Tignes is a famous resort in French Alps linked to Val D'Isere.
The bleak architecture in the town has somewhat detracted from the atmosphere in the past, but the situation is now improving. Of course, the views of the Alps from the resort are spectacular. It is partly for this reason that Tignes is not only a winter resort for skiing, but a summer one for hiking, mountain biking, summer skiing on the glacier; it won the sporting town of France in 2008.
Tignes is in the "Espace Killy" skiing area, which means that just one pass is needed for access to the slopes around Tignes, Val-Claret and Val D'Isere; for the 2016/17 season, a six-day pass will cost €278. Discounts are available for some people including groups, families, and people aged up to 21 and over 65 depending on other people traveling with them. Official page to purchase lift passes
The resort has some 2300 km of pistes, of which 26 km are served by snowmaking equipment. 15% are green, 46% blue, 27% red and 12% black. The resort is always renowned for the amount of snow it gets, though - a forecast of "rain up to 2000 m" means snow to village level, i.e., fresh snow on all pistes.
- Mountain biking with two of the main lifts in the resort open for hikers and mountain bikers you have the choice of 8 different marked routes to dedcend, with a difficulty ranging from easy to difficult, although this would not be a resort for complete beginner mountain bikers.
Mountain biking with two of the main lifts in the resort open for hikers and mountain bikers you have the choice of 8 different marked routes to dedcend, with a difficulty ranging from easy to difficult, although this would not be a resort for complete beginner mountain bikers.
The resort is also much suited to hiking; in summer, the snow at ground level has disappeared and the Sun can actually be quite pleasant.
Ski equipment and rental is available, as is hiking equipment in summer.
- Tignes Spirit, Lavachet, Tignes, +44 20 3326-4299. This is an independent ski and board hire shop with high end equipment at very reasonable prices. They also offer a mobile rental service.
Tignes Spirit, Lavachet, Tignes, +44 20 3326-4299. This is an independent ski and board hire shop with high end equipment at very reasonable prices. They also offer a mobile rental service.
Tignes is not renowned for its après, but the situation is improving.
There are around 20 bars and restaurants open. Le Lac is the hub for all activities in Tignes in the summer, but Le Lavachet with its all-year round atmosphere has the highest percentage of businesses open in the summer (almost the same as the winter season!) Val Claret has a slightly empty feel to the village apart from the tennis, rugby and football pitches.
For major shopping, Geneva, Switzerland is about 2 hours away in car, 4 by train. Lyon is about 4 hours by car, 4 hours by train. For lesser needs, Bourg-Saint-Maurice has a cinema and outdoor and indoor swimming pool.