If Courchevel and Megève can claim to be the most stylish ski station, and Chamonix with the first Winter Olympic Games and the Alpe d’Huez with the first ski lift can pretend to be the earliest one, Tignes is for sure, among all these worldly renowned station, the most active, innovative and dynamic one. Nestled in the Haute Tarentaise valley, in Savoie, it spreads over the high summits of Vanoise, from 1550 to 3456 metres above sea level.

Its performances are unrivalled, first in the long term. Indeed, it is possible to ski 11 months in the year in Tignes, the longest opening period in France. Winter is coming from September and ends in May, but during summer, the Grande Motte glacier can be reached via the Perce-neiges funicular in 7 minutes, whereas the cable car allows to get close to 3500 metres high. Summer skiing experience is unique, under the warm sun of July or August, perfect for the whole family or for rubbing shoulders with the greatest athletes training there. 

Beside the heights, Tignes also stands out for its expanse, with the Espace Killy, aka “the world’s most beautiful skiing area”, connecting Val d’Isère to constitute 300 kms of slopes. It is the place for thrills, from amateurs slopes to dizzying black ones, but also a huge off-piste potential, without forgetting the snow cover quality, as most slopes are located over 2200 metres high. The beginners are not leftovers, as soft and free ski-lifts and fun tracks are available to learn with serenity and pleasure.

Last, the variety of leisure activities is another key point as numerous equipments allow many activities besides skiing. The Lagon is a well-being aquatic area in the heart of the mountains, open since 2007. Tignespace, since 2013, offers 3500 m2 of team sports fields, racket sports courts, running tracks, a climbing wall, a golf simulator, judo, danse, yoga, fencing and bodybuilding rooms, but also a modern and adjustable conference centre. And don’t forget all the possibilities out in the nature : Mountain bike all year round, ice scuba diving, paragliding, snowmobile or ice karting…

Elected as the greatest sport ski station by the Equipe magazine, Tignes does not forget to offer different atmospheres in different places to stay. Les Brevieres opens the valley, 1550 metres high, with authentic cabins and a Savoy village character. At the top, above 2000 metres high, Le Lac is the effervescent centre of activities, and Val-Claret gathers all the night birds in its brasseries, bars and clubs for a cosmopolitan and party atmosphere.

But between them, 1800 metres high, another new prominent place was born in 2013, The Boisses village. Using Savoy architectural lines to conserve the spirit of wood and stone, this new top-end living place offers a unique quietness in a natural environment while enjoying all the pleasures of Tignes. The recent Boisses 8-seat telecabin allows this opportunity, offering a direct access to the station heart, but also to go back to the village on skis, to appreciate its own shops and restaurants.