landmark
Lac de Tignes
Freezes solid in winter for ice diving. Converts into a watersports hub during July and August.
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Tignes
High-altitude purposeful skiing built above a drowned valley.
introduction
Overview
Tignes trades Alpine charm for raw altitude and guaranteed snow. High-density concrete towers sit at 2,100 metres, prioritizing direct slope access over traditional architecture. Free shuttle buses connect five distinct village bases spread along the valley floor.
Arrival transfer
Take the train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice station. Board the direct Altibus route up the mountain pass.
National park boundary
The resort sits directly on the edge of the Vanoise National Park, sharing terrain with Val d'Isère.
Pass strategy
Buy the joint Tignes-Val d'Isère lift pass to access 300 kilometres of connected ski pistes.
Tignes
Jmex · CC BY-SA 3.0
Tignes 1800 — Rebuilt quiet satellite village styled with wood and stone chalets.
Tiia Monto · CC BY-SA 4.0
Tartiflette made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, and lardons.
Benoît Prieur · CC0highlights
Highlights
landmark
Tignes Dam
The 180-metre Chevril dam flooded the original village in 1952. View the giant Hercules mural painted on its face.
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landmark
Perce-Neige Funicular
Transports 3,000 people per hour underground to 3,032 metres. Departs directly from Val Claret.
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On the map
areas
Where life happens
Tignes Val Claret
High-energy hub at 2,100m with dense brutalist towers and late-night venues.
Late nightlifeGlacier accessCar-free
ContrapartidaConcrete buildings block sunlight early in the afternoon.
PertoPerce-Neige funicular and Tufs chairlift.
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Tignes Le Lac
Central administrative base with wide lake views and family facilities.
Family servicesLake viewsBus hub
ContrapartidaWalking between opposite ends of the village requires uphill effort.
PertoLe Lagon pool and Tovière gondola.
Perguntar ao ParleyTignes 1800
Rebuilt quiet satellite village styled with wood and stone chalets.
Chalet styleQuiet nightsTree slopes
ContrapartidaRequires a bus ride to reach higher altitude nightlife.
PertoBoisses gondola and church replica.
Perguntar ao ParleyTignes Les Brévières
Traditional hamlet at 1,550m surrounded by pine forests.
Rustic charmTree-lined trailsLower altitude
ContrapartidaSnow conditions on return runs deteriorate earlier in spring.
PertoSache gondola and Chevril dam.
Perguntar ao Parleyfood
Savoyard fuel and high-altitude dining
Tignes offers hearty Alpine cuisine built on melted local cheese, cured meats, and potatoes. Restaurants at 2,100 metres focus on dense meals designed for high physical output. Tartiflette, fondue savoyarde, and raclette dominate local menus across every village sector.
Tartiflette made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, and lardons.
Benoît Prieur · CC0- Lunch rush
Mountain restaurants peak between 12:30 and 14:00. Reserve morning tables or ski through to eat after 14:15.
- Local pasta
Order Croziflette, a local variation replacing sliced potatoes with square buckwheat Crozets pasta.
- Grocery markups
Supermarkets in Val Claret charge elevated prices compared to valley stores in Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
history
A short history
Tignes was reborn out of necessity after hydro-engineering displaced the original settlement. Modern development moved intentionally higher up the mountain to capture reliable snowpack.
- 1952
Drowning of Old Tignes
The construction of the Chevril Dam submerge the old village of Tignes, forcing the relocation of 87 families up the mountain.
- 1956
First lifts open
Ski infrastructure expands near Le Lac, establishing the modern high-altitude resort.
- 1989
Perce-Neige funicular
The underground funicular opens, bringing skiers from Val Claret to 3,032m in seven minutes.
- 1992
Winter Olympics host
Tignes hosts the freestyle skiing events for the Albertville 1992 Winter Games.
where to stay
Where to stay
Choose your village base by budget, night energy, and architectural style. Lower villages offer chalet charm, while high-altitude hubs offer direct slope access.
- Chalet seekersTignes 1800 — Traditional wood design away from towers.
Live rates, matched to the areas above.
Les Suites – Maison Bouvier
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Hôtel Le Diamond Rock
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Le Paquis
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Hotel Le Ski D'or
Perguntar ao Parleytransport
Getting around
Tignes operates a free shuttle bus network connecting all village levels day and night. Private cars require paid parking garages.
De Bourg-Saint-Maurice Train Station
- Public Bus45 min€12 - €14
Regular regional service (Cars Région). Advance booking recommended on peak winter weekends.
- Taxi45 min€90 - €130
Night and Sunday surcharges apply. Can access unloading zones in pedestrian areas.
- Shared Shuttle45-60 min€20 - €35
Timed with major train arrivals during ski season. Must be booked in advance.
Outdoor and covered parking in Tignes Le Lac and Val Claret requires paid bookings during winter.
Regular regional buses connect Bourg-Saint-Maurice train station to Tignes in 45 minutes.
Val Claret operates pedestrian zones; drop gear at unloading zones then park in designated lots.
cost
What things cost
High elevation raises transport costs for goods. Expect elevated prices across mountain dining and groceries.
- Adult Ski Pass: €65 – €72
Daily lift pass price covers the combined Tignes and Val d'Isère domain.
- Coffee on slopes: €3.50 – €5.00
Espresso prices increase with altitude at mountain-top restaurants.
- Fondue per person: €28 – €40
Standard Savoyard dinner price in village restaurants.
- Valley Transfer Bus: €12 – €16
One-way bus fare from Bourg-Saint-Maurice train station.
seasonality
When to go
MAR – MAY
Long daylight and high snow depth. Lower village slopes soften by late April.
Movimento
Snow
JUN – AUG
Glacier skiing operates in early morning. Mountain biking and water sports dominate.
Movimento
Snow
SEP – NOV
Resort undergoes maintenance. Lifts remain quiet until autumn glacier skiing opens.
Movimento
Snow
DEC – FEB
Peak winter snow coverage. High season brings heavy ski traffic on main arterial lifts.
Movimento
Snow
practicalities
Good to know
- Altitude adjustment
Resort villages rest at 2,100 metres. Drink extra water during your first two days.
- High UV exposure
Sun reflection at 3,000 metres causes skin burns quickly even on overcast days.
- Lagon free access
Multi-day ski passes include entry to Le Lagon swimming pool in Le Lac.
- Card terminals
Mountain huts take cards, but severe alpine weather occasionally interrupts cellular terminal links.
- Off-piste gear
Carry a beacon, probe, and shovel whenever skiing unpisted terrain beyond marked boundaries.