Skiing and snowboarding in Tignes means fun and exploration for every level - it's the kind of place where you can ski powder in the morning, lap groomers after lunch, and still have fresh terrain waiting the next day.

With 161 pistes, you'll find long, sweeping runs that let you build rhythm, steep pitches that demand concentration, and unforgettable off-piste itineraries. Tignes' high altitude means consistent snow quality, and the variety across the Tignes - Val d'Isère area means you could ski here for a week without repeating yourself.

Skiing for beginners in Tignes

Tignes may not seem like an obvious choice for first-timers, but don't let its expert reputation intimidate you - it's definitely a beginner-friendly ski resort. Dedicated beginner areas at Le Lac and Val Claret allow you to start on gentle slopes with magic carpet lifts, and are usually quiet enough that you won't feel rushed. Plus, the snow quality here makes learning more forgiving.

The ESF and independent ski schools at Tignes offer patient, English-speaking instruction. Once you've mastered the basics, long green runs like the descents from Tovière or the Grand Motte let you practise in beautiful surroundings.

WeSki insider tip: The altitude at Tignes can tire beginners faster, so pace yourself and enjoy the journey.

Intermediate skiing in Tignes

Intermediates at Tignes have the run of the mountain, with long intermediate pistes dropping from the Grande Motte, Col de Fresse, and across to Val d'Isère. Hundreds of kilometres of perfectly groomed blues and reds flow beautifully from one sector to the next, and you can easily clock 40km in one day without touching the same piste twice.

There are plenty of areas at Tignes that give intermediates perfect opportunities for confidence-building adventures. For example, the Aiguille Percée sector provides beautiful intermediate terrain with stunning views, while the run from the Grande Motte down to Les Brévières is long, scenic, and immensely satisfying - with a proper 1,200m vertical descent.

WeSki insider tip: Head to the Aiguille Percée sector mid-morning - it gets sun earlier, softening any hard-packed snow, and the red runs here are some of the most satisfying in the resort.

Advanced and expert skiing in Tignes

Tignes is known as a place where serious skiers come to play - it built its reputation on challenging terrain, and certainly delivers. The black runs under the Palafour chair are steep and often mogulled, while the Sache piste - a narrow, steep gully that holds snow remarkably well - remains a right of passage for expert skiers. After a fresh dump, experienced skiers at Tignes like flocking to the Aiguille Percée sector where the powder stashes last well into the afternoon.

Off-piste, the options are vast: for example, the Vallée Perdue (Lost Valley) route, the Chardonnet couloirs, and the Grand Pré itinerary all offer serious descents. A guide is essential for this serious backcountry, with avalanche terrain that requires respect and local knowledge.

WeSki insider tip: After fresh snow, the north-facing slopes off the Grattalu chair hold powder well into the afternoon. Get there before 11am for the best conditions.

Snowboarding in Tignes

Tignes ranks among Europe's top snowboard destinations, and the resort has even hosted X Games events. Its terrain naturally suits riding, with wide-open faces, natural hits, and minimal flat spots. The snowpark on the Grande Motte glacier operates year-round, hosting international competitions and offering features from beginner lines to pro-level kickers.

Off-piste skiing

Tignes' high-altitude bowl terrain and north-facing aspects make it exceptional for off-piste. From accessible powder fields to technical couloirs, there's freeride terrain for most abilities - and the Vallons de la Sache and the runs off the Col du Palet are local favourites. A guide is strongly recommended for anything beyond marked itineraries, and many guiding companies offer full-day off-piste sessions.

Tignes snow school and lessons

The ESF (École du Ski Français) runs large operations in each village at Tignes, with plenty of English-speaking instructors available - this is a popular resort with British skiers, so communication is rarely an issue. Several independent schools, like Evolution 2 and BASS offer smaller group sizes and a more personalised approach.

Private lessons are available for those who want focused attention, and most schools offer specialist courses for off-piste, freestyle, and telemark.

Through WeSki, you can add ski or snowboard lessons to your package and have everything arranged before you arrive. Check out Tignes ski deals to get started.

Tignes snow parks

The Tignes terrain park is a world-class experience - it's hosted Winter X Games and World Cup slopestyle events. You'll find multiple lines from beginner to pro, with well-maintained kickers, rails, and a superpipe. The park crew know what they're doing (and it shows in the build quality) and the resort's glacier location means park riding continues well into spring. There's also a smaller progression park for those just getting into freestyle, plus a boardercross course that's brilliant fun for groups.

Tignes piste map

1. Tignes Family ski holiday
2. Things to do in Tignes
3. Planning your trip in Tignes
4. How to get to Tignes
5. Tignes FAQs

Tignes family ski holiday

Tignes is an excellent choice for families, particularly those with children who've already done some skiing. The village layout means you can walk to the slopes in most areas, and the ski schools have strong kids' programmes starting from age three. It's worth choosing your family's base carefully - Tignes 1800 and Les Brévières tend to be quieter and more affordable, while Le Lac has more amenities close at hand.

Childcare is available through Les Marmottons (for children from 6 months) and several hotels offer in-house kids' clubs, too. The Lagon leisure centre in Le Lac has a swimming pool, which is useful for non-ski days or tired legs. Family-friendly restaurants serve early dinners, and the generally relaxed atmosphere makes children feel welcome.

Things to do in Tignes

Tignes offers more than just skiing and snowboarding, with lots of convenience and a solid range of activities available in its purpose-built villages. When you want a change of pace, there's plenty to keep travelers busy both on and off the snow.

Snow activities

Beyond the pistes, Tignes has a strong selection of snow-based activities for all ages and energy levels:

• Ice diving: A truly unique experience exploring the underwater world beneath the frozen Lac de Tignes.
• Snowshoeing: Guided excursions through quiet forest trails in the Vanoise National Park.
• Dog sledding: Husky-pulled adventures across the high plateau of the Tarentaise valley.
• Ice skating: Outdoor skating on the rink in Tignes Le Lac, with mountain views all around.
• Paragliding: Tandem flights soaring over the resort for a bird's-eye view of the peaks.
• Cross-country skiing: Marked trails winding through the valley for a quieter pace.
• Snake gliss: Group sledding in a connected chain - great fun for families and groups.
• Fat biking: Winter cycling on groomed snow trails where wide tyres grip the packed surface.
• Winter hiking: Marked paths through the valley for fresh air without skis.
• Snowmobiling: Guided excursions across frozen terrain, with evening tours available.

Non-snow activities

For rest days or non-skiers - or simply a break from the cold - Tignes has solid options to explore:

• Le Lagon: Aquatic centre with swimming pools, saunas, and a fitness suite to ease tired muscles.
• Deep Nature Spa: Massage and wellness treatments in a relaxed mountain setting.
• Cinema: Screenings in multiple languages, including English, for cosy evenings off the slopes.
• Indoor climbing wall: A good workout and a fun option for families or groups.
• Bowling: Lanes and arcade games at Le Lagon - useful for entertaining restless kids.
• Grande Motte gondola: Scenic ride up to the glacier with panoramic views, even for non-skiers.
• Helicopter sightseeing: Scenic flights over the peaks of the Tignes - Val d'Isère, with views stretching across the Alps.
• Village browsing: Shops, boutiques, and cafés across Le Lac and Val Claret.

Tignes restaurants

Tignes has a surprisingly good dining scene for a high-altitude resort - from hearty mountain classics to proper gastronomy, with a bunch of culinary variety available across the villages. Mountain restaurants on the slopes offer stunning views with your lunch, while the villages provide everything from quick pizzas to refined Savoyard cuisine.

Here are some places worth booking:

• Le Panoramic: Mountain-top restaurant with sweeping 360-degree views and refined French cuisine.
• La Ferme des 3 Capucines: Traditional rustic farmhouse atmosphere with excellent local specialties like fondue and raclette.
• Ursus: Lively atmosphere and refined dining in Val Claret, with creative mountain cuisine and generous portions.
• La Pignatta: Italian favourite with fresh pasta and wood-fired pizzas, known for its generous portions and friendly staff.
• Le Couloir: Sophisticated menu with a French and English fusion, an excellent wine list, premium beers, and homemade vin chaud.
• La Chaumière: Cosy mountain hut serving Savoyard specialities like traditional raclette and fondue on the slopes.
• Le Brasero: Wood-fired steaks, grilled meat, and fondue with a mountain atmosphere.
• Marmot Arms: British pub food and ales for homesick UK visitors.
• Tignes Café: Casual spot for burgers, salads, and morning coffee.

WeSki insider tip: Book restaurants for 7pm rather than 8pm - locals tend to eat later, so earlier slots are quieter and easier to secure, especially during peak weeks.

Tignes après-ski

Tignes has a solid après scene reputation. It may not be as intense as Val d'Isère next door, but it's lively enough to satisfy most tastes and runs later than most French resorts. The scene comes alive around 4pm when the lifts close, with slopeside bars catching the last of the sun. Later in the evening, a few clubs keep things going until the small hours.

The vibe is overall friendly, upbeat and international - where you'll hear as much English as French. And while it tends to attract a younger crowd, it's not so rowdy that families feel unwelcome.

Here's where to head for the Tignes après experience:

• Loop Bar: The unofficial headquarters for après - a buzzing atmosphere with live music by top DJs, cheap pints, expertly mixed cocktails, and a sun terrace.
• Grizzly's Bar: British-run pub with big screens for sports, quiz nights and pool tables.
• Le Whitney Bar: Signature cocktails, wine, and sharing plates like charcuterie boards in a stylish setting.
• Couloir Bar: Laid-back spot with craft beers, solid cocktails, happy hours, and live music.
• Crowded House: Late-night venue with resident DJs and dancing.
• Melting Pot: Late-night bar and club that goes until the small hours, with a great selection of music and is popular with seasonaires.
• Blue Girl: Nightclub that really gets going after midnight.
• TC's Bar: Friendly local hangout in Val Claret with good banter and good beers.

Tignes map

Planning your trip in Tignes

Tignes accommodation

Tignes spreads across several distinct villages, and where you stay shapes your experience. Val Claret sits highest (2,100m) with direct glacier access and the liveliest nightlife. Tignes le Lac is the largest village with the most amenities, shops, and a lakeside location. Les Brévières, at the valley floor, offers traditional Savoyard charm and lower prices, but requires lifts or buses to reach the main ski area.

Most accommodation is apartments - which suit groups and families well - and hotels tend to cluster in Val Claret and Le Lac. The free shuttle bus connects all villages regularly, running every 10-15 minutes during the day, making location less critical if you don't mind a short commute.

WeSki insider tips:

• Val Claret is best for ski-in, ski-out convenience and early glacier access.
• Le Lac offers a good balance of skiing access and evening outing options.
• Tignes 1800 is known for quieter, better-value accommodation with easy gondola access.
• Les Brévières is not only budget friendly, but also great if you prefer the traditional village atmosphere over convenience.

Tignes ski pass

The Tignes-only pass covers all lifts within the resort, including the Grande Motte funicular to the glacier. It's good value for a week exploring the local terrain, which is substantial. For the full Tignes - Val d'Isère experience, including Val d'Isère, you'll need the combined ski pass - this opens up 300km of pistes and makes sense for confident skiers who'll cover ground quickly.

When you book with WeSki, you can add your ski pass to your Tignes ski package and have everything sorted before you arrive - no queuing at the ticket office on your first morning.

Equipment hire

Tignes has numerous rental shops operating in all its villages, offering everything from beginner packages to high-performance equipment. Most shops are located around the main lift stations for easy morning pickup. You'll find well-known brands and generally good-quality gear, with staff who speak English and can advise on the right equipment to suit the terrain.

WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Tignes, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Tignes ski deals to build your perfect trip.

Getting around Tignes

Getting between Tignes' villages is straightforward. Free shuttle buses run every 10-15 minutes throughout the day, connecting Le Lac, Val Claret, Tignes 1800, and Les Brévières. The main lifts also connect the villages - you can ski between Le Lac and Val Claret in minutes. Within each village, everything is walkable, though the 1970s architecture means some areas involve stairs and slopes.

Evening buses run later but less frequently, so check the last departure if you're heading out for dinner in another village. Taxis are available but not abundant - its generally recommended to book ahead for evening transfers. Most visitors find they don't need transport beyond walking and the ski lifts during the day.

How to get to Tignes

Tignes is accessible from several airports, with Geneva and Lyon being popular choices for UK travellers. Geneva is approximately 145km from Tignes, while Lyon Saint-Exupéry is around 220km. Chambéry (110km) and Grenoble (140km) are smaller airport alternatives that sometimes offer good flight deals.

The Eurostar to Paris plus TGV to Bourg-Saint-Maurice is an option for those who prefer rail travel - the train station is about 30km from the resort, with regular bus connections. Driving is also feasible via the Channel Tunnel and French motorways, though the final mountain roads require winter tyres and can be affected by weather.

WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private, shared, and scheduled transfers to Tignes. Add them to your Tignes ski package for seamless door-to-door travel.

Tignes FAQs

Is Tignes good for beginners?

Yes, Tignes is a solid choice for beginners. The nursery slopes at Le Lac and Val Claret are gentle and served by free lifts, and there's a clear progression onto longer green and blue runs. The high altitude means reliable snow, so you're unlikely to be learning on icy or patchy slopes. That said, the resort layout and high-mountain setting are more challenging than some lower, purpose-built beginner resorts - it's a place where you'll be learning to become a proper mountain skier.

How reliable is the snow in Tignes?

Very reliable. Tignes' base sits at 2,100m - one of the highest in Europe - and the Grande Motte glacier rises to 3,456m. This altitude means natural snowfall typically lasts from November to May, and the glacier offers skiing from autumn onwards. Tignes averages around 5 metres of snowfall annually, and the resort invests heavily in snowmaking across key runs. Poor snow years in the Alps generally affect lower resorts more severely; Tignes usually holds its snow well.

Is Tignes better than Val d'Isère?

They're different rather than better or worse, and the Tignes - Val d'Isère lift pass covers both. Tignes tends to be slightly more affordable and has a younger, more casual vibe. Val d'Isère has more traditional alpine charm, better restaurants, and a more upmarket après scene. Skiers often prefer Val d'Isère's south-facing slopes in the early season (more sun), while Tignes' north-facing terrain holds snow better in spring. Most visitors explore both during their stay.

How busy is Tignes?

Tignes is a major resort, so it does get busy during French school holidays (February), UK half-term, Christmas, and Easter. However, the sheer size of the Tignes - Val d'Isère area absorbs crowds well. Lift queues rarely exceed 10-15 minutes except for the Grande Motte funicular on powder days. Outside peak weeks, you'll often feel like you have the mountain to yourself. The resort's size means there's always somewhere quiet to escape to, even on busy days.

Which village in Tignes should I stay in?

It depends on your priorities. Val Claret offers the best ski-in, ski-out access and is closest to the glacier. Le Lac has the most shops, restaurants, and bars - it's known as the social hub. Tignes 1800 is quieter and more affordable, connected by gondola. Les Brévières is traditional and charming but requires a lift ride to reach the main skiing. Most first-timers choose Le Lac for convenience; serious skiers often prefer Val Claret.

Is Tignes good for families?

Tignes works well for families, particularly those with children aged 5 and over who've already started skiing. The villages are largely car-free, there's good childcare available, and the ski schools have established kids' programmes. Le Lagon leisure centre provides a non-skiing option for tired or reluctant skiers. That said, very young beginners might find the high altitude and larger resort scale more challenging than smaller, lower-altitude family resorts.

What's the best way to get to Tignes from the UK?

Flying to Geneva is the most popular option, with transfer times of around 2.5-3 hours depending on traffic. Lyon offers more flight options and similar transfer times. The Eurostar to Paris plus TGV to Bourg-Saint-Maurice is a scenic alternative taking around 7-8 hours total. WeSki can arrange transfers from all major airports - shared transfers are the most economical, while private transfers offer flexibility, especially for larger groups or those with lots of luggage.

Explore other resorts in France

Val Thorens - La Plagne - Chamonix - Avoriaz - Val d'Isère - Méribel - Les Arcs - Les Menuires - Courchevel - Flaine - La Clusaz - Serre Chevalier - Samoëns - La Rosière - Montgenèvre - Val Cenis - Megève - St Martin de Belleville - Isola 2000 - Risoul - Valmorel - Les Gets - Morzine - Les Deux Alpes - Alpe d'Huez - Vaujany - Sainte Foy Tarentaise - Saint Gervais les bains - Châtel - Les Houches - Les Sybelles -Les Carroz -Les Contamines-Montjoie - Les Orres - Les Saisies