Apres Ski in Tignes
Tignes does not have much of a reputation for après ski and nightlife. Admittedly it does not have the party atmosphere of other European resorts but this is mainly due to the rather soulless feel created by most of its architecture and not down to a lack of entertainment effort. In fact there are over 75 restaurants, 50 bars and four nightclubs.
Apres Ski Bars & Nightlife in Tignes
If you still have energy to burn after a day’s skiing, there are plenty of apres ski bars and late night options in Tignes. Bars generally stay open until 2am; after that there are four nightclubs to choose from: a night of cheesy music at Jack’s Club, the exotic and unforgettable Blue Girl, or the cooler and funkier Melting Pot or Cav du Lac.
If you are staying in Val Claret you can cut off the slope by Tuffs chairlift and stroll towards the Crowded House. It’s central, has a welcoming and laid back appeal and is perfect for a few drinks after a hard day on the hill. Alternatively if it’s still sunny you should sit down with a drink outside one of the local bars with sun terraces, such as Fish Tank or Grizzly’s Bar. Down the road in Le Lac there are more bars.
Restaurants in Tignes
Tignes is not noted for culinary excellence, but there are loads of well-run restaurants offering good and relatively cheap food.
Tignes caters for most tastes, with many well-run restaurants where you can eat well and (relatively) cheaply. For a decent pizza head for La Pignatta in Val Claret, if you want to splash out and treat yourself, try Le Caveau in Val Claret, highly rated not only for its fine food but also for live music and atmosphere. Down in Le Lac the most revered restaurant is in the l’Arbina Hotel. Just along from there is the Clin d’Oeil, another highly regarded venue.
Other Activities in Tignes
Other activities in Tignes include ski-jöring (being pulled along the snow by a horse), paragliding and even ice diving.
Although not recommend as a place to visit if you’re not skiing or snowboarding, Tignes does have plenty of other pastimes to supplement your day if you need a breather from the slopes or feel in need of some other form of entertainment. Other snow activities include ski-jöring (being pulled along the snow by a horse), paragliding, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and dog sledding. There is even an ice diving club (phone Tignes Tourist Info).
If you want a complete change then Tignes has a cinema and a bowling alley. If you’re after some retail therapy, though, then it is be best to go elsewhere, as Tignes does not have that wide an array of shops. Le Bec Rouge (in Le Lac) and Val Claret offer the largest selection of retailers, though most are sport shops. There are several supermarkets for the large self-catering community. An open-air market in Le Lac on Thursday and Sunday sells local produce and sports/ski clothing.