Ski Tignes-Val-d'Isère: 300km of runs and the Grande Motte glacier
At 3456 metres, the summit of the Grande Motte cable car sits upon the glacier. Each cabin carries just over a hundred passengers. This is the highest arrival point in the Tignes-Val-d’Isère ski area, formerly Espace Killy, named in honour of Jean-Claude Killy, triple Olympic champion at Grenoble 1968. The panorama extends beyond the French Alps: Mont Blanc, Grand Combin and Gran Paradiso are visible. Below, two resorts share the terrain.
The area connects Tignes (1550-2100m) and Val-d’Isère (1850m) across 300 kilometres of marked runs, served by over 70 ski lifts. The distribution covers all ability levels; the joint pass grants access to both resorts. Standard season: December to May. On the glacier, skiing extends through part of the summer, with dates to be confirmed annually.
Two resorts, one valley
Val-d’Isère begins at 1850 metres in the valley floor, along the Route de l’Iseran. Tignes le Lac and Tignes Val Claret, higher up, sit at 2100 metres on the edge of the glacial lake of the same name. Tignes Les Brévières, the lowest outpost, opens at 1550 metres. Skiing begins directly from the hotel threshold, without shuttle.
The highest ski summit reaches 3456 metres, at the foot of Grande Motte (3653m). The glacier offers a descent of 1350m vertical drop down to Tignes Val Claret. On the Val-d’Isère side, the Solaise and Pissaillas sectors complete the area.
The Grande Motte glacier
Access is via the underground funicular in Tignes, opened in 1993. Seven minutes’ ascent at 3000 metres, through a tunnel cut into the rock face. Then the Grande Motte cable car takes over for the final approximately 420 metres of vertical, up to 3456m. Allow 25 minutes total from Val Claret.
The glacier is skied in winter, part of summer and often from autumn onwards, depending on snow cover. In summer, skiing takes place in the morning before 12:00, when the snow is still supportive. International schools and national teams train their slalom skiers there during summer courses.
The sectors and their character
Val-d’Isère side: Bellevarde and its Bellevarde Face (the men’s downhill run from the 1992 Olympics, open to the public under certain conditions), Solaise for families, Pissaillas and Col de l’Iseran for accompanied off-piste. Tignes side: Tovière and the Aiguille Percée sector for blue-red variety, Palafour for beginners, Grande Motte for long, committing descents.
For advanced skiers, accompanied off-piste around Col Pers (via Pissaillas) is the classic route. The ESF and independent ski schools offer these itineraries by reservation.
Val-d'Isère
Travel Book AEC CollectionPasses and access
The Tignes-Val-d’Isère pass grants access to 300 kilometres of shared terrain. Single-resort passes exist depending on the season; rates can be checked on the resort websites.
Access from Geneva: 2h 30min by car, 3h 30min by train and bus (TGV to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, then Altibus coach). From Lyon, 3 hours by car.
When to visit
January (outside school holidays) for fresh snow without the crowds. Mid-March for long days and sunny terraces. April for spring snow and reduced prices. Early summer for glacier skiing, dates to be confirmed with the resort.
Planning a stay in Val-d’Isère or Tignes
AEC Collection selects and represents around twenty properties in Val-d’Isère and Tignes: chalets with ski-in access, apartments in La Daille, collective chalet suites with services. All meet our selection criteria.
By the AEC Collection team
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