Tignes — Things to do

For those looking for something extra Tignes will not disappoint. There are many “après-ski” activities to be enjoyed such as horse-riding, husky sledge rides, snow-shoe walks, ice-climbing, ice-diving, ice-driving, ice skating, swimming, bowling, camp-fire nights, tobogganing, indoor rock-climbing, squash, beauty treatments, fitness classes, & Zumba dance to name a few!

If you have enough energy left after skiing, or indeed fancy a break from the slopes for a while, there are many activities on offer in Tignes. Choices range from guided walks, helicopter trips, husky sledge rides, ice climbing, ice diving, ice driving, snow-mobiles, horse riding and much more, for every budget and fitness level. Evolution 2, le Bureau des Guides and ESF organise most of the adventure activities in resort or you can sek advice at the tourist office. There are sometimes guided tours of the church in les Boisses as well as a cultural centre in the Maison de Tignes le Lac, telling the Tignes story.

Active

As well as the many adventure activities on offer, you can play squash and rock climb on the indoor wall in Tignespace. There are yoga and Zumba dance classes as well as pilates sessions.

Relaxation

Tignes provides free ice-skating as well as free entry to le Lagon swimming pool for 6 day ski pass holders. Le Lagon has two pools – one for the more serious swimmers and a leisure pool complete with slides, ‘bubbles’ and lazy river. It also has a gym and impressive excersise class programme and a relaxing ‘wellness’ zone with steam rooms, saunas and jacuzzis, all with fantastic views over the frozen lake towards the impressive ‘fingers’ couloirs which are lit up at night. If you have had enough of sport, there is a cinema in Val Claret which sometimes shows english-speaking films.

Shopping

Many of the shops tend to stock similar products – so not a lot of variety. You can find mainly souvenirs, home decoration, local food produce and clothing. The majority of shops are to be found in Val Claret centre and le Lac, although ski hire shops selling some sporting goods are also present in les Brévières, Les Boisses and Lavachet. Price-wise, shopping in Tignes does not always represent value for money as many items can be purchased more cheaply down the valley, or on the internet. The end of season sales are definitely worth a visit as good reductions are to be found for high-quality ski and snowboarding gear.

Events

Events in Tignes include the Winter X Games in March, which is an extravaganza for all things freestyle. There are often other competitions such as Alpine championships, and regular freeride events. Every New Year’s Eve, Tignes puts on a massive firework display on the snowfront of le Lac complete with warm-up music and DJs which has a great party atmosphere. In addition to this, most weeks there are displays by various ski schools/teams and torchlight descents – ask at the tourist office for more information. Also, the ice-rink has a party night each week with ‘80s disco tunes and free hot chocolate or vin chaud.