France Family Travel Guide Logo

Skiing pictureOur Favourite Resorts - Tignes... Set high in the Savoie Alps, Tignes is a superb, purpose built, ski in - ski out resort linked with Val d'Isère to create the l'Esapce Killy domaine which offers over 300km of pistes.  Although the resort is no particularly pretty, it is in a stunning setting.

Our likes/dislikes: Skiing is really convenient with most accommodation right on the pistes.  As the resort is high the snow is reliable and the large skiing area provides plenty of challenge for intermediate skiers.  There really is no need to cover the same ground twice!  On the down side it's not so good for beginners (although there are nursery slopes) and as it is a very popular resort if can get rather busy in the holiday season.

Help using France For Families

Booking your
Holiday

Factfile... (covering l'Espace Killy)
 

Resort height: 2100m - 3550m.

Access: 70km east of Albertville.  Lyons airport 4 hours.

Downhill runs: 79 blue, 36 red, 14 black

Size of domaine: 300km of maintained pistes

Snow cannon: 216 snow cannons

Lifts: 2 funicular, 4 cable cars, 4 gondolas, 48 chairlifts and 38 draglifts

Lift Pass: 181 Euros for adults.  Online purchase.

Office du Tourisme: Website.  For further information try this English website.

Where to stay...for enchanting views over the frozen lake we would recommend the LeLac area.  For convenient access to the best skiing areas you should look for accommodation in Val Clare (Heart of Val Claret is the best).  We adore the Hôtel Vanoise which is situated right on the pistes and offers fabulous French cuisine.  They have special all inclusive offers.  The club Hotel Tarrachu on the shore of LeLac has a good reputation - more basic, but a fantastic setting.

Which Region to Choose

Favourite French Sketches

 

Skiing Lessons:

 ESF (Ecole de Ski Francais) always seems very crowded in school holidays.  We can warmly recommend Evolution2.
 

Ski Equipment:  There's a plethora of ski hire shops in the valley.  You can book ahead using the Intersport website or just wait till you get to the resort and sort it out then.  We would recommend booking ahead if the intersport shops are close to your accomodation - it's one less thing to worry about.

Baby Sitting/Kindergarten: We have never used these facilities at this resort.  The Les Marmottons Jardin du Neige is likely to have a number of English speaking carers as this resort features in many package brochures.

Food Choice:  As there are so many apartments in this resort you will find a good choice of supermarkets.  There is a particularly large Sherpa.  The Bears is a very popular eatery so book ahead, especially on Friday night!  If you like Pizza you will find you are completely spoilt for choice with many options available.

Many thanks to the Harley family for this review of Tignes.

Other Comments:  If you are a family with children who can ski well this is an ideal destination as they will never tire of the various challenges available.