A Comprehensive Guide to Skiing in Tignes

Tignes is a premier destination for skiing enthusiasts from around the world. Known for its high-altitude slopes, reliable snow conditions, and extensive ski terrain, Tignes offers a skiing experience that caters to all levels. Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of your skiing adventure in Tignes.

The Ski Area: Espace Killy

Overview:

Tignes, together with Val d'Isère, forms the Espace Killy ski area, named after the legendary French skier Jean-Claude Killy. This ski area boasts over 300 kilometers of slopes, ensuring a variety of runs for all skill levels.

Highlights:

• Grande Motte Glacier: Offers skiing up to 3,456 meters, with guaranteed snow year-round.

• Piste Variety: From gentle greens and blues to challenging reds and blacks, there's something for everyone.

• Off-Piste: Tignes is renowned for its off-piste opportunities, with guided tours available for those seeking adventure beyond the groomed runs.

Piste map link

Exploring the Slopes

For Beginners:

• Gentle Slopes: Tignes offers a variety of gentle, wide slopes perfect for beginners. The dedicated beginner zones in Tignes Le Lac and Val Claret provide a safe environment to build confidence.

• Ski Schools: Highly recommended ski schools like Supreme, TDC and Oxygen offer beginner lessons to help newcomers get comfortable on the slopes.

>  Discover our recommended blue run itineraries for beginners.

For Intermediates:

• Intermediates will find a plethora of blue runs to explore, especially around Tignes Le Lac and Val Claret. The Palafour side, also the sunny side, offers many cruisey blue runs for finding your ski legs. 

• For those looking to challenge themselves, Tignes is the perfect resort for progression. The "Aiguille Percée" area offers some of the best red runs with stunning views and exciting terrain.

  
  

>  Discover our recommended itineraries for intermediates.

For Advanced Skiers:

• Advanced skiers can test their skills on the resort’s challenging black runs. The "Sache" run from the top of the Aiguille Percée down to Tignes Les Brévières is a must-try, known for its length and technical sections.

• Try the 4 corners challenge. Which is to ski to the 4 corners of the Tignes-Val D’Isere ski area in one day: Brevieres, The Grand Motte, The Val D’Isere glacier and Fornet. 

• Off-Piste: Tignes is a paradise for off-piste enthusiasts. With its varied terrain and excellent snow conditions, the off-piste routes here are some of the best in the Alps. Hiring a guide is recommended to safely explore areas like the Grande Balme and the Vallon de la Sache.

> Discover our recommended itineraries for advanced skiers.

For Freestylers and racers:

• DC Snow Park: Tignes boasts a very well-maintained snow park suitable for all levels of freestylers. The park offers jumps, rails, and half-pipes. There is something for all levels from the Green area all the way up to the black area for the freestyle pros. 

• Commencal track: Located just before the bottom of Palafour lift. This area features a beginners parallel slalom and a fun course with tunnels and bells. 

• Boardercross: Located in the DC park. There is 1200m worth of banked turns, jumps and bumps. 

• Air Bag: For those wanting to practice tricks safely, Tignes provides an airbag jump in Val Claret, allowing skiers and snowboarders to perfect their skills without the risk of injury.

Why is the skiing in Tignes so good?

Efficient Lift System:

• Fast Lifts: Tignes features a modern and efficient lift system, ensuring minimal wait times and more time on the slopes. Key lifts like the Toviere gondola and the Aeroski lift provide quick access to various parts of the ski area.

• Grande Motte Funicular: This underground funicular takes you from Val Claret to the glacier in just a few minutes, providing access to high-altitude skiing even in the warmer months.

Connectivity:

• Interconnected Villages: The lift system seamlessly connects the different villages of Tignes, making it easy to explore the entire resort without needing to remove your skis.

• Val D’Isere connection: The interconnected Val D’Isere Tignes ski area (previously Espace Killy) allows for extensive exploration between Tignes and Val d’Isère, offering a combined 300 km of pistes.

Special Skiing Experiences

Glacier Skiing:

• Top of the Alps: Experience the incredible views from 3500m that make you feel like you are at the top of the world. 

• Summer Skiing: The Grande Motte glacier provides the opportunity to ski even during the summer months, with well-groomed slopes and stunning views.

Ski Touring:

• Backcountry Adventures: For those seeking adventure, ski touring in Tignes offers the chance to explore untouched powder and serene alpine landscapes. Guided tours are available for various skill levels.

  
  

First Tracks: 

• First Tracks is a special early-morning skiing experience offered in Tignes that lets a select group of skiers and snowboarders access the slopes before they officially open to the public. Participants can join the ski patrol on their morning shift. carving through fresh powder and perfectly groomed pistes, experiencing the mountain in its most serene state and learning about what the ski patrollers get up to to keep the mountain safe for us all.

  • More info and booking 

>See our full off-piste ski guide here. 

5. Practical Tips

Weather and Snow Conditions:

• Reliable Snow: Thanks to its high altitude, Tignes enjoys reliable snow conditions throughout the season, from November to May. The glacier ensures snow year round. even in warmer months.

• Weather Updates: Check daily weather and avalanche reports to stay informed and safe on the slopes.

  
  

Equipment Rentals:

Numerous rental shops in Tignes Le Lac, Val Claret, and other villages offer a wide range of skiing and snowboarding equipment. Booking in advance is recommended during peak season. If you book through Luxury Tignes,  we offer premium ski and boot hire delivered to your accommodation saving time and money

Ski Passes:

Choose between a Tignes-only pass or a full area pass for access to the entire Tignes-Val D'Isere area. Passes can be purchased online or at ticket offices throughout the resort. If you book through Luxury Tignes, we can deliver passes to your accommodation on arrival