ESPACE KILLY DESTINATION GUIDE

ABOUT THE LOCATION

Though recently renamed the Tignes – Val d'Isère ski area, this resort is still often referred to as Espace Killy by many. Its old name is a tribute to the ski legend Jean-Claude Killy, a Val d’Isère native who won three gold medals in the 1968 Olympic Games. The ski domain comprises two of the biggest names in the French Alps, Val d’Isère and Tignes.

Espace Killy is the third-largest ski domain in the French Alps and a favourite with intermediate and advanced skiers. The 157 pistes are incredibly diverse with mainly blue and red slopes as well as a good selection of green and black runs too. Plus, there are great off-piste options if you want to carve your own route.

INVESTMENT POTENTIAL

There is a diverse array of ski properties for sale in Espace Killy and each of its resorts, Val d’Isère and Tignes, has a different property offering. In Val d’Isère there is a good mix of ski chalets and ski apartments for sale, however, new-build opportunities are becoming increasingly rare here. With limited plots for development and the cancellation of the village’s urbanism plan, the new-build properties on the market right now could be the last opportunities available for a while. This scarcity of new plots paired with the international popularity of the resort also means that properties here will have liquidity when later resold and there is strong potential for capital appreciation.

With an abundance of high-rise buildings, ski apartments are the most common type of ski property for sale in Tignes. However, that being said, there are a handful of spacious ski chalets scattered throughout its five villages for those who want something more intimate and traditional.

THE ROAD TO TIGNES

ADVISERS’ OPINION

Thanks to its high altitude, Espace Killy is one of those rare destinations where it is possible to go skiing during the summer.

WHY TO BUY

Long ski season
High-altitude skiing
Legendary après ski spots
300km of pistes
Strong potential for capital gains

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

2 hours 45 mins from Geneva Airport
Ski from December to May
1,550m and 3,450m alt.
4 Michelin star restaurants
Famille Plus accredited resorts

INFRASTRUCTURE

Espace Killy has a comprehensive infrastructure to cater to the needs of its visitors. The resort has a modern network of lifts, including gondolas, chairlifts, and drag lifts, that provide access to its ski runs. The lifts are regularly maintained to ensure safe and efficient operation.

The resort also has a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, apartments, and chalets, to suit different budgets and preferences. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in addition to skiing, such as ice skating, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

There are also numerous restaurants, bars, and shops in the resort to provide visitors with a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

HISTORY

Espace Killy is a world-renowned ski resort located in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps.

The resort is named after Jean-Claude Killy, a French alpine skier who won three gold medals in the 1968 Winter Olympics. The resort was formed in the 1970s when the ski areas of Val d'Isère and Tignes were linked by a network of lifts and runs.

Today, Espace Killy offers over 300 km of ski runs and is known for its challenging terrain and excellent snow conditions. The resort has hosted numerous international skiing events, including the Alpine World Ski Championships in 2009.

THE VILLAGES TODAY

Val d'Isere features a charming alpine village with narrow streets, traditional chalets, and high-end boutiques, it is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world.

Tignes, on the other hand, is a more modern resort, composed of several villages each with a unique atmosphere.

Tignes le Lac and Val Claret offer lively après-ski activities, while Tignes 1800 and Tignes les Brévières are quieter and more traditional. Together, Val d'Isere and Tignes offer visitors an unparalleled skiing experience, with over 300 kilometers of ski slopes and stunning mountain vistas.