Planning a family ski trip? Skiing in France with kids doesn’t get much better than Tignes. This high-altitude resort in the French Alps offers snow-sure slopes, family-friendly accommodations, and a vast ski area that caters to all levels.
Together with neighboring Val d’Isère, it forms the Tignes – Val d’Isère ski area, one of the most seamless and well-integrated ski domains in Europe. This vast skiable area offers over 300 km of pistes, and while it may not be the largest ski area in the Alps, the exceptional connectivity between Tignes and Val d’Isère makes it feel like one of the biggest single ski regions. The variety of slopes and reliable snow coverage make it an excellent choice for families, offering something for every level of skier.
Getting to Tignes from Paris
Taking the high-speed train from Paris to Bourg-Saint-Maurice
This was our second time skiing in Tignes, and after last year’s experience, we knew we had to change things up. Driving from Paris last year took far longer than expected. The school break meant thousands of families were heading to the Alps at the same time, and we found ourselves stuck in traffic for hours. The drive, which should have been straightforward, became a test of patience, with restless kids and a seemingly endless queue of cars snaking through the mountains. By the time we finally arrived, we were completely exhausted and swore we’d never do it again.
So, this year, we decided to take the train instead. It was easily the best decision we could have made. The whole journey was so much smoother, and the kids didn’t mind the train ride at all. We took a direct high-speed train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, which took around 5 hours and 30 minutes. We came well-prepared with plenty of snacks, games, and entertainment. Since we were traveling with friends, the kids had each other to chat with and keep occupied.
If you’re planning to travel by train, I highly recommend to book your tickets as early as possible. Especially so if you’re traveling during the French school holidays. Trains to Bourg-Saint-Maurice fill up quickly during peak weeks, and securing your seats in advance will ensure a stress-free start to your trip.
Taking the shuttle bus from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Tignes
Once we arrived in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, everything was seamless. A pre-booked shuttle bus operated by Altibus was waiting just outside the train station, and within an hour, we were winding our way up to Tignes. From the bus stop, it was just a short 5-10 minute walk to our chalet. The shuttle serves all the villages of Tignes: Les Brévières, 1800, Le Lac and Val Claret. The bus line also stops at the following stops: Séez and Val d’Isère. So, you can hop off where you need to be.
Compared to last year’s road trip ordeal, this was a dream – no traffic, no stress, just a smooth, scenic ride to the mountains. We arrived feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy our ski holiday from the very start.
When to visit: the best time for a family ski trip in Tignes
The ski season in Tignes begins in November, with each sector of the resort opening progressively depending on snowfall. While many ski resorts start winding down in April, Tignes remains open until early May. This is thanks to its high-altitude location and excellent snow conditions. In fact, it is one of the best snow-sure resorts in the world!
Even in the summer months, skiing is possible in Tignes! The resort is one of the few in France to open for summer skiing, thanks to the Grande Motte Glacier, which sits at over 3,000 meters. The presence of eternal snow on the glacier ensures that even when other resorts have long since packed away their gear, Tignes still offers an opportunity to enjoy skiing high above the Alps.
Tignes, along with Val d’Isère, forms the vast Espace Killy ski area, boasting over 300km of pistes. Whether you have little ones taking their first steps on the snow or older kids looking to refine their skills, Tignes offers something for everyone.
Understanding the layout: the different villages of Tignes
Tignes isn’t just one resort; it’s a collection of five villages spread across different altitudes, each with its own character and benefits for families.
- Tignes Le Lac (2,100m): The heart of the resort, bustling with life and offering ski-in, ski-out access to many slopes. The convenience of staying here with kids can’t be overstated. There are shops, restaurants, and ski schools all within walking distance.
- Tignes Val Claret (2,127m): Slightly higher and known for its lively atmosphere, Val Claret is great for families who want access to both skiing and a vibrant après-ski scene. The funicular to the Grande Motte glacier departs from here, making it a hub for adventure seekers.
- Tignes 1800 & Les Boisses (1,850m): Purpose-built for families, these villages are quieter, with excellent ski-in, ski-out accommodation and child-friendly facilities. A newly developed area, Tignes 1800, has been designed with families in mind.
- Tignes Les Brévières (1,550m): A charming, traditional Alpine village with a slower pace, perfect for families with younger children or those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s connected to the rest of the ski area via a gondola.
Each village offers a unique experience, and the right choice depends on the type of ski holiday your family wants. No matter where you stay, you’ll be within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Just remember to make a reservation if you’re dining with a large group.
Ski schools in Tignes: finding the best for your kids
ESF (École du Ski Français) is the largest ski school in Tignes, offering group and private lessons. Their instructors are excellent with kids, ensuring they learn at a comfortable pace while having fun. You’ll find ESF in Tignes Le Lac, Val Claret, Les Brévières and Tignes 1800. For many families heading to the French mountains, enrolling their children in the French ski school ESF is almost a rite of passage. Recognized by its signature red-uniformed instructors, ESF is synonymous with ski education in France. You can read more here about what makes ESF so iconic and why it dominates the ski school landscape in France. There are also other ski schools in Tignes such as New Generation Ski School (Tignes Le Lac), Oxygène (Tignes Le Lac) and Evolution 2 (Tignes Le Lac and Val Claret).
Book ski school early to secure a spot, especially during peak holiday weeks, as availability fills up quickly. If you don’t book ahead, you may find spots at other schools but might need to travel between Tignes villages. Traveling between villages adds time, and beginner children may struggle to ski back with you after lessons.
Beyond skiing: what else to do in Tignes with kids
Skiing might be the main event, but Tignes has so much more to offer for families. Whether you have toddlers, school-age kids, or teenagers, there’s a fun activity waiting for them. Each village has its own mix of entertainment, so check what’s nearby when booking your accommodation. Here’s a breakdown of what to do when you’re not on the slopes:
- For kids under 5: Tiny adventurers can enjoy sledging, splashing around in the Lagon paddling pool (part of the indoor aquatic center), or whizzing down the snow in snowtubing. Other fun activities include dog sledding, horse-drawn carriage rides, and exploring La Banquise, a snow labyrinth with real igloos.
- For kids aged 6 – 10: Slightly older kids will love the La Banquise labyrinth and igloos, zooming down the Lagon’s water slides, bouncing on the trampoline at Tignespace (the resort’s indoor sports complex), or trying something unique like ice floating or an escape game. For an extra adventure, try the nighttime snowshoe expedition – a great way to explore the mountains under the stars.
- For teenagers: Thrill-seekers will get a kick out of the Expedition Cobra sledge, racing through boardercross and snowpark features, or testing their tricks at the skatepark and mini-ramp. For those looking to chill, the Lagon wellness center has saunas, hot tubs, and relaxation areas to unwind after a long day on the slopes.
Where to stay: family-friendly accommodation in Tignes
Accommodation in Tignes ranges from apartments, holiday residences, chalets to hotels. Here are just options to consider if you’re looking for where to stay:
Luxury Options:
- Les Suites – Maison Bouvier (Val Claret): A high-end, boutique hotel with spacious family suites, a Michelin-star restaurant, an indoor pool and an excellent spa.
- Hotel Village Montana (Le Lac): A fantastic choice for families, offering ski-in, ski-out access, a heated outdoor pool and a spa.
- Club Med (Val Claret): all-inclusive and family-friendly resort with a kids club.
Mid-Range Choices:
- Hotel Le Refuge (Le Lac): A cozy hotel with great service and a prime location with a view of the lake.
- CGH Residences (Various locations): These self-catering apartments are ideal for families who prefer more space.
Budget-Friendly Stays:
- Hotel Le Terril Blanc (Le Lac): A small hotel overlooking the lake, just 10 mins walk to the ski lifts.
- Hôtel La Vanoise (Val Claret): A small hotel at the foot of ski slope and lifts.
Final thoughts
Reflecting on our trip, Tignes proved to be an outstanding ski destination for families. The combination of well-designed villages, excellent ski schools and reliable snow conditions ensured that everyone – from the youngest beginners to the seasoned skiers – had a fun experience.
Have you visited Tignes or other ski resorts in France with your kids? Share your favourite destinations in the comments below!
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