Review of Our Family Ski Holiday in Tignes: A Perfect Winter Getaway for All Ages

When we decided to take a family ski holiday, we wanted a resort that would have something for everyone, from gentle slopes for our youngest to more challenging runs for the adults.

After a lot of research, we settled on Tignes in the French Alps.

Not only is it high-altitude, meaning great snow reliability, but it also has a reputation for being family-friendly with a variety of activities both on and off the slopes.

Here’s a full review of our unforgettable family experience in Tignes.

Why We Chose Tignes for Our Family Ski Holiday

The appeal of Tignes is hard to ignore.

Set high in the French Alps and connected to Val d’Isère, it forms part of the Espace Killy ski area, one of the most extensive and snow-sure regions in Europe.

With slopes that cater to all levels and fantastic family facilities, Tignes offered everything we were looking for.

When planning, we focused on finding a resort that would be suitable for young skiers.

Tignes ticked all the boxes: high-altitude for consistent snow, a great selection of beginner and intermediate slopes, and plenty of après-ski options that didn’t feel out of place with kids in tow.

Getting There and Settling In

Traveling to Tignes was easier than I expected.

We opted to fly to Geneva, which has plenty of connections from the UK, and then took a transfer directly to the resort.

The journey was incredibly scenic, and the kids were in awe as we approached the snow-covered mountains.

We stayed in Tignes Le Lac, one of the main areas of the resort.

It’s ideally located near lifts, ski schools, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

The accommodation was cozy and well-equipped, making it easy to settle in right away.

The best part? Waking up to stunning mountain views every morning, which got everyone excited to hit the slopes.

Family-Friendly Slopes and Ski Schools in Tignes

One of the main reasons we chose Tignes was its excellent reputation for ski schools and beginner-friendly slopes.

We enrolled the kids in ski school on our first full day, which turned out to be a fantastic choice.

The ESF (Ecole du Ski Français) has a great setup for children, with experienced instructors who are patient and genuinely great with kids and helping them learn how to ski.

Our Kids’ First Ski Lessons

The instructors were so encouraging, and they made sure the kids felt confident before trying any new skills.

Within just a couple of hours, our youngest was gliding down the nursery slopes with a huge grin.

I’ll never forget the pride on their faces after completing their first “big” descent on their own!

The Piou Piou Club is a specific ESF program for younger kids, with a dedicated area designed to help them learn in a safe and fun environment.

We found this was perfect for keeping them engaged and excited.

Slopes for All Levels

For our slightly older child, Tignes offers plenty of blue and green slopes to build confidence.

My partner and I even snuck in a few runs on the more advanced slopes.

Tignes has a great variety, and the layout makes it easy to meet up at the end of each run, even if we’ve split off for a bit to enjoy the different difficulty levels.

Beyond the Slopes: Family-Friendly Activities in Tignes

Although skiing was the main focus, Tignes offers much more than just slopes.

We loved that there was so much for families to do off the slopes, perfect for those days when the kids needed a break or just a bit of variety.

Ice Skating and Tobogganing

One of the highlights for the kids was ice skating on the natural rink at Tignes Le Lac.

They’d never skated outdoors before, so it was magical to see them gliding (or attempting to) around the ice surrounded by mountains.

And, of course, tobogganing was a hit!

The resort has some fun, gentle runs, and watching the kids race each other was just as fun for us as it was for them.

Indoor Activities and the Tignespace Sports Centre

We found that Tignes really caters to families with its Tignespace sports and leisure centre, where we could all burn off some extra energy indoors.

There’s a climbing wall, trampolines, and other sports activities that kept everyone entertained on an afternoon when it was snowing a bit too heavily for skiing.

It’s a great space to unwind or warm up if you need a break from the cold.

Eating Out in Tignes: Family-Friendly Dining Options

Finding family-friendly dining in Tignes was refreshingly easy.

There are several restaurants offering a good mix of French cuisine and kid-friendly options, so everyone was happy.

We loved La Pignatta in Tignes Le Lac, which has fantastic pizzas that quickly became a favorite.

Another top spot was L’Armailly in Tignes Les Brévières, which serves traditional Savoyard dishes like fondue and raclette, giving the kids a taste of local flavours.

The best part was the relaxed, cozy atmosphere that made it easy to dine out as a family.

Tips for Families Visiting Tignes

From our experience, Tignes is an ideal destination for a family ski holiday, and here are a few tips that made our trip smoother:

Book Lessons and Activities in Advance

Tignes is popular, especially during school holidays, so it’s worth booking ski lessons and activities ahead of time.

We almost missed out on our preferred time slots but managed to secure them by planning early.

Dress in Layers and Pack for Changing Weather

The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so we learned to dress everyone in layers and pack extra essentials.

The kids appreciated having hand warmers in their pockets, and we packed plenty of snacks to keep them energised.

Make Use of the Free Shuttle Bus

Tignes offers a free shuttle service between its various areas, which made getting around much easier, especially with kids in tow.

It saved us a lot of energy after a day of skiing, and we could easily explore different parts of the resort.

A Memorable Experience for the Whole Family

Our family ski holiday in Tignes was everything we had hoped for and more.

Between the reliable snow, the friendly ski instructors, and the variety of family activities, it truly felt like a winter wonderland.

Watching the kids progress on the slopes, seeing them excited to try new activities, and having a bit of time to explore the more advanced runs ourselves made it an unforgettable trip.

With Tignes’ high-altitude slopes, snow reliability, and family-friendly atmosphere, we’ve already started talking about a return visit.

If you’re planning a family ski holiday and want a resort that caters to all ages and abilities, Tignes is a fantastic choice that won’t disappoint.