Posted on 21 April 2021
The first thing to know about Tignes ski resort in France is that it is the perfect place for your skiing holidays, and if you are looking at buying a ski chalet or apartment, the destination should also be on your list. Whether you want to learn to ski or somewhere for weekends away, Tignes stands forward as one of the best resorts in the Alps and European ski resorts.
Indeed, the town’s high-standard and surrounding ding villages make it an ideal holiday destination for relaxation and hitting the slopes. In this mountain guide, we give the lowdown on why it stands out for skiing and snowboarding holidays and on France‘s property market.
Mountain Guide to Tignes in France
Where is Tignes in the Alps?
Tignes French ski resort sits within the Tarentaise Valley of the southeast Alps. This belongs to the Rhone Alpes region, which sits at a high altitude, offering up an exceptional good ski season. Also known as the Grand massif, it connects to Val D’Isère resort through the Espace Killy ski area.
How Far is Tignes from Geneva Airport?
The total distance from Geneva airport to Tignes is 221 kilometres. If driving, this is a transfer time of nearly 3 hours. Although this seems long, skiing, and snowboarding fans agree that it is worth it for better snowfall and a more extended season.
Skiing Features and Facilities
Tignes connects to the Espace Killy ski area so that skiers can expect the best. As well as the slopes, they can partake in other winter sports like sledging, snowshoeing, freestyle, heliskiing, cross-country skiing, off-piste skiing, and snowboarding. Beginners can sign up for private ski lessons or attend a ski school for group lessons. Twenty-two chairlifts and a gondola lift system connect both resorts with the ski areas. Lastly, skiers adore Tignes because of the ski runs stretching for 300 kilometres, of which Grand Motte is the longest. Don’t worry about snowfall during the low season either because Espace Killy has more than 800 snow cannons. Find out more about Espace Killy ski area.
What to do in Tignes Apart from Skiing
Tignes stands out as a holiday destination because it offers a wide range of things to do off the ski slopes. Childcare facilities are available should mum and dad want some alone time, otherwise, the ice rink offers up skating, and kids adore the Tobogganing run. The whole family will enjoy the ten-pin bowling, and the local tourist office will let you know about nearby landmarks that are worth exploring. Sledging and paragliding are two other alpine activities in Tignes.
Summer in France
Many people assume ski trips are what the alps are all about, but Tignes can boast it is one resort to take advantage of the sunshine by turning itself into a dual season resort. There is a short summer skiing season in Tignes, but the community agenda focuses on outdoor activities once the snow conditions lesson. Hiking and trekking in the area are popular, but the favoured activity is mountain biking. After all, there is no better place to do it than among the peaks of Espace Killy and neighbouring Val D’Isère. The list of things to do on your summer chalet holiday is endless, including golf, fishing, archery, yoga, kayaking and a skating park. For anyone looking for a buy-to-let investment, Tignes stands out to maximise your occupancy rate.
5 Villages of Tignes
Les Brévières: Offering an authentic Savoyard ambience, think small boutique ski accommodation hotels and stone chalets to understand the charm. Dating from the 13th century, it is the lowest village in Tignes, and a cable car easily connects it to ski runs. For family ski holidays, chose Les Brévières because of a low-key nightlife scene.
Les Boisses – Tignes 1800: Sitting at a lower altitude, Les Boisses is also low key, but beginners prefer it, and in recent years, development in ski apartments has attracted more visitors. Renamed Tignes 1800, skiers and snowboarders on a budget would do well to choose this village, but you do not have to compromise on getting about to decent terrain thanks to the Le Lac bus and Aiguille Peerce chairlift.
Le Lavachet: Hardcore skiers and expats love snowy Le Lavachat, which shines through thanks to its dining scene offering traditional brunch and evening meals. For those booking into luxury ski chalets, a decent range of shops provides everything you need for meals at home. Use the Paquis and Chaudanne chairlifts to access the slopes or catch buses that run to nearby Val Claret and Le Lac.
Le Lac: This central hub attracts beginners because of numerous ski schools, while property hunters also choose it because of a wide range of shops and facilities. Getting about to nearby top ski resorts is quickly done from the central bus station, and this is where the highest concentration of things to do off the slopes are located.
Val Claret: For a lively nightlife and apres-ski scene, choose Val Claret, the highest village at 2300 metres. Naturally, this attracts experienced skiers and snowboard fans, and the bottom town gives easy access to Grand Motte Funicular and Tichot chair lifts. The top half is where to head to prop your skis up in the broadest choice of restaurants and bars.
About Us
We are Skiing Property, a real estate agent specialising in apartments and chalets for sale in Tignes and other mountain resorts of France. We can testify that when it comes to alpine real estate, you can expect the best. Apartments and chalets feature modern amenities like ski-in ski-out, sauna, terrace, log fire, en suite, jacuzzi, open plan living spaces, and new builds in some resorts in line with the traditional Alpine architecture. If you would like to buy property, start by browsing our listings. Each contains all details to know, including location, price, home features and contact details to enquire or find out more.
Other Ski Resorts in France
If you want to know more about Tignes and other alpine destinations in France, our skiing holiday blog will be interesting. Focusing on more of the best ski resorts in France like Meribel, Morzine, Alpe d’Huez, Chamonix, Avoriaz, Les Deux Alpes, Les Arcs, Courchevel, Les Gets and Chamonix Mont Blanc, they include lots of useful information for any skier looking to buy an Alpine apartment or chalet.