Top 10 summertime things to do in Tignes

By Mark ‘Stig’ Sturgeon
Published December 2024

Tignes is located in the southern French Alps and is a year-round resort known for outdoor pursuits for the more adventurous alpine and family alpine holidaymaker. However it offers a wide range of experiences for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and those simply looking to relax in a stunning alpine environment, which can be quieter and more rugged than its popular Morzine counterpart. Here are the Top 10 Things to Do in Tignes this Summer:

1. Hiking & Trekking 

Tignes offers numerous trails of varying levels of difficulty and a lift system to reach high vantage points more easily so that you can cover more miles. We offer a free lift pass with our holidays.. So whether you want an easy walk through meadows and pine forest or a more challenging hike up to some panoramic peaks, the summer months bring lush landscape abundant with flora and fauna, (look out for the famous Val D‘Isere Eagle) and even glacier walks or more challenging hikes which you can do with a local guide and crampons.

2. Mountain Biking

With over 300 km of marked mountain biking trails between Tignes and Val D’Isere you will enjoy a biking nirvana for beginner and expert riders. Both resorts are covered on the same lift pass which is free with our holidays. There’s something for all levels and you can even try a Downhill Mountain bike lesson if you really want to experience the sensation of riding a full suspension MTB with a local professional guide to show you the ropes, using Tignes’ higher and more challenging trails.

3. Climbing above Les Brevieres

Situated above Tignes les Brevieres (the old town of Tignes) and looking out over the impressive Lac Chevril is a beautiful climbing spot with spectacular views that nestles in complete tranquility, away from the bustle of Tignes Lac. You really feel as if you are in the thick of nature as your instructor shows you climbs for all levels - beginner to expert - and advanced skills like Lead Climbing which is rarely taught at this level in the UK.

More on Tignes Rock Climbing >

4. Tignes Lake

This beautiful mountain lake is a good spot to visit for a day. It is the focal point of Tignes and offers a range of activities, from paddleboarding and kayaking to the Giant Slide at Acroland (which your kids age 12+ will love) and even Fly fishing. The emerald-coloured, clear waters set against a dramatic backdrop of the mountains make it a stunning spot to spend the day. You can also simply relax by the shore, enjoy a picnic, a lakeside activity like trampolining, or rent a pedalo

5. Via Ferrata

For those who like the idea of rock climbing but want an easier, more accessible experience using pre-laid pegs, ladders and rope bridges to transit through impressive mountain scapes. It’s  more walking and scrambling than actual climbing and so Via Ferrata is better suited to us older folk; and of course theVia Ferrata in this resort are some of the best in Europe. Expect stunning rope-bridge walks, sensational vistas and a feeling of truly experiencing the most rugged environment in the Alps. More on Via Ferrata in Tignes

6. Summer skiing & boarding on the glacier

The top of the glacier is open for about 8 weeks in June and July, so make sure you travel then - if you want to experience snow sports on one of Europe's best and highest glaciers. You will ride up the funicular railway through the mountain to 3000m and then ascend the Grand Motte cable car to 3500m which is an experience in itself and attracts many walkers and keen glacier hikers, too. You will have about 20 kms of pisted trails and even experience some powder snow in July. It’s for the early risers though, because the glacier opens at about 7am and closes at 1pm

7. White-Water Rafting

The Isère Rapids in the area offer some of the most exciting white-water rafting opportunities in France. This is why we give this activity away for free with our holidays! If you’re seeking an adrenaline-filled water adventure for all ages 10+, this is a fantastic activity which has a choice of descents on grade 2 and 3 rapids and even grade 4 descents (known as the Great Descent) for more adventurous alpinists. A guaranteed great day out in a beautiful riverside rafting centre with all the kit and instruction included. Just bring a towel and money for a snack or a beer after your descent at the rafting centre's very unique riverside bar.

"The most exciting white-water rafting opportunities in France"

8. The Refuge Hike

Take a day out to hike to Refuge Martin, which starts in Les Brevieres (1500m) and ends up at the glacier (2,200m) so you can stomp around in some snow. You will enjoy a picnic with a view or a break for lunch at the epic Refuge Martin which serves traditional mountain food and is as authentic as it gets. Make sure you book in advance and legs as young as a motivated 12 year old’s will enjoy this rewarding hike up to the refuge at 2,100m.  More on Refuge Martin hike

9. E-Biking 

Tignes and Val D’Isere offer some excellent Ebike trails like this one around the lake at Les Brevieres. E-Bikes are free with our holidays or you can rent them from €60 a day from Evolution 2. It’s like riding with the wind constantly behind you! You really will be hooked the moment you make your first pedal stroke as E-bikes make everything faster and more enjoyable. Even valley floor trail riding becomes a lot more fun!

10.Resort-level activities

If you’d prefer a day away from the high mountain then try numerous activities at resort level. Activities like the acro-trampolines in Tignes Lac, or Golf on Tignes 18 hole(and rather spectacular) golf course. There’ a great tennis court in Les Brevieres and in Tignes lac and a swimming complex called Lagon for an afternoon of swimming and pampering in its spa. Entry is free on our MyTignes pass.

Bonus Activity: Hiking on the Grande Motte Glacier

For those who want to experience snow and ice even in summer, you can take a cable car up to the Grande Motte Glacier. It’s possible to go hiking, snowshoeing, or even take a short glacier trek in the summer months, allowing you to enjoy both alpine beauty and a taste of winter sports.

We recommend you hire a guide and they will provide crampons and ice axes for venturing outside of the restricted areas. Or, if you are just up for a high altitude jolly, wear some trainers, pack some sun cream and just go for a mooch about at the top of the Grand Motte cable car for that INSTA moment. The funicular railway ticket is free (with MyTignes) and the GM cable car is about €10 return to 3,500m. See altitude experience for more

Tignes in the summer is a stunning mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy both nature and the laid-back alpine lifestyle. Whether you're looking to get active, unwind, or explore, Tignes has something for everyone!