Tignes 

High and snow sure, sharing a vast ski area with Val d’Isere

Tignes is based high up in the Savoie Alps and forms the vast Espace Killy ski area with Val d’Isere. Whilst the resort itself can best be described as practical and at worst ugly, the location is not far off perfect. The views down the Isere Valley are spectacular and the ski area caters for skiers and boarders of all abilities. The resort was developed largely during the 1960s when practicality won over style and little sympathy was paid to the surrounding beauty of the valley. However, in recent years the resort has worked to improve the look of the new villages with some success. Val Claret, the highest village in the resort, provided the best location for access to the slopes and the glacier. Le Lavachet and Lac de Tignes are well served by lifts and provide good access towards Val d’Isere. All three villages have the usual shops, bars and restaurants but the apres-ski is fairly unsophisticated for a resort of this size.