With Val d'Isère, Tignes forms part of the Espace Killy, widely considered amongst British skiers to host the best slopes in Europe. This, together with the fact that Tignes boasts a good snow record, makes it a highly popular destination for Brits.
Tignes is actually three resorts in one. Nestled in the pines is Les Boisses, and Le Lac, appropriately enough, located around a stunning lake combine with the highest of the three, Val Claret to make Tignes a uniquely varied skiing experience.
One of the highest resorts in Europe, snow is plentiful and high altitude skiing on the Grande Motte glacier gives it extra appeal.
The ski area is large and varied, with several difficulty-level routes. The more strenuous of which will test the experienced skier, while the lighter slopes suit the beginner down to the ground.
A pleasant selection of blue runs can be found at The Grand Motte glacier, but if overcast it can be extremely cold.
Bellevarde, with its challenging black runs, is the pick of the crop for intermediates, while advanced skiers and boarders have at their disposal an assortment of steep slopes, deep gullies and cliffs.
Tignes' excellent lift system allows skiers to link to its neighbour resort, Val d'Isère easily.
Apart from the main sporting and fitness alternatives, the resort's facilities include a cinema showing two films daily - some films in English, some French, and Europe's highest bowling alley, with nine lanes.
The resort itself was built in the 1960s and is a bit of an eyesore, but the £35 million makeover it's currently undergoing should make it more appealing. But those who travel to Tignes are doing so for the skiing, not the architecture.
Tignes is busiest in the English half term and during the French holidays which run from mid-February to mid-March. Nightlife isn't what it's famous for, but there are lots of bars such as Harri's Bar, the Wobbly Rabbit and clubs like Blue Girl Disco and Les Caves Du Lac disco.
As a result of its popularity, it's also an experience that may leave your pockets much lighter! But with 300km-worth of slopes, 97 lifts and two snowboard parks, the ardent skier may well find it worth the dosh.
Equidistant to Geneva in Switzerland and Lyon in France - both two and a half hour transfers away - Tignes takes some getting to. It is, however, a proven gem and, once the redevelopment is completed, promises to be one of Europe's most sought after skiing destinations.
Tignes tourism website
Address: BP 51, F-73321 Tignes, Savoie, France
Telephone: 0033 479 400 440
Fax: 0033 470 400 315
information@tignes.net
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