5 good reasons to try snowshoeing this winter in Tignes
What if this winter was the perfect opportunity to try snowshoeing? Forget the cliché of it being an ‘activity for grandparents’ – snowshoeing can be adapted to suit all tastes, from a leisurely family walk to a more challenging sporting outing for the more adventurous.
The ski lifts may not be open, but we still have many ideas for you to keep exploring the mountains! What if this winter was the right time to try snowshoeing?
5 arguments to win you over
1. Good for body and mind
Snowshoeing is a physical activity in its own right! It’s an endurance activity, and the steeper sections of the ascent will still get your heart rate up – a great way to exercise both body and heart. Moving through the sometimes deep snow, you’ll need to work on your balance and coordination with the poles.
Snowshoeing is the perfect way to unwind in harmony with nature. Take advantage of the peace and quiet that reigns in the heart of our mountains to recharge your batteries and forget your everyday worries. In short, a breath of fresh air and an opportunity to take in the sights.
2. Accessible to all
Can you walk? Then that’s all you need for a snowshoe outing, no more, no less. You’ll need a little time to get used to snowshoeing, but don’t worry, it’s not that complicated!
This is one of the major advantages of this activity. You can enjoy the joys of the mountains in winter with the whole family or with friends, whatever their level of fitness. To motivate your whole tribe, take on a few challenges, such as a race to the summit, or spice up your outing with a snowball fight or hide-and-seek among the larches. You’ll never see the time fly!
Worried that your children or teenagers won’t be too keen on the idea of going walking? Douglas Favre, director of Evolution 2 in Tignes, can reassure you.
It’s true that it can sometimes be a little difficult at first with children or teenagers who aren’t enthusiastic about the principle. But once they’ve started, they quickly get into the swing of things and come back smiling!
3. Different approaches to suit your needs
A victim of its old-fashioned image, snowshoeing may not appeal at first glance. Douglas, explains why this image is mistaken by differentiating the possible approaches to this activity. “Just like hiking, snowshoeing is easy to modulate. We have different programs adapted to different target groups. These range from a full-day hike with elevation gain to reach a particular point, such as the Grande Sassière dam, to a more gentle half-day program, with no physical objective, focused on discovering Tignes and its heritage”.
There‘s bound to be a practice that suits you, you just have to choose which one. Are you more of a stroller or a power walker?
4. A different way to discover the mountains
Equipped with your snowshoes, this is the perfect opportunity to get off the beaten track of the resort and explore secret paths in search of the most beautiful panoramas.
A gateway to a quieter mountain world, away from the hustle and bustle of the resort. Snowshoeing is an opportunity to explore this environment in its wildest state. You’ll probably be able to observe animal tracks in the snow, or the aerial flight of birds such as the famous bearded vulture.
5. Safe spaces for peaceful strolls
The resort of Tignes offers a number of snowshoe itineraries around the resort, allowing you to wander around in complete peace and autonomy. However, if you’d like to get off the beaten track and make your own mark in the powder, get in touch with the professionals who will be happy to guide you and show you their secret spots in the resort.
Being accompanied by a guide will give you all the peace of mind you need to set off off-piste. Stéphane Rutard, a mountain guide in Tignes, gives us his reasons for hiring a guide: “We’re lucky in Tignes to have fabulous terrain for discovering the mountains on foot. As you move away from the resort, you find yourself in an exceptional environment with magnificent views. But it’s important to bear in mind that the mountains present risks that our guides know perfectly well. They’ll know how to define the best itinerary to make the most of your walk in complete safety”.
One last piece of advice for the road (and to convince you once and for all)
6. An affordable activity
If snowshoeing is good for your health, it’s also good for your wallet. Arguably the most affordable winter sports activity, snowshoeing will delight large families or mountain lovers on a tight winter vacation budget.
With rental prices averaging between 10 and 15 euros a day, don’t wait any longer to get in touch with the resort’s professionals to find your equipment and get out on the trails!
We hope you’ll be convinced to try snowshoeing in Tignes this winter!
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