Tignes - A typical week in Summer

Six of the best activities to do in Tignes

Tignes is part of the Vanoise National Park, and in summer it is a beautiful place which teems with wildlife, enjoys a lot of sunshine, stunning alpine vistas and an altitude range of 1550m to 3456m which enables you to choose from such a diverse range of activities. Try everything from kayaking to glacier hiking, it really suits all ages and tastes from nature lovers to adrenaline enthusiasts. In fact, it is sometimes said of Tignes that there is so much on offer - the hardest part is choosing what to do next!

Here are 6 of the best activities you can do in the area. Activities run by local professionals, that we have selected to give you the widest experience and the most fun for all ages and taste

Day 1 - Tignes’ Lake

Grab your trainers or a  bike and head to the lake in Tignes Le Lac. It has a flat walking and biking (or jogging) track that goes all the way around the lake with activities to do along the way as you circumnavigate this spectacular waterway. You can try full size trampolines, paddle boarding, pedalo, a giant slide or kayaking. Or just enjoy a lovely lunch at a waterside restaurant in the sun!

View lake activities >

Day 2 - Whitewater rapids

The rapids near Tignes are some of the best in the Alps. So get ready for a fun-filled excursion and try Whitewater rafting or hydrospeeding, (descending the rapids on an oversized bodyboard). It’s a great way to break the ice with fellow hotel guests as excursions are often run in groups of 8-10. Guaranteed to have a thrilling day out and there are family courses for ages 8+; or more ‘rapid’ courses (grade 4 sections) for ages 13+.

Whitewater rafting >

Day 3 - Eye of the Needle

Grab your walking shoes and head for the Palafour chairlift to walk up to the Eye of the Needle. Possibly the most 'Insta-famous' location in the resort. On this hike, you will see magnificent views of the valley and Mont Blanc and all sorts of mountain flora and fauna en-route (the wildlife is incredible). Our reps will give you a route card and map so you can make a great day of it.

Day 4 - Downhill Mountain biking

Why not try mountain biking on the high altitude trails using the lifts. It is an epic experience and with the right guidance, is suitable for complete beginners who are at least confident riding bikes.

You will need to rent a full suspension bike (from €69) or take a lesson and with a lift pass, you can access some of the most incredible trail riding and high altitude mountain scenery. We recommend going up the Palafour chairlift and going down the Smoothie Green run back to Tignes Tourist office. It suits confident kids age 10+.

Day 4 - Or walk ‘The Hidden Valley’

Grab your free lift pass & walking shoes (or a bike) and head up the Tovières cable car. You will follow our Route card and walk down a beautiful valley into Val d’Isère. There are large rocks on either side that look like a scene from Lord of the Rings. On arrival in Val d’Isère there is often a market, plenty of shops and it's a great lunch spot. To return, you can do so quite easily by lifts or a bus.

Day 5 - Via Ferrata or Climbing

The Via ferrata and rock climbing excursions are legendary in Tignes and Val D’isere. These great activities will have you climbing and moving over rock faces (with a guide) using pre laid routes with wire rungs, pegs, ladders and other aids permanently fixed into the rock. You dont need any special skills, just a head for heights and a sense of adventure

More on Via Ferrata

Day 6 - E Bike tours 

Rent an E-bike and go for an epic adventure. E-bikes really open up the area and in Tignes and Val D’Isere there is a superb E-bike trail that runs all along the valley. It’s a must-do for all ages 10+ (1m50) and you can even try a gourmande E-Bike tour if you like to mix up culinary treats with your sport!