Tignes Summer Glacier and Mountain Sports
In summer the Grande Motte glacier draws skiers and snowboarders, while numerous outdoor sports events take place around the lake.
PlizioGo
A classic Alpine cheese fondue, first-rate for sharing after a day on the slopes.
A hearty dish of potatoes, bacon, and Reblochon cheese, found in most mountain chalets.
A traditional herbal liqueur from the Alps, typically served as an after-dinner digestif.
The best place to find top-tier ski and outdoor gear from international brands.
Buy authentic Beaufort or Reblochon cheese from specialized food shops in Le Lac.
The lakeside gives peaceful spots in summer for enjoying the mountain scenery.
Head onto the trails leading towards the National Park for solitude and pristine nature.
Water temperature…
In summer the Grande Motte glacier draws skiers and snowboarders, while numerous outdoor sports events take place around the lake.
At the end of the season in spring Tignes celebrates the close of its long ski season with concerts, DJ sets and on- and off-slope events.
Tignes is the quintessential modern, purpose-built Alpine resort, with a history defined by the dramatic flooding of the original village in 1952 to create the Chevril Dam. The new Tignes is spread across several levels, with the primary hubs, Val Claret and Le Lac, perched at 2,100 meters. This high altitude guarantees exceptional snow cover throughout the season. The Grande Motte glacier is the region's hallmark, reached by a high-speed underground funicular, providing skiing opportunities even during summer months. Tignes tends to attract a younger, more athletic crowd compared to its neighbors, frequently hosting high-profile events like the X Games Europe. From ice diving in the frozen lake to world-class mountain biking in summer, Tignes serves as a year-round outdoor playground for adrenaline seekers.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -8 | -8 | -4 | 1 | 6 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 4 | -2 | -7 |
| Rain mm | 73 | 57 | 70 | 69 | 103 | 89 | 79 | 78 | 65 | 71 | 88 | 79 |
See what it looks like near Tignes right now.
Tignes › South: Palafour · 0 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your day at Maison de Tignes for info, followed by a relaxing walk around the crystal-clear lake. By midday, reach the vibrant Val Claret for a traditional Savoyard lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to the Grande Motte glacier, where you'll experience eternal snow via the funicular. End your day with a quiet panorama over the lake.
The morning starts sheltered in Maison de Tignes, where you can study local maps. Afterwards, a short walk to the lake offers a mystical atmosphere due to the mist. At lunchtime, the arcades of Val Claret provide dry paths to cozy restaurants. In the afternoon, the underground funicular takes you dry to the glacier, before ending the day with a view of the cloud-covered lake.
In the morning, snow glistens around Maison de Tignes, the ideal spot for winter info. The walk by the frozen lake offers stunning photo opportunities in the white landscape. At lunch, warm up in Val Claret with a fondue while skiers pass by. In the afternoon, head up to the glacier for arctic views, returning to town before the early sunset.
Explore Tignes on two wheels, starting in Val Claret. Circle the sparkling lake on easy paths before taking on the descent to the impressive Chevril Dam. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The tour ends in the peaceful Les Boisses, away from the hustle of the main resort.
Despite the rain, the tour to Val Claret offers a sporty start. The loop around the lake requires caution on wet curves. At midday you reach the Aiguille Percée base, where the rocks shine darkly in the rain. The ride down to the dam demands full concentration in the wet, before ending the day in Les Boisses.
A winter bike tour starts in Val Claret on cleared roads. The loop around the lake leads through a deep snowy fairytale landscape. At midday you reach the base of Aiguille Percée, surrounded by white peaks. The descent to the dam is scenic but requires vigilance for ice patches before warming up in Les Boisses.
By car, you can effortlessly reach the imposing Chevril Dam, the symbol of the valley. Admire the giant Hercules mural before visiting the beautiful Saint-Jacques church in Les Boisses. Later, explore the modern Val Claret and end your trip on the shores of Lake Tignes, where you can fully enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery.
The drive starts at the dam where clouds hang low in the valley. Hercules' fresco appears particularly color-intense in the rain. At midday, visit the sheltered Saint-Jacques church, a jewel of Baroque art. Spend the afternoon in Val Claret, parking conveniently near shops, before the day ends at the misty lake.
In the morning, the winter drive to the dam passes by massive icicles. The Hercules fresco is often partially snow-covered, giving it a special charm. At lunch, the Saint-Jacques church offers a spiritual break in the cold. In the afternoon, Val Claret is the center of the action, before ending the day by the frozen Lac de Tignes.
