Snow patrols, Arctic explorers and giant lobsters in France’s Tignes

Extreme alpine adventures can be combined with family fun for novices at this multi-tasking resort

Tignes is purpose-built so has something for everyone. Picture by Andy Parant

Catherine Murphy

Lined up on an icy Alpine lake, we appear to be dressed as giant lobsters. The sight is too much and I cackle with laughter.

Our human lobster pod is out on Lac de Tignes in France’s Tignes-Val d’Isere ski area and we’re about to dip into 2˚C water to experience the Scandinavian “relaxation” therapy of ice floating. Covered head to toe in orange dry suits complete with big lobster claws, we look hilarious as we waddle our way to the water’s edge.