33 4 79 06 38 75

Good for Family

La Caleche

Tignes

+33 479 065 080

Good for Friends

La Pignatta

Tignes

+33 4 79 06 32 97

Good for Friends

Le Bagus Cafe

Tignes

+33 4 79 06 49 75

Good for Friends

Le Brasero

Tignes

+33 4 79 06 32 97

Purpose-built ski resorts like Tignes are not always very well-suited to off-the-slopes activities but Tignes, to be fair, has a pretty impressive range of pursuits to enjoy if the weather closes in, or if you fancy giving the kids a break from the slopes.

Swimming
Le Lagon is Tignes’ swimming centre, boasting an enormous leisure centre, a 25m swimming pool with slides and paddle pools, plus spa facilities and a gym. Skiers with a 6 day Espace Killy lift pass get free access to the centre, and for families looking to keep the kids entertained it’s a superb facility.
http://www.horaires-piscines.fr/rhone-alpes/savoie/4325-piscine-le-lagon-tignes.html

Cinema
Tignes also has a couple of cinemas and with film screenings in their original English language you don’t have to worry about the language barrier. French films of course are also regularly screened, and many of them are subtitled. You can find more information here: http://www.tignes.net/en/nightlife-in-tignes/cinema-537.html

Sledging
Sledging is a great way to burn off excess energy and keep the kids entertained and Tignes offers plenty of areas where kids can take to the toboggan in safety. Many of them are near cafes where you can enjoy a drink and keep an eye on your young ones at the same time!

Bowling
The bowling alley located in Tignes Le Lac is a great place to bring the children, perhaps for an evening out on the chalet hosts’ day off. It’s popular with children and adults alike, and besides bowling you can find pool tables, games rooms and multimedia centre.
Aside from the above, families can also choose from activities such as indoor climbing, trampolining and racket sports like badminton and tennis.