5 Family-Friendly Refreshing Activities to Beat the Heatwave

June 23, 2026

The advantage of a high-altitude vacation—in La Plagne, La Rosière , or Tignes , for example—is that you’re much less likely to feel the heat than you would down in the valley. Still, when the sun is beating down, you sometimes long for that instant cooling sensation, like when you open the fridge door. Glacier hiking, whitewater rafting, or taking a dip (in a wetsuit!) in a 10°C lake… We’ve selected five refreshing activities for the whole family to enjoy as soon as the temperature starts to soar!

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The most high-altitude adventure: a glacier hike on the Grande Motte Glacier, in Tignes

Let’s start this list of activities to enjoy when it’s hot with one you might not have thought of: a family glacier hike on the Grande Motte Glacier in Tignes (3,653 meters above sea level!).

With crampons on your feet, an ice axe in hand, and a climbing harness on, set off on a safe adventure alongside a high-mountain guide who is an expert in hiking on snow and ice. He’ll be delighted to share with you his passion for the mountains—the very thing that drives him every day!

Who is it for? For beginner mountaineers, ages 12 and up. Hikers aged 14 and older who are in good physical condition can even opt for an introductory mountaineering course and tackle the climb up the Grande Motte to its summit!

The most adventurous: a rafting trip down the rapids of the Isère River

Rafting is a whitewater activity enjoyed in a group, in an inflatable boat (not to be confused with hydrospeed, which is practiced on an individual float; nor with canyoning, a sport similar to hiking in the water… but more athletic and more fun). Grab your paddles, get set, brace yourselves… or you’ll capsize!

Who’s it for? “Baby-rafting” trips designed for children ages 6 and up, family trips for ages 8 and up, and athletic and technical trips for ages 15 and up… All thrill-seekers will find something to enjoy at the Landry Water Sports Center!

Bonus: Enjoy special rates with our partner Évolution 2 on rafting, as well as other whitewater sports such as hydrospeed and canyoning.

The most acrobatic: a dive from a diving board into Lake Tignes

Steep slides measuring 6, 9, and 12 meters with launch pads, ramps for bodyboarding, and giant inner tubes to ride alone or in pairs… The Acroland park is a must-see destination for vacations in Tignes, whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a less daring spectator! Connoisseurs will cheer on the best jumps with the same rallying cry: “tenduuu!” Whether it’s a superb backflip or a disappointing flat landing, no matter the style, a refreshing dip awaits all participants in the waters of Lake Tignes (around 10°C, even in summer… which explains why a wetsuit is a must).

Who is it for? The 6-meter diving boards (buoy, bodyboard, and platform diving) are open to aspiring divers ages 10 and up, as well as adults. Access to the 9-meter and 12-meter diving boards is then granted gradually, depending on the diver’s size and physical condition (core strength is a must!).

Would you prefer a more relaxing water activity? Go for a pedal boat ride!

Bonus: Admission to the water sports center is included with the My Tignes, available at a discounted rate with any reservation for a stay in one of our apartments or cabins at Tignes.

The most idyllic: a walk at the foot of the Ruitor waterfalls in Italy

Make the most of your vacation in La Rosière , to enjoy the fresh air in the land of glaciers! It’s about a 30-minute drive from Lodge des Glaciers, you’ll reach the hamlet of La Joux, in Italy, via the Petit Saint Bernard Pass*. Once you’re there, get ready for a 1.5-hour hike along the Ruitor Waterfalls! The highlight of the show? The third and final waterfall—the most spectacular one—which you can admire from every angle from the sturdy (yet dizzying) footbridge that overlooks it. It’s a thunderous experience, especially in early summer when the flow is at its peak!

Here are two more ideas to add to your list of refreshing hikes: the Chemin du Vaz (a short 40-minute round-trip hike for a picnic by the water) and the Lac sans Fond (allow 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the loop that passes by this magnificent high-altitude lake).

Who is it for? Everyone!

Bonus: These three hikes will let your little ones collect badges to proudly pin on their “P’tits Randonneurs” bandanas (available at the La Rosière tourist office for €5). In total, there are 12 Hiking badges and 3 Mountain badges (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) to collect :) Just what you need to give those tired legs a boost!

*A free shuttle runs from mid-July through mid-August from La Thuile to La Joux. For more information, contact the tourist office at La Rosière

The most family-friendly option: an afternoon of games at the pool

On vacation at the Chalet Hôtel Turquoise (La Plagne)? Head to the Paradisio Water Park in Montchavin-la-Plagne! The kids will love playing outdoors in the splash pool, on the three-lane Pentagliss slides, and in the Splashpad water play area. In Plagne Bellecôte, the Magic Pool lets older kids practice their crawl or breaststroke in the heated 25-meter outdoor pool, while the little ones have a blast in the wading pool.

Are you staying at Tignes ? No matter the weather, head to the Lagon indoor water park: a recreational pool with a counter-current swim feature and a bubble bed, a three-lane slide, a wading pool… Plenty of fun until everyone in your family’s fingers and toes are perfectly wrinkled ;)

Who’s it for? Everyone! Including toddlers, who’ll have a blast during the baby swim sessions (at the Paradisio Aquatic Center and Magic Pool in La Plagne) and the “water playground” (designed for 4- to 6-year-olds, at the Le Lagon Aquatic Center in Tignes).

Bonus: Admission to the Lagon Pool (in Tignes) is included with the My Tignes activity pass, available at a discounted rate with any reservation for a stay in one of our apartments or chaletsin Tignes.

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