Off the Slopes in Tignes

Activities in Tignes

On Snow Activities

Ice Skating

More ‘on ice’ than ‘on snow’, Tignes’ massive lake provides the perfect setting for a natural open air ice rink. During the winter the area near Le Lagon leisure centre is set up so that adults and children can hire skates and glide around in the most spectacular of settings. The rink is open from 4pm to 8pm each day, making it the perfect après ski activity for the whole family. Plus, with a 2-15 day lift pass you get free access to the ice rink! 

Ice Diving

The frozen lake is also the venue for one of Tignes’ more unusual activities, ice diving. While it’s not something you’d expect to see in most ski resorts, it’s perfectly commonplace to see people in dry suits rather than ski suits milling around the edge of the lake before they disappear into a small hole in the ice to explore the depths below. Evolution 2 (+33 (0)7 60 82 10 12) welcomes everyone from complete beginners to experienced ice divers and provides them with the equipment, guiding and instruction needed to enjoy this incredible and unique experience.

Mountain biking on snow

Just as you don’t really expect to see scuba diving in a ski resort in winter, nor do you expect to be able to go mountain biking on its snow-covered slopes. However, in Tignes they don’t like to reserve mountain biking solely for the summer months, and once the pistes are closed for the day you can hire a bike and safety gear, then head up the gondola for an exhilarating descent that will leave you smiling from ear to ear. Being up on the deserted slopes as the sun goes down is also a truly magical experience.

Ice Driving

If you prefer to whiz around on four wheels rather than two, why not try ice driving at the circuit down in Tignes Les Brevières. Evolution 2 (+33 (0)7 60 82 10 12) offers lessons for everyone from beginners to advanced drivers, where you can learn a range of techniques including controlled skidding, counter steering and emergency braking, which aren’t only great fun at the time, but can be extremely useful when driving on the treacherous mountain roads. Transport can be arranged for those staying in Tignes Le Lac, Val Claret or Les Boisses.

Off Snow Activities

Le Lagon Sports Centre

Many of Tignes’ hotels and apartments have their own swimming pools and spas, but if yours doesn’t, or you want to do some serious swimming or take the kids to a leisure pool, head to Le Lagon watersports complex in the centre of Tignes Le Lac. This fantastic, newly built facility has a 25m x15m indoor swimming pool with 6 lanes, as well as a separate leisure pool with wave machine, water slides and Jacuzzi-style massage beds. There’s also a wellness area with hot tubs, saunas, steam room and ice bath, where you can ease off any weary muscles. For those who want to hit the gym, there’s a large and well-equipped fitness suite with views out to the lake and surrounding mountains, which certainly beats anything on the TV screens. You’ll even get free entry to the swimming pool with a 2-15 day lift pass, and kids under the age of 5 go free.

Indoor Climbing Wall

There’s also an indoor climbing wall in Tignes Le Lac (+33 (0)4 79 40 04 40), which is a fun place to head on a bad weather day or if still got energy to burn after the lifts have stopped.

Cinema

If you fancy chilling in front of a movie, the cinema in Val Claret (+33 (0)4 79 06 66 62) has two auditoriums, one of which is equipped to project in 3D. There are generally two screenings each night, with an additional early one on bad weather days. The programme features new releases for both adults and children, and many of the screenings are in English. You can pick up a listing of what’s on from the tourist office.

Bowling

Tignes’ bowling alley is situated in Tignes Le Lac, in the same building as Jacks Bar. There are ten lanes as well as pool tables to keep you entertained until late.
 

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