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Tignes or Val d’Isère

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Val d'Isère panorama

Tignes or Val d’Isère

If you are having second thoughts about which resort to choose Tignes or Val d’Isère, please read the rest of the text which will give you detailed insight in everything you should know. You can find full Tignes review here and Val d’Isère here

Tignes vs Val d’Isère Slopes

Tignes and Val d’Isère share the same slopes and make up ski domain called Espace Killy. Together they have 300 km of runs. The domain is one of the best in France and Europe. It hosted number of top notch events such as man’s downhill race during Albertville 1992 Olympics, World Championships, X Games etc.

Val d’Isère is not that good for beginners since the access to the city when you are getting back either from the direction of Tignes or from the Glacier Du Pissailas is not easy. You will have to go down icy and steep black runs.  Both resorts have free lifts for novices.

Better snow park is in Val d’Isère. Freestylers from Tignes don’t need to despair since the psoition of the Val d’Isère park is right on the border of two resorts. Espace Killy domain is world known for off piste skiing. Val d’Isère excels when the weather is bad due to the fact that it has more wooded areas.

Espace Killy Ski Map
Click the map to enlarge

Val d’Isère or Tignes Accommodation

Tignes consists of several villages scattered around the mountain. It was purposely built in 1960s. As a result of that architecture is far from nice. Tall concrete buildings dominate the resort. Things are getting better in last several years with new developments.

Opposite to that Val d’Isère is centralized, and has longer history. Architecture is more appropriate for alpine surroundings. Self-catering apartments dominate Tignes. Almost all places where you can stay are ski in/out. You will have to walk only several meters in order to reach first slope or lift. On the other hand Val d’Isère has more hotels and chalets. Not all of them have direct access to the pistes but it is not a problem since there is great system of shuttle buses which will take you to the slopes.

Tignes is affordable, prices are lower while Val d’Isère is on pricy side.

tignes review val claret panorama
Tignes Val Claret in the morning

Tignes or Val d’Isère Après-Ski

When it comes to après-ski Val d’Isère is way ahead of Tignes. For example the first La Folie Douce club, synonym for the après-ski scene in French Alps was opened here. Val d’Isère has wider selection of restaurants, bars and clubs. Be aware that prices are among highest in French Alps. Both resorts have sport centers with courts for different sports and public pools which include spa areas. There is long list of activities you can practice apart from skiing.

tignes review feature picture

Tignes or Val d’Isère, the Final Verdict

Which resort is better, in this Tignes vs Val d’Isère contest? Answer to the question is individual and depends completely on your needs, preferences and expectations. Two resorts share same runs so you can’t go wrong. If your budget is limited you should go for Tignes.  It can be more suitable for beginners. Generally it might be better choice for families with children.

Val d’Isère is posh resort. It has alpine feel to it, pedestrian street and old church. Architecture is more appropriate for the mountains.  If you like apres ski and parties Val d’Isère is obvious choice. It also has wider selection of restaurants and shops.

Hope this head to head review helped you make your choice. If you think that Tignes is your cup of tea you can reserve your stay here, other wise you can book your accommodation in Val d’Isère here.

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Bansko Panorama, mountains and pine woods

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