Tignes

Tignes is a high-altitude ski resort in the French Alps, located in the Tarentaise Valley, Savoie region. It is part of the Espace Killy ski area, which it shares with Val d'Isère, offering a vast and varied terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Overview:

Tignes is composed of five distinct villages: Val Claret, Tignes le Lac, Le Lavachet, Tignes les Boisses, and Tignes les Brévières. Each village possesses a unique character and atmosphere, ranging from the purpose-built, modern architecture of Val Claret to the more traditional charm of Les Brévières. The resort is known for its snow-sure conditions due to its high altitude (reaching 3,456 meters at the Grande Motte glacier) and glacier skiing opportunities year-round.

History:

The original village of Tignes was submerged in 1952 when the Tignes Dam and Lac du Chevril (artificial lake) were created to provide hydroelectric power. A new village, Tignes le Lac, was built higher up the mountain to replace the original settlement. The construction of the dam remains a controversial topic in the region's history.

Skiing and Snowboarding:

Tignes offers over 300 kilometers of pistes, catering to a wide range of abilities. Beginner areas are located in each village, while more advanced skiers and snowboarders can enjoy challenging off-piste terrain and steep slopes. The Grande Motte glacier offers summer skiing, making Tignes a year-round destination for snow sports enthusiasts. The Espace Killy area, combined with Val d'Isère, significantly expands the available terrain.

Other Activities:

Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Tignes offers a variety of other activities, including ice skating, snowshoeing, ice diving in the lake, and paragliding. The resort also features a sports and wellness center, "Le Lagon," with swimming pools, saunas, and other facilities.

Accessibility:

Tignes is accessible by road and is served by several airports in the region, including Geneva, Lyon, and Grenoble. Transfers from the airports to Tignes are available by bus, taxi, or private transfer.

Controversy:

The aforementioned creation of the Tignes Dam and subsequent flooding of the original village remains a significant point of contention for some, as it resulted in the displacement of the local population and the loss of a historical landmark. The dam itself, however, is a feat of engineering and a crucial source of energy.