Tignes

• Beginners

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• Intermediates

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• Experts

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• Snow Record

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• Families

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• Charm

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• Apres Ski

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• Weekends

Shares the vast Espace Killy with Val d'Isere. A mecca for experts and a great choice for adventurous intermediates.  Huge amount of terrain for all levels.  One of Savoie's finest ski areas, Tignes lies in a vast snow-bowl at the foot of the impressive Grand-Motte glacier, surrounded by dramatic peaks. 

Tignes has now grown into 5 satellite resorts: Tignes-le-Lac, Le Lavachet, Val Claret (at the foot of the Grande-Motte glacier), Les Brevières (rather more attractive, an authentic Savoyarde village, but lower in altitude at 1550 metres) and Les Boisses at 1850 metres.

In favour of Tignes

The snow is reliable until the end of April, and the lift system excellent.  Relatively little queuing.  Good kindergarten facilities.  A resort for the keen skier, who can follow the sun and ski new snow all day long over a vast variety of on and off-piste runs.  Lots of tough runs, moguls and lift-served off-piste skiing.  For beginners, there are nice, sunny nursery slopes at good altitude.  Intermediates will enjoy miles of medium motorway skiing, even on the glacier.   Tignes rates high on ski-convenience.

Disadvantages

The rather austere setting above the treeline means there are no trees to break up the angular lines of the concrete blocks. Due to the altitude the skiing is featureless - a problem in a snowstorm. Mountain restaurants do not match the skiing.  Eating out in the resort can be pricey.

Non-skiing activities

Natural Ice rink, bowling alley, sports centre with squash and indoor tennis, hang gliding, rock climbing.  10 clubs, and a cinema.