Practical information for hiking in Tignes

As in winter, you can also take advantage of certain ski lifts in summer. A little help for your mountain getaway that’s sure to give you the chance to discover new landscapes at altitude.

In Tignes, there are 4 ski lifts that will take you to the start of a high-altitude hike in summer:

• ⁽¹⁾Not recommended for children under 2 years of age (baby carrier compulsory)
• ⁽²⁾Prohibited for children under 1.10m tall
• ⁽³⁾Ascent only

Please note

Access conditions

Before you set off, take note that summer lifts also have access conditions. Take the time to consult these conditions to make sure that all the members of your expedition to the Vanoise peaks can take the lift you have selected.

Prices

The prices below apply to the following lifts: Tovière gondola, Palafour chairlift, Tufs chairlift, Fresse chairlift.

You can also take the funicular up to the Panoramic terrace before boarding the cable car to take in the views of the surrounding peaks and mythical massifs: Mont Pourri, the Grande Sassière ridges, Grande Casse (highest point in the Vanoise: 3,856 m) and the majestic Mont Blanc range on the horizon. You’ll find 3 orientation tables along the way.

Be careful, you’re in a glacial zone. No hiking here, just a moment out of time to contemplate the beauty of the landscape around you. To make the most of the Grande Motte glacier, enlist the help of a mountain guide!

You can also take advantage of the Altitude Experience… activity which gives you access to the roof terrace of the Téléphérique: a new way of enjoying the mountains around you!

Before setting off

Before you set off on your hike, make sure you’ve chosen the right route. To do this, ask yourself a few questions:

• Is the chosen route suited to your level of ability?
• What are the characteristics of the chosen route (distance, gradient, estimated time)?
• What are the weather conditions?
• What are the specific conditions of the chosen route? Closed paths, technical sections, snow cover at high altitude, whether or not the route passes through the Vanoise National Park, permission to walk with your dog, etc.
• In case of fatigue or bad weather, is there an alternative or a way out?

Finally, before you set off on your adventure, remember to check your route on an IGN map (take it with you if you can) and, above all, let someone know when you’re leaving, your route and your estimated time of return.

Getting equipped

It’s important to equip yourself accordingly. Whatever you choose to do, there are a few essentials you need to have with you:

• Good clothing: a breathable layer, an insulating layer and a waterproof layer
• Good footwear suited to the terrain
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sun cream
• Gloves and a hat, depending on the altitude and the route
• A 15-30 litre rucksack containing:
  • Water (1.5 to 2 litres per person)
  • Snacks (cereal bars, for example)
  • IGN map
  • Headlamp
  • First aid kit with survival blanket
  • Knife
  • Whistle
  • Spare jacket

During your hike

Here you are, out on the trails! Your rucksack is ready, you’ve put on your best hiking boots and the weather is on your side. Now all you have to do is enjoy your walk along the marked trails.

During your outing, however, there are still a few things to bear in mind to ensure that everything goes according to plan:

1. Don’t forget to manage your time. During your walk, you may stop to take a breather, admire the scenery, have a snack… and rightly so! But beware of the ticking clock. Make sure you’re always back within the time range you set yourself before you set off. That way you won’t have to use your headlamp!
2. Remain humble in the face of the mountains: don’t overestimate yourself and, on the contrary, don’t underestimate nature and the environment in which you are evolving.
3. Observe and pay attention. If you have any doubts about the path, the markings, the weather, your fatigue, etc., don’t force fate and give up.
4. Respect nature. Throughout your walk, bear in mind that the environment in which you find yourself is fragile and deserves your full attention:
   • Do not leave any rubbish behind you
   • Do not pick any plants
   • Do not disturb the fauna
   • Stay on the marked paths
   • Do not make any fires

What to do when faced with a herd guard dog

These dogs are also known as “patou”

The likelihood of coming face to face with a herd guarded by a guard dog while hiking the trails in Tignes is fairly low. Even so, it’s always a good idea to review the right reflexes to have so that this encounter goes as smoothly as possible, for both you and the dog.

A herding dog is constantly on the alert to ensure the safety of the sheep it is guarding and to facilitate the work of the shepherd on the mountain pastures. At the approach of a potential predator, it barks to make it move away, without distinguishing between a real threat and a simple hiker. It’s up to you to adopt a reassuring attitude:

• Slow down and signal your presence (e.g. by speaking loudly or whistling)
• Go as far around the herd as possible
• If the dog approaches you: stand still facing it, never looking it in the eye, keeping your arms and poles at your sides so as not to appear threatening
• Help the dog to recognise you as a human (take off your cap, rain cape, etc.), and speak to it in a calm, gentle tone, but without trying to pet it
• Once the dog has calmed down, continue on your way gently, always facing the dog
• Is the dog still tense? Don’t feel reassured? Don’t hesitate to put a bag or piece of clothing between you and the dog and back away gently for a few metres (still facing the dog and without looking into its eyes) before turning back.