Skiing in Tignes

Tignes is a fantastic destination for skiers and snowboarders, with a huge range of runs to suit all levels and access to the wider Espace Killy ski area. You’ll find everything from wide open beginner slopes to challenging descents and exciting off-piste routes. The snow conditions are reliable throughout the season and the lift system is fast and efficient, so you can make the most of your time on the mountain. Whether you're learning the basics or looking for powder, Tignes has something for everyone.

At the end of the winter ski season, you can still enjoy glacier skiing during the summer in Tignes.

Modern winter biathlon is a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting that tests not only fitness but also patience and control. In Tignes you can try your hand at this Olympic sport. If you like cross-country skiing but want to add another challenge, then biathlon is the perfect way to escape into the natural, quiet surrounding mountains and then shoot stuff. Bit of a contradiction this one, but it's fun all the same.

The Espace Killy has a total of 44km of tracks dedicated to cross country skiing, half of which are in Tignes. No pass is needed, so once you have your equipment it is free to take part.

Enjoying the thrill of being on the pistes need not escape you if you're less mobile or have special physical needs. Resorts all over the Alps offer equipment and fully qualified guides to help you get the most out of your experience. 

Sit-ski, taxi ski, Vertiski, Handiski... whichever method you're used to, or would like to try there will be at least one ski school or activity company in Tignes that offers this service.

Heli-skiing is not permitted in France but there are a couple of companies in Tignes offering panoramic helicopter rides that include heliskiing. They pick you up in the resort and take you over the border into Italy or Switzerland from where you will ski down accompanied by a mountain guide. It is expensive, but definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Whether it's going up the pistes that most people normally ski down or tackling a backcountry route, ski touring and split boarding allow you to get off the beaten path while working a sweat up the slopes. A number of ski schools, private instructors and companies can show you around or, if you've got all the necessary knowledge, you can head out in your own group. 

Tignes has two snowparks at the top of the Grattalu chairlift, offering something for all levels. The main snowpark has red and black jumps for more advanced riders, while the Easy Park is perfect if you're just getting started or building confidence. You’ll also find a halfpipe, Gliss'Park and a boardercross course for even more variety.

Télémarking is a form of downhill skiing where you are only attached to the binding at the toe so, to turn, you have to lunge and bring your heel upwards. Talk to one of the ski schools or private instructors who can teach you how to télémark and take you out on excursions using this technique.

If this whets your appetite for more ski talk, check out our recommendations of the best pistes in Tignes. Take a look at this year's ski pass prices or, if you're not sure which pass to buy.