Tignes

France

During the winter months, Tignes along with its neighbouring resort of Val-d’-Isère, creates the ski area known as the Espace Killy. With over 300km (190 miles) of pistes, extensive off-piste, a fast & efficient lift system of 97 lifts including 2 high speed underground trains (funicular railways) and 5 free lifts for beginners it caters for everyone and it has become one of Europe’s premier resorts.

Due to its altitude Tignes has a very reliable snow record, and according to ‘The Good Ski & Snowboarding Guide’ Tignes/Val d’Isere is one of only two ski areas in France listed as ‘snow-sure resorts’.

To relax after a hard days skiing there are over 150 shops, 115 bars and the Lagon hosting a 25 metre pool, kid’s pool, water slides and a spa centre with sauna/jacuzzi/steam room and gym. New for 2013 was the Tignespace complex which hosts a climbing wall, indoor courts, sprint track and conference centre.

If you want to try something new, ice diving, dog sledding, hang gliding, skidoo riding, ice climbing, parascending, ski-joring (being pulled along by horses), skating, snowshoeing, indoor tennis, heli-skiing are all winter options.

Tignes is also a famous summer resort. There is great summer skiing with 16 ski lifts and over 20 km of runs and a vertical descent of over 750 m. The skiing area opens at 7am and closes around lunchtime when you see Tignes transformed into a free sports haven with volleyball, beach volleyball, basketball, football, tennis courts, table tennis, table football, skateboarders, BMXers, roller bladders, trampolines, bungee and a water slide for diving straight into the lake!

Over the summer Tignes also boasts the highest 18 hole golf course in Europe which winds its way around the picturesque lake. A great option is to buy a ski/golf ticket which allows you to ski in the morning and play golf in the afternoon.

To find Tignes click here