The Rich History of Tignes Ski Resort

Nestled in the French Alps, Tignes is a renowned ski resort celebrated for its extensive ski area, vibrant après-ski scene, and high-altitude slopes that offer excellent snow conditions throughout the season. But beyond its modern amenities and bustling slopes lies a rich history that has shaped Tignes into the world-class destination it is today.

Early Beginnings: A Village Underwater

The story of Tignes begins with the original village, which dates back to medieval times. This quaint alpine village, located in the Isère Valley, was home to a small community that relied on agriculture and livestock for their livelihood. However, in the mid-20th century, a dramatic change occurred that would alter the fate of Tignes forever.

The Flooding of the Original Village

In 1947, the French government initiated the construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Isère River as part of post-war reconstruction efforts. At the time this was the largest construction project in Europe. The resulting Lac du Chevril reservoir required the flooding of the original Tignes village. Despite protests from the local inhabitants, the village was submerged in 1952, and its residents were relocated to a new settlement higher up the valley. The remnants of the old village now lie beneath the surface of the lake, occasionally visible when the dam is drained for maintenance. 

The sculpture 'La Dame du Lac' meaning Lady of the lake, was built in 2003 to commemorate 50 years since the flooding of the original village. The sculpture provides the perfect picture spot on the route de Val D'Isere with great views of the lake, the barrage and the ski resort of Tignes up in the background. Legend says the lady of the lake refers to a women that drowned after refusing to leave her home when the village was flooded. However this is now believed to not be true.

The Birth of a Ski Resort

Following the flooding, the focus shifted to the potential for developing a ski resort in the area. The new Tignes, situated at a higher altitude, offered an ideal location for winter sports with its abundant snowfall and expansive terrain.

The 1960s: Pioneering Ski Development

The 1960s marked the beginning of Tignes' transformation into a ski resort. In 1967, the first ski lifts were installed, and the resort began to attract visitors eager to explore its pristine slopes. The construction of the Grande Motte cable car in 1975 further boosted Tignes' reputation, providing access to high-altitude skiing and guaranteeing snow cover even in the late season.

Expansion and Modernisation

The 1980s and 1990s were periods of significant growth and modernisation for Tignes. The resort expanded its infrastructure, adding new lifts, runs, and facilities to accommodate the increasing number of visitors. The development of purpose-built villages, such as Val Claret and Le Lac, provided a range of accommodations and amenities to suit all tastes and budgets.

Tignes and Val d'Isère: Espace Killy

A pivotal moment in Tignes' history was the creation of the Espace Killy ski area in the early 1990s. Named after the famous French skier Jean-Claude Killy, this interconnected ski area combined Tignes and Val d'Isère to offer over 300 kilometres of ski runs. This collaboration positioned Tignes as part of one of the largest and most diverse ski areas in the world, attracting skiers and snowboarders from across the globe. The area now takes the name Tignes-Val d'Isere ski area.

The 1992 Albertville Olympics

Tignes played a significant role in the 1992 Winter Olympics, which were held in Albertville, France. Tignes hosted the freestyle skiing events, specifically the moguls competition. The resort's high-altitude slopes provided an ideal setting for these events, marking Tignes as an important location in Olympic history. The Olympics brought international attention to Tignes, boosting its reputation as a premier destination for winter sports.

In 1989, in the lead up to the olympics, artist Jean-Marie Pierret created an impressive 12,000 m² mural of the olympic figure Hercules on the wall of Tignes dam. This took 8 painters 60 days and 6 tonnes of paint was used. If you look closely you can still see the faint features today.

The 21st Century: Sustainability and Innovation

In recent years, Tignes has continued to evolve, embracing sustainability and innovation to maintain its status as a top-tier ski destination.

Environmental Initiatives

The resort has implemented numerous environmental initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and preserve the natural beauty of the Alps. Efforts include the use of renewable energy, waste reduction programs, and the promotion of eco-friendly practices among visitors and businesses.

Year-Round Activities

While Tignes is renowned for its winter sports, the resort has also developed a range of summer activities to attract visitors year-round. From mountain biking and hiking to golfing and water sports on the lake, Tignes offers a diverse array of outdoor adventures for all seasons.

A Legacy of Resilience and Adaptation

The history of Tignes is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its community. From the flooding of the original village to its rise as a world-class ski resort, Tignes has continually reinvented itself to meet the changing demands of the times. Today, it stands as a premier destination for luxury ski vacations, combining rich history, cutting-edge facilities, and a commitment to sustainability.

Whether you're carving down the high-altitude slopes, enjoying gourmet dining, or exploring the stunning alpine scenery, a visit to Tignes offers a unique blend of past and present, tradition and innovation.