Tignes and Val d’Isère, capitals of French skiing: history, glaciers and the future of alpine tourism

Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Tignes and Val d’Isère form a legendary duo that has shaped the history of skiing in France and around the world. For decades, they embodied the promise of 365-day skiing, thanks to their majestic glaciers: the Pissaillas and the Grande Motte. These icy summits welcomed both top international athletes and holiday-makers seeking unique experiences such as summer skiing.

But times have changed. Today, climate warming has reshaped this reality: the glaciers have lost nearly 100 meters of thickness in 30 years, and their opening periods have drastically shortened. Yet far from fading away, Tignes and Val d’Isère are reinventing themselves, embracing four-season tourism with a rich variety of activities and undiminished prestige.

In this article, we explore the history, glory and challenges of these two capitals of French skiing.

The history of a mythical ski area

The birth of Tignes and Val d’Isère as major ski destinations

Skiing took root in the French Alps in the early 20th century, but it was after World War II that Tignes and Val d’Isère emerged as leading destinations. Val d’Isère charmed visitors from the 1930s with its alpine character and pioneering slopes. Tignes, for its part, was reborn after the construction of the Chevril dam in 1952, which submerged the old village and gave rise to a modern, forward-thinking ski resort.

The union of the two resorts and the creation of the Espace Killy

In the 1970s, the two resorts joined forces to form an exceptional ski area: the Espace Killy, named after triple Olympic champion Jean-Claude Killy, a native of Val d’Isère. With more than 300 km of slopes, it became one of the world’s largest and most prestigious ski areas.

A pioneering role in snow sports

Tignes and Val d’Isère have continuously innovated: early snowparks, international competitions, hosting events at the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics… They became the testing ground for modern skiing.

The golden age of glacier skiing

The Pissaillas glacier in Val d’Isère

Located near the Iseran Pass, the Pissaillas glacier offered ideal training terrain from May onward. It was highly valued by international teams looking to prepare their season in optimal conditions.

The Grande Motte in Tignes

Rising to 3,656 meters, the Grande Motte glacier was a jewel of summer skiing. Accessible via funicular, it allowed enthusiasts to ski perfectly groomed slopes until 1 p.m., before enjoying the alpine summer.

Summer skiing: a unique experience

The charm of this era lay in its contrast: adrenaline-filled skiing on quality snow in the morning, then relaxing by Tignes’ lake or along the Isère river in the afternoon. An alpine exoticism that made people dream.

Glaciers in the face of climate change

Rapid and measurable melting

The facts are undeniable: in just three decades, the Grande Motte and Pissaillas glaciers have lost an average of 100 meters of thickness. This dramatic melting stems from climate warming, whose effects are particularly visible at high altitudes. Where snow once renewed itself abundantly, bare rock and widened crevasses now appear.

Shortened opening periods

This melting has a direct impact on skiing. Once almost year-round, the glaciers now open only about six weeks, from mid-June to late July. Autumn and spring training sessions for professional teams have disappeared. Summer skiing enthusiasts now see their season reduced to a fraction of what it once was.

Consequences for athletes and tourism

Athletes must now turn to other European glaciers (such as Zermatt or Hintertux) or even the southern hemisphere for off-season training. Tourists, meanwhile, discover a different summer offer in which skiing is no longer central but simply one activity among many.

The transformation of the resorts

New summer activities

Faced with these changes, Tignes and Val d’Isère have chosen adaptation over resignation. They focus on diversifying activities to continue attracting a broad audience.

Hiking and trail running at altitude

Marked trails offer breathtaking panoramas. Major sporting events, such as the UTMB Val d’Isère and Tignes trail races, energize the summer season.

Mountain biking and extreme descents

Ski slopes transform into downhill and enduro mountain biking tracks. Tignes and Val d’Isère are among Europe’s top spots for thrill-seekers.

Water sports and relaxation

Tignes’ lake welcomes paddleboarding, kayaking and swimming — a refreshing, family-friendly alternative to skiing.

Climbing and mountaineering

Cliffs and via ferrata routes attract climbers and adventurers. Mountaineering remains an essential part of the sports heritage of both resorts.

Four-season tourism

These developments reflect a clear ambition: to make the mountains a vibrant destination all year long. Winter remains the highlight, but summer and autumn now claim their own identity.

Tignes and Val d’Isère today: between tradition and modernity

Innovation serving skiing

Despite glacier retreat, the two resorts continue to invest in modern infrastructure: high-performance lifts, more efficient and sustainable snowmaking systems, and the hosting of international competitions.

A renewed alpine lifestyle

Beyond sports, Tignes and Val d’Isère attract visitors with their gastronomy, high-end hotels and spas. Luxury and conviviality blend with authentic alpine character.

What place for skiing in the future?

Technological alternatives

The resorts are exploring solutions such as low-impact artificial snowmaking and technologies to conserve snow from one season to the next.

Glacier preservation

Scientific programs are studying ways to slow the melting, including covering certain areas with protective mats during the summer. While symbolic, these actions help raise awareness.

Environmental education and awareness

The resorts now include educational initiatives to inform visitors about climate issues. Themed trails, exhibitions and conferences highlight the fragility of these icy giants.

Why Tignes and Val d’Isère remain must-visit destinations

Sporting excellence

From alpine skiing to freestyle and freeride, these resorts remain global benchmarks. The competitions held there reinforce their status as capitals of French skiing.

A diversity of experiences

Active holidays, wellness retreats, family moments or sporting adventures — Tignes and Val d’Isère offer a wide range of experiences for all generations.

A living alpine heritage

These resorts are more than infrastructure. They are places of memory and alpine culture, where traditions and modernity blend seamlessly.

FAQ

1. Can you still ski in summer in Tignes and Val d’Isère?

Yes, but only from mid-June to late July on the Grande Motte glacier. The season is much shorter than before.

2. Why are the glaciers melting so fast?

Rising temperatures linked to climate change are the main cause. Reduced snowfall also accelerates melting.

3. Will the resorts lose their glaciers completely?

If current trends continue, disappearance is possible by the end of the century. However, preservation efforts are underway.

4. What alternatives exist to summer skiing?

Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, water sports and trail running are increasingly replacing skiing as primary summer activities.

5. Are Tignes and Val d’Isère still attractive to professional athletes?

Yes, they still host international competitions and offer modern facilities, even though summer skiing has declined.

6. When is the best time to visit these resorts?

Winter is ideal for alpine skiing, but summer draws more and more visitors thanks to diverse activities.

Conclusion

Once synonymous with eternal skiing, Tignes and Val d’Isère have had to adapt to a new climatic reality. Although their glaciers are no longer the sanctuaries they once were, the two resorts remain capitals of French skiing, rich in history, innovation and unique experiences. Their strength lies in their ability to reinvent themselves without abandoning their heritage.

For mountain lovers, Tignes and Val d’Isère are not just holiday destinations: they embody the evolution of our relationship with nature — blending respect, enjoyment and future-focused vision.

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