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Client Review: Tignes December 2023
Our loyal client and her family headed to Tignes in December 2023, read all about it below!
Tignes Val Claret is the highest and most ski-focused village in Tignes, offering direct access to the slopes and glacier terrain.
Set at the foot of the Grande Motte glacier, it provides fast access to high-altitude skiing, ensuring excellent snow conditions throughout the season.
Highest village in Tignes with direct access to glacier skiing terrain
Fastest lift links to explore the full Tignes Val d'Isère area
Exceptionally snow-sure thanks to altitude and glacier access
Lively après-ski and nightlife ideal for sociable groups
Wide range of skiing for beginners through to expert off-piste
Purpose-built layout prioritises skiing over traditional alpine charm
Discover Tignes Val Claret beyond the basics, from the resort atmosphere to the best skiing and après activities.
High-altitude, ski-in ski-out convenience throughout the village
Lively and sociable with strong après-ski and nightlife
Purpose-built feel focused on practicality rather than charm
Tignes Val Claret sits at the top of the resort at around 2,300m and offers some of the best ski-in ski-out access in the Alps. It is the closest village to the Grande Motte glacier, making it the ideal base for early lifts and quick access to high-altitude terrain.
Everything is built around skiing, with lifts, accommodation and facilities all within easy reach.
This is one of the busiest and most energetic areas of Tignes. It attracts keen skiers, groups of friends and those looking for a vibrant social scene.
Après-ski is a key part of the experience, with bars, restaurants and clubs creating a lively atmosphere well into the evening.
Val Claret is purpose-built, meaning it lacks the traditional charm of alpine villages like Tignes Les Brévières. However, what it loses in aesthetics, it makes up for in convenience.
For many visitors, easy access to lifts, shops and nightlife makes it one of the most efficient and enjoyable bases in Tignes.
Direct access to over 300km of pistes in Tignes Val d'Isère
Glacier skiing up to 3,456m with exceptional snow reliability
Huge variety of terrain for all abilities
Beginners benefit from structured Ski Start progression zones and free lifts across Tignes, including Val Claret. Gentle areas allow for safe learning, while clear progression routes help build confidence.
Once ready, beginners can access wider slopes and even experience high-altitude skiing earlier than in many resorts, with scenic blue runs at over 3,000m.
Intermediate skiers are extremely well catered for. From Val Claret, you can access a vast network of blue and red runs across the entire ski area.
The Grande Motte glacier is a highlight, offering high-altitude cruising with reliable snow and wide-open pistes. The fast lift system makes it easy to explore across multiple sectors in a single day.
Advanced skiers will find some of the best terrain in the Alps. The area offers steep black runs, challenging descents and extensive off-piste opportunities.
Naturide areas provide ungroomed terrain, while glacier routes and long valley descents offer serious vertical and technical variety. Off-piste is extensive, but a guide is recommended.
Tignes Val Claret is home to the resort’s main snowpark, offering features for all levels from beginners to experts. There are also boardercross areas and fun runs with tunnels and features designed for all ages.
Around 44km of cross-country trails are available across the resort, including scenic routes between Val Claret and Tignes Le Lac.
Huge range of activities across the wider Tignes resort
Strong mix of adrenaline, family and scenic experiences
Excellent facilities for non-skiers and mixed groups
Tignes Val Claret gives easy access to a wide range of high-energy activities either in Val Claret itself or from nearby Tignes le Lac, including snowmobiling and paragliding.
The high-altitude setting makes it an ideal base for exploring beyond the pistes, whether by foot, ski or in the air.
There are plenty of options for families including sledging, snowtubing and interactive fun zones.
Activities are spread across the resort, but all are easily accessible from Val Claret thanks to the lift system and transport links.
Indoor facilities across Tignes include the Le Lagon aquatic centre and the Tignespace sports complex, both just down the road in Tignes le Lac.
These offer a welcome break from skiing, whether you want to relax or stay active on rest days.
Lively après-ski scene with wide choice of bars and clubs
Huge range of restaurants across all styles and budgets
Excellent access to shops and services within walking distance
Val Claret offers a wide range of dining choices, from casual eateries to high-altitude restaurants on the mountain.
You’ll find traditional Savoyard dishes alongside international cuisine, with plenty of options to suit all budgets.
This is one of the main après-ski hubs in Tignes. Bars, terraces and clubs create a vibrant atmosphere from late afternoon into the night.
For even more options, nearby Tignes Le Lac is easily accessible, and of course for afternoon après, the famous Folie Douce is easy to find on the slopes in Val d'Isère (you'll hear the music before you see it!).
The village has a full range of shops including supermarkets, bakeries, ski hire and sports stores.
Everything is close together, making it easy to organise your stay without needing transport.
Yes, Tignes Val Claret is good for beginners thanks to structured Ski Start zones and access to free lifts for learning. Progression is excellent, allowing beginners to quickly move onto wider slopes and even access high-altitude terrain once confident.
Tignes Val Claret is an excellent base for intermediates. With direct access to the Tignes Val d'Isère ski area, you can explore a huge variety of blue and red runs. The lift system is efficient, making it easy to ski across different sectors each day.
Yes, it is ideal for advanced skiers. The area offers steep black runs, glacier skiing and extensive off-piste terrain. Naturide runs and long descents provide plenty of challenge, making it one of the top destinations in the Alps for experienced skiers.
Tignes Val Claret sits within the Tignes Val d'Isère ski area, which offers over 300km of pistes. The terrain is varied and expansive, including glacier skiing and multiple interconnected sectors.
Yes, it is one of the most snow-sure resorts in the Alps. With skiing up to 3,456m and access to the Grande Motte glacier, conditions are reliable throughout the season, supported by snowmaking where needed.
Tignes Val Claret can suit families, particularly those focused on skiing. However, its lively atmosphere and nightlife mean quieter resorts like Tignes 1800 or Les Brévières may be better suited to younger children.
Yes, lift passes can be pre-booked with us. These give access to the full Tignes Val d'Isère ski area, including all linked resorts and glacier skiing. There are also free beginner lifts available in some areas.
Yes, ski hire can be pre-booked with us. We select a shop close to your accommodation, so collection is easy. Pre-booking ensures your equipment is ready on arrival and helps avoid queues during busy times.
Yes, the ESF French ski school can be pre-booked with us, for group lessons for adults and children from the age of 3. Lessons take place in dedicated beginner areas and follow structured progression programmes. Private lessons are also available through us.
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