A modern, purpose-built, high-altitude resort set around a mountain lake (frozen in winter) and divided into 3 main sectors: Tignes le Lac and Le Lavachet, together covering an area of ¾ ml by 500 yds, plus high-rise Val Claret, measuring around 700 yds by 400 yds. There is no real centre, but Tignes le Lac - subdivided into Le Bec Rouge, Le Rosset and Les Almes - is considered the hub. It is a somewhat aesthetically challenged resort, its unsympathetic concrete buildings out of place in the alpine setting, with accommodation, commercial premises and restaurants strung together in mechanical fashion across a white, almost moon-like landscape. However, a policy of renovating buildings in an attempt to redefine its alpine character is in place, and has improved the look of the resort. Lack of architectural style hasn't stopped it becoming a perennial favourite with avid skiers who simply want to experience all that the outstanding Espace Killy ski-area - shared with neighbouring Val d'Isere - has to offer. Nearby lower-altitude villages of Tignes les Boisses and Les Brevieres are simple, low-key satellites with limited amenities and appeal.

Young budget to middlemarket skiing couples and groups seeking exceptional snowsure conditions and largely piste-to-porch convenience. Good family atmosphere with plenty of activities for children. Limited appeal for nonskiers.

Enormous range of soulless self-catering apartments, the majority on the small to medium side. Insignificant numbers of hotels by comparison (20). Numerous catered chalets.

Bec Rouge and Val Claret offer the largest selection of retailers, although there is a preponderance of ski-rental and sports outlets. Several supermarkets serve the large self-catering community. Saturday open-air market in Le Lac selling local produce and sports/ski clothing.

Daytime: winter activities include exceptional downhill skiing, snowboarding (large snow park with boarder cross, half and quarter pipes), paraskiing, dog-sled riding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice-skating, cross-country trails and ice-diving; scenic helicopter rides; indoor sports like squash, swimming and bowling; fitness centres with gym, sauna, pool etc. In summer, mountain biking and hiking, white-water rafting, canyoning, fishing, lake-based water sports, horse riding and golf. Nightlife: fairly lively and unsophisticated with numerous bars and restaurants, some offering live music and themed evenings; half a dozen small discos; cinemas. Torchlight descents and snowmobiling.

Broad if uninspiring choice dominated by local specialities such as cheeses and hams. Tex-Mex, pizzerias and fast-food eateries as well as 1 or 2 gourmet restaurants.

Free resort ski-bus service around and between all villages operates 24 hrs (limited service after midnight). Infrequent services down to Bourg St Maurice's railway station; more regular at weekends. Handful of taxis.

In winter, limited to off-piste guided tours. In summer, choice of walking trips, including hiking and guided tours of Vanoise National Park.

In SE France, in the Savoie region, very close to the Italian frontier. 52 mls SE of Albertville. 19 mls SE of Bourg St Maurice. 5 mls NW of Val d'Isere. 118 mls SE of Geneva (Switzerland) and its airport. 143 mls E of Lyon and its airport.

In a broad, open snow bowl at the foot of the Grande Motte Glacier, hemmed in on 3 sides by treeless mountains and surrounding a small natural lake. Reached by a single access road from the Isere Valley.

Post Code: 73320
Website: www.tignes.net

Airport : Geneva
Airport Code: GVA
Flight time from ther U.K.: 1 hr 30 mins