Tignes

Town Centre

Summary
Tignes is a large and very convenient purpose-built ski resort, not exactly known for its beautiful architecture and village charm, but that is not what you come for. It is the massive ski area that attracts ski fanatics to Tignes all year round. The five small villages of Tignes are contained within the ski area and you can get to the door of most accommodation and even the bars and restaurants!

Tignes Val Claret is the highest village (2,100m), the famous Grand Motte glacier is just minutes away via the speedy underground funicular. The two other main villages are Tignes le Lac and le Lavachet, both at high altitude with easy access to the skiing area. All villages are linked by free buses 24 hours a day should you ski down to the wrong one!

History
Since the 13th century, Tignes was made up of two small farming communities. However, 1952 the hydro-electric dam was built, creating Lac Du Chevril, which completely buried the original village! The dam was supposed to provide 10% of France's electricity. However, France soon joined the nuclear age and the dam was never used. Every 10 years the lake is drained, the last time was 2000, and you can walk around the remains of the old village. The lake is now used to charge up a 'battery' to store energy that would provide the ski resort with power, should its existing supply fail. The dam has become a landmark for Tignes and now has a huge figure of Hercules painted on its walls known as, "The Giant of Tignes."

The Espace Killy ski area was named after Jean-Claude Killy, the famous French skier, who won 3 gold medals in the 1968 Olympics in Grenoble. Espace Killy has a history of hosting the most prestigious events. The 1992 Albertville Olympics saw a number of events being held in the Espace-Killy range. Tignes hosted the freestyle skiing competition and Val d'Isere hosted the prestigious Giant Slalom, Super G and downhill events. This tradition continued last year with the World Skiing Championships.

Nightlife and Activities
There is plenty of nightlife on offer to suit all tastes! In Tignes Val Claret, head to Crowded House for a good pub atmosphere. For a more lively night, head to The Yorin which is a Dutch bar that does special promotions and is where you will find lots of bar dancing going on! Also try Blue Girl or Sub Zero for late night dancing. The Grizzly is cosy and full of character. Each chair and bar has been hand-carved by the owner and covered with bear skin. In Tignes le Lac and Lavachet there's more still. Censored, which used to be Harri's Bar, is popular with seasonaires for live music and themed parties. The Alpaka serves good cocktails with comfy sofas, (don't trip up on the wolf hound on the stairs on the way to the loo!) Or, if you are up for a more sophisticated night, head to Kawama or Angels Bar for wine drinking.

Other Things to Do
Paragliding, ice skating, two cinemas, bowling, sleigh rides with huskies, ice diving (yes diving through a hole in the ice covered lake), heli-copter ride over glacier. NEW Aqua Centre in Tignes le Lac with 3 pools, 4 slides, hydro-massage, jacuzzis, steam room and a gym.

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Ski Ability

Beginners
Will love the easy access to the pistes, no walking in ski boots! There are great beginner green slopes and good snow on the glacier to learn on. Plus, there is an easy escape for urgent hot chocolate stops!

Intermediates
This is an awesome area for intermediates. From wide open blues to narrow, natural half pipes to steeper red runs with mogul options, or simply stick to the long sunny cruisers! The pistes are perfect with exciting variations. Tignes is a great place to challenge yourself from progressing from an intermediate to expert level. If you want to try to ski powder for your first time, head over to 'The Signal' piste after a dump of snow as it is a beautiful undulating blue run. You may never go back to the groomed piste again!

Experts
From the Grand Motte there is spectacular glacial terrain with fine powder opportunities. The Leisse is a challenging tight black run, often with bumps and some great off piste. Tignes has fine steep chutes, including the infamous Couloir Deux. Try the Sache run, a glorious steep black, often with great snow and no people - perfect. Tignes is an excellent destination for experts.

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