Summer holidays in Tignes Glacier summer skiing, watersports and mountain biking
Unlike many purpose-built ski resorts, Tignes has a very buoyant summer season thanks to the summer skiing operation on the Grand Motte glacier, the watersports on the lake and the large variety of hiking and mountain biking trails plus many other outdoor pursuits for all ages.
Summer in Tignes can be as active or as relaxed as you want to make it and away from the adrenaline fueled mountain activities, there are more relaxing options such as chilling out in one of the luxury spa & wellness hotels or playing golf at Europe's highest course - there is literally something for everyone in Tignes during the summer.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Summer skiing | ✔ |
| Glacier trekking | ✔ |
| Watersports on the lake | ✔ |
| Sports beach | ✔ |
| Hiking trails | ✔ |
| Spa & wellness | ✔ |
| Golf - 18 holes | ✔ |
| Mountain biking | ✔ |
| Crazy airbag | ✔ |
| Via ferrata | ✔ |
| Rafting | ✔ |
| Helicopter tours | ✔ |
| Archery | ✔ |
| Rock climbing | ✔ |
Summer skiing in Tignes
Tignes is one of the few remaining resorts that offers great summer skiing on the Grand Motte glacier. The glacial slopes are accessed via a chairlift from Tignes Val Claret followed by a cable car to the summit at 3656m.
From the top, there is typically 20km of piste open and depending upon the conditions, the 130 hectares can often have some great off-piste terrain as well.
A popular hangout is the snowpark with music and BBQs and you can watch some of the pro's do their summer training.
The Grande Motte glacier ski area is open throughout the year except for a few weeks in the middle of September. During the summer, the lifts normally opens around 7am in the morning with the last lift for skiing around 1pm - after that, skiing in slush is not a lot of fun so a popular option is to chill out and sunbathe by one of the hotel pools or by the lake.
The ski school operates during the summer and offer group or private lessons for both children and adults. For more information please see our ski schools and guiding page.
Featured holiday rentals
There is a wide choice of summer rental accommodation in Tignes for all budgets and tastes including some great chalets and town centre apartments.
Unlike many purpose built ski resorts, Tignes is busy during the summer so booking your accommodation in advance, especially for July and August, is highly recommended.
The summer months are generally warm with long sunny days with the average daily high during July and August reaching 25°C. However, sitting at 2100m means the evenings can get chilly and occasionally, it may even snow on the higher peaks!
Day Trips
From Tignes, there are many possibilities for doing day trips to neighbouring resorts - perhaps for a spot of lunch, shopping and sight seeing. Some of our favourites include...
Val Cenis & Lac du Mont Cenis
For something different, drive to the very pretty valley of Val Cenis just 60kms away. The scenic drive will take you past Val d'Isere's summer ski area and over the high mountain pass before dropping down in to the valley. Val Cenis is home to the pretty and historic villages of Lanslebourg, Lanslevillard and Termignon plus the magnificent Lac du Cenis which is a nice place to stop for a picnic.
Albertville
Home to the 1992 Winter Olympics, the modern city of Albertville also boasts the medieval city of Conflans within its boundaries where some of the buildings date as far back as the 14th century. Wander around the narrow winding streets which are lined with cafes and experience alfresco dining in one of the fabulous ancient squares. Being just over an hours drive from Val Thorens makes Albertville an easy day out.
Annecy
Annecy is a stunning town which resembles a smaller version of Venice with pretty waterways cutting through the historic centre. Lake Annecy is a cool place to hang out with lots of summer time bands and amusements plus you can hire a small motorboat and go for a spin around the lake. Getting to Annecy from Val Thorens takes a little over 90 minutes via Albertville.
Children's Activities
During the summer holidays, Tignes offers plenty of entertainment and activities for children such through the kids club located by the lake and caters for children agred between 4 and 15 years old.
- Swimming
- Archery
- Trampoline
- Pedal boat
- Horse riding
- Rafting
- Mini golf
- Tennis
- Via ferrata
- Sofyplay area near the lake with inflatables
Our view on summer holidays in Tignes
If you like outdoor adventures then a summer holiday in Tignes within the stunning Vanoise National Park will not dissapoint - there are activities for all ages including excellent children's clubs that will keep the younger one entertained.
