About activities in Tignes

Top things to do in Tignes

Below are our three favourite activities in Tignes but there are plenty more to choose from. Check out the selection of things to do below for some holiday inspiration – you'll see that there are plenty of alternatives to skiing and snowboarding in Tignes.

Winter sports, skiing and snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding are probably the most popular activities in the Espace Killy. But we're not only talking about lift-assisted, downhill skiing and snowboarding – there's a whole host of activities that involve boards strapped onto your feet including ski touring and split boarding, cross-country skiing or telemarking. 

There's much more than just skiing and snowboarding in Tignes in the winter. The Espace Killy mountains are the perfect setting to go snowshoeing and husky-dog sledging, while the ice skating rinks in Tignes town centre will keep the whole family entertained.

Mountain biking

Many people would argue that it's actually mountain biking that's the number one activity in Tignes. The Espace Killy trails and bike parks are considered the best in the world and attract hundreds of enduro and downhill biking aficionados every summer to its tracks that meander through lush forests to reach stunning mountaintops with breathtaking views. An experience not to be missed!

Walking, hiking and running

In the summer, the Espace Killy pistes turn into meadows and deep-forested trails to explore on foot. From easy valley strolls to gruelling trail running climbs, everyone can explore the Tignes valley's beautiful sunny landscapes.

Climbing in Tignes

Rock climbing

Like most of the Alps, Tignes is a great place rock climbing for both beginners and experienced climbers. Experienced climbers can tackle the mountain side rock and enjoy the fantastic views (just make sure you have all the right gear and safety equipment). 

For beginners there are a number of adventure companies or mountain guides who can take you out on your first climb and show you the 'ropes'! Learn all the technique and skills in the safe hands of a well-trained mountain guide. 

Climbing is also a great activity for all the family, just check with the guide beforehand what their minimum age is.

Indoor climbing

If you don't fancy climbing outdoors, or you're new to climbing and want to give it a go in an indoor centre, then Tignes has somewhere for you to go. Climbing equipment is normally provided, or you can bring your own and insurance is normally needed before you hit the climbing wall.

Via Ferrata

If climbing up sheer rock on the end of a piece of rope sounds a bit scary then Via Ferrata climbing offers an element of security that still allows beginners to enjoy the achievement of having scaled a mountain! This form of climbing was invented by Italian soldiers in the Dolomites who used it to enable them to scale vertiginous faces easily and quickly. 

These days it's a popular sport that makes the thrill of mountain climbing more accessible to children, beginners and those who want a bit more security when they climb. Following marked routes through the mountains you are helped along by steps, bridges and ladders whilst being roped up for extra safety. 

Suitable for adults and children over the age of eight; guides can be arranged on request and there are a number of adventure companies who can organise your Via Ferrata experience.

Ice climbing

If you want to try something different in Tignes other than hitting the slopes then why not try ice climbing. Whether you are an experienced climber or a beginner you can have a go at ice climbing on Tignes' frozen waterfall. 

If you're a beginner and have never climbed before, then a mountain guide or adventure company can take you out and teach you how to climb the slightly scary but incredibly beautiful looking ice waterfall. All equipment is provided and you will learn all the basics of climbing. The waterfall is located in Tignes Les Brévières and is open to everyone. Talk to one of the activity companies or mountain guides for more information. 

Culture and guided tours in Tignes

National park

The Vanoise National Park is located in the heart of the Savoie region. Created in 1963, it was the first French national park and it covers a large territory where you can find a stunning mountain landscape with lakes, and beautiful vegetation. 

It's also well-known for its population of Alpine ibex, as well as many other animals like chamois, marmots and more than 100 species of birds.

Cycling and mountain biking in Tignes

Mountain biking

Tignes is a Mecca for mountain biking, with varying terrain and fantastic views it's perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts. With the whole of the mountain area to explore, Tignes is definitely a great place for biking as the different and varied terrains suit bikers of all levels. 

Whether you enjoy a leisurely cycle around some of the lower level trails, or a day's hardcore downhill mountain is more your ‘thang’, Tignes definitely has something to suit all tastes. Tignes has an extensive MTB park with lots of of trails to try, from beginner to more advanced levels. You can even try the MTB airbag to do your best tricks on a bike in complete safety.

Cycling

Tignes offers challenging mountain roads where to cycle while enjoying the stunning scenery. However, riding in the Alps is much more demanding than your favourite local route back in the UK. The roads around Tignes are the setting for some of the most gruelling sections of the Tour de France but they can be tackled by enthusiasts as well as professionals. 

To gain the most from your riding in the area it goes without saying you need to have a reasonable level of fitness. You do not need to be a super man or woman but the ability to ride comfortably for up to 3-4 hours in the UK should see you enjoy the mountain routes.

Snow biking

Take your mountain bike out on the pistes and enjoy the snowy thrills. Once the pistes are closed, the mountain empty and the sun setting you would think the only thing happening would be piste grooming.... 

Well not in Tignes! Now you can race down the empty slopes on a mountain bike. Grab the gondola up and race, bump, slide and enjoy your descent down the snowy mountain on two wheels. 

Fishing in Tignes

Lake fishing
The lake in Tignes is a great place for experienced and beginner fishermen to catch all types of trout. There are six other high-altitude lakes in the Tignes area. If you want, fly fishing guides can also teach you the art of angling. You must, however, ensure that you have the correct fishing permit and are aware of the local fishing regulations.

Fitness and swimming in Tignes

Gym

Tignespace, the sports centre in the resort, has a 115m² weights room equipped for physical preparation and free weights training.

Swimming

Whether you like to take a dip indoors or outdoors, you'll be able to find somewhere to go for a swim in Tignes. Most hotels, lots of chalets and apartments have their own swimming facilities, however there are also municipal swimming baths that you can visit, which often come free with your lift pass purchase. In summer and winter you should be able to find somewhere to take a dip, so don't forget your towel and your swimming costume or shorts. 

Team sports

The Tignes sports centre, Tignespace, features a large 1,600m² multisports court with a basketball court, as well as a handball court, three volleyball courts, two trampolines and a roller-hockey rink.

The Lognan Athletic Centre boasts the "Eric Cantona" natural grass pitch where you can practice football with your friends.

The Sports Beach near the lake hosts a wide range of activities, with a trampoline located close to the tennis courts, as well as a playing field next to the children’s recreation area. Throughout the summer, you can play beach football, beach volleyball, beach rugby, tennis and table tennis, as well as petanque.

Flying in Tignes

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. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snow-capped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests of the Alps.

Paragliding

If you’ve never tried paragliding before then Tignes is a great place to learn how to fly. Known as “parapenting” in France & Switzerland, there are a great number of clubs and organisations in the area whose sole purpose is give you the experience of flying. From the heights of the mountain tops you can 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. 

Top Tip: 
Go on a sunny, warm day when the thermals will keep you airborne for longer.

Golf in Tignes

Golf

An excellent course and the most beautiful scenery, in Tignes you can play golf in the summer in surrounded by the fantastic mountain views. Tignes has the highest golf course in Europe at 2,100m above sea level, the perfect spot to try your swing with its 18 holes and a wide range of obstacles.

Mini golf

The golf course at Tignes also features a mini-golf course perfect for children and adults who will enjoy going through the path with information about local flora and fauna.

Horse riding in Tignes

Horse riding

The Espace Killy area offers a wide expanse of spectacular terrain on which you can saddle up and go exploring. There are a wide range of trails and routes waiting to be explored in Tignes and what better way to explore them than on horse back.

Indoor activities in Tignes

Bowling

You can bowl in Tignes in winter or summer. A great place to go if you're in a family, a group or to while away rainy days.

Cinema

Catch the latest films and releases in Tignes on your winter or summer holiday. Some cinemas open their doors early on a bad weather day, otherwise you'll find most screenings in the evenings. Look out for VOST for English speaking films.

Skiing and snowboarding in Tignes

Downhill skiing and snowboarding

Lift-assisted downhill skiing and snowboarding are the most popular activities in Tignes. So much so that we could write several guides dedicated to them... and, in fact, we have! Take a look at our ski areas, pistes and parks guide where you'll not only find a lot of information on the Tignes ski area but also links to many other articles: snowparks guide, beginner ski areas guide, advanced ski areas guide, off-piste ski areas guide.

However, lift-assisted downhill skiing and snowboarding aren't the only things you can do in Tignes while having a pair of skis or a board strapped to your feet.

Ski touring and split boarding

Whether it's going up the pistes that most people normally ski down or tackling a backcountry route, ski touring and split boarding allow you to get off the beaten path while working a sweat up the slopes. A number of ski schools, private instructors and companies can show you around or, if you've got all the necessary knowledge, you can head out in your own group. 

Cross-country skiing

The Espace Killy has a total of 44km of tracks dedicated to cross country skiing, half of which are in Tignes. No pass is needed, so once you have your equipment it is free to take part.

Télémarking

Télémarking is a form of downhill skiing where you are only attached to the binding at the toe so, to turn, you have to lunge and bring your heel upwards. Talk to one of the ski schools or private instructors who can teach you how to télémark and take you out on excursions using this technique.

Heliskiing and heliboarding

Heli-skiing is not permitted in France but there are a couple of companies in Tignes offering panoramic helicopter rides that include heliskiing. They pick you up in resort and take you over the border into Italy or Switzerland from where you will ski down accompanied by a mountain guide. It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience!

Biathlon

Modern winter biathlon is a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting that tests not only fitness but also patience and control. In Tignes you can try your hand at this Olympic sport. If you like cross-country skiing but want to add another challenge, then biathlon is the perfect way to escape into the natural, quiet surrounding mountains and then shoot stuff. Bit of a contradiction this one, but it's fun all the same.

Speed-riding

The idea behind speed riding is to combine the sensations of skiing and paragliding into one activity, and then descend off-piste sections of the mountain using a mini-wing to enable you to access areas that you might not normally go. Learning and having fun with speed riding comes very fast as long as you are a competent skier – you need to be able to ski red pistes with confidence in any type of snow. 

Handi-skiing

Enjoying the thrill of being on the pistes need not escape you if you're less mobile or have special physical needs. Resorts all over the Alps offer equipment and fully qualified guides to help you get the most out of your experience. 

Sit-ski, taxi ski, Vertiski, Handiski... whichever method you're used to, or would like to try there will be at least one ski school or activity company in Tignes that offers this service.

Snow and ice activities in Tignes

Husky dog rides

Be in charge of your own sledge and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths in winter. After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start, you set off following the guide’s team. 

If this all sounds a bit much you can opt for a less physical outing where you sit in the sled and the guide does all the hard work! It's a very popular winter activity, so booking at least 48 hours in advance is a must. They run from early December to the end of April (snow-permitting). 

Ice skating

Go outdoor ice skating on the frozen Tignes lake. It's a fun thing to do with the family, or in a group if you want to do something a little bit different for après-ski. Perfect for children and families and those who just want to enjoy the beautiful mountain views whilst playing around on some skates. 

Sledging

This is one winter activity that doesn't require a lot of expensive equipment, just grab your sledge and head for the nearest snow-covered hill! You can pick up a sledge at one of the many ski hire shops in Tignes. 

You can also try Paret sledging in Tignes - an old fashioned type of wooden sledge guaranteed to be lots of fun. 

Snow-shoeing

Raquette à Neige or snow-shoeing in and around Tignes is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions or for non-skiers. Don't forget to wear comfortable and waterproof boots. Either set out on your own, or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and explore the hidden parts of the ski area. Snowshoes and ski poles are provided by most companies offering this as an experience, or you can hire snowshoes from most sports shops or ski hire shops, grab a trail map from the tourist office and head off on your own adventure. 

Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go.

Snowtubing

If you prefer a more gentle ride then why not try snowtubing! Sit in a rubber ring and fly down the piste... race your friends and see who makes it down first.

Spas and massages in Tignes

Spas

If it's calm and relaxation you are after then head to a luxury day spa or book in for massage therapies and beauty treatments. 

A day spa is also the perfect activity when the weather turns. You can keep warm and revive aching muscles in saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzis or take a refreshing dip in a swimming pool. Unwind, relax and indulge.

Tennis and racket sports in Tignes

Tennis

Tennis is a great way to get the legs moving and to enjoy the sunny summer weather. You can play a friendly game or have a lesson, whatever you choose to do it is a great way to have fun with friends and family. 

Tignes offers 20 outdoor courts between the Sports Beach, the Lavachet activity area, the Val Claret athletic centre and the Brévières area.

Squash

Tignespace, the main sports centre, has three squash courts, and you can hire rackets and special indoor shoes with white soles there. Alternatively some of the hotels or spas have their own squash courts too.

Theme parks, waterparks and aquariums in Tignes

Zip wire

The Bun J Ride combines zip wire, bungee and a huge 30 metre ramp. In the summer you can do it on a bike or in tandem.

Paintballing

Challenge your friends and family to a game of paintball! This exciting activity offers fun for groups of all ages. In most cases, you're split into teams and a variety of scenarios and courses are offered at the beginning of all games, with each game lasting approximately two hours. 

Usually two teams play against each other to try and get the scarf located in the middle of the course, without getting hit by a paintball from the opposing team.

Walking, hiking and running in Tignes

Walking and hiking

In the summer months Tignes is a mecca for walking and hiking in the beautiful alpine mountains. As the snow melts and the sun begins to shine the mountains make an excellent place to head out on a hike or walk. 

Walking is the perfect activity for groups, families and friends. Pick from a number of routes ranging in difficulty, from easy child friendly walks to challenging day long hikes. Along the way enjoy the fantastic mountain views, beautiful scenery and wildlife that is normally hidden in the winter months. 

Check out our walking and hiking guide for more details on hiking in the Alps.

Glacier hiking

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.

Winter walking

Tignes is a winter walker's paradise, with lifts giving access to the higher ground and a network of groomed trails in the winter, it's very easy to discover the resort on foot. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you set out as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. You do not need any particular equipment, just a pair of sturdy boots and layers of warm clothing that you can take off or put on as necessary. 

A pair of walking poles will come in handy for extra balance on icy patches and for checking snow depth before you go striding forth. 

Top Tip: 
Buy ‘grippers’ for your walking boots to prevent slipping which you can buy from most local sports shops.
 

Watersports in Tignes

White water rafting

If you haven't experienced white water rafting before then this is a definite 'must try' on your list of activities to do! There are a number of trained guides in resort 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 three hour adrenaline rush to a full days excursion - this activity is guaranteed not to disappoint.

Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) and pedalos at Lac Tignes

The naturally formed 25-hectare lake in the heart of Tignes offers paddleboarding, catamarans, pedalos and dinghy boats to relax on the water in summer.

Canoeing

Canoe rafts are an unsinkable, stable type of inflatable canoe that allow you, without too much technique to profit fully from the joys and fun of white water river descent. The descents are taken on by groups of four to five boats, accompanied by a fully qualified guide. You are equipped with neoprene suits and shoes, a safety jacket and a helmet. The course which you take is chosen according to the water levels and experience of the participants.

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 eight 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. 

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 adventure companies that offer guided descents down the local waterways.

Hydro speeding

Hydro speeding is one of the newer 'extreme' water sports to hit the market, it's a fun and exhilarating way to get yourselves down a river!. Using a large float, which bears resemblance to a bodyboard, be ready to cling on for dear life as you send yourself hurtling down the rapids! This activity is a little more demanding physically than rafting or canoe rafting, but allows you to discover the unique sensation of surfing down white water rivers. It is also accessible to all, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves. 

There's plenty of protection from the icy water elements as you'll be given a wetsuit, safety helmet and flippers. You will need to bring a towel, swim wear and if you wear glasses, a cord to keep them on. 

Guides will brief you with a safety demonstration at the beginning and there’s a vehicle to meet you at the end of the rapids that will shuttle you back to your starting destination.

The Blob Jump

In the summer in Tignes you can come and discover the Blob Jump into the famous Tignes lake. It's a not-so-easy-to-describe activity with a simple purpose: catapult you several metres above Tignes lake.

You basically sit on a giant cushion and get hurled into the air and then into the lake…why not give it a try. The activity is at Acroland water park in the Tignes lake where you can also enjoy the slide ramp and ski or BMX ramp right into the mountain waters.