Tignes
Tignes is one of the most snow-sure ski resorts in the French Alps, set high in the Savoie at the heart of the Tignes - Val d’Isère ski area. With access to 300 km of pistes, glacier skiing on the Grande Motte and a long winter season, it is a brilliant choice for serious skiers and snowboarders looking for reliable snow, varied terrain and big mountain views.
The resort is made up of five villages, each with its own feel. Val Claret and Tignes Le Lac are the liveliest and most central, Le Lavachet is quieter but still convenient, Tignes 1800 offers a more family-friendly base, and Les Brévières brings a softer, more traditional alpine atmosphere below the dam.
Tignes has a sporty, energetic character, with skiing very much at the centre of the experience. The terrain is open, high-altitude and varied, from gentle beginner zones and long cruising pistes to steep reds, challenging blacks and outstanding off-piste routes for experienced skiers with a guide. It may not be the prettiest resort in the Alps, but for snow, altitude and serious skiing, it remains one of the most dependable and exciting choices in France.
The Tignes - Val d’Isère lift pass gives access to 300 km of high-altitude skiing, stretching from Les Brévières at 1,550m to the Grande Motte sector at 3,456m. With glacier access, a long winter season and around 75 modern lifts, Tignes is one of the most snow-sure and varied ski resorts in the French Alps.
Altitude: 1,550m - 2,100m across the villages
Skiable Range: 1,550m - 3,456m
Highest Lift: 3,456m, Grande Motte cable car
Longest Run: 10 km, La Sache
Ski Terrain: Tignes - Val d’Isère, 300 km of pistes, around 75 lifts
La Sache is Tignes’ most famous piste and one of the great long descents of the ski area. Starting below the Aiguille Percée and dropping all the way towards Les Brévières, this 10 km black run feels wild, scenic and wonderfully removed from the busier central slopes. It is a proper leg-burner, best enjoyed by confident skiers when conditions are good.
Double M is another classic, linking the Grande Motte glacier area back down towards Val Claret. Long, high and satisfying, it gives a real sense of Tignes’ altitude and scale, especially early in the season when glacier snow often gives the resort a strong start.
Tignes is a brilliant resort for skiers who want variety, altitude and proper mileage. The terrain is open, high and snow-sure, with everything from gentle beginner zones and long cruising blues to steep reds, demanding blacks and outstanding off-piste. It may not be the prettiest resort in the Alps, but for serious skiing it is hard to beat.
There are good areas for beginners, particularly around Val Claret, Le Lac, Tignes 1800 and Les Brévières, where gentle lifts and nursery slopes make it easy to build confidence. Once ready, the progression onto longer blues is natural, especially around Bollin, Rosset and the wider Le Lac sector.
Intermediate skiers are very well looked after. We love the long, rolling blues around Val Claret, Tovière and the Aiguille Percée side, as well as the scenic descents towards Tignes 1800 and Les Brévières. The link across to Val d’Isère also opens up a huge amount of terrain for full-day exploring.
For more challenging skiing, head up to the Grande Motte for long, high-altitude descents and big mountain views. Double M is a classic red back to Val Claret, while the Palafour, Tichot and Aiguille Percée sectors offer plenty of steeper pistes and more varied terrain as your confidence grows.
Advanced skiers have a huge amount to enjoy. La Sache is the obvious classic, but Tignes also has steep blacks, ungroomed sections, bumps and technical terrain that can keep strong skiers busy all week. The resort’s altitude means conditions often hold well, especially after fresh snow.
Tignes is also one of the best bases in France for off-piste skiing. The Grande Motte, Vallon de la Sache, Chardonnet and Aiguille Percée areas all offer exciting terrain for experienced skiers, while the wider Tignes - Val d’Isère domain adds even more possibilities. Always ski off-piste with a qualified mountain guide.
From first turns in the beginner zones to glacier skiing, long descents into Les Brévières and serious off-piste adventures, Tignes is built for skiers who want to make the most of every day on the mountain.
On a clear morning, head early towards the Grande Motte. The altitude, glacier views and long descent back towards Val Claret make it one of the most memorable ways to start the day - especially when the snow is fresh and the upper mountain is still quiet.
This theatrical Italian mountain restaurant brings generous cooking, dramatic interiors and a lively atmosphere to the slopes. A great choice for groups looking for polished Italian food, a fun lunch setting and easy access to one of the Alps’ best-known après-ski scenes.
La Fruitière is one of the most iconic high-altitude restaurants in the Alps. On the Val d’Isère side of the linked ski area, it serves creative French mountain cuisine in a setting inspired by old alpine dairies. Perfect for a long lunch before joining the famous après-ski show outside.
Set in an 18th-century farmhouse near the Sache cable car, this rustic address is well worth the ski down. Expect homemade French mountain dishes, Savoyard favourites, local fish, steaks, pasta and pizzas, including a signature version with cured ham, raclette cheese and oregano.
Set at 3,032m on the Grande Motte glacier, this is a spectacular high-altitude lunch for skiers exploring the linked area. Warm wood, sheepskin details and glacier views frame polished mountain cooking, from wood-fired sharing dishes to carefully prepared meats and fish.
Set above Val Claret at the top of the Bollin chairlift, this polished mountain restaurant has a cosy bistronomic feel, a sunny terrace and superb alpine views. It is a strong choice for skiers wanting a relaxed but elevated lunch on the slopes.
At the foot of the slopes, this easy-going restaurant is ideal for a relaxed lunch, snack or post-ski bite. The varied menu includes pizzas, Savoyard dishes and simple crowd-pleasers, with non-stop service, a large terrace and a practical setting for families.
This mountain restaurant on the Aiguille Percée side offers hearty Savoyard cooking, steaks, burgers and local specialities in a relaxed alpine setting. A roaring fire warms snowy days, while the terrace is perfect when the sun comes out.
At the summit of Bellevarde, this welcoming mountain brasserie offers sweeping views and comforting French alpine dishes. The generous menu and tempting dessert buffet make it a useful lunch stop for skiers moving between Tignes and the resort, with easy access via the Bellevarde lifts.
Set within the Andean-inspired Ynycio apartments, this colourful restaurant brings Colombian flavour to the mountains. Chef Juan Arbelaez’s menu includes fixed-price options and à la carte dishes, with South American influences, rum-flambéed fish and indulgent coffee-and-rum desserts. Later sittings have a more festive feel.
This authentic farmhouse restaurant combines rustic charm with carefully prepared mountain cooking. Attached to a working farm, it celebrates local produce, dairy and Savoyard flavours in a warm, characterful setting. Accessible on skis by day and on foot for a cosy dinner.
Part of Maison Bouvier, this refined yet homely restaurant celebrates traditional Savoyard cooking in a warm farmhouse-style setting. Expect fondue, raclette, reblochon and beautifully cooked meats, all served with a polished touch. A lovely choice for elegant alpine comfort food.
This Michelin-starred address is the resort’s finest dining experience, led by chef Clément Bouvier. Seasonal produce, local ingredients and a forest-inspired dining room create a beautiful setting for a special evening meal. Book early during peak winter weeks.
A warm, family-run Italian restaurant, perfect for a relaxed dinner after skiing. Expect 72-hour rested pizza dough, homemade pasta, quality steaks and Savoyard favourites such as fondue, raclette and tartiflette. Cosy, rustic and ideal for families or groups.
Quirky, cosy and full of character, this British-run bar and restaurant has a strong social feel. Expect vintage decor, a rock soundtrack, excellent cocktails and a creative menu with modern French touches, including slow-roasted pig’s tail and tender beef cheek.
A refreshing change from traditional Savoyard dining, this relaxed izakaya-style bar and restaurant serves Pan-Asian fusion dishes in a sociable setting. Expect bold flavours such as spicy calamari, miso mayonnaise, Thai green curry and chicken katsu.
Slightly tucked away in the Tovière area, this welcoming French brasserie offers a regularly changing blackboard menu. Savoyard classics sit alongside more refined dishes, from garlicky baked mussels to slow-cooked meats and seasonal vegetables. A relaxed choice for a proper mountain dinner.
Set above Val Claret at the top of the Bollin chairlift, this is a stylish spot to ease from skiing into après. The sunny terrace, mountain views and upbeat atmosphere make it perfect for a drink after lunch or a lively piste-side party before heading back down.
A true après-ski party spot, made for dancing in ski boots as the lifts begin to close. With a large outdoor terrace, live music, DJ sets and a high-energy crowd, it is ideal for ending the ski day with singing, dancing and fun.
One of the Alps' most famous piste-side institutions, reached on skis or by pedestrians via the La Daille gondola. Live performers, DJs, dancers and an open-air terrace create a high-energy mountain party, ideal for luxury ski groups wanting lunch to roll into apres-ski.
In a prime ski-in, ski-out position at the bottom of the Trolles piste, this lively bar is loved for its sunny terrace, lake views, live bands, DJs, happy hours and big-screen sport. A great choice for relaxed drinks or a buzzing après-ski start.
A late-night club with serious energy after dark. Open seven days a week from midnight to 5am, it is all about dancing in the peaks to DJ-led nights, a lively crowd and a proper dancefloor atmosphere.
A long-running after-hours spot, open seven days a week from midnight during the winter season. Expect a no-frills party club with DJs, dancing and a lively crowd that keeps the night going after the après-ski bars close.
Set in a former bowling alley, this vast party venue brings a big-club feel to the mountains. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 8pm to 3am, it offers live bands, DJ sets, ticketed events, food, a photo booth and a late-night dancefloor after 11pm.
A lively dancing bar with a fun late-night feel, ideal if you want to keep the evening going without heading straight to a nightclub. Expect DJ sets, theme nights, karaoke evenings, a sociable crowd and a strong drinks list.
With a qualified mountain guide, learn to move across frozen walls using crampons, ropes and axes. Physical, atmospheric and beautifully different from the pistes, this guided winter adventure is ideal for adults with good fitness and a taste for something more challenging.
Take off above the resort for an unforgettable aerial adventure, with sweeping views of the ski area and snow-covered peaks below. Once airborne, the mountains open up in every direction, creating a rare and exhilarating experience for anyone wanting something extraordinary away from the pistes.
Soar above the slopes on a tandem flight with an experienced instructor, taking in spectacular views of the lake, pistes and surrounding peaks. Calm or more thrilling depending on the conditions, it is a memorable way to add a real sense of freedom to your alpine holiday.
Wrap up warm and let a team of huskies lead you through the snowy landscape. Guided by a professional musher, this gentle winter experience combines fresh air, mountain scenery and a storybook atmosphere, making it especially lovely for families and couples.
Swap skis for the driving seat and learn to handle a car on a prepared frozen track. With professional instruction, practise braking, turning, skidding and counter-steering in a safe setting. A brilliant choice for anyone who enjoys adrenaline and technical challenges.
After a safety briefing, follow your guide across snowy terrain as a driver or passenger. Powerful, exciting and wonderfully different, this evening mountain experience is a great choice for guests looking to add speed, energy and adventure to your holiday.
Follow a guide along quiet winter trails, looking for animal tracks and enjoying the silence away from the pistes. Half-day and full-day outings are available, while a night in a mountain refuge can turn this peaceful activity into a truly special alpine adventure.
Perfect for younger children, this playful snow area includes igloos, games, a small toboggan run, maze-style features and plenty of photo opportunities. It is an easy, gentle and family-friendly way to enjoy the magic of winter without needing skis.
This aquatic and wellness centre is ideal for a snowy afternoon or bad-weather day. Children can enjoy the pools and water slide, while adults unwind with saunas, steam room, jacuzzis and recovery time after a day in the mountains.
This indoor sports centre is a useful change of scene for families, teenagers and active groups. Climbing, trampolines, racket sports and team games make it a strong option when the weather is less inviting or there is still energy to burn after skiing.
Simple, snowy and always popular, this is a great choice for children, families and anyone wanting mountain fun without skis. Dedicated areas, snowtubing and traditional paret rides offer variety, while Expedition Cobra adds a bigger thrill with a 3km descent full of turns and laughter.
Head into the mountains for a cosy wilderness-style dinner in an atmospheric yurt. Sociable, unusual and full of alpine character, the experience always includes a Savoyard meal followed by a thrilling return by sled, creating a memorable evening for families, friends or couples.
Discover the frozen lake from a completely different perspective, surrounded by blue light, silence and bubbles beneath the surface. Fully supervised and using specialist equipment, this unique experience is wonderfully atmospheric, while ice floating offers a gentler way to enjoy the magic of the winter lake.
Climb aboard one of the machines that prepares the pistes and head out as the slopes grow quiet. This unusual mountain experience takes you towards Pas de la Tovière for panoramic views, a Savoyard aperitif and a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the ski area after hours.
There is always something happening in resort, so it is worth checking the Tourist Office programme during your stay. From family activities and torchlit descents to concerts, sporting events and seasonal celebrations, the weekly calendar is a simple way to add something extra to your holiday.
Tignes is well served for practical ski shopping, with a good choice of sports shops, technical clothing, ski wear, accessories and equipment across the resort. While it is not primarily a shopping destination, there are also a handful of boutiques, gift shops and excellent addresses for local produce and mountain treats.
Ski Shop Le Vallon Blanc in Tignes Le Lac is a long-standing favourite for premium ski equipment and stylish technical clothing, with a more boutique feel than many of the larger rental shops.
Mountain Attitude, also in Tignes Le Lac, is a particularly good independent option for ski rental, bootfitting, touring, telemark and freeride equipment, with knowledgeable advice from a team of mountain enthusiasts.
For something more premium, Le VoulezVous Skiroom in Le Rosset offers prestigious ski equipment alongside chic technical skiwear from brands including Bogner Fire+Ice and Salomon.
Fashion shopping is relatively limited compared with neighbouring Val d’Isère, but there are still a few good places to browse. The North Face has its own boutique in Val Claret, with clothing and accessories for men, women and children, while several ski shops also carry stylish technical and après-ski collections.
For a broader choice of alpine fashion, luxury labels and designer brands, it is worth heading across to Val d’Isère, where the village has a much stronger boutique shopping scene.
For gifts and souvenirs, Tout Schuss in the Galerie du Palafour is a useful stop for decorations, clothing, toys and local products.
In Val Claret, La Musardière has a good selection of jewellery, decorative items, gifts and souvenirs, while Odile Boutique also offers home accessories and decorative pieces. For interiors, Meubles André Floret specialises in furniture, fabrics, curtains, bedding and alpine-inspired decoration.
For foodie gifts, Fromagerie du Lac in Tignes Le Lac is an excellent choice for Savoyard cheeses, cured meats, raclette and fondue ingredients, regional wines and génépi.
L’Épicerie Maison Bouvier in Val Claret is another favourite, with homemade specialities, local produce, fresh pasta, pâté en croûte, wines and spirits, as well as gifts and kitchen accessories selected by the Bouvier family.
For everyday groceries, Tignes has several convenient supermarkets spread across the main villages. Carrefour Montagne in Tignes Le Lac is a good all-round option for fresh produce, bakery items, wine and Savoyard specialities, while Sherpa has stores in Tignes Le Lac, Le Lavachet and Val Claret.
Just under 30 minutes from Val d’Isère, Sainte-Foy is a quieter neighbouring resort with a superb reputation for off-piste skiing. When conditions are right, it is often slower to track out than the larger surrounding ski areas, making it a brilliant choice for strong skiers looking for fresh snow, tree routes and playful natural terrain. The real highlight is La Fogliettaz, reached after a climb above the Aiguille chairlift before dropping into a short, steep couloir and descending through wild powder fields towards La Masure. From there, continue to Le Miroir for lunch at Chez Mérie, a rustic farmhouse-style restaurant known for generous mountain cooking. A qualified local mountain guide is essential, and transfers should be arranged in advance.
For a softer take on the heli-ski experience, you can take a scenic helicopter flight towards La Thuile in Italy and La Rosière in France, both just a short hop from Val d’Isère. From the heli-base, enjoy spectacular views over the peaks before skiing a different area for the day, with the option to make the Italian side your lunch stop. Think fresh pasta, pizza and proper Italian coffee after a morning on the snow. The day can be as energetic or indulgent as you wish, from a full cross-border ski adventure to a relaxed mountain outing built around a memorable lunch.
Around two hours by car, Annecy is one of the most beautiful day trips in the region. Set beside its crystal-clear lake and framed by mountains, this elegant lakeside town is known as the “Venice of the Alps” thanks to the canals that wind through its old town. Spend the day wandering cobbled streets, admiring medieval architecture, browsing boutiques and stopping for coffee or lunch beside the water. With its mix of heritage, shopping, cafés and lake views, Annecy makes a wonderfully scenic change of pace from the mountains.
For something completely different, head to La Plagne and experience the Olympic bobsleigh track built for the Albertville 1992 Winter Games. This is the only bobsleigh track in France and offers a rare chance to try a true Olympic discipline in a supervised setting. Depending on the option chosen, you can ride with a professional pilot and feel the power of the track’s sweeping bends, high speeds and winter-sport heritage. Public sessions usually take place after athlete training, so dates and times should always be checked in advance.
For a luxury ski holiday in Tignes, the easiest way to arrive is usually by air followed by a private road transfer. We recommend flying with our partner airline SWISS, who carry ski equipment at no extra charge, subject to your ticket conditions.
By Plane
The closest airports to Tignes are:
Chambéry (CMF): approx. 1h 45m / 140km
Geneva (GVA): approx. 2h 30m–3h / 165km
Grenoble (GNB): approx. 2h 30m–3h / 210km
Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS): approx. 2h 30m–3h / 220km
The official Tignes resort guide identifies Chambéry, Geneva, Grenoble and Lyon as the four main airports serving the resort. Journey times can vary considerably on winter weekends, particularly through the Tarentaise Valley.
SkiBoutique works with trusted transfer partners to arrange private and luxury road transfers from the airport of your choice directly to your luxury chalet in Tignes. Helicopter transfers can also be arranged on request, subject to weather and landing conditions.
The nearest railway station is Bourg-Saint-Maurice, around 30km from Tignes. From the station, the final journey takes approximately 40 minutes by private transfer, taxi or scheduled bus, depending on traffic and your accommodation.
From the UK, travel from London by Eurostar towards the French Alps, with seasonal winter services connecting to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Once there, SkiBoutique can arrange a private transfer for the final journey up to the resort. Bourg-Saint-Maurice is also served by French TGV and regional trains from cities including Paris, Lyon and Chambéry.
If you choose to drive from the UK, Tignes is approximately 900–1,000km / 560–620 miles from Calais, with a driving time of around 10 hours, depending on your route, traffic, weather and stops.
The final approach follows the N90 through Bourg-Saint-Maurice before climbing to the resort on the D902. In winter, the Col de l’Iseran and Petit Saint-Bernard passes are closed, so GPS routes suggesting either should be avoided. Winter parking in Tignes is also regulated, with cars generally left in designated car parks on arrival.
