Tignes is easily one of my favorite ski destinations in the whole world, and I’ve come to know it well from visiting dozens of times during the winter seasons over the last few years. I had heard many great things about visiting Tignes during the summer, but one potential activity stood out to me the most: skiing on the Grand Motte Glacier.

Skiing on the Grand Motte Glacier in Tignes - JuLy 2, 2026

I set out to do some research and learn a bit more about Tignes’ summer ski season, and came across various archives of vintage advertisements from the 1980’s promising “365 days of ski a year”. One series of articles I found particularly informative, linked here (in French), chronicles the history of summer skiing in the French Alps over the last few decades. Most notable was the data around the change in climate, the reduction of the size of the glaciers, and the subsequent shortening of the summer ski season– which in 2026 runs from June 20 to July 19 July 16* at Tignes.

As someone who loves the mountains and loves skiing, the thought of traveling to ski on a disappearing glacier in the middle of summer brought up a whole mix of emotions. But I imagined a future-me nostalgic for an era where it was still possible to do so, so I convinced present-me that the trip was important because it could potentially be one of the last opportunities to experience it.

In the end, my visit to Tignes during the summer exceeded all my expectations. I had a wonderful time and was able to see the village I already loved in a whole new light. Beyond the summer ski experience, I was also able to hike, play tennis, spend time on and around the lake, and most importantly, witness the transformation of Tignes across seasons. In this article, I share what I loved most about my experience, the things that surprised me, and my recommendations for planning your summer visit to Tignes in the French Alps.

Summer Glacier Skiing in Tignes, France

As with planning any ski trip, managing your expectations is key. The opening and operation of a skiable area is always condition-dependent, so be sure to check the forecasts, lift-status, and any other updates that could affect your trip or your ability to ski. While this is the same exact advice I give for planning a ski trip in the winter or in the spring, during the summer there could potentially be more variables to consider. The summer ski area at Tignes is only open during specific dates and hours that are subject to change, all of which can be found on their website here: Ski d’été Tignes

Typically the ski area is open between 7AM to 12PM during the summer season, and in my particular experience I found that the snow conditions before 10AM were quite good. The descent on the groomed slope from the top of the glacier to the bottom of the summer ski area is about 2400 feet of vertical and about 2 miles in length, though the terrain is varied with additional chair lifts and drag lifts running throughout. There are also dedicated areas for cross-country skiers, and separate areas for slalom, moguls, and jumps that are closed off for competition training for national teams, professional athletes, and Olympians. It was incredibly impressive to be able to witness these athletes training, and I even spotted some French Olympians that I recognized and look up to!

Summer Skiing in Tignes, France - June 30, 2026

Skiing on the Grand Motte Glacier in Tignes - June 30, 2026

With temperatures relatively warm and generally rising even on the top of the glacier, lightweight and breathable layers are recommended. The strength of the sun is especially amplified at altitude and across the reflective surface of the glacier, so remember to wear sunscreen on any exposed skin and lips. I wore my bright-light ski goggle lenses and brought along my appropriately named Vuarnet Glacier sunglasses to wear when taking breaks, and chose to ski in my Halfdays UV protection hiking jacket which proved to be the perfect lightweight layer. I opted to bring my all-terrain Rossignol skis so I could be prepared for any condition, and was grateful they were recently waxed as the slushy snow could start to feel a little heavy and sticky as it got closer to noon. As for the glacial terrain, it’s important to be aware of the risks, stay within marked zones, and never ski off-piste without special equipment and training– at any time of year.

Tignes Ski Domain in Summer

Of all the activities I did (apart from skiing) while in Tignes this summer, the most impressive was the hiking. Having skied hundreds of kilometers worth of its pistes in the last few years during winter, I’ve become very familiar with the slopes, landmarks, and viewpoints all across the skiable domain. In the summer after the snow has melted, those same pistes and slopes turn green and the transformation is completed once they’re dotted with a vast array of colorful and lush wildflowers.

Traversing the terrain on foot instead of on skis was a surreal experience. Rather than the thrill of taking in the scenery at the high speeds I became accustomed to, I was forced to slow down and take a more mindful and introspective approach. While the scale of the distances between landmarks seemed more grand while hiking, at the same time, exploring the terrain somehow also felt more approachable and attainable. I was surprised by the steepness of some of the slopes that I usually ski down fearlessly, and I smiled when I realized how high the snow pack would have to be for the ski area’s signage to appear at eye-level. For a moment, the experience felt disorienting because it looked so different than what I was used to, but getting to know the terrain without its usual blanket of snow allowed me to deepen my appreciation for it and ultimately feel even more comfortable and familiar.

Hiking the ski trails of Tignes - July 3, 2026

L’Aiguille Percée in Tignes is a popular hiking destination in the summer - July 3, 2026

For those more courageous than me, visitors of Tignes in the summer can explore the many mountain biking (called VTT or velo tout terrain in French) trails which are meticulously mapped out across the ski slopes for all levels of riders ranging from beginner to expert. For those new to mountain biking, there are a number of training areas located right in the center of Tignes as well as countless shops that can coordinate lessons and rent all the equipment and protective accessories.

Summer Activities to do in Tignes, French Alps

In addition to skiing, hiking, and mountain biking, Tignes offers a number of racquet sports, lake activities, golf, mini-golf, obstacle courses, soccer, basketball, archery, volleyball, and more. There’s also an indoor swimming pool, spa, and gym located in the center of the main village that offer views of the surrounding mountain landscapes. Though I was only planning on skiing and hiking during my summer visit to Tignes, I was pleasantly surprised to have been granted access to a number of additional activities when I purchased a My Tignes card– which was also available at a discount because I happened to stay in one of the program’s accommodation partners.

Depending on the number of days you choose for your My Tignes card, your pass includes access to each of the activities I mentioned which can be easily reserved on their online portal. While the ski lifts on the glacier require a separate pass during the summer ski season, the My Tignes card offers pedestrian access for the funicular to see the glacier from the panoramic terrace and observation deck.

Tennis courts beside the Lac de Tignes can be reserved at the “Plage de Sports” Office

Pedal Boating in the Lac de Tignes is a dog-friendly activity!

I personally took advantage of my tennis court reservation to practice my serve and also happened to meet another solo traveler who was looking for a tennis partner. My three-day My Tignes card also included one outing on the lake, and I chose a pedal boat because it was the only dog-friendly option. Other options included kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards, with each offering a fun and relaxing opportunity to experience Tignes from a different vantage point.

There are plenty of hiking trails which are easily accessed from the villages of Tignes

Picnic tables around the Lac de Tignes offer stunning views of the surrounding French Alps

I stayed in Val Claret (click here for my favorite accommodations!), which is located on the opposite side of the lake from the main village (known as Tignes le Lac). A free and convenient shuttle service connects all the villages of Tignes, but during my summer visit I found that one of my favorite things to do was simply walk alongside the lake as I went to and from my various activities. The lake path closer to the Tovière summit is especially beautiful, though if you choose to walk on the side closer to the main road you will see more picnic tables, eateries, and rest areas where you can stop and take a break.

Overlooking the Grand Motte Glacier from the panoramic terrace in Tignes - June 30, 2026

Protecting our Mountains in our Changing Climate

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, visiting Tignes to ski on a glacier in the middle of summer brings up a mix of emotions. I was excited to ski but also heartbroken to know that likely in the not-so-distant future, it won’t be possible to live this same experience. I’m especially grateful to have been able to go and see it for myself, and I’m in awe of the measures that are taken by the logistics and mountain operations teams at Tignes and across the Alps to preserve as much snow and ice as possible under insulating tarps.

While individual actions may seem like no match against the warming of our planet and the loss of our glaciers, collective efforts can make a difference in protecting our environment as much as we can. A part of me recognizes that visiting the mountains at this time of year and bearing witness to the changes they are facing is important for bringing awareness to others and encouraging decision-making that will ultimately benefit them.

I hope that everyone could have the opportunity to ski on an alpine glacier in the middle of summer, but I have to be realistic and emphasize the importance of planning your visit as soon as possible– before it’s too late. It is now mid-July and France is already experiencing its third heat-wave of the summer. And sadly, just in the few days between returning from the Alps and publishing this article, Tignes has announced that this year’s summer ski season will now end on July 16, three days ahead of its original planned closing date of July 19.

Hiking back to the village from L’Aiguille Percée in Tignes, France - July 3, 2026

Visiting Tignes in the summer has been an unforgettable experience, and my only regret is not planning a longer trip to be able to spend more time there. Summer skiing on a glacier is definitely a feat I’ll be checking off my bucket-list, but beyond the thrill and excitement of it all, the experience was profound and left a lasting impression on me.

With an even deeper appreciation for the terrain that I’ve come to love skiing in the fall, winter, and spring, the summer season has opened my eyes and allowed me to see a completely different side of it. I’m already looking forward to my next visit, and hope that this article has been helpful as you plan your trip!

Are you planning a visit to Tignes in the summer and have any questions about my experience? Let me know in the comments below!

Everything I packed for my summer skiing & hiking trip to Tignes

Every Season of Ski in Tignes

This last year, I skied in Tignes during every season!

About the author

Meet Carina Otero, avid skier and the creator of She is Not Lost, an online community for celebrating female travelers and a blog providing helpful tips, useful information, and inspiration for your future travels. Carina’s passion for skiing and love of writing and photography have inspired a new blog to share her experiences and personal favorites relating to the sport:

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CARINA OTERO, AUTHOR OF THE SKI IS NOT LOST BLOG

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Summer Skiing in the French Alps 2026: Tignes Grand Motte Glacier