If you’ve heard of the resort of Tignes in the French Alps, you probably associate it with excellent ski pistes, stunning winter vistas, or the comfort of an evening by the fireside in a catered chalet. Tignes, if you visit in the summer, has even more to surprise you with, so read on to find out why you should pack the rucksack and head there straight away.
You Can Ski a Glacier!
The resort offers early risers 20km of glacier pistes to ski down. However, once the day gains in heat (usually around 1pm), the snow turns watery so ski lifts stop operating. If you don’t feel like skiing under the blazing sun, the same lifts can also drop you off on great trekking paths which lead to vertiginous vistas, most famous among which is the impressive view of the great Mont Blanc in the distance.
Take to the Skies
Trekking the ground is only one of the options Tignes offers for enjoying stunning views, one other being riding the skies with a paraglider. You need not be an experienced paraglider to roam the air. Lessons for beginners as well as tandem flights under expert supervision are provided to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
Bungee with a Difference
Extreme adrenaline seekers will be thrilled to know that paragliding sounds like a relaxed serene activity compared to the Bun J Ride. Equipped with a pair of skis, a sledge or a bike, you dive down a 30-metre ramp which shoots you in the air before a chilling 40-metre drop. What saves it from being a suicide mission is the two bungee cords securely attached to you throughout.
Take on a Canyon
Canyoning is an excellent refreshing activity for a hot day. You slide down water cascades and dive into streams and rapids, while the river bed guides your course. Everybody above the age of 8 with basic swimming skills is welcome to join, although children below the age of 14 should be accompanied by an adult. Depending on whether you are looking to get high on adrenaline or you just want a pleasant serene ride, there are a variety of graded routes.
On Your Bike
Mountain biking is the classical way to combine nature exploration with the occasional adrenaline surge. There are various opportunities for downhill rides or cross treks, all clearly signposted for you to easily find your bearings.
These are just a fraction of the multitude of possibilities to have an excellent summer holiday in Tignes. If you are looking for the ultimate mountain experience this summer, you should also book your stay at a catered chalet. Tignes has a wide variety of comfortable accommodation options to suit all tastes and parties.
Tim Heal is the founder of Chaletline, a travel agency offering catered chalet accommodation in worldwide ski resorts. With an extensive knowledge of resorts and excellent post booking care, they pride themselves on the personal touch they offer to each and every client. If you're looking for a catered chalet, Tignes is just one of the superb ski resorts in which they can quickly and efficiently match you with the perfect accommodation. Catering for individuals, couples and groups up to 50, the knowledgeable Chaletline team will help you choose the right chalet in the right resort.
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