Summer Activities Tignes

That’s right, thanks to the Grande Motte glacier in Tignes, you can access some of the highest pistes in Europe and ski or snowboard even in summer. Tignes funicular train takes just seven minutes to deposit you amid 20km of slopes, a terrain park, and 12 lifts; including a cable car that whizzes you right up to 3456m. While you’re rather unlikely to find fresh powder, the freeze-melt can give flattering conditions if you catch it right. It’s a great time to hit kickers, rails and pipes in soft slushy conditions. La Grande Motte itself is the highest summit in the famous Espace Killy ski area, which joins Tignes with Val d’Isere, and the panoramic mountain views are spectacular, stretching out to Mont Blanc in the distance. Head there early for best conditions: It’s open from 7.15am till 1pm in summer.

A certain amount of faith is required to launch yourself off a precipice with your instructor or guide, who will steer the flimsy canopy above you, and cruise around in the air seeking out invisible thermal updrafts that will allow you to gain height. You’ll be totally exposed to the elements and weightless, with a real birds-eye view down on Mont Pourri, the ridges of the Grande Sassiere, the Grande Casse (which is the highest point in La Vanoise at 3,856m) and Mont Blanc in the distance. You don’t need any experience of skills to take a tandem paragliding flight; and if you take to it you can also book lessons and instruction from beginner to advanced level in Tignes.

Tignes lies in the Vanoise National Park, which, when lumped together with neighbouring Italian Grand Paradis National Park, is one the largest protected area in Western Europe. Head to the Maison de Tignes le Lac and Val Claret to get a free lift pass for three lifts. A ‘Summer walks guide’ is available there for 10 euros. Some ideas for walks: a perfect 1.45 hour walk for families winds through Bois de la Laye’s woodlands, waterfalls and streams. The Aiguille Percée (Eye of the Needle) provides a great photo opportunity and a longer walk: (9km and 3 hours) and, finally, this 2-hour Nazonde walk leads the way through the most unspoilt part of Tignes.