Tignes and the 300km Tignes - Val d'Isère ski area in France is renowned as one of the greatest places to ski and snowboard in the world, a title it richly deserves. The on-piste is endless thanks to 155 runs, and the off-piste is accessible and fun.
Being the second highest ski resort in Europe at 2100m, and with the towering Grande Motte glacier at 3456m, the far-reaching views extend out across the Alps. It's worth a trip up just to visit Le Panoramic restaurant with its breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and Michelin star lunch specials.
If you can pull yourself away from the slopes for an hour or two, Tignes is home to stacks of activities suitable for all ages and interests too.
Swap your skis or board for crampons and an ice pick to climb up an icy mountain face with a qualified climbing guide. Or for something a bit less risky, head to the beautifully designed sports complex with its adult and kids' pool complete with slide and spa area with a sauna, steam room and hot tub.
With some of the most challenging terrain in the world, it's not all gnarly stuff. Tignes has a softer side and an entire bowl suitable for beginners over towards Val d'Isère.
For blue and red-run skiers and snowboarders, there's an enormous variety of leisurely cruising runs from the very top of the glacier, right down almost to the valley floor.
For those looking to get gnarly though, you'll find skiing here is more like skiing in North America. There's so much accessible off-piste that you don't need to be a pro climber to get to.
Resort altitude: 2100m
Skiing altitude: 1550m to 3456m
Glacier: Yes
Ski area size: 300km in the Tignes - Val d'Isère ski area
Number of runs: 159
Range of runs: 13% green, 44% blue, 27% red and 16% black
Lifts: 25 drags, 39 chairlifts, 6 gondola, 3 cable cars and 2 funiculars
Night skiing: No
Cross country trails: 41km
Snowmaking: 1255 snow cannons
Resort bus: Yes
Piste map
Departure airports: Birmingham, Bristol, Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester or Stansted
Departure day: Sunday
Arrival airport: Grenoble
Flying time: approx. 2 hours
Transfer time: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes
Tignes is split in to two villages, Le Lac and Val Claret. Both are purpose built and the hotels, chalets and apartments we feature are all convenient for mountain access.
Off the slope activities include climbing, curling, a swimming pool complex with hot tub and sauna and ice diving (if you're feeling brave). The frozen lake is home to incredible ice formations only visible underwater, just don’t forget your GoPro!
The lively après-ski scene is loved by many. You’ll find a wide choice of restaurants, bars, lots of live music and a few nightclubs too.
Save some money for après with our ski & board offers...
Free ski guiding & coaching from fully qualified Neilson Mountain Experts when you stay at Neilson Chalet l'Armoise or Neilson Chalet Val Claret
Free lift pass for the group leader when 12+ people book and each pre-book a lift pass
Everyone pays child pass rate when you pre-book two adult and two child lift passes (6-17)
Free entry to the Lagon swimming pool when you pre-book a lift pass
The crazy Bun J Ride is worth taking a look even if you don't intend to have a go. Ski or snowboard off a 30m ramp, fall off the end into a 40m drop on bungee cords and then zip wire all the way back down to earth. Mental, yes, but it's one hell of an adrenaline rush!
Take a trip to what feels like the top of Europe. Even if you don't ski or snowboard down it, it's worth heading to the top of the Grande Motte glacier for the views alone. And don't forget your camera!
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