Top 10 things for non-skiers in Tignes winter 2018/19

Non-skier things to do in Tignes

Can't ski, won't ski? It's not all downhill you know

Imprint: By Tracy Wise, Updated 27 July 2026

When your family and friends want to go skiing, but it really isn't your cup of tea, don't panic.

You don't have to be a skier to fall in love with Tignes. Whilst the valley is famous for its world-class slopes, it's also packed with unforgettable experiences for visitors who'd rather keep their feet off the pistes. From soaring cable cars and scenic mountain vistas to snowshoe walks, indulgent spas and cosy cafés with spectacular views, there's plenty to enjoy at every pace. Whether you're travelling with skiers or simply looking for a different kind of alpine escape, here are the best things for non-skiers to do in Tignes.

Hire a guide or go on a tour

You can really get away from it all and disappear into nature on some snowshoes (raquettes). Grab a printed guide from the tourist office or book yourself on a snowshoe excursion with an activity company to see a side of the mountains that most skiers will never see. Full-day, half-day and night-time options are available to take you into the heart of the mountains – from the highest peaks to the wildest valleys. Equipment and transport are usually included, check when you book.

There are some fantastic opportunities for winter hiking in sturdy hiking boots or snowshoes after a heavy snowfall. You can pick up a guide from the tourist office, enjoy amazing views and escape into the wilderness for a few hours or the whole day.

If you've decided the days of skiing up the mountain all-day, every-day, are well behind you, those with previous skiing or snowboarding experience could try ski touring. There are many famous ski touring routes in Tignes, and it's a great way to work up a sweat, earning your burger whilst the rest of the world takes the lifts. Hire a guide and pull on some skins for an adventure away from the madding crowd.

Ski and snowboard guides

Location
Tignes

This ski school was set up in Val d'Isère in 2006, and has grown ever since. It's now regarded as one of the leading ski and snowboard schools in the Alps.
Chemin des Berger Quad & Buggy Tour

Location
Tignes

Explore the mountain paths and take advantage of the wonderful backdrop on one of these 4x4 vehicles.
Backcountry ski guides

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

A private ski or snowboard session for all ability levels – on and off-piste. It’s all about fun, improvement and discovering new off piste terrain.
Evolution 2 ski guides

Location
Tignes

Evolution 2 has been instructing and guiding skiers around the Alps since 1987.
Heli-Skiing

Alpamayo are a group of high mountain guides based in Chamonix all year round as well as in Val d'Isere and Tignes in the winter.
Compagnie des Guides de la Vanoise

Location
Aime La Plagne

The bureau of Mountain Guides Montchavin les Coches can tailor each activity to suit you and your group, from canyoning, hiking, and high mountain adventures.

Take in some local highlights

A great option is the local market that appears every Thursday and Sunday from midday to the late afternoon. Situated on the Promenade de Toviere, you can get everything from meat to mittens at this local and traditional French market. It's a great souvenir stop off for the folks back home. When that's done, why not drop into the cinema in Val Claret, grab a box of popcorn and catch up on the latest releases - look for VOST or VO (version originale) for English language films.

Vanoise National Park

Location
Champagny-en-Vanoise

The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.

Treat yourself

If all of that sounds far too active and you really just want to pamper yourself and read your book, or stare at the view, there are numerous spas and treatment rooms you can enjoy. Many hotels have luxury spas which are open to non-guests, the public pool has relaxation areas, and mobile massage companies will arrange to visit you at your chalet or apartment.

Les Campanules spa

Location
Tignes

After a hard day on the mountain, why not unwind and revive aching muscles at this fantastic spa, situated in the centre of resort close to the main lift stations.
Les Bains du Montana Spa, Tignes - Le Lac

Location
Tignes

After a day on the pistes, dive into the heated indoor swimming pool and admire the views of the mountains whilst you do a few strokes in the special counter current swimming lane.
Massage Me

Massage Me work across the French Alps and can offer a whole variety of massages and treatments in your own chalet, apartment or hotel.

Book a table up the mountain

You don't have to ski when you go up the mountain. There are a number of piste-side restaurants that offer some slap up French cuisine with a glass of fine local wine. Many restaurants have well priced lunchtime set menus offering the same cuisine as their main menus, but often with considerable discounts. Some offer wine tasting sessions also.

Les 3 Caves Restaurant

La Folie Douce Val d'Isère opened a new kind of restaurant: Les 3 Caves. A unique experience with exceptional products worked with flavour and refinement.
Lo Soli Restaurant

Location
Tignes

This restaurant situated on the massif de l'Aiguille Percée, between Tignes le Lac and Tignes Les Boisses is open for lunch.
La Cucùcina Restaurant

Location
Val d’Isere

Located at the top of the Daille bubble, within the celebrated La Folie Douce hotspot, enjoy gourmet Italian cuisine prepared by a renowned chef and his Italian team.
L'Alpage des Chaudannes Restaurant

Location
Tignes

This cosy restaurant is located on the massif de L'Aiguille Percée, between Tignes le Lac and Tignes les Boisses.
Le Butcher Restaurant

Location
Val d’Isere

Perfect for a quick bite on the slopes, Le Butcher serves up gourmet-style burgers, sandwiches and sweet treats with speed and flavour. Enjoy your meal on the sunny terrace or take it away if you’re in a rush. Stick around after lunch and you might find yourself caught up in La Folie Douce legendary après-ski party.
La Petite Cuisine Restaurant

Location
Val d’Isere

La Petite Cuisine is La Folie Douce's gourmet-quality, canteen-style restaurant. They serve a perfect mix of high-class local cuisine in a friendly, family atmosphere.

Nordic skiing

Still looking for something to occupy your time? There's always cross-country skiing to try. An extremely popular mountain sport, known as 'ski de fond' in France, there are around 44km of cross-country tracks available in Tignes and neighbouring Val d'Isère. The tracks in Tignes are free to use, are mostly situated at the base of the slopes and on or around the Lac area. You can hire equipment and arrange lessons locally, and the views are to die for!

Group ski lessons

This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
Private ski lessons

This school is a reputable ski school that was originally set up in Val d'Isère in 2006 and is well respected for their off-piste clinics.
Group ski lessons

Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
Private ski lessons

This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
Private ski lessons

Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
Group ski lessons

Their children group lessons are based on making learning to ski fun and are limited to six children per group for the best learning experience.

Apres-ski along with everyone else

You don't have to ski to enjoy "après-ski". Meet up with the rest of your group in a local bar and share stories from your day over a beer. Going to party at Folie Douce is a great way to spend the afternoon watching the amazing cabaret, then dance to the live, dynamic house band. Or do something different with your après-ski time and head to the ice skating rink on the frozen lake in Tignes le Lac for a fun evening set beneath the snow-clad mountains. Alternatively grab a sled and head to one of the tobogganing areas in Tignes le Lac, le Lavachet, Tignes 1800 and Les Brévières.

See our Nightlife Guide

La Folie Douce

Location
Val d’Isere

La Folie Douce in Val d’Isere is a true mountain icon, offering an unforgettable blend of gastronomy, celebration, and art de vivre. From the moment you arrive, the energy is palpable, making it the perfect spot for après-ski lovers looking to extend the fun well into the evening. Whether you’re here for lively music, spectacular performances, or simply to soak up the alpine atmosphere, every visit promises something special.
Le Brasero Bar and Restaurant

Location
Tignes

Le Brasero Bar and Restaurant is a welcoming ski-in, ski-out spot located in Tignes Le Lavachet, perfectly placed for a relaxed stop straight from the slopes. Known for its friendly atmosphere and great value, it’s a popular choice with skiers and snowboarders looking for good food and drink without the fuss.
Bar Hors Piste

Location
Tignes

Hors Piste Bar in Tignes offers a calm and comfortable retreat after a day spent on the slopes. Set within the hotel, this welcoming lounge feels like a space reserved just for you, perfect for slowing down and enjoying a quieter moment in the mountains.
Loop Bar and Restaurant

Location
Tignes

The Loop Bar is where food, music, après-ski, and nightlife come together in Tignes. Established in 2007, it enjoys a prime ski-in, ski-out location at the bottom of the Trolles slope in Tignes Le Lac, making it an easy stop straight from the piste.
Couloir Bar and Restaurant

Location
Tignes

Situated in the main square of Val Claret, only two minutes from the Tufs chairlift, this restaurant serves an international menu and offers live music for après-ski.
247 Bar

Location
Tignes

Le Twenty Four Seven, or 247 Bar, is one of Tignes’ most popular spots, offering both daytime relaxation and lively evening fun. Located in the centre of Tignes Val Claret, it’s the perfect place to take a break during the day or enjoy a night out after skiing.

Things to do in Tignes

Take to the skies for a bird's eye view of the mountains with a tandem paragliding flight, or book yourself onto a helicopter tour.

The Lagon swimming pool is located in the heart of Tignes Le Lac, offering spectating views of the mountains with floor to ceiling windows. It has three pools, a wellness area, a modern fitness area plus more. So don't forget to pack your gym kit and a swimsuit (speedo-style only boys).

You can also become a musher on a sledge pulled by huskies, or hack through the trails on a horse. Not enough adrenaline for you? In Tignes you can discover ice driving, just like the rally drivers, where you'll learn all the tricks of ice driving on a very slick track. Alternatively if you would like a 'surprisingly relaxing moment' in the freezing waters of Lac de Tignes, you can book with one activity provider to don a wetsuit and float on the surface of the lake, day or night.

See our Activity Guide

Rafting In The Alps

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
Hydrospeeding

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
Canyoning

Fancy diving, swimming, sliding, abseiling and discovering how the water dug its paths along the river and the rocks? Canyoning is for you!
Heliskiing/boarding

For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
Chemin des Berger Quad & Buggy Tour

Location
Tignes

Explore the mountain paths and take advantage of the wonderful backdrop on one of these 4x4 vehicles.
Helicopter tours

Location
Bourg-Saint-Maurice

A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.