Tignes is no ordinary alpine resort. Perched high in the Tarentaise Valley of the Savoie region, this snow-sure destination has built a reputation as a year-round hub for adventure, sport and high-altitude living.
For property buyers, Tignes offers a rare combination: reliable skiing from autumn through spring, high-performing rental potential, and the atmosphere of a bustling, well-connected mountain community.
The Haute Tarentaise is a territory renowned for its world-famous ski resorts
Why buy in Tignes?
Tignes’ defining feature is its altitude and extraordinary season length.
With its main resort villages perched at 2,100 metres, the resort sits above the tree line in a vast natural amphitheatre known locally as the Stade Naturel (Natural Stadium). This high setting ensures dependable snow cover from late autumn through to early May – making Tignes one of the most snow-sure destinations in Europe.
It’s not just an early-season fallback or late-season gamble; it’s a resort where the snow arrives reliably and lingers longer than almost anywhere else in the Alps.
Tignes forms one half of the Tignes–Val d’Isère ski area (formerly Espace Killy), offering over 300 km of pistes connected by a state-of-the-art lift system. This interlinked terrain is known for its scale, quality, and ease of navigation, creating a seamless skiing experience that rivals some of the largest ski domains in the world.
In summer, you can hike and paddleboard
From the Grande Motte glacier at 3,456 metres to the wooded valley runs down to Tignes-les-Brévières, the variety of skiing is immense: long red and blue cruisers for confident intermediates, technical blacks and steep couloirs for thrill-seekers, and dedicated freestyle zones and snowparks for younger or more adventurous visitors.
But what makes Tignes truly appealing to buyers is how this snow reliability and scale translates into real-world property benefits. A longer, more consistent season means better rental yields and less reliance on peak weeks. With skiing available from November through May – and even limited glacier skiing in summer – owners can generate income across more months of the year.
For buyers looking for more than a postcard-perfect ski holiday, Tignes offers a high-altitude, high-performance lifestyle with the infrastructure and snow security to match. Whether you’re buying for personal use, rental income, or both, it’s a resort where mountain returns go beyond the slopes.
Much of Tignes architecture was built after the artificial reservoir was constructed
Villages of Tignes
Tignes is a resort of five interlinked villages, each with its own character, charm, and property potential. Whether you’re seeking a vibrant après-ski lifestyle, traditional alpine tranquillity, or family-friendly convenience, Tignes offers a village to match your vision.
Val Claret and Tignes-le-Lac form the beating heart of the resort. Both are situated at 2,100 metres, ensuring ski-in/ski-out access for most properties and spectacular views over the surrounding peaks.
Val Claret is known for its energetic atmosphere and modern edge. It’s particularly popular with younger skiers, groups of friends, and international visitors who come for the extensive terrain and lively après-ski scene. Buyers here will find a good mix of apartment residences, many recently upgraded, as well as new-build luxury developments with spa and concierge services.
Val Claret’s location at the base of the Grande Motte glacier also means faster access to high-altitude skiing, making it ideal for early and late-season stays.
Tignes-le-Lac, by contrast, has a more rounded, family-oriented feel. Centrally located on the lake that gives it its name, it offers a blend of entertainment, amenities, and peaceful lakefront charm.
From its position, ski lifts radiate in several directions, offering excellent access to the whole ski area. The village is home to one of the resort’s main leisure centres, making it a strong option for families and wellness-focused buyers looking for year-round enjoyment.
Tignes le Lac is one of the most popular of the resort’s towns
Le Lavachet sits just west of Tignes-le-Lac and serves as a quieter, more residential enclave. It’s ideal for buyers seeking a more laid-back atmosphere without sacrificing proximity to the slopes.
Though smaller, La Lavachet’s well served by the resort’s free shuttle system, making it easy to move between villages. The property stock here tends to be more affordable, and buyers often find good value in this under-the-radar part of Tignes.
Lower down the valley lie Tignes Les Boisses (also known as Tignes 1800) and Tignes-les-Brévières, two villages offering a more traditional alpine feel and slower pace of life.
Tignes 1800 has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, with chalet-style buildings replacing older accommodation blocks, and new luxury residences drawing interest from buyers seeking a blend of modern comfort and rustic charm. It also houses a replica of the original village church, honouring the heritage lost when the original Tignes village was submerged during the construction of the hydroelectric dam.
Tignes-les-Brévières, located at 1,550 metres and below the dam, is the only surviving part of the original village. It remains a picturesque, authentic hamlet, with stone chalets, cosy restaurants, and a peaceful riverside setting. Popular with families and second-home buyers looking for a classic alpine ambiance, it’s connected to the higher resorts by a high-capacity gondola, making access to the full ski area easy and efficient even during peak times.
Whether you’re investing for rental potential, planning to relocate, or seeking a second home with access to world-class skiing, understanding the distinct personalities of Tignes’ five villages will help you choose the right setting.
Each offers a unique balance of lifestyle, scenery, and convenience – allowing buyers to tailor their alpine experience to their individual priorities.
In summer, you can hike and paddleboard
Year-round appeal
Tignes doesn’t shut its doors when the ski season ends. It thrives as a vibrant, high-altitude destination all year round.
While many alpine resorts wind down in spring, Tignes shifts gears – welcoming a new wave of visitors drawn by its summer sports, cool mountain air, and expansive outdoor offerings.
The Grande Motte glacier remains skiable during parts of the summer and autumn, offering a rare opportunity for snowsports enthusiasts to continue skiing into July.
Beyond the slopes, the mountains offer a completely different kind of adventure. Tignes transforms into an outdoor playground, with over 150km of marked hiking and mountain biking trails winding through alpine meadows, ridgelines, and glacier-fed valleys. For golfers, the resort boasts the second-highest 18-hole course in Europe – a dramatic layout carved into the mountainside with stunning views at every turn.
For more leisurely pursuits, summer in Tignes offers lake-side paddleboarding, kayaking, beach volleyball, and even an inflatable water park set against the striking mountain backdrop. The Palafitte sports centre in Tignes-le-Lac features indoor climbing, squash courts, trampolines and swimming, making it a year-round hub for families and fitness-focused visitors alike.
Whether you’re chasing winter powder or alpine sunshine, Tignes delivers – proving that high-altitude living isn’t just for the colder months.
Some of Tignes chalets have received an Alpine makeover in recent years
Architecture and atmosphere
Tignes isn’t your typical Alpine postcard – and it doesn’t try to be. Unlike the chocolate-box chalets of neighbouring Val d’Isère or Courchevel, much of Tignes was constructed during the 1960s and 70s, following the submersion of the original village to make way for the hydroelectric dam.
The result was a wave of utilitarian, high-rise apartment blocks designed with one goal in mind: to provide direct access to world-class skiing for as many people as possible.
This no-nonsense approach to architecture gave Tignes its distinctive look– functional, bold, and unapologetically modernist.
However, recent years have seen a welcome shift. Many of the older façades have been renovated, and new developments are embracing a more refined, Alpine aesthetic. Timber cladding, stone detailing, and softer rooflines now define the newest residences, helping to bridge the gap between modern convenience and mountain charm.
In villages like Tignes 1800 and Tignes-les-Brévières, new builds are being carefully integrated into the landscape, creating more cohesive, attractive environments that appeal to discerning property buyers.
The hydroelectric dam provides green energy to much of the resort
Off the slopes, Tignes boasts two large sports and leisure centres, complete with swimming pools, climbing walls, and wellness facilities. Spas and fitness suites are available in many hotels and residential buildings, offering everything from après-ski massages to altitude training sessions.
Families and visitors looking for indoor entertainment will also find tenpin bowling, cinemas, and even escape rooms.
When it comes to après-ski, Tignes may be more laid-back than its glitzier neighbour Val d’Isère, but it still knows how to unwind. The atmosphere is lively rather than ostentatious, with a good mix of slope-side bars, cosy pubs, and nightclubs.
In Tignes Val Claret, venues like Drop Zone and V Bar serve up post-ski drinks with a party atmosphere, while Blue Girl and Melting Pot carry the action late into the night, occasionally hosting international DJs.
Tignes-le-Lac, slightly more mellow in tone, is home to local favourites like The Marmot Arms and Loop Bar, offering a more relaxed après-ski experience with live music and lakefront views.
In short, while Tignes may not offer traditional alpine charm at first glance, it more than makes up for it with functionality, energy, and an ever-evolving commitment to modern mountain living.
Due to its height, Tignes is snowsure much later in the year
Tignes is best suited to buyers who prioritise access to serious skiing, snow reliability, and high-altitude living.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier, a family looking for consistent snow holidays, or an investor seeking a well-performing alpine property, Tignes offers a compelling blend of practicality, performance, and lifestyle.
For personalised guidance and to explore current opportunities in Tignes, get in touch with our property consultants today. We’ll help you find the right chalet or apartment to match your goals – and connect you with trusted currency specialists for seamless cross-border purchases.
