Tignes

Sitting at 2100m above sea level in the Tarentaise Valley, the resort of Tignes is one of the most famous in the world, let alone Europe. Linked with Val d’Isère to form the Espace Killy, the ski area boasts over 300km of piste, two snow parks, two glaciers, excellent beginner areas and some of the best off-piste terrain this side of the Atlantic. Post-war development in France required a huge amount of electricity, so the decision was made to build an enormous dam and flood the old farming village of Tignes in 1952. The ‘Lac de Chevril’ reservoir was created and water ran down to the hydroelectric plant in the valley below. Five years later, the remaining residents, who had moved slightly further up the valley to the new (and existing) village of Tignes, decided to capitalise on the growing popularity of skiing and build a ski resort. Tignes itself is split into five areas. Les Brévières sits beneath the dam at 1550m and is the most charming village. Les Boisses is just next to the reservoir, and is the smallest and quietest of the five. Up in Tignes proper, you’ll find Le Lavachet, Le Lac and Val Claret. All three have absolutely fantastic access to the skiing, although Le Lac and Val Claret are certainly the liveliest. A funicular railway from Val Claret provides access to the Grande Motte glacier, the...