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Tignes Activities - Winter
| Winter Activities in Tignes |
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Well of course, you are always going to have the ubiquitous skiing and snowboarding but whilst you're in Tignes you may want to try your hand at one of the many other winter activities available in this town. Below are a few suggestions to tickle your imagination! |
| Cross Country Skiing (Ski de Fond) |
 | | 'Classic' Style |
Get back to nature and explore tranquil cross-country trails at your own pace. There are two different techniques – classic and skating. Classic is the easiest for beginners; you simply place your skis in two parallel groves, push off and glide around the trails. Skating is more energetic and a slightly harder skill to grasp; you push your feet out to either side as though you are ice skating and use your poles simultaneously to gain momentum.
You can hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops and book a group or private lesson to learn the basics from most ski schools or private instructors. For those used to downhill skis, at first you feel precariously balanced and downhill sections are definitely more exciting on narrow skis with no edges! The skis are lighter and slimmer than downhill skis and the boots are much softer and more comfortable.
The tranquility of cross country (also known as Nordic) skiing is perfect for anyone who enjoys peace and quiet, or finds the downhill pistes too crowded or too steep. It is a great form of aerobic exercise and one can be as energetic or slow as one likes, while the relaxed pace makes it a more tranquil way to enjoy the surroundings!.
 | | 'Skating' Style |
Once you have grasped the essentials, head off into the beautiful and tranquil cross-country trails that meander through the Espace Killy. No lift pass is needed, and one can be as energetic or slow as one likes.
The Espace Killy has a total of 44km of tracks for cross-country skiing, approximately half of which are in Tignes and most of the ski schools also offer instruction in this discipline. Cross country circuits are free to use and are shown on the piste map with their level gradings – green, blue, red or black.
Val d'Isère has it's share of cross country trails to be explored, such as:
- In La Daille – To the left of the main road just past La Daille is an easy, green,1.5km long trail
- In the Manchet Valley – There is a 1km track running from the Solaise cable car to the Clochetons restaurant (green) and then a further 3km to the Manchet old hamlet (blue) - this trail is sunny in the morning and early afternoon. There is also a 6.5km long red run – Le Manchet
- At the Ouillette lake – At the top of the Solaise cable car, walk to the Madeleine chairlift and there is a 2km blue trail around the ‘Ouillette lake’ on the right hand side
- In Le Fornet – From the Le Fornet cable car, there is a 5km blue trail out of Val d’Isere to the border of the Vanoise National Park
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last updated 2-Jul-2008 |
| Glacier Walking |
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.
From around €40 for adults and €20 for children you can discover the Grand Motte Glacier with a guide, who will show you the glacier and the surrounding landscapes. You will also visit the Grotte du Glace (Ice Grotto) and have lunch at Le Panoramic restaurant at a height of 3032m. For an extra €4 you can join the optional downhill walk into Val Claret, a vertical drop of 932m. This walk is available to all ages but can be a bit tough on the legs! These excursions are organised for 3 to 4 times a month so check with the Tourist Office or the STGM lift company for details of the exact dates.
To read more about glaciers and the environment please go to our Glacier Meltdown article. |
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last updated 18-Jun-2008 |
| Grotte de Glace (Ice Caves) |
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Deep in the heart of the Grande Motte glacier, at 3500m of altitude, an ice marvel has been created. The Tignes ice caves are a magical grotto of glistening sculptures and fairytale figures. 200 meters of passageway have been dug out of the Grande Motte glacier and each winter expert ice sculptors arrive to create a new exhibition based on a different theme such as dragons, crystals, animals and so on.
At 3000m the caves are accessible in both summer and winter via the Téléphérique de la Grande Motte or the funicular (underground train); entry costs just €4 plus your lift pass. Remember to wrap up warm, even if it is sunny outside! |
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last updated 21-Aug-2008 |
| Helicopter Tours & Heli-Skiing |
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 or some mountain guide companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snow-capped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests of the Espace Killy.
Unfortunately, heli-skiing is not permitted in France, however some of the ski schools and mountain guide companies will offer a pick-up/drop-off heli skiing service for you where you will be taken over the border into Italy or Switzerland. It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience! |
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last updated 3-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Climbing |
For the true mountain enthusiast, why not scale an amazing frozen waterfall or glacier? This is a fantastic sport, not just for experienced mountaineers. You can learn the basics at Tignes le Lac, or go further afield and discover the many stunning locations in and around the Vanoise National Park. The ice climbing season peaks between December and March.
Although it sounds like a very specialised sport, ice climbing is suitable for everyone - from complete beginners to experienced climbers. Some knowledge of ropes and basic climbing skills will give you a head start, but if you are a complete novice then your guide should be able to teach you from scratch.
Safety is important, so it is advisable to take an experienced mountain guide to instruct you on the use of crampons, ropes and ice picks. |
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Diving |
Although plunging under the icy waters of Lake Tignes in the middle of winter may not sound much like fun this is a fascinating and magical experience. Film-buffs might be interested to know that this was were the ice-diving scenes from Luc Besson's 'The Big Blue' were filmed (even though the story was set in the Andes!).
Accompanied by experienced instructors you can go beneath the frozen surface of the lake and submerge yourself in the eerie world beneath. Contact Evolution 2 for information and reservations. |
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last updated 3-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Driving |
Fancy being the next 'Schumacher on snow'? For a high speed adrenaline rush, try testing your driving skills on the Ice Driving Circuit situated in Tignes les Brévières. You can take the buggies and quads for a spin in sessions of 10 minutes or more, or you can have specialist ice driving lessons in a Subaru Impreza!
The circuit can also be hired out for private events. |
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Karting |
Speed round the ice on the karting track at Tignes Val Claret - with studded tyres and extra thick bumpers you can take on your friends. You'll find, as you spin round the corners, that technique is more important than speed and this can really bring out your competitive streak!
Helmets must be worn and instructions will be given before you are let loose on the rink; remember to wrap up and bring a pair of warm gloves. Be sure to book in advance as this is a really popular activity - Atoll T2 Kart +33 (0) 625 47 94 73 |
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Ski Joering |
At first glance, ski joering could be considered a somewhat unusual pastime, but once you discover the thrill of it, you will understand why it has a growing number of fans!
Originating in the farming communities of Scandinavia, ski joering literally means "towed" or "pulled skis" and in the beginning, it was simply a means of getting from one place to another. A bit like waterskiing, the skier lets himself be dragged along whilst holding on to a rudder bar and steering the horse with the reins and a whip. There are many ways of ski-joering, from gentle walking to speed racing and slaloming.
You can enjoy the peaceful trails of Tignes le Lac behind your trusty steed, please see Action, Fun & Sports for contact details. |
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last updated 7-Jul-2008 |
| Snow-Mobile (Moto-Neige) |
Photo Credit: Snow-Biker.Com
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Those who enjoy speed will love riding a powerful snow-mobile (like a motorbike with caterpillar tracks) over the slopes of Tignes. Seated either one or two per bike, one follows the guide up the pistes, around a specially prepared circuit, over jumps and bumps, and sometimes off-piste through the powder.
Don't forget to wrap up warmly especially if you go after dark, and bring goggles if there is powder. You can hire snow mobiles at Tignes le Lac (you can see the chalet from the Chaudannes chairlift), see Action, Fun & Sports for contact details. |
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
| Snowshoe Walking ('Raquette à Neige') |
Strap lightweight plastic snowshoes to your feet, and walk effortlessly through deep snow. Either set out on your own, or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and explore the hidden parts of the valley. On these half day group outings you will get off the beaten track to follow animal footprints, discover mountain flora and fauna and learn the history of the valley. Snowshoes and ski poles are usually provided. See Action, Fun & Sports for details of guiding companies.
You can also hire snowshoes from most Sports Shops, grab a trail map and head off on your own adventure. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go. There are 4 snowshoeing loops in Tignes, 3 in the main resort and 1 in Les Brévières.
This is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions, or for non-skiers; walkers and nature lovers will love these outings. Don't forget to take energy bars and wear comfortable boots.
Snowshoe website for France & Switzerland
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
| Tobogganing |
Although Tignes has no official toboggan run there are plenty of places where you can find a quiet slope to pick up a bit of speed. You will often see children playing on the snow around the Maison de Tignes in Le Lac, or you can wait until the pistes have closed and walk up as far as you like to slide back down into town. Just be careful not to venture on to the main pistes while skiers and boarders are still on them, and do not toboggan after dark unless as part of an organised group.
Toboggans can be bought or hired fairly cheaply from most Sport Shops. |
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
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