Tignes Activities - Summer

Summer Activities in Tignes

The majority of things to do in Tignes relate to being outdoors, and whilst there are many organised activities, getting out there is mainly what it is about - at a leisurely pace or at warp speed, it's up to you. The list of activities available in the summer is endless and there is always something to suit everyone; whether it be families with small children, seasoned hikers, thrill-seekers or simply those who want to get away from it all and try something new.

Canyoning

A not-so-gentle but extremely refreshing summer activity is one way to describe canyoning! Plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents, jumps and natural water slides – just make sure you choose a warm day! You will make your way along rivers and rapids, using the river bed as a natural obstacle course.

Not suitable for very young children, but anyone over the age of about 8 can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning. With the safety of a guide everyone can abseil down cascades, splash into pools and ride the river rapids. You can choose from short beginners’ routes or longer ones for the more adventurous.

Hydrospeed is an alternative to rafting where you shoot down the river on a kind of inflatable body-board. Half-in half-out of the water you are closer to the action and guaranteed a soaking!

Different companies will have their own policies on age limits but usually, unless they are booked onto a children's activity course, anyone under the age of about 14 years old will have to be accompanied by an adult. A basic level of swimming ability is required for safety reasons.

There are a number of local companies that offer guided descents down the local waterways.

last updated 9-Apr-2008

Children's Clubs - Summer

The scope for summer activities in the Alps is endless, so you will find that at most Children's Clubs in Tignes the focus is very much on getting outdoors and making the most of the sunshine and the mountains. Summer clubs are a great way for children to meet new friends and discover new experiences.

The Evolution 2 Junior Academy offers a wide range of adventurous outdoor pursuits such as rafting, climbing and mountain biking. For younger children Les Marmottons Childrens Village in Val Claret takes 3-8 year olds for fun and games in the sun!

last updated 15-Feb-2008

Fishing

Tignes is a veritable angler’s haven with 7 mountain lakes in the region, the most obvious of which being Lac Tignes. They are all open for recreational fishing and are well stocked, mainly with different varieties of trout.

Licences and local fishing tax stamps can be bought from La Maison de Tignes le Lac and from the fishing warden. Remember to enquire about local fishing regulations at the time of purchase.

last updated 10-Apr-2008

Glacier Walking

For a truly unique experience, clamp on your crampons and go hiking on one of the Espace Killy’s Grand Motte or Pissaillas glaciers. The breathtaking views and spectacular crevasses make this an incredible adventure. There are a number of glacial hikes, of varying difficulty, in this region of the Alps. Most mountain guiding companies will run organised excursions to the most accessible. To read more about glaciers and the environment please go to our Glacier Meltdown article.

last updated 11-Apr-2008

Golf

At a height of 6300ft Golf du Lac de Tignes is one of the highest golf courses in the world. As well as affording some amazing scenery this also means that your normal swing will make the golf ball travel much further! The 18-hole course in Val Claret has a pro-shop, club/buggy hire, changing rooms, a driving range and a club house serving meals, snacks and drinks.

last updated 21-Apr-2008

Horse Riding

You can enjoy the amazing Alpine scenery from horseback at the Ecole d'Aventure Equestre in Tignes. Accompanied horse and pony rides are available, as are lessons for all ages and abilities.

Call +33 (0) 622 67 00 55 for details.

last updated 21-Apr-2008

Mountain Biking (MTB / VTT)

Tignes is like an entirely different town in the summer; the once snowy pistes make great mountain biking trails and the summer lift system provides access to the summits without you having to do too much uphill pedaling! (NB: In French, mountain biking is called VTT (Vélo tout-terrain!)) ... see "Tignes Mountain Biking" for more

last updated 13-May-2008

Panoramic Helicopter Tours

Sit back and admire the mountains from even higher up! Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies or some mountain guide companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snowcapped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests of the Espace Killy.

last updated 22-Apr-2008

Paragliding ('Parapente')

Glide down to the bottom of the valley on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor. He manoeuvres the parachute while the passenger enjoys the ride and fantastic views. Taking off is the only scary moment: once you have been equipped with a helmet and strapped to the instructor behind you in a rather intimate way, both of you simply point your skis (or board) downhill, and carry on getting faster and faster until the parachute lifts you into the air. One then peacefully glides above the pistes for ten to twenty minutes, aiming to catch thermals to keep you up for longer. Landing is very gentle and no more of an impact than jumping off a step. ... see "Tignes for Paragliding" for more

last updated 23-Apr-2008

White Water Rafting

If you haven't experienced this before then this is a definite 'must try' on your list of activities to do! Tignes has a number of trained guides who will let you experience some of the best white water rafting available in the Alps. From the middle of May until September, the mountain rivers flow furiously as they are fed from the melt waters running off the glaciers high above the town. There are various options available from a 3 hour adrenaline rush to a full days excursion - this activity is guaranteed not to disappoint.

last updated 25-Apr-2008