by CPARTYby CPARTYAt over 2,100 metres of altitude, Tignes opens direct access to the highest paved passes in the Alps. Here, altitude training isn't an option — it's the starting point of every ride.
The Vanoise massif, of which Tignes is one of the gateways, has hosted some of the most spectacular stages of the Tour de France, particularly around the Col de l'Iseran. Christian Prudhomme, director of the Tour, has himself compared the final section of its ascent to that of Alpe d'Huez.
From Tignes, access to the Col de l'Iseran and several Alpine giants doesn't mean losing altitude — a rare advantage for a serious training camp.
The highest paved pass in the Alps, at 2,764 m — a Tour de France landmark.
A more low-key climb, accessible directly from the resort, ideal for varying the rides.
A breathtaking panorama over Lake Roselend, a Tarentaise classic.
Profile for the side from Val d'Isère, the most direct from Tignes. The Col de l'Iseran is the highest paved pass in the French Alps, ranked hors catégorie since 1992.
« The climb up the Col de l'Iseran from the Bonneval-sur-Arc side has almost the same gradients and the same distance as Alpe d'Huez. »Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France director
Ready to build your trip to the Alps?
Request the Alps13 branded pieces waiting in your room on arrival:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp. | -2° | -1° | 3° | 7° | 12° | 16° | 19° | 19° | 15° | 10° | 3° | -1° |
Indicative climate data (altitude resort, Tignes ~2,100m).
Straight-line distances, approximate, for scale reference only.
| Airport | Transfer | Main airlines | Flight from... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chambéry-Savoie CMF | ~1h45 by road | easyJet, Jet2 (seasonal) | London 1h50 · Brussels 1h40 |
| Grenoble-Alpes-Isère GNB | ~2h by road | Ryanair, Jet2, easyJet | London 1h50 · Brussels 1h40 |
| Geneva GVA | ~2h by road | Swiss, easyJet, British Airways, Emirates | London 1h40 · Dubai 6h40 · New York 9h30 |
Indicative flight times, to be reconfirmed with the airlines. No direct flights from Australia — connections via Dubai, Doha or Singapore should be expected.
Destination-specific reviews coming soon.
You can ride your own bike or opt for professional equipment rental — see the conditions in our Terms & Conditions.
Tignes sits above 2,000m — an acclimatisation period is recommended for the first two days; our coaches adjust intensity accordingly.
From June to September, as the Col de l'Iseran is only cleared of snow and open from late May/early June depending on the year.
