7 Thrilling Summer Activities That Will Appeal to Your Teens Who Aren't Fans of Hiking in the Mountains

March 14, 2024

You thought your kids would naturally inherit your love of the great outdoors. And things were off to a great start… until adolescence came along to stir up trouble and throw their genetics into disarray! Fortunately, it’s just a phase. And soon, they’ll be happily back on the hiking trails… While you wait for them to grow out of this phase, here are 7 activity ideas to help them fall in love with summer vacations in the mountains again (without sacrificing your own outdoor adventures).

Downhill Mountain Biking

What is it? In theory: downhill mountain biking. In practice: a discipline that tests riders’ skills on trails that are sometimes narrow, with steep turns, and even obstacles of varying difficulty levels.

Why will they love it? Because of the super-stylish gear (full-face helmet, back protector, elbow and knee pads, etc.), which will make them look like superheroes and superheroines.

Why will you love it? Because despite all that impressive gear, your daredevils will be safe thanks to the expert guidance of their certified instructor.

Where can you do this? On the mountain bike trails at the bike parks in La Plagne, La Rosière and Tignes

Bonus: Take advantage of special rates Tignes with our partner Évolution 2.

Hot jumping (or water jumping)

What is it? A thrilling activity that involves sliding down a large water slide before making an acrobatic plunge into a lake, or trying to go as far as possible on a bodyboard.

Why will they love it? Because of the high potential for the videos they’ll share on TikTok and Instagram to go viral—whether they feature impressive stunts or spectacular “fails.”

Why will you love it? Because of the progressively sized diving boards (6 m, 9 m, 12 m), which let kids build their confidence at their own pace, and because of the mini-ramp reserved for giant inflatable rings, open to kids ages 10 and up.

Where is it practiced? In Lake Tignes

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Stand-up paddleboarding

What is it? A water sport that’s sometimes relaxing and sometimes intense, a cross between surfing (the board) and kayaking (the paddle), which can be enjoyed both at sea and on a lake.

Why will they love it? Because originally, they wanted to go on vacation to the French Riviera and show off their new swimsuit in the calanques…

Why will you love it? Because the French Riviera in July and August is overcrowded and sweltering. You might as well sail in the cool mountain air!

Where can you do this? At the water sports center in Tignes. But if you want to break out your swimsuit, you’ll have to head to the pool right next door ;)

Bonus: Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the activities included with the My Tignes card (available at a discounted rate for anyone booking an apartment at Tignes through Altitude Résidences)

Paintball and Laser Tag

What is it? Two precision sports that involve hitting opponents with paintballs (paintball) or a harmless laser beam (laser tag).

Why will they love it? For the “real-life video game” experience and the adrenaline rush

Why will you love it? Because you secretly hope they'll take up biathlon one day, just like the great Martin Fourcade

Where can you do this? In La Rosière and in La Plagne

The Giant Zip Line

What is it? An activity that involves sliding down a 115-meter-long cable stretched across a canyon, securely strapped into a harness.

Why will they love it? Because it's so cool!

Why will you love it? Because it’s a real thrill… but completely safe! Here’s the proof: the activity is open to children as young as 3.

Where can you do this? In Belle Plagne, right across from your residence Chalet Hôtel Turquoise

Bonus: Take advantage of special rates with our partner, Elpro.

The Mountain Cart

What is it? A three-wheeled vehicle that you drive while seated (like a traditional go-kart) on a marked track that can be either easy or more challenging (meaning: steeper and less sanitized).

Why will they love it? Because they’re racing fans (and every morning, when they look in the mirror, they see the next Charles Leclerc or the new Lella Lombardi).

Why will you love them? Because mountain carts don't have engines and are therefore much more in line with your environmental concerns than Formula 1…

Where can you do it? In La Plagne

Rafting

What is it? A highly refreshing water sport practiced on a river in an inflatable boat that can hold up to 12 people.

Why will they love it? Because it's fun—plain and simple!

Why will you love it? Because, of all the whitewater sports, this is the most accessible; so you can enjoy it as a family (ages 8 and up for the introductory route, ages 12 and up for a more “thrilling” ride down the Isère River rapids).

Where can you do this? At the Landry rafting center, 30 minutes from La Plagne, 25 minutes from La Rosière, and 45 minutes by Tignes by car

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

There you go! 7 summer activities to win over your skeptical teens and get them excited about a summer vacation in the mountains ;) And they’ll leave you plenty of time to enjoy the great outdoors on the hiking trails for the rest of the vacation…

Summer Mountain Activities for Teens