Published: 25.10.2022
Last Updated: 20.11.2023
When we were deciding which resorts to host our holidays in, Tignes was an immediate choice. It’s a vibrant, exciting, and family-friendly resort that has everything you need to have the perfect ski holiday.
But we know that ski holidays are about more than just skiing. Your time off the slopes is just as important as the time on them. From nightlife to culture to non-skiing activities, we’ve collated some of the best things to do in Tignes. By the end of this article, you know all the best places to be and activities to do on your next ski holiday.
The best thing about a ski holiday is that it can be as packed or as chilled as you want it to be. Read on to learn more about the best things to do in Tignes.
An Overview of Tignes
Tignes is a commune in south-eastern France and sits amongst the beautiful French Alps. It holds a number of titles in the world of skiing. Boasting the longest ski season in Europe, the highest skiable area in Europe, and an unrivalled assortment of activities, attractions, and things to see and do, it’s a fantastic choice for your next ski holiday.
Resort Highlights:
- 300km+ of ski slopes
- 97 ski lifts throughout the resort
- 32 square kilometres of off-piste snow for cross-country skiing
- 100+ restaurants and eateries
- Year-round activities and experiences available for visitors
Ski (and Snowboard), Of Course!
Tignes is – first and foremost – a ski resort and, as such, promotes itself as the best place to come during the winter ski season. While there are tonnes of things to do in Tignes, skiing is numero uno. Are you a beginner, returning to the sport after a year away? Or maybe you’re a veteran skier intent on honing your craft. No matter your situation, Tignes is the place to be.
Home to over 300km of slopes, Tignes typically sees fresh snowfall every few days during the height of the winter ski season. This makes it a prime location for incoming groups all season round.
The seemingly endless slopes and ski runs have 97 ski lifts across the resort. Each carries visitors up to the highest and lowest grade slopes. The most adventurous option is the ‘Naturide’ trails – these trails are 100% safe but remain ungroomed. That means the snow is in its most natural state.
The ski lifts dotted throughout the Tignes resort facilitate downhill skiing and snowboarding. You can also find guided and self-guided ski tours if you’d like to take on a new adventure or put your skills to the test.
Tignes is one half of the famous ski area formerly known as Espace Killy. A 44km collection of tracks completely dedicated to cross-country skiing. There are also local tracks where you can enjoy a few closer runs before heading to the bar for a well-earned hot chocolate.
It’s safe to say that Tignes is the place to go if you’re looking for the kind of destination where your daily ski sessions are varied and exciting, supplemented by a community vibe and enjoyable after-ski activities. The first of many things to do in Tignes: ski.
But it’s not all about the skiing in Tignes…
Non-Skiing Activities
Winter holidays are great fun for everyone. But there are so many fun things to do in Tignes that we don’t think get the limelight as much as they should. We’re here to rectify that.
It might be that you’re a skier or snowboarder but would like to add a little variety to your trip. Or maybe you’re thinking of booking winter ski holidays for non-skiers specifically.
Regardless, there are plenty of things to do in Tignes aside from skiing. In fact, Tignes could even claim to be one of the best ski resorts for non-skiers with all the extra winter activities available!
Sledging
We love sledging. It’s an all-time family-fun favourite on the list of things to do in Tignes where you can reconnect with your younger self and live out those old winter wonderland fantasies. And if you have children with you, you can introduce them to the thrill of sliding down a snowy slope!
For younger children, it’s also a great way to get them started with snowsports. It gets them used to the snow and a little speed as well. After a few rounds of sledging, they’ll be so excited to get clipped into some skis!
Tignes is the perfect place for sledging because it has two dedicated sledging areas in the resort. Even better – they are pushchair accessible, and designed with kids of all ages in mind. That means, no matter how old you or your children are, there’s a toboggan run suitable for you.
You’ll also find a snow castle, an icy labyrinth, and a curling rink nearby the sledging areas. You really can spend hours soaking up the fun.
Snowmobiling
If you’re a thrill-seeker, why not try snowmobiling? Think of it as jet skiing’s way cooler sibling. Hop on the snowmobile and take it for an adrenaline-spiked spin around a track specially made for it.
You’ll get to see and experience the snowy mountains in a way you’ve never seen before. It’s a thrill-seeker’s dream, and we couldn’t recommend it more – we’re getting excited just thinking about it.
There are also some great snowmobiling options for our younger guests. These are electric snowmobiles and are perfect for introducing little ones to this high-thrill activity.
Furthermore, there’s an option to take the snowmobiles out at nighttime, which provides an even more exciting experience. And why not opt for the track that takes you to a stunning yurt where you can enjoy a meal under the stars? On the list of things to do in Tignes, we put this one way up top.
Snowshoe Tours
Snowshoeing might be a little less exhilarating than the previous things on this list. However, you should definitely not discount it. When you go on snowshoe tours, you’ll get to connect with nature in a way you don’t when skiing, sledging, and snowmobiling.
When you’re racing down slopes, you don’t get to truly appreciate the scenery and incredible nature around you. But when you’re on a snowshoe tour, you can fully take it in and appreciate it.
You’ll traverse some pristine stretches of land where the snow is untouched, and you might even get the chance to see some wildlife! Walk in silence, and you might spot ibex or chamois, and trust us – that’s something you’ll remember forever. This is definitely a must-do on the list of things to do in Tignes.
Hiking
One thing about mountains? People are going to climb them. And Tignes – like all ski resorts – is a hotspot for mountains. Whether you’d like a relaxed walk or an intense hike, there’s something for everyone in Tignes.
Parallel to the ski slopes are a network of trails and paths for on-foot adventuring. You can really find your own winter wonderland out there. There are options for full-day hikes as well as shorter trips that end in stunningly located coffee shops.
No matter which you choose, hiking in Tignes will give you the opportunity to experience the sights in more detail than you ever could skiing.
Christmas Markets
If you take a ski holiday around Christmastime, you’re in for a treat. Skiing has long been synonymous with the festive period given the undeniable winter wonderland-feel to many ski resorts. It’s enough to make anyone get that Christmas spirit, no matter the time of year.
But as December rolls around, it gets even more magical. What better way to enhance that experience than with a visit to the Tignes Christmas market? An absolute must-visit on this list of things to do in Tignes.
The Tignes Christmas market is on the Rue de Rosset. Here, you can find everything from food to gifts, mulled wine, and more. You’ll see families from around the world descending on Tignes to kickstart their festive season in style.
Other Christmas activities across Tignes include visits from Santa, Christmas lights and animation displays. And don’t forget to see the Christmas eve parade with fireworks and a delectable chocolate party!
Enjoy the Local Culture
Tignes may be most famous for its ski season, but it also boasts a cultural history which is often overlooked.
For example, Tignes borders the Vanoise National Park which was France’s first official national park. The park was created in 1963 to protect and preserve the mountain landscape. It’s full of lakes, vegetation, and over 100 species of bird, so it’s a stunning location to explore.
Other cultural experiences and things to do in Tignes include the annual wine festival which celebrates France’s passion for food and wine. There’s also the varied challenges and races which invite visitors to experience a different side of their active holiday. And – of course – the many live shows which add to the party atmosphere of Tignes during high season.
Indoor Activities
But the fun doesn’t have to always be outside. If you need a day away from the ski slopes, check out things to do in Tignes: indoor options. From bowling to bars, the cinema, and a variety of spas for a little R&R time, you’re spoilt for choice.
When it comes to things to do in Tignes, the list of indoor activities is almost as long as the list of outdoor ones. Tignes might primarily be known as a ski resort, but the truth is it’s way more than that.
Enjoy All the Things to Do in Tignes On a Ski Vertigo Ski Holiday!
When we were deciding which resorts to host our holidays in, Tignes was immediately top of the list. It’s full of character, full of snow, and – most importantly – full of fun! The range of things to do in Tignes is truly unmatched, and that makes it perfect for your winter holidays.
Whether you want to give your body a little break from skiing for a few days, or you’re travelling with a guest who doesn’t ski, there’s plenty to do off the slopes that will guarantee you the holiday of a lifetime.
To find out more about the things to do in Tignes and to secure your place on a ski holiday, give us a call on 01252 365490.
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