Ski resorts
Tignes: snow-sure skiing by the glacier and where to stay
A frozen lake, a glacier that offers skiing for much of the year and Espace Killy in every direction. This is Tignes, where the snow is almost always good, and the hotels with ski-in/ski-out access.
When other resorts struggle with thin snow, skiers in Tignes carry on as if nothing has happened. The altitude and the Grande Motte glacier make it one of the most snow-sure resorts in the Alps, and the season is long. You can start your ski holiday early and finish it well into spring.
Tignes is also the gateway to Espace Killy, the ski area linking Tignes with Val d’Isère. That means big mountains, long descents and new runs every single day.
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The villages of Tignes
Tignes is made up of several villages at different altitudes. Tignes le Lac sits around the lake that freezes in winter, Val Claret lies closest to the glacier, and Tignes 1800 and Les Brévières have a quieter, more traditional feel. What they share is quick access to the pistes.
In winter the frozen lake becomes a stage for activities, and the views of the surrounding mountains are spectacular.
The glacier and Espace Killy
The Grande Motte glacier gives Tignes a long season and snow-sure conditions high up. From here you can ski down to the villages or on towards Val d’Isère in Espace Killy, one of the best-known ski areas in France.
Tignes also hosted freestyle events at the 1992 Winter Olympics, and it still has a strong reputation among freeriders and freestyle skiers.
A day in Tignes
The morning often starts with a trip up towards the glacier, where the snow is firm and the air crystal clear. Through the day you can follow the sun around the mountains, ski to Val d’Isère and back, or try the terrain parks.
When the lifts close, people gather on the terraces by the lake, with views of mountains turning pink at sunset. The evening brings Savoyard food and a calm end to the day.
When is the best time to visit Tignes?
Tignes has one of the longest seasons in the Alps. December and January often bring wintry conditions, while March and April offer long, sunny days. The altitude means you can also travel early and late in the season with a good chance of snow. Half term and Easter are busy, so book early.
Skiing with children in Tignes
Tignes has ski schools, dedicated children’s areas and many ski-in/ski-out places to stay. The villages are easy to navigate, and activities around the lake add variety for families who want to do more than ski.
Getting to Tignes
The nearest airports are Geneva, Lyon and Chambéry. Trains run to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, from where you take a bus or transfer up to Tignes.
Food and evenings in Tignes
Evenings in Tignes are calm and good. Restaurants around the lake and in Val Claret serve Savoyard classics such as fondue, raclette and tartiflette, and many hotels have their own restaurants and spas. After dinner you can take a walk along the frozen lake, where the village lights are reflected in the ice and the mountains stand as dark silhouettes against the starry sky. The après-ski is lively in season, but never overwhelming.
Where to stay in Tignes
In Tignes it is easy to stay ski-in/ski-out. Here are three places we would happily choose.
Le Lodge des Neiges: luxury and spa
Luxury accommodation with ski-in/ski-out access, a spa and ski storage.
Book your stay: See rooms at Le Lodge des Neiges
Les Suites du Nevada: exclusive suites
Exclusive suites in Tignes, for those who want space and elegance.
Book your stay: See rooms at Les Suites du Nevada
Le Diva: simple and good
A hotel with ski storage, close to the Tignes ski area.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hôtel Tignes Le Diva
Want to compare? See all our ski resorts or read about skiing in Val d’Isère.
Frequently asked questions about skiing in Tignes
Where should I stay in Tignes?
Le Lodge des Neiges offers ski-in/ski-out access and a spa, Les Suites du Nevada has exclusive suites, and Le Diva is a more affordable option close to the ski area.
Is Tignes snow-sure?
Yes, Tignes sits high and has the Grande Motte glacier, giving snow-sure conditions and one of the longest seasons in the Alps.
Is Tignes linked to Val d’Isère?
Yes, Tignes and Val d’Isère together form Espace Killy, and you can ski between them.
How do you get to Tignes?
Fly to Geneva, Lyon or Chambéry and take the train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. From there, buses and transfers run up to Tignes.