Restaurants, food and drink
As with many winter resorts in France, Tignes provides a grand gourmet experience. There are plenty of restaurants, both on the mountain and in the town, where you can sample the delicious, Savoyarde cuisine such as tartiflette and fondue. Typified by their use of cheese and potatoes, these regional specialities provide a filling and necessary meal after a heavy work out.
‘L'escale Blanche’ in the centre of Tignes le Lac serves a magnificent fondue, while ‘L'Alpage des Chaudannes’ at the top of the Chaudannes lift serves one of the tastiest tartiflettes on the mountains.
The ‘Aspen Coffee Shop’ in Val Claret is an American themed cafe with affordable food and a good range of burgers. A short walk from the pistes it is an ideal stop for lunch.
Alternatively ‘Tignes Cuisine’ which serves either noodles or burritos (an odd mix we know) is located at the end of the Trolles black run coming back from Val d’Isere. Why not reward yourself after taking on that challenging, steep piste?
There are plenty of new bars and restaurants opening this winter, the Panoramic restaurant is a fantastic choice for the gourmet lovers, serving baltic black beef to turbot cooked over a fire - it is sure to impress.
Après, bars and nightlife
Tignes is a lively resort with a great range of bars and clubs. ‘Loop Bar’, near the Toviere gondola, attracts a young crowd and is popular with off-duty seasonnaires and ski-bums. Their menu is pretty tasty too, especially the chilli nachos, and it makes a great stop off for lunch.
Those looking to have a more sedate après experience will enjoy ‘Grizzly’s Bar’ in Val Claret. Decorated in a very ‘bear’ fashion, as supposed to a very bare one, the benches in this establishment are lined with fur rugs and extra blankets are available. It’s a perfect place to cozy up with a hot rum chocolate.
Inside Bar in Val Claret is the newest addition, with a large terrace and a fantastic view of the Grand Motte glacier, it is a great apres spot - plus it is open until 2am most nights with live music, DJs and themed nights.
Shopping
There are plenty of small supermarkets dotted about Tignes for those staying on a self-catering basis and require groceries. Similarly, there are lots of shops selling souvenirs and postcards so you can bring gifts back home for those unfortunate enough not to join you on your holiday.
Equipment rental and sports shops are typically open until late in the day so you can maximise your time on the mountain before returning your equipment at the end of your last day.
Spas and relaxation
Visitors to Tignes who have booked a Tignes-Val d'Isère lift pass will have free access to the swimming pool at Le Lagon aquatic centre. The centre also provides wellness facilities such as Jacuzzis, saunas and a hamman which can be paid for locally.
In addition to Le Lagon many of the hotels and apartments in Tignes have luxury spa facilities available for their guests to use. These include the Village Montana Hotel and the Résidence le Telemark Apartments.
Arts, culture and events
The culture of Tignes is heavily focused around sport – winter sports in particular. Tignes has played host to the SFR Freestyle Tour for the past two years as well as the Ski Halfpipe World Cup Final. Non-sporting events held in the resort include a Christmas parade with fireworks and Santa Claus touring the local villages, as well as a Pop-Rock festival to herald the New Year.
Between the 9th-16th March the resort has a programme of demos, shows, music and tricks - the finals of the Big Air Ski World Cup and Slopestyle World Cup will be held in the resort. It is also the same week for the Winter Art Camp - artists from all over the world are presented with the challenge of customising a DC Snowboard, they will be on show at the Maison de Tignes Le Lac for public viewing.
Towards the end of March Tignes hosts Europe’s largest gay festival of winter sports – European Snow Pride. The festival features many après events and DJ sets as well as a pool party.
Tignes is a magical place when it snows but if you find you want to spend some time away from the slopes there are also plenty of other activities to keep you occupied. Here are just a few of our favourites, all of which are recommended by our local representatives.
Things to do in Tignes
Le Lagon
Treat yourself to an afternoon relaxing in the wonderful wellness area in Le Lac. With your lift pass it only costs about €12 for 90mins chilling and relaxing those achy ski legs away. There is also a fantastic recreational pool area here, and if relaxing isn’t your thing then the incredible fitness facilities will help you train for your next ski expedition.
Don’t forget your speedos!
Huskies
If you want to explore Tignes with four legged fluffy friends then take a dog sledging ride around the lake. Whizz around in two-person carriage enjoying the scenery. This is an incredibly popular excursion so make sure to book this with your resort representative as soon as you arrive as places can be limited.
Tignespace
Tignespace will keep you occupied with its state-of-the-art infrastructures in an exceptional setting. Its massive climbing walls and indoor football pitches make it perfect for white-out days when the snow is just too heavy to ski. It also includes a conference centre.
Ice diving
Tignes is one of the only resorts in France that provide free diving beneath the ice! An incredible opportunity for an underwater experience with a qualified instructor.
Ski jumping
If you're looking for a thrill ride, slide down a 30 km ski jump on your skis/snowboard wearing a bungee harness and land safely via zip wire!
Tobogganing and sledging
Swap your skis for a toboggan on the Pala'Fou Toboggan run! Alternatively, to add a bit of extra fun to sledging, try snow tubing! Slide down the slope on a giant rubber ring (3 years and above).
Plateau du Marais
The Plateau du Marais is a new viewing platform at 2425 metres offering panoramic views of the surrounding summits. Head up the Aiguille Rouge 6 seater chair lift to access the viewing platform.
First tracks
Be the first one up the mountain and enjoy a breakfast with a view, you can enjoy the exclusivity of being one of the first ones on the mountain. Please ask your representative for further details on how to book.
