Is Tignes a good resort for après-ski? While it's true that Tignes might not be as famous for its nightlife as some of the big party resorts such as Verbier, St Anton and Val d'Isere, it definitely has it's fair share of cool après-ski bars. We've picked our favourite five, in no particular order, all of which offer fun vibes and a chance to let your hair down after a hard day on the slopes! We'd also like to give special mention to the Terrachu whose new owners have done a stellar job behind the bar over Christmas and New Year. The bar has cosy seating overlooking the lake and some of the cheapest prices in Tignes with pints starting at 5 euros and 3 shots for 10 euros!
Cocorico - Val Claret
Starting at the far end of Val Claret, in the shadow of the Grand Motte glacier, Cocorico is an open air après-ski bar located next to the Lanches chair lift. It has a large outdoor terrace and a pizza restaurant inside. There's happy hour from 2-4pm, live music from 4-6pm and a DJ set from 6-8pm. The bar is easy to get to being located right on the slopes, and easy to get home from as the shuttle bus stops just opposite, so you don't have to worry about missing the last lift home! We like this bar as it's great for soaking up the atmosphere outside and cooling down after a hard ski down Double M.
Grizzly's - Val Claret
Nobody can leave Tignes without a visit to Grizzly's Bar. Think cosy blankets and throws, log fires and cowhide cushions. The eccentric owner Jean Louis has converted the interior into a shop come bar come restaurant with cosy corners to relax in on split levels. His exquisite wood carvings can be seen on display throughout, including the 2 large bears guarding the entrance! Outside there is a large terrace with a firepit and BBQ grill. Located in the centre of Val Claret this bar is both quirky and cool. It can be on the pricy side but definitely worth checking out to experience something a bit different!
Marmot Arms - Le Lac
Located on Rue de la Poste in Tignes Le Lac next to the Palafour chair lift, the Marmot Arms is the first and only marmot themed pub! It boasts a cosy interior and friendly staff, and there is a daily happy hour from 4-6pm. Sky sport is shown on 3 screens and there are evenings with live music or DJ. This is a good place to refuel on food as the burgers, fish and chips and pasta are excellent. There is limited outdoor seating which is in the shade. With its easy to access to the slopes and proximity to the shuttle bus stop and Tourist Office, we rate this bar for its friendly atmosphere and food which is great value for money.
The Loop Bar - Le Lac
The Loop Bar is the place to go for live music in Tignes Le Lac. Inside there is a large bar and dance floor, with seating around the outside and in a connecting room towards the back. As well as live music, there are party nights sound-tracked by top DJs and 4 screens showing live sport. Food including burgers, wraps and nachos is served from 12:00 to 22:00 and it's good value for money. Outside there is a large terrace overlooking the Rosset slopes which is a great place for soaking up the last rays of sun. We like this bar for it's sunny location right in the centre of Le Lac and it's great live music!
Brasero - Lavachet
Last but not least, family friendly Brasero is our pick of the bunch in Lavachet. There is outdoor seating where you can gaze up at the off piste tracks on the Lavachet wall, and like the Loop Bar, it gets the late afternoon sun. Brasero can be easily reached by a track leading from the nursery slope, and there is a bus stop right next to if you aren't staying in Lavachet. Inside there is a bar with seating areas and restaurant seating to the back. Be sure to arrive early when there is live music to get a seat. The menu includes pizza, burgers and fish and chips. This bar has a great location and we especially enjoy catching the last rays of sun here!
While not exhaustive, we hope this blog has given you an insight into Tignes' après-ski scene. Unpretentious and laid back, there's something here for everyone!
For more information on Tignes on where to stay please visit www.tignesdirect.com or contact us at info@tignesdirect.com