Everyone knows that ripping up the pistes is one of the best ways to spend the winter months. And, with its great runs, spectacular off-piste routes, and the opportunity to rent a fabulouscatered chalet, Tignes is one of the best resorts of the bunch.
But a lot of people don’t realise that the mountains also have a lot to offer in the summer. Read on for our top seven reasons to try glacier skiing this summer …
It’s the Ideal Time for Beginners to Perfect Their Technique
If you’re new to the slopes, or just a bit rusty, summer is the perfect time to work on your skills. Where winter can bring whiteouts and biting cold, summer in the mountains is positively balmy, with reliable soft powder in the mornings and early afternoons.
Try Your Hand at Terrain Parks
If you’re committed to the sport, you probably know that you can always get better at skiing. Maybe you don’t feel a need to brush up on the basics? Not to worry: within easy access of your catered chalet, Tignes has some great terrain parks. Best of all, the soft snow lets you practice your landings without taking too many knocks …
Exercise Benefits
At more than 3,500m above sea level, Grand Motte is among the highest runs in the French Alps. In addition to ensuring good snow conditions well into summer, the mountain’s elevation can help you take your fitness to the next level. Olympic athletes in a variety of sports increasingly train at high altitudes, teaching their bodies to make the most efficient use of the oxygen in the air.
In short, skiing at higher altitudes keeps you fitter.What’s more, studies have suggested that the benefits of high-altitude training can stay with you for up to two weeks after returning to sea level. So, well after you pack up and leave your catered chalet, Tignes will still be doing your body favours.
Skiing Celebrities
As you might have guessed, the exercise benefits of high-altitude training attract ski athletes to the glaciers. On top of this, professionals tend to practice in the off-season, making the best of the less hectic weather conditions and quieter slopes. All this adds up to a high chance that you might encounter one of your ski heroes!
Less Crowding on the Weekends
The benefits of off-season quiet aren’t restricted to the pros – in fact, as most athletes head home to see their families over the weekends, you may find Friday to Sunday the quietest days of the season. It’s perfect for those who need space to try out their latest tricks.
Other Activities
Sure, Tignes has a decent après scene in the winter, but the summer is something else entirely. The verdant mountains offer a truly staggering range of experiences, including hiking, mountain biking, golfing, swimming and even a luge. For best results, tackle the glaciers early and come down as the snow melts in the afternoon.
All in all, it can be very hard to find any reason to stay snuggled up in your catered chalet – Tignes just has that much to offer.
Get it While it’s Hot … Or, While it’s Not
Finally, on a more sombre note: due to increasing temperatures, it’s not clear how long summer skiing will continue to be available. Seasons are already getting shorter, and glaciers are melting at double the rate they were 10 years ago – so book up soon, or it may be too late.
All in all, glaciers are a great destination for a fun-filled warm weather getaway. Les Deux Alpes, Zermatt and Saas Fee are all great choices, but due to its impressive facilities and fantastic chalet accommodation, Tignescould well be the best of the bunch.
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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