Tignes — Resort services

There are two tourist offices in Tignes: the Maison de Tignes le Lac and Maison de Tignes Val Claret. Both offer advice, services and contact details for all the operations in resort. They also offer free wi-fi connection. There are two bus stops for coaches out of resort to Val d’Isère or down to Bourg and beyond, one in le Lac and one in Val Claret centre. There are two chemists, one in le Lac and one in Val Claret centre. You can get photocopying and faxes sent/received through the Maison de Tignes. There are several taxis based in resort as well.

Cashpoints and banks

There are three banks in le Lac, as well as various cash-point facilities located in all villages except Lavachet and les Boisses. You can find these at the rond point des pistes in the lower part of Val Claret where the bus pulls in; Val Claret centre next to the Pharmacie and opposite Le Couloir bar; there are three in le Lac, two of which are off the main snowfront and a further one outside the post office in Rue de la Poste.

Internet

Accessing internet is easy in resort. You can log on at the tourist offices and in the Maison de Tignes le Lac there is also a multi-media centre. Many of the bars and cafés now offer wi-fi access for their clients as well as a number of hotels and residences. The Arobaz café in Val Claret centre has computers for customers to use (not free of charge), and there is a computer in TCs bar in Lavachet, which customers can use for free.

Medical facilities

There are two medical centres, the main one being in le Lac and a smaller operation in Val Claret centre. More serious injuries and illnesses need to be treated down the valley and it is not unheard of for clients to be taken down to hospital in Bourg or even Albertville or Grenoble by ambulance if their situation warrants further attention. There are physiotherapists and osteopaths in Tignes and there is also a dental surgery in the Palafour Galérie in Rue de la Poste, le Lac.

Supermarkets

There are six supermarkets in all villages except les Boisses. During high season, the Spar in le Lac and the Sherpa in Val Claret Centre are open all day until 8pm. The others, and the aforementioned in low season, open morning and late afternoon/evening. Average opening times are 8am-12.30pm and 4-7.30pm. Generally prices are higher than we are used to, particularly those in the up-market “Epicerie” just before the Village Montana complex in Lac, opposite the petrol station.

Getting around resort

The best way to get around resort is to use the great ski lift system – you can easily access all villages via different pistes and lifts which all link easily and fluidly. Once the lifts are closed, the free bus should definitely be taken advantage of, running in a loop between Lavachet, Lac and Val Claret day and night. Getting around on foot is usually pretty easy too – unless the weather is particularly bad.