If you are looking for a snow-sure resort, with lots of entertainment and it caters for all levels of skier and snowboarder, then Tignes is the one for you!
Why Be Keen For Tignes?
Tignes’ altitude means its snow is almost always in good condition too: especially up on the Grande Motte glacier, where the cover will stay soft and wintry in all but the steamiest spring thaw. As a result, it’s one of the best resorts in the Alps for an Easter skiing holiday.
It boasts gentle nursery runs for beginners, over 300km of marked piste and unlimited off-piste skiing for the more adventurous. What more could you ask for? Well…Tignes Le Lac is the most central with runs leading back into the resort, twice weekly markets, a large number of bars, restaurants and shops and an ultra-modern sports centre. You will never get bored in Tignes when not on the piste –choose between shops, paragliding, ice diving, bars, 2 cinemas, bowling and much more.
Powder White Recommended Runs
In all, the Tignes – Val d’Isère ski area offers you 153 runs stretched over 300 Kilometres.
The Tignes Val d’Isère ski area is an incredible winter sports recreation playground where skiers and boarders love to leave their tracks. The ski area includes 300 Kilometres of ski runs located at altitudes ranging between 1,550 metres and 3,450 metres, at varying levels of difficulty.
- Best Green – Digues or Lavachet which is right in the town so perfect for the new to snow skiers and borders. It required no big lifts or bubbles, so it’s ideal for kids.
- Best Blue – Corniches is a fantastic blue run on the L’Aiguille Percee side of Tignes. In fact, this whole area has lots of rolling blue runs and is perfect to get your ski legs back.
- Best Red- Cirse is a great red run to get on first thing as its super-smooth carving terrain will warm you up for the day. Get the Les Lanches lift up to the top and hit the accelerator as later on in the day it will get very choppy.
- Best Black – Campanules or Epaule De Charvet are some of the toughest blacks you will find anywhere in Tignes. I would only advise going if you are experienced and feeling fit.
Let us know your favourite runs in Tignes by getting in touch with us on Facebook.
Grub on the Mountain?
Looking for a place to eat on the mountain? Tignes has a variety of great places to eat across the mountain and within the town. If you go at the peak times, it’s recommended to book a table as it gets very busy. Here are my top 4 places to eat on the mountain… when I forget my sandwiches:
Lo Soli
+33 (0)4 79 06 07 42
Easy to find – in the big mountain restaurant complex just to the left as you get off the top of the Chaudannes chair from Tignes-le-Lac. They do lovely stews here, and you can sit by the fire if it’s cold, or soak up the views from the terrace if it’s sunny. Book ahead to be sure of a table.
Le Panoramic
+33 (0)4 79 06 47 21
Up by the Grande Motte glacier, has improved dramatically in recent years. The interior features sheepskin rugs draped over every chair, and fashioned into the thickest curtains you’ll ever see. You can drop in for a mid-morning hot chocolate which comes with giant jars of meringues in different colours and flavours.
Le Bellevarde Restaurant
+33 (0)4 69 00 17 87
You have the choice of either table service in the restaurant or opting for self-service. The brand new self-service section of the Bellevarde is on the ground floor. They offer a large range of cold and hot starters, and a variety of main courses and delicious desserts. The Bellevarde self-service provides a unique choice of different eating areas; you can warm-up next to an open log fireplace or choose to eat on their exceptional terrace, where you can appreciate the panoramic view of the peaks.
La-fruitiere
+33 (0)4 79 06 07 17
Thoroughly impressing; this mountain restaurant has surpassed many others with regards to atmosphere and quality. The food is fantastic for no-nonsense classic replenishment, whether you are tempted by huge bowls of fresh pasta, grilled steaks, or the great wedges of chocolate cake. This really is one of my top-rated lunch locations.
Grub off the mountain?
Click here to see our full list of the Best Restaurants in Tignes.
La Toviere (Great Terrace)
+33 4 79 06 35 05
This atmospheric chalet-style restaurant is situated at the top of the Tovière and serves traditional cuisine including fondues, raclettes and the famous tartiflette. If you are looking for a quick bite to eat before heading back to the mountain La Tovière has a brilliant self-service section. You can either enjoy your lunch outside whilst basking in the sun, or on those cold days you can sit inside and take advantage of the welcoming fireplace
Hotel Montana La Chaumière (Warm and Cosy Ambience)
+33 4 79 40 01 44
Situated in Tignes Le Lac, on the left as you descend from L’Aiguille Percée, features a bar-restaurant with a beautiful south facing terrace at the foot of the slopes. The restaurant has a warm and cosy ambience, where you can find an abundance of tasty Savoyard specialities, such as fondues, tartiflette and raclettes. Also offering a snack menu and pizzas, this restaurant does prove popular due to its ski to the door location and large sun terrace, so it is worth getting there early.
Auberge des Trois Oursons (First Class Service)
+33 4 79 06 35 66
This is a traditional rustic alpine restaurant serving traditional French cuisine, including an excellent tartiflette. In addition, the restaurant has lovely decor coupled with warm and welcoming staff; it is worth booking a table in advance due to its popularity.
Chalet Bouvier (Something for Everyone)
+33 4 79 06 99 90
This restaurant provides a choice of either traditional Savoyard food or more creative and imaginative cuisine. Combined with beautiful decor and attentive staff, this makes Chalet Bouvier the perfect place if you are looking for something a little different to the alpine restaurants. It is located close to the free bus stop at the entrance to Tignes Val Claret.
One For The Apres Animals
Like its neighbour Val d’Isere, Tignes has some superb bars and nightclubs that will keep you thoroughly entertained during the apres ski and late into the night.
Drop Zone Cafe (Great atmosphere)
+33 4 79 06 32 59
This is a lively bar located in Val Claret, inspired by sky diving, free skiing and snowboarding. The bar tends to become busy during the hours of 4 pm and 6pm, when there are happy hour drinks promotions. The après ski in the Drop Zone is energetic and with an atmosphere stays animated until the early hours of the morning.
Le Saloon (Tasty cocktails)
+33 4 79 01 04 98
Le Saloon is situated in Val Claret and is open daily from 11 am to 1:30 am. It is a stylish cocktail bar that also shows all major sporting events and even has theme nights. The bar not only serves a huge range of cocktails but has a great games area with a couple of pool tables and tends to attract the crowds early on.
Le TC’s (Beer drinker at heart)
+33 4 79 06 46 46
Situated in the heart of Le Lavachet, TC’s is busy all day, with people coming in for happy hour drinks during après and not leaving until much later in the evening. The bar shows sports and has live music a couple of nights a week. A regular DJ keeps everyone on the dance floor until late into the evening. They serve a wide selection of drinks, but they are perhaps best known for their eclectic selection of beers.
Les Caves du Lac (Dance the night away)
+33 4 79 08 29 59
The best-known nightclub in Tignes, Les Caves is open every day from 10 pm to 5 am. The nightclub has an exceptional sound system, making it the best place in Tignes to head to after the other bars have run their course. Definitely worth a visit!
Great Days, Needs Great Beds
After a long day of skiing, apres ski, eating out and going out, you’ll need to make sure your bed is ready to revitalise you for the next day.
Here are Powder White’s Top 4 Apartment & Hotel Recommendations:
Le Telemark – Tignes Le Lac
Le Telemark is situated at the entrance of Tignes Le Lac on the Bleuet Piste. The apartment residence offers a fantastic ski in/ski out position is just a 5-minute stroll to the centre of Le Lac.
Apartments also come with access to the Spa Ô des Cimes Spa with free access to the private indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms and fitness room.
Le Nevada – Tignes Val Claret
Le Nevada is a fantastic residence located in heart of Tignes Val Claret and has great access being located just 300m to the slopes.
The apartments have all been done to an extremely high standards and boasts a wonderful wellness area consisting of an indoor pool, Hot tub, saunas and steam rooms perfect to relax after a hard days skiing.
Le Taos – Tignes Le Lac
Built for winter 2015/16, Le Taos is a ski-in ski-out residence with direct access to the ‘Paquis’ and ‘Palafour’ chairlifts. Not only is there direct access to the slopes but the residence’s central location means that it is only a short walk to the centre of Tignes Le Lac, where there is an array of bars, shops and restaurants.
Hotel Village Montana – Tignes Le Lac, 4*
The Hotel Village Montana occupies an elevated position in the Les Almes area of Tignes Le Lac. Built in a traditional chalet style, the hotel has plenty of rustic charm with all the benefits of a luxurious hotel and guests can ski virtually to and from the door.
The spacious guest rooms have great views over the village and mountains and are traditionally styles, with a modern touch. All come with a flat screen TV, WiFi access and balcony.
Ski, Eat, Sleep, Repeat!
Fancy a Day Off The Slopes?
Ice Diving – Break the ice
Intriguing, surprising, captivating. Not a single noise or movement; rediscover the wild and feel at one with nature. Whether a beginner or advanced ice diver, plunge straight into the icy waters of the frozen lake and take advantage of professional advice and equipment to try ice diving in a safe and secure environment. A day time session starts from €90 and night time sessions start from €120.
Ice Driving – Test your driving skills
In Tignes, you can demonstrate how daring you are beyond the ski runs. Forget about city driving and discover ice driving at an altitude of 1500m. Whilst racing around the purpose built ice track you will discover all the techniques: emergency braking, turning, counter-steering and skidding. Whilst you are free to negotiate your own way around the track, you will be briefed by certified instructors. Located on the ice track in Tignes Les Brévières. Prices start from €50.
Paragliding – Fly like an eagle
Live the dream whilst experiencing a feeling of complete freedom. Soar across the snow-capped mountains and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere that paragliding brings; the skies of Tignes are yours to explore! You will enjoy this unique experience under the watchful eye of a certified instructor. Tandem flights start from €85.
Snow Mobiling – For all you thrill seekers
This is one of the most popular activities for thrill seekers who are keen to try something other than skiing. The bikes can take 1 or 2 people at a time and there is also the option of swapping over half way through the session.
Ice Climbing – Climb to new heights
Climbing up a wall of ice, you are sure to enjoy the thrill of this unique frozen waterfall experience. Wearing a helmet, harness and crampons with an ice axe in hand, you will be all set to conquer the icefall. Located in Tignes Les Brévières. Group sessions start from €93 per person.
What’s New In Tignes
SFR Freestyle Tour – March
Tignes has held a stage of the SFR Freestyle Tour since 2012. In March 2015, for the first time in the history of the SFR Freestyle Tour, the ski halfpipe stage at Tignes became the Final of the World Cup in the discipline. This competition closed the season with a bang and the ISF, the International Ski Federation, wished to continue their collaboration with the SFR Freestyle Tour for 2017. This will be the occasion for the public to be present for the ceremony where the Crystal Globe is awarded to the winners of the Men’s and Women’s World Cup Rankings.
Gay Pride
Tignes has been hosting the only Gay Pride in a ski resort for 2 years now.
This winter on March 23rd, the 3rd Gay Pride with your skis on will still be during the European Snow Pride, the most popular gay ski week in Europe.
Bun J Ride
2 500m of altitude, a vertiginous jump on the mountain side, 40m in thin air, 2 elastics, this is the setting, let’s have a unique experience of the slopes of Tignes. Would you try it?
Get ahead and celebrate the launching of the festival season with your skis on. Free concerts.
If you would like more assistance or accommodation advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our holiday experts or simply search our website below!