A quintessential purpose-built ski resort situated at high altitude, Tignes is one of the most renowned ski resorts in France, offering unparalleled access to the Grande Motte glacier and an abundance of ski-in/ski-out accommodations.
We've created this guide to make planning your Tignes ski holiday a breeze. You'll find everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best spots to grab a bite or relax after a day on the slopes. At the end, we’ve also included downloadable maps of the resort and pistes, plus some handy contact numbers and links.
Ready? Let's get started!
Tignes is located in the Tarentaise Valley, in the Savoie region of France.
For a detailed view of Tignes's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.
Nearest airport
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| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive snow record and one of the longest seasons in the Alps | Being situated above the tree line can make the villages appear bleak in adverse weather |
| Offers a vast terrain suitable for all skill levels | Few restaurants & bars on the slopes |
| Ski-in/ski-out accommodation types | The architecture of the village is not particularly appealing. |
| One of the world's best lift systems, opening up extensive off-piste terrain | Transfers up the main Tarentaise Valley can be lengthy during peak times and in inclement weather |
| Largely pedestrian-friendly | The lift pass rates for the combined Tignes-Val d'Isere area are among the more expensive in France |
The ski area of Tignes is thoughtfully divided into four distinct zones, including:
Beginners will discover four excellent nursery slopes (Val Claret, Tignes Les Lac, Tignes Le Lavachet and Tignes Les Brévières) with several beginner-friendly lifts for practice before venturing onto the gentle green runs in the core ski area.
For intermediate skiers, Tignes is indeed a haven, with leisurely cruising blue and red runs on the Palafour and Toviere sectors, and access to the vast ski domain of Val d'Isère and La Grande Motte.
Advanced skiers are well provided for in Tignes, frequently featuring in lists of Europe's best skiing for its massive moguls, steep black runs, couloirs, and exceptional off-piste opportunities. Iconic runs include the Sache run and the mogul-studded Toviere slopes just above the lake.
The resort also provides ample opportunities for off-piste adventures, with its maximum vertical drop of 1,900 meters, among the highest in Europe, delivering an exhilarating downhill experience. The top off-piste areas include Aiguille Percée, the Grande Motte, and Palafour, offering a range of challenging trails with amazing, varied terrain.
The Grande Motte Glacier in Tignes offers unparalleled skiing experiences at altitudes reaching 3,456m. Easily accessible, the underground Perce-Neige funicular whisks skiers to the glacier's heights in a mere 7 minutes, topped off with a scenic cable car ride. From this elevated vantage point, you're presented with a diverse 20 km terrain. Some routes even allow for an uninterrupted descent right back to Tignes, adding to the sheer wonder of the experience.
With a vast landscape that includes a snowpark, an easy park, a halfpipe, a Gliss'Park, and boardercross, it's clear why world-class snowboarders choose Tignes for training and competition. Beginners can find their footing in the Easy park, accessible via the Grattalu chairlift. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers and freestylers will find heart-pounding excitement in the snowpark's red and black jumps, and the halfpipe at the top end of Tignes Val Claret.
The ski season in Tignes for 2024/25 is expected to start on November 30th and run until May 5th. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Tignes this season, be sure to explore our Tignes deals for the best ski offers available.
Tignes boasts excellent snow conditions from December to April, offering skiers distinct advantages each month. In December and January, the resort receives around 37 cm and 38 cm of snowfall, respectively, spread over approximately 3.2 days weekly, guaranteeing consistently fresh powder. Although February sees a slight reduction in snow depth to 33 cm, it compensates with more frequent snow days, averaging 3.6 per week. December marks the peak of the season with the second week being the most prolific, delivering a substantial 53 cm of snow across 3.4 days, ideal for those who revel in Bluebird Powder Days, characterized by sunny skies and light breezes following fresh snowfalls. The season continues into April, maintaining pleasant skiing conditions with 28 cm of snow falling over 4 days, creating perfect conditions for enjoying softer snow in sunnier weather.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 37 cm | 3.2 days |
| January | 38 cm | 3.2 days |
| February | 33 cm | 3.6 days |
| March | 37 cm | 3.9 days |
| April | 28 cm | 4.0 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Le Panoramic, nestled at the top of the Grande Motte glacier, is a celebrated restaurant offering a luxury dining experience.
Renowned for its stunning alpine views and diverse menu, La Table en Montagne is a favored lunch spot while out on the slopes.
L'Armoise is a restaurant that strikes a perfect balance between traditional Savoyard cuisine and contemporary gastronomy.
Perched in the heart of Tignes, La Chaumière is a family-owned restaurant that offers scenic views and a varied menu.
Part of the renowned après-ski destination La Folie Douce, this restaurant serves up gourmet dishes inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced ingredients.
A standout location in Tignes is La Folie Douce, an emblematic après-ski venue that can be accessed via the Toviere gondola. This popular spot provides a distinct fusion of high-altitude entertainment featuring live DJs, musicians, and dancers.
Another significant spot is the Le Loop Bar, located at the foot of the Trolles slope. Renowned for its animated après-ski parties, this venue hosts live music performances.
In the heart of Tignes Le Lac, you'll find Marmot Arms, a cherished gathering spot renowned for its live music and DJ sets.
For those seeking a more relaxed yet lively setting, Jack's Club, known for its friendly staff and extensive beverage selection, is a must-visit.
Download Tignes town map PDF here
