Our team headed to Tignes on our end of season team trip in April 2025. Read all about our trip including where we stayed, where we skied, what we ate and where you could stay too.
Getting to Tignes
Of course, we are big fans of driving or getting the train to the Alps here at Peak Retreats and Tignes is easily accessible via these options. It’s about a 9.5 hour drive from Calais and approximately 35 minutes away from the train station at Bourg St Maurice.
However on a tight schedule, flying was our best option for this trip. We flew from Gatwick to Geneva where we picked up hire cars which would take us to Tignes. Tignes is made up of 4 separate villages, each with its own identity and vibe.
Our Tignes accommodation
We stayed in the 4* self-catered apartments, Le Telemark, in Tignes Le Lac. We arrived at the residence late afternoon and were able to check in straight away. After unloading our luggage, we moved our cars to the underground car park, which is payable locally (don't forget to ask the Peak Retreats team to reserve your space).
After that we went to collect our ski hire from the Sport 2000 shop which was an easy 10-minute walk away. The hire shop was quiet and we were seen to straight away.
A little more about Le Telemark
The residence is located in a quiet location in Tignes Le Lac, just a 10 minute walk from the resort centre. There is a Sherpa supermarket a 5-minute walk away which is stocked with everything you’d need for a week of self-catering.
The apartments range in size from a 1 bedroom which sleeps 2-4 people up to a 5 bedroom which sleeps 10-12 people. We were spread across a range of 2 to 4 bedroom apartments. They were all spacious, comfortable and well-equipped. Things like the heated towel rail, hairdryer and coffee machine help to give the feeling of a home from home.
| Nicola ~ "The residence operates a bakery delivery service for bread and pastries in the morning. Well worth doing for fresh baked goods delivered right to your door!" |  |
Le Telemark apartment
The residence also has its own wellness area which includes a heated swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room and fitness room. This was lovely to visit after a day on the slopes and always popular with our clients who have children too.
| Marie-Anne ~ “The indoor heated pool was lovely, just the right temperature and very quiet during the day. The views of the snowy mountains can only encourage a few more lengths… and finish off with a soak in the hot tub for a really relaxing finish.” |  |
Le Telemark pool and wellness area
The Skiing in Tignes-Val d'Isere
Visitors to Tignes are fortunate to be able to access the large, combined ski area of Tignes-Val d’Isere, offering 300km of pistes! We had a range of abilities in our group. Here is what some of the team had to say, according to ski level...
The Tignes-Val d'Isere ski area
Beginner
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Harry ~ "Our trip to Tignes was my first ski trip and going in as a complete beginner, it was slightly daunting. However, my ESF instructor Robert made sure that I was able to pick things up quickly and by the end of my first day on the slopes, I had completed the basics and even reached the top of a small chairlift which I was able to comfortably ski back down from." |
Intermediate
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Alison ~ “Tignes le lac is a great base from which to explore this vast ski area. For those who love cruisy blues there are plenty (and up high too) so you can really make the most of the different sectors. My favourite was Henri which takes you down into Tignes Val Claret. Going in April meant we had the treat of seeing marmottes coming out of their winter hibernation! There is so much to ski that I’ll definitely be back!” |
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Jack ~ “As an early intermediate skier, Tignes and Val d’Isère were such a superb experience with a multitude of choice of slopes. There were plenty of comfortable blues and do-able reds for getting about the ski area and seeing all the gorgeous landscapes, as well as the odd, easy green which made a refreshing change! It also seemed like it would be a fantastic place for far more experienced skiers, with some (for me) eye-watering black slopes and seemingly a plethora of choice for the off-pisters.” |
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Yulia ~ “Tignes has long been a big favourite of mine, it’s impossible not to be in awe of its endless white slopes and vibrant resort life. There is something for everyone here whether your thing is slowly cruising on gentle blues or adrenaline rush of off piste.” |
Advanced
| Jess ~ “Tignes was on my love to ski list, and it did not disappoint. Though it was truly end of season we were lucky with some overnight snowfall and despite being your classic spring heavy snow it was still a great ski day. Being the first people skiing down a black run after the Pisteurs was amazing, just floating on untouched powder!” |  |
The food and après
Husky
One our first evening in Tignes, we opted to have dinner in our apartments. This started with convening in the biggest apartment for an aperitif – a drink and a few nibbles. After that, we decanted to our separate apartments for dinner. Dinner was a delicious meal from the in-resort delivery service, Huski.
All dietary requirements were catered for and we ate one of two delicious dishes – pork dijon and mushroom stroganoff with rice and vegetables followed by a selection of cakes. Huski meals are delivered frozen and can be easily cooked in the microwave or oven. This is a great option if you don’t fancy cooking.
Eating out
We were very fortunate to be able to eat at several restaurants for lunches and dinners over the course of our stay. Here’s what the team had to say...
| Jack ~ “Even in its final couple of weeks of the winter season, Tignes itself still seemed to have plenty of lively bars and restaurants.” |
| Alison ~ “I loved the relaxed atmosphere in Tignes Le Lac, at L’Escale Blanc (a gorgeous lunch spot on the snow front) they handed out sombreros to keep the sun off skiers’ faces! And their goat’s cheese salad was incredible. We also just had to drop into the original Folie Douce for some après.” |
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Lyndsey ~ “For a lunch time pit stop right at the bottom of Le Lac slopes, I really enjoyed the food at ‘L'Escale Blanche’. There was plenty on the menu such as your Savoyard favourites, salads and pizza. I chose the carpaccio of beef which was delicious.” |
Eating on the terrace at L'Escale Blanche
Cheese feast at L'Arti restaurant
| Jess ~ “Cheese, Cheese and more Cheese, a must do when in France. We were treated to a Fondue and Raclette evening at L’Arti restaurant. My lactose intolerant self did pop a couple lactaids in preparation, I refuse to miss out! It was an impressive and delicious array of cheeses, charcuterie and of course wine.” |
| Yulia ~ “Cheese dinner one night is always a must, as is a quick dance on the table at La Folie Douce!” |
| Nicola ~ “We had a delicious lunch in Cœur des Neiges in Tignes Le Lac. As well as savoyarde favourites, they also had some lighter salad dishes. I enjoyed a fresh poke bowl.” |
| Harry ~ “I was very excited for the food and it didn’t disappoint. The Fondues and Raclettes of local cheeses were amazing but the best dish was saved for our last night at Hotel Le Levanna in their restaurant on the main snow front where we enjoyed a succulent duck breast in a red wine reduction.” |
Weather and conditions
We travelled to Tignes in late April. There had been a good dump of snow the previous week and conditions on the pistes were exceptional. We had some snow over night between our first and second day of skiing which gave a lovely dusting of powder to ski on the next day.
| Jess ~ “Barely a cloud in sight the days we were there, my goggle sunburn can prove that, blue bird days every day was a blessing we did not waste.” |
What we visited and where you could stay
As well as getting to experience everything that the resort has to offer, another primary purpose of these visits is to quality check accommodation. Here are the properties we visited on our trip...
Kalinda - Tignes 1800
4* self-catered apartments:
- Everything you need right on the doorstep
- Swimming pool and large separate children's pool
- Near large beginners area
Lodge des Neiges – Tignes 1800
4* superior self-catered apartments:
- Easy access to the slopes
- Everything you need right on the doorstep
- Gorgeous views from the gym and wellness area
4* superior self-catered apartments and hotel rooms:
- Ski straight from the residence
- In the heart of the resort
- Lovely views over the resort
Cap Neige – Tignes Le Lac
4* self-catered apartments:
- Modern, high end apartments
- Great location, close to slopes and village centre
- Swimming pool
Yeti – Tignes Le Lac
4* self-catered apartments:
- Range of sizes, sleeping up to 18 people
- Modern decor with quirky touches
- Great location, close to ski lift and village centre
Hotel Voulez Vous
5* hotel:
- Sophisticated and beautifully appointed hotel
- Just 50m from the slopes
- Sunny terrace overlooking the lake
| Chelsea ~ “I loved visiting Cap Neige - a small, modern residence in a great location in Tignes Le Lac. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the lifts and right by the resort centre, close to many restaurants and shops. Some of the apartments look out across the slopes and the lake, definitely worth considering if you want comfort, convenience and great views all in one!” |  |
La Ferme du Val Claret
4* self-catered apartments:
- Located at the foot of the slopes
- Cosy reception area
- Access pool and wellness area at nearby Nevada
Hotel Le Levanna
4* hotel:
- Ski-in/ski-out
- Lovely bar and separate restaurant with views over the lake
- Sophisticated decor
Hotel Club Val Claret
4* all-inclusive hotel:
- Ski-in/ski-out
- Kids clubs and family entertainment
- Savoyard restaurant and panoramic restaurant
Ynycio
4* luxury self-catered apartments:
- Fantastic location right on the slopes
- Wellness area featuring outdoor hot tub
- Panoramic views
4* superior self-catered apartments:
- Centre of Tignes Val Claret
- Large indoor pool and wellness area
- 150m from the slopes
Le Jhana
4* self-catered apartments:
- Ski-in/ski-out
- Small residence with 2 and 3 bedroom apartments
- Resort centre
| Chelsea ~ “One accommodation that really stood out to me was Le Jhana in Val Claret. Tucked just above the main village, it’s one of the best ski in/ski out locations I’ve come across, with direct access to the Bollin lifts and Grande Motte funicular. The apartments are spacious and well-equipped, with guests also having access to the nearby wellness facilities at Le Nevada. If you’re after easy slope access without compromising on comfort, this is one for your list!” |
Final thoughts
| Harry ~ “Overall a great trip and Tignes is somewhere I would recommend for everyone given it has brilliant scenery and loads to do.” |
| Jack ~ “La Folie Douce, sitting above the resort of Val d’Isère, was a must-visit and was surprisingly easy to access! I would absolutely love to come back to Tignes in the future to ski and I couldn’t recommend it enough.” |
Book your Tignes ski holiday
Are you ready to book your Tignes ski holiday or would you like to pick our brains? Peak Retreats are French Alps experts and we have a small friendly team on hand to help with any questions you may have. Give us a call on 023 9283 9310 or email reservations@peakretreats.co.uk.
Why book with Peak Retreats?
We’re a small, UK-based team of ski experts who are here to make your holiday hassle-free. And we’re winners of the Telegraph Travel Award for Best Ski Operator 2023.
We pride ourselves on going the extra mile, from helping you navigate ski school options to offering tailored advice on the best resorts and accommodation.
Our support doesn’t end when you book. With years of experience and in-depth knowledge of the French Alps, we’re committed to ensuring your ski trip is as smooth as fresh snow.
We provide 24/7 support while you’re away, personalised info packs, and regular travel updates to keep you informed.
To get tailored advice for your next ski holiday, give us a call on 023 9283 9310 or email reservations@peakretreats.co.uk.