Tignes Ski Holidays – Ski, Snowboard & Summer Holidays

One of the great things about Tignes is that there isn't just one village. The resort is made up of several distinct areas, each with its own atmosphere, and they're all connected by lifts, pistes and a free shuttle bus. Wherever you stay, you'll have excellent access to the skiing, so the decision really comes down to the type of holiday you're looking for.
Tignes Le Lac is the heart of the resort. It's lively, has plenty of restaurants, bars, ski hire shops and supermarkets, and you're only a short walk from several major lifts. If you like stepping out of your accommodation and being close to everything, Le Lac is hard to beat. It also has a great setting beside the frozen lake, which gives the resort a unique feel during the winter.
Just next door is Tignes Val Claret, which is particularly popular with keen skiers. Many of the higher lifts leave from here, giving quick access to the Grande Motte Glacier, the Tignes bowl and across towards Val d'Isère. If your priority is getting first lifts each morning and making the most of every minute on the mountain, Val Claret is an excellent choice. It also has a lively après-ski scene and plenty of accommodation within easy walking distance of the slopes.
If you'd prefer somewhere a little quieter, take a look at Lavachet. It's only a few minutes from Le Lac, but has a more relaxed atmosphere. Many chalets and apartments here offer excellent value, and it's easy to reach the slopes either by skiing or by hopping on the free shuttle bus. Families and returning visitors often appreciate the quieter evenings while still being close to the main resort.
Further down the valley you'll find Les Boisses (Tignes 1800). Over the past few years this area has been transformed, with modern chalets, apartments and excellent lift access. The Boisses gondola takes you quickly up into the main ski area each morning, making it a popular choice for families and those looking for a quieter base with a more traditional Alpine feel.
Lower still is Les Brévières, the oldest part of Tignes. Unlike the higher villages, it has a charming, traditional Savoyard character with stone buildings, narrow streets and a peaceful atmosphere. Families and couples often enjoy staying here, and although it's lower down, the fast 8 person gondola gives easy access to the rest of the ski area. This gondola operates into the evening on select days too.
One thing visitors often underestimate is how useful Tignes' free shuttle bus is. The buses run regularly between all the villages from early morning until late in the evening, so it's easy to have dinner in Le Lac, meet friends in Val Claret or stay in Lavachet without feeling isolated. One advantage of booking through Chalets Direct is that you can speak directly with chalet owners and local operators before you book. They know the different villages well and can help you decide which area best suits your group, whether you're looking for doorstep skiing, family convenience, quieter surroundings or easy access to restaurants and nightlife.
There isn't a "best" place to stay in Tignes because each village offers something slightly different. The good news is that wherever you choose, you'll be part of one of the highest and most snow-sure ski resorts in Europe, with outstanding access to the incredible Tignes–Val d'Isère ski area.

Tignes is often thought of as a resort for experienced skiers because of its high altitude and extensive terrain, but that's only part of the story. In reality, it's a fantastic place to learn, and many people discover skiing here for the very first time.
One of the biggest advantages is how easy it is to get onto the slopes. In villages like Le Lac, Val Claret and Tignes 1800, you're usually only a short walk from the ski lifts or beginner areas. That might not sound like a big deal, but if you're carrying skis for the first time or helping children with boots, being close to the slopes makes the whole holiday feel much less stressful.
Tignes has several excellent beginner areas designed to help you build confidence without feeling overwhelmed. Around Le Lac, you'll find gentle nursery slopes and free beginner lifts where many first lessons take place. Val Claret also has excellent learning areas, while beginners staying in Tignes 1800 can make use of the dedicated slopes before progressing onto longer green and blue runs.
One feature many first-time visitors appreciate is the network of free beginner lifts in some learning areas. It means you can practise as much as you like before using the larger chairlifts or gondolas, taking away some of the pressure that beginners sometimes feel.
As your confidence grows, Tignes makes it easy to progress. Instead of being restricted to one small beginner slope all week, you'll soon be skiing wide, gentle green and blue runs that allow you to explore different parts of the mountain. The pistes are well maintained, wide and forgiving, giving you plenty of space to concentrate on your skiing rather than worrying about what's happening around you.
The resort also has an excellent choice of ski schools. ESF Tignes, New Generation, Evolution 2, Oxygène, TDC Ski and several independent instructors all offer lessons for adults, children and complete beginners. Whether you'd prefer group lessons to meet other people or private tuition to learn at your own pace, you'll find plenty of options. English-speaking instructors are widely available too,
One thing we always say to beginners is this: don't worry if you're the only person in your group to learning to ski for the first time. Tignes is one of those resorts where everyone can progress at their own speed, on the appropriate terrain and have fun learning. In fact, many experienced skiers enjoy Tignes because while beginners are happily learning, they can head off to explore the rest of the mountain before meeting up later for lunch or at the end of the day.
If you're travelling with family or friends who are stronger skiers, Tignes works particularly well because everyone can enjoy the holiday together without anyone feeling left behind.
One of the advantages of booking through Chalets Direct is that you can speak directly with chalet owners and local operators before you arrive. Many know the local ski schools personally and can recommend the best one for nervous adults, young children or complete beginners. They can also suggest accommodation close to the learning areas, making those first few mornings much easier.
Learning to ski should be exciting, not intimidating. Tignes has invested heavily in making the beginner experience enjoyable, with welcoming ski schools, easy access to the slopes and plenty of gentle terrain to build confidence. By the end of the week, many first-time visitors are amazed at just how much of the mountain they're able to explore.

If you're the sort of skier who likes covering miles of terrain, searching out steep lines, skiing from first lift until last, or waking up hoping for fresh snow overnight, Tignes is one of those resorts that keeps drawing you back.
One of its biggest strengths is simply the scale of the skiing. Together with neighbouring Val d'Isère, the Tignes–Val d'Isère ski area offers over 300km of pistes, but it's the variety that really stands out.
Because much of the skiing sits above 2,000 metres, with lifts reaching over 3,400 metres on the Grande Motte Glacier, snow quality is usually excellent throughout the season. The colder temperatures help preserve the snow, and after fresh snowfall it's one of the first places many keen skiers want to be.
If you enjoy long, challenging pistes, there are plenty to choose from. The famous Face de Bellevarde over in Val d'Isère is only a short ski away and remains one of the classic World Cup runs in the Alps. In Tignes itself, the long descents from Grande Motte will make the legs burn, the challenging terrain around L'Aiguille Percée, and the steep slopes dropping towards Les Brévières provide plenty to keep strong skiers entertained.
For many advanced skiers, though, the real attraction lies beyond the pistes.
Tignes has an enormous amount of accessible off-piste terrain. Areas around Grande Motte, Le Palet, Chardonnet, Sachet, Tovière and Aiguille Percée offer everything from wide powder areas to natural gullies, hidden valleys and technical descents. Then there are the famous couloirs. If conditions are right and you have the necessary experience, there are some outstanding steep skiing to be had that have become almost legendary among expert skiers.
However, this is serious mountain terrain. Snow conditions can change quickly, avalanche risk is real, and many of the best routes should never be attempted without the right knowledge and equipment. One of the best investments you can make is hiring a qualified mountain guide or experienced instructor for a day. Not only will they keep you safe, they'll almost certainly take you to places with the best snow you would never find on your own.
If you prefer to stay on-piste, Tignes is brilliant for improving your skiing. The variety of slope angles, snow conditions and terrain means you can challenge yourself every day. Long reds, steep blacks, natural mogul fields and fast cruising pistes all sit within easy reach of one another, allowing you to pick and choose each day's skiing to how you're feeling.
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If you're an advanced skier looking for variety, reliable snow, challenging terrain and enough skiing to keep you busy for a week or more, Tignes delivers all of that in spades.You will not be bored!!

Tignes is known for its excellent snow and high-altitude skiing, but it's also a fantastic choice for families. One of the reasons so many families return year after year is that the resort makes life easy.
The different villages each have something to offer. Tignes Le Lac is the main hub of the resort, with plenty of family-friendly accommodation, restaurants, cafés, supermarkets and ski hire shops all within walking distance. Val Claret is ideal if your family wants quick access to the lifts and enjoys being close to the action, while Tignes 1800 and Les Brévières offer a quieter, more traditional atmosphere that many families really appreciate after a day on the mountain.
One of the biggest advantages is how easy it is to get around. The free shuttle buses run regularly between all the villages from early morning until late in the evening, If one part of the family wants to go swimming while another heads into Le Lac for dinner or shopping, it's all very straightforward.
For children learning to ski, Tignes is an excellent choice. The resort has dedicated beginner areas with gentle slopes, magic carpets and free beginner lifts where young skiers can gain confidence before moving onto the wider mountain. As they improve, there are plenty of gentle green and blue runs to explore together as a family.
There are also several highly regarded ski schools, including ESF Tignes, Evolution 2, New Generation, Oxygène and TDC Ski. Whether your children are complete beginners or already confident skiers, there's a lesson to suit them. Many parents tell us that knowing their children are happy with experienced instructors allows them to enjoy a few hours skiing on their own before meeting up later in the day.
Away from the slopes, Tignes has plenty to keep everyone entertained. The impressive Le Lagon Aquatic Centre is always popular, with swimming pools, a children's splash area, wellness facilities and space to relax after skiing. There are also bowling lanes, climbing facilities, an indoor sports centre, ice skating on the lake during the winter, tobogganing, snow tubing and regular family activities organised throughout the season.
Teenagers often love the snowparks and fun zones, while younger children enjoy simply playing in the snow around the villages. on a bad weather day, there are still plenty of ways to keep everyone occupied .
One of the nice things about booking through Chalets Direct is that many of our chalet owners and local operators know Tignes inside out. They can recommend family-friendly restaurants, suggest the best ski school for your children, tell you which accommodation is closest to the beginner slopes and even advise where to hire equipment or arrange childcare if you need it.
Perhaps the biggest reason families enjoy Tignes is that everyone can do their own thing while still spending time together. Beginners can learn, stronger skiers can explore one of Europe's best ski areas, and there's enough to do off the slopes that non-skiers won't feel left out either. It all adds up to a holiday that's enjoyable for the whole family.

One of the questions we're asked most often is which airport is best for getting to Tignes. The answer depends a little on where you're flying from, but the good news is that you have several excellent options, and thousands of skiers make the journey every winter without any difficulty.
The closest airport is Chambéry, which is around 2 to 2½ hours from Tignes in normal road conditions. During the winter, Chambéry operates a number of ski flights from the UK and parts of Europe, making it a very convenient choice if the flight times work for you. The only drawback is that it has a smaller flight programme than some of the larger airports, so your choice of flights can be more limited.
For many visitors, particularly those travelling from the UK, Ireland or North America, Geneva Airport is the most popular option. Although it's a little further away, it offers a huge choice of international flights and competitive prices. The transfer to Tignes usually takes around 3 hours, although on busy Saturdays during Christmas, New Year and February school holidays it's sensible to allow 4 to 5 hours as traffic heading into the Tarentaise Valley can be heavy.
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is another excellent alternative. It offers year-round international flights and is often a good choice if Geneva is expensive or fully booked. The transfer time is generally around 3 hours, again allowing longer during peak holiday weekends.
Grenoble Airport is also popular during the ski season, particularly for winter charter flights. Transfer times are similar to Lyon, and it can be a good option if you find a convenient flight.
If you're travelling from further afield, including the USA or Canada, don't overlook Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. While it's much further away by road, France's excellent high-speed rail network makes travelling surprisingly easy. You can take a TGV train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, which is the nearest railway station to Tignes, before completing the final 35 to 45-minute journey by bus or taxi. Many visitors enjoy the train because it's comfortable, scenic and removes the need for a long road transfer.
One thing we always suggest is not trying to make your journey too rushed. Give yourself a little extra time between landing and your transfer departure, especially if you're travelling with children or collecting ski bags. It makes the start of the holiday much more relaxed.
If you've booked through Chalets Direct, don't hesitate to ask your chalet owner or local operator for advice. Most welcome guests from these airports every week throughout the winter and can recommend reliable transfer companies, explain the easiest travel options and help you choose the airport that best suits your accommodation and arrival time.
Our advice is simple: don't just look at the map and choose the nearest airport. Sometimes a direct flight into Geneva with a smooth transfer is much easier than taking a more complicated route to a closer airport.

Getting to Tignes is easier than many people expect. Once you've landed, there are plenty of ways to reach the resort, whether you're travelling on your own, as a couple or with a large family. The best option really comes down to your budget, the size of your group and how much flexibility you'd like.
The most popular choice is an airport transfer. Throughout the winter, companies such as Ben's Bus, Alps2Alps, Mountain Drop-offs, Cool Bus, SnowDrone, Ski-Lifts and AlpyBus run regular services from Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble and Chambéry to Tignes.
If you're travelling as one or two people, a shared transfer is usually the best value. You'll share the vehicle with other skiers heading to nearby resorts, and although there may be a few stops along the way, it's a simple and affordable way to travel. As a guide, prices are usually around €50-€90 per person each way from Geneva if booked in advance, although prices vary depending on the airport and the time of year.
If you're travelling as a family or a group of friends, a private transfer is often worth considering. Your driver will normally meet you in the arrivals hall, help with your luggage and ski bags, and take you directly to your accommodation without extra stops. Depending on the size of the vehicle and the airport, expect to pay somewhere between €300 and €550 from Geneva. When shared between several people, it can work out surprisingly good value.
Transfer times are usually around 3 hours from Geneva, 2 to 2½ hours from Chambéry, and around 3 hours from Lyon or Grenoble. During busy Saturdays in the middle of the ski season, particularly over Christmas and February half-term, allow extra time as traffic heading into the Tarentaise Valley can be considerably slower.
If you're flying from the USA, there's another option that's well worth considering. Many American visitors fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and then continue by train rather than road. France's high-speed TGV trains run to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, which is the nearest railway station to Tignes. The train journey usually takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on connections, before a final 35 to 45-minute bus or taxi ride up to the resort. It takes a little longer overall, but it's a comfortable journey and avoids spending several hours in a transfer vehicle after a long transatlantic flight.
Whatever option you choose, we'd recommend booking it before you leave home, particularly during the busiest weeks of the winter. The best-priced transfers often sell out first, and having everything organised before you travel removes a lot of unnecessary stress.
A couple of simple tips can also make the journey much easier. Keep a bottle of water and a few snacks with you, especially if you're travelling with children. Airport cafés aren't always open when you need them, and if traffic is heavy you'll be pleased you packed something. It's also worth carrying a phone charger or power bank so you've always got access to your booking confirmations and can contact your accommodation if necessary.
One of the benefits of booking through Chalets Direct is that your chalet owner or local operator will often recommend transfer companies they've worked with for years. Many know exactly which services are the most reliable, which companies are best for families and which drivers are familiar with your particular chalet or apartment. That local advice can be just as valuable as finding the cheapest transfer.
With a little planning, getting to Tignes is usually straightforward. Once you've arrived, all that's left to do is collect your skis and start enjoying one of the best ski areas in the Alps.

The biggest ski school is ESF Tignes (École du Ski Français). It's been teaching in the resort for decades and offers just about everything you can think of, from children's ski school and adult beginner lessons to snowboard tuition, race coaching, freestyle, telemark and off-piste guiding. If you're travelling during Christmas, New Year or February half-term, ESF usually has the largest choice of lesson times and children's groups.
Evolution 2 is another favourite, particularly with families and adventurous skiers. Alongside traditional ski lessons, they also offer off-piste guiding, freeride coaching, ski touring and activities such as ice diving, snowmobiling and dog sledding. If you're looking for more than just piste skiing, they're well worth a look.
New Generation Ski School is particularly popular with British visitors thanks to its friendly, English-speaking instructors and smaller group sizes. Many guests like the relaxed atmosphere and personalised approach, especially adults returning to skiing after a break or parents wanting lessons for their children.
Oxygène Ski & Snowboard School has built an excellent reputation for helping beginners feel comfortable while also offering coaching for intermediate and advanced skiers. They provide both group and private lessons, and their multilingual instructors are popular with international visitors.
You'll also find TDC Ski and a number of experienced independent instructors who specialise in private coaching, children's lessons and technical improvement.
Every school offers group lessons for both adults and children, which are a great way to meet other skiers while keeping costs down. If you'd rather learn at your own pace or have specific goals, private lessons are well worth considering. Many families also book one instructor for the whole family, allowing everyone to learn together regardless of age.
As a rough guide, group lessons usually cost around €250-€380 for six half-days, while private lessons generally start at around €75-€120 per hour, with full-day coaching costing approximately €450-€700, depending on the school and the time of year.
If you're a beginner, we'd strongly recommend booking before you travel, especially during school holidays. The most popular instructors and children's groups can fill up surprisingly quickly.
The ski schools aren't just for beginners, though. Tignes is one of the best places in Europe to improve your skiing. Advanced and expert skiers regularly book instructors to work on their carving, steeper terrain, moguls or simply to explore more of the Tignes–Val d'Isère ski area. If fresh snow arrives during your holiday, many schools can also arrange off-piste coaching or introduce you to a qualified mountain guide. It's one of the safest and most enjoyable ways to experience powder skiing while learning about avalanche awareness and mountain safety.
One of the advantages of booking through Chalets Direct is that you're often dealing directly with chalet owners and local operators who know the instructors personally. They can recommend a ski school that matches your ability, your children's ages or the type of holiday you're planning. That local knowledge is often worth just as much as reading online reviews.

One of the nice things about hiring your skis in Tignes is that you really are spoilt for choice. Whether you're staying in Le Lac, Val Claret, Lavachet, Tignes 1800 or Les Brévières, you'll never be far from a good ski hire shop, and because there are so many competing for your business, the standard is generally excellent.
You'll find familiar names such as Skiset, Intersport, Sport 2000, Precision Ski, Netski, Ski Republic, Snowberry, Ski One and a number of excellent independent rental shops. Most have been looking after skiers for many years, and they know that good service is just as important as good equipment. If something doesn't feel right, they genuinely want you to come back and let them know.
Most shops now carry the latest skis from brands such as Rossignol, Salomon, Head, Atomic, Nordica, Dynastar, Volkl and Blizzard. Whether you're a complete beginner looking for something forgiving or an experienced skier wanting high-performance carving skis, all terrain skis, or powder skis, you'll find plenty of choice.
In fact, one of the biggest advantages of hiring is that you're not tied to one pair of skis all week. If you wake up to 30cm of fresh snow, most shops are happy to swap your piste skis for something wider that floats better in powder. If conditions suit piste skiing later in the week, you can often change back to a narrower ski that's better suited to the hard-packed.
The same goes for testing skis. If you're thinking about buying a new pair when you get home, a week's holiday is a great opportunity to try different models before making such an expensive purchase.
If there's one piece of advice we'd give every skier, it's not to underestimate the importance of your ski boots. Comfortable boots can make a huge difference to your holiday. Boots that fit properly make an enormous difference, reduce fatigue and make learning much more fun.
That's why you shouldn't hesitate to go back if something doesn't feel quite right. Good rental shops expect this and will happily adjust your boots or swap them for another pair. It's far better to spend ten minutes changing your boots than spend six days skiing in discomfort.
Many shops now stock the latest BOA® Fit System ski boots. Instead of tightening the lower shell with traditional buckles, BOA uses a precision dial that wraps the boot evenly around your foot. Many skiers find they feel more comfortable, are quicker to adjust and provide a more consistent fit throughout the day. You'll also see more modern rear-entry boots, which have become increasingly popular with beginners because they're much easier to get on and off while still offering excellent support on the slopes.
Several ski hire companies in Tignes also offer equipment delivery to your chalet, apartment or hotel. They'll bring the boots and skis to you, make sure everything fits properly and collect it again at the end of your holiday. If you're travelling with children or a large group, it can save a surprising amount of time and make your first morning much more relaxed.
If you've booked through Chalets Direct, your chalet owner or local operator will often be able to recommend a ski hire shop they've worked with for years. Many have arranged discounts for guests, know which shops are particularly good with children or beginners, and can point you towards the best place depending on where you're staying.
Our final recommendation is a simple one. Don't rush the fitting. Spend a little extra time making sure your boots feel right and ask questions if you're unsure. The right equipment won't make you a better skier, but it will certainly help you enjoy your skiing more.

One of the biggest reasons people choose Tignes is simple – it has one of the longest and most reliable ski seasons in the Alps.
Most years, the main winter season starts in late November and continues right through until the first weekend in May. The exact opening and closing dates vary slightly from one winter to the next, depending on snowfall, weather conditions and planned lift maintenance, but you can usually count on around five and a half months of lift-served skiing.
The reason Tignes enjoys such a long season is its altitude. The villages sit between 1,550 and 2,100 metres, while the ski area reaches over 3,400 metres on the Grande Motte Glacier. That means temperatures stay colder than in many other resorts, helping the snow remain in excellent condition for much longer.
If you're planning a trip in December, you'll normally find the majority of the ski area open well before Christmas, with reliable snow thanks to both natural snowfall and an extensive snowmaking system.
January and February are usually when Tignes is at its very best. Cold temperatures keep the snow light and dry, and it's a fantastic time for everything from perfectly groomed pistes to off-piste adventures after fresh snowfall.
By March, the days become noticeably longer. You can often ski in bright sunshine while still enjoying excellent snow conditions, particularly on the higher slopes. It's one of our favourite times of year, especially if you enjoy sitting outside for lunch on a mountain terrace before heading back onto the slopes.
April can be great..Thanks to the resort's altitude, skiing often remains excellent while other lower resorts are beginning to wind down. The mornings are usually crisp, the afternoons warmer, and there's often plenty of snow right through to the end of the season.
If you're lucky enough to visit during the final weeks, you'll often enjoy quieter slopes, longer lunches in the sunshine with a relaxed atmosphere.
You may also hear people talk about summer skiing on the Grande Motte Glacier. For many years Tignes was famous for opening the glacier during the summer months for race teams and keen recreational skiers. In recent years, however, the effects of warmer summers and the need to protect the glacier have meant summer skiing has become much more limited and isn't guaranteed. If summer skiing is important to you, it's always worth checking the latest information before making plans.
One of the advantages of booking through Chalets Direct is that chalet owners and local operators know exactly what conditions have been like throughout the season. If you're wondering whether late November, April or even early May is a good time to visit, they can usually give you honest advice based on recent snowfall and what the mountain is looking like.
If snow reliability is high on your list, Tignes is difficult to beat. Its combination of altitude, modern lift system, excellent snowmaking and one of the longest seasons in France means you can book with confidence, whether you're chasing the first turns of winter or hoping to squeeze in one last ski holiday before summer arrives.