Luxury Ski Vacation in Tignes: Discover the Exceptional Black Diamond Chalet

Xavier Durand
6 days ago
5 min read

If you’re seeking a standout ski vacation in the French Alps, look no further than the magnificent Black Diamond. Nestled in the resort of Tignes and within easy access of neighbouring Val d’Isère, this luxury self-catered complex redefines alpine comfort, style and convenience. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a group escape or a couples retreat, this chalet offers a top-tier base for your next ski adventure.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes the Black Diamond so special: its location, design, facilities, how it fits into the greater Tignes/Val d’Isère ski area, and tips for making the most of your stay. Let’s explore.

1. Location: Why Tignes (and Val d’Isère) is Ideal for a Ski Vacation

The resort of Tignes sits high in the Savoie region of France, and together with Val d’Isère forms the famed ski domain of Espace Killy. This combined area offers over 300 km of ski slopes, making it one of the most extensive and snow-sure in the Alps.

Tignes-les-Brévières in particular remains a picturesque and authentic mountain village, yet benefits from direct access to the broader ski network. For your ski vacation, that means you get both the charm of traditional alpine living and the power of a large, modern ski domain at your doorstep.

For travellers from outside France, the resort’s high-altitude and reliable snow cover mean you’ll likely enjoy excellent skiing conditions even in early or late season. Combine that with premium accommodation like Black Diamond, and you’ve got the perfect setting for an unforgettable ski escape.

2. Introducing Black Diamond: The Concept & Unique Design

Black Diamond is more than just a chalet—it’s a collection of six interconnected residences located in Tignes-les-Brévières: Chalet Tango, Chalet Charlie, Chalet Ubud, Chalet Raven, Chalet Banksy Tribute and Chalet Babylon.

Designed by world-free-ski champion Guerlain Chicherit, the concept was to bring fresh creativity and fun into luxury ski lodging. The rooms and interiors vary in theme—from exotic island-inspired (Ubud) to urban graffiti (Banksy Tribute) and aviation-inspired (Tango/Charlie). This imaginative approach sets Black Diamond apart from more conventional ski chalets.

The architecture allows for private chalet feel while sharing world-class amenities across the complex: spa, pool, hot tubs, terraces and ski room. It’s ideal for groups who want both upscale luxury and flexibility.

3. Accommodation & Facilities: What to Expect

Sleeping Capacity & Layout

Black Diamond offers large capacity options: for example, Chalet Raven sleeps 14 + 4, with 7 king-size en-suite bedrooms and a bunk room for four children. The banksy tribute variant offers 5 king-size en-suites plus a bunk room. Overall, the complex can accommodate “Sleeps 62 + 20”.

Premium Facilities

The amenities are exceptional:

Shared indoor swimming pool and spa area (steam room & sauna).
Private outdoor hot tubs and terraces offering alpine mountain views.
Ski room, concierge/residence manager, WiFi, parking.
High-end interior design: fireplaces, game rooms, stylish lounges

Location & Access

The property is situated just a 2-minute walk via pedestrian gondola to the lift station. From here you access the larger Tignes – Val d’Isère ski domain. This immediate slope access makes the chalet practically ski-in/ski-out—ideal for maximizing your ski vacation time.

What’s Included / Not Included

The standard booking includes: exclusive use of the chalet, 7 nights’ luxury accommodation, concierge service, towels/linens, WiFi, pool access and parking. Oxford Ski Company Items typically excluded: flights, airport transfers, lift passes, ski rental, spa treatments etc. Oxford Ski Company

4. Why This Chalet Works for a Ski Vacation

For Families

Kids will love the themed children’s bedrooms, bunk rooms and play areas found in several of the back-to-back chalets. With vast space and dedicated child-friendly zones (e.g., in Chalet Tango/Charlie) you can relax while they have fun.

For Groups & Friends

Large space + multiple en-suite rooms + shared lounges = ideal for groups of friends, corporate retreats or families travelling together. The flexibility to self-cater or arrange catering means you can make it as independent or serviced as you like.

For Luxury Seekers

From design to facilities, the finish is premium. If you value comfort after a day on the slopes, the spa, hot tubs, mountain views and exclusive feel all contribute to a high-end experience.

For Access to Skiing

Being located in Tignes’s Les Brévières village, you benefit from access to the vast slopes of the Tignes-Val d’Isère area. As noted earlier, one of Europe’s best ski domains. It makes the Black Diamond a superb base for serious skiers as well as those who just want a luxurious alpine setting.

5. Tips for Booking & Staying Smart

Plan early: Large capacity luxury chalets fill fast for prime ski season dates (Christmas, February half-term).
Lift passes and ski rental: These are often excluded—make sure you budget for the full ski vacation cost (lodging + ski domain + gear).
Catering versus self-catered: While the property is primarily self-catered, there are options for staff/chefs if you prefer. Clarify what level of service you want.
Transfers & airport access: The nearest major airports include Chambéry, Grenoble, Geneva & Lyon. Travel time from Geneva is around 3 hrs (220 km).
Choose the right dates: If you want quieter conditions, early or late season can be excellent—Tignes’s glacier ensures good snow-cover.
Check children’s facilities: If travelling with kids, pick the specific chalet in the complex that caters best for families (e.g., one with dedicated bunk rooms and play zones).
Make the most of après-ski: With hot tubs, bar areas, pool & spa, plan at least one evening to simply unwind off-piste.

6. Putting It All Together: Your Ideal Ski Vacation Plan

Arrive at Tignes-les-Brévières, settle into the Black Diamond residence.
Day one: Get your bearings—check your gear, hit the lifts via the 2-minute walk to the gondola.
Days 2-4: Explore the slopes across Tignes/Val d’Isère (Espace Killy). Take advantage of the large skiable area.
Mid-week: Enjoy a rest day—swim in the indoor pool, soak in the hot tub, relax in the sauna.
Later in the week: Organize group meal one night (self-cater or hire staff) in your chalet’s stylish dining area.
Final day: Make the most of your ski vacation—early runs, then return for a final apres-ski cocktail on your terrace showing mountain vistas.
Departure: Easy exit, pack up and head to your onward journey.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where exactly is Black Diamond located?

Black Diamond is in the village of Tignes-les-Brévières, Savoie, France. It enjoys direct pedestrian access via gondola to the main lifts of the Tignes/Val d’Isère ski area.

2. How many people can stay at the chalet?

The complex can sleep up to roughly 62 + 20 guests across its multiple residences. Individual chalets vary in size from ~10-14 guests up to 22+8 guests.

3. What skiing area does this serve?

It serves the combined ski domain of Tignes and Val d’Isère (Espace Killy), offering over 300 km of slopes for all levels.

4. Are meals included or self-catered?

The property is described as “self-catered”—but there are options for staff/chefs to be hired for catering services on request.

5. What luxury facilities are available?

Amenities include an indoor pool, shared spa (steam room & sauna), private outdoor hot tubs, game and film rooms, terraces with mountain views and concierge/residence manager service.

6. How far is it from airports or transfer hubs?

From Chambéry (CMF): approx. 2h 15m (140 km). From Grenoble (GNB): approx. 2h 30m (160 km). From Geneva (GVA): approx. 3h (220 km).

Conclusion

For your next ski vacation in the French Alps, the Black Diamond chalet in Tignes offers a rare combination of prime location, innovative design, high-end facilities and access to one of Europe’s top ski domains (Tignes – Val d’Isère). Whether you’re heading out with family, friends or as a couple, this is a destination that elevates the ski holiday experience.

Make your stay truly exceptional. Book your private ski guide with Ski Explorer.