With year-round snow and stunning mountain scenery, Tignes is one of the most popular ski resorts in France. You can hit the slopes, ice skate on the lake and dive into the lively apres ski scene, which features everything from sleek cocktail bars to live music venues.
Things to do in Tignes
Snow sports are the biggest draw in Tignes. In total, the Tignes-Val d’Isere ski area boasts over 300 kilometres of well-groomed slopes and 78 lifts. Thanks to year-round coverage, the Grande Motte glacier offers skiing and snowboarding in the summer, while winter ski season is usually in full swing by October.
Tignes is dotted with a handful of villages, each boasting its own unique charm. Val Claret and Tignes Le Lac sit at around 2,000 metres above sea level and are filled with luxury hotels, cosy cafes and atmospheric restaurants.
Tignes also offers a host of snow-based activities. You can paraglide over the mountains, speed though the forest on a husky sled or ice dive in the lake. For a bird's-eye view of the mountains, why not splurge on a scenic helicopter ride?
In the winter, Lac de Tignes transforms into a spectacular outdoor ice skating rink. The rink is open in the evenings, which makes it the perfect apres ski activity. After a few spins you can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.
Getting around Tignes
Tignes is best explored on foot, with most villages offer easy access to the ski lifts. A network of buses ferry visitors between the resorts. Flights arrive at Chambery Airport, located around 1.5 hours from Tignes.