Tignes Glacier in Summer

Ive been looking into skiing in Tignes in the summer as they have a glacier, i'm also into cycling and swimming in the lakes so it looks like a good destination for a summer holiday with the skiing combined, anyone out there been to Tignes in the summer and skied on the glacier and also where to stay, we are a family of 4 and do self catering, help please !!!
:roll:

I love Tignes in the summer, but not been for some years now. I lived and worked out their for some summer seasons years ago.
As long as you can get over, or it doesn't bother you, the ugly buildings and the fact that it is above the tree line it is a great place.
I suggest going during the main summer season, or just before (website will have dates) as most things will be open.
There is loads to do, do go rafting on the Isere from Bourg St Maurice, and the walks are amazing.
Prariond is my favourite, past Val D'Isere, Le Fornet and to the bend before the climb to Col de l'Iseran (Le Fornet glacier - a little summer skiing here as well). You walk up the gorge and then the valley opens out - beautiful (and a refuge that sells a few things to eat.) You can keep going right up to the glacier here on the Italian border depending on how far you want to go.
Skiing in the summer is an early morning activity (before it all goes to slush) and there are 7 lifts I think - a black or two, reds and mainly blues, but good fun.
I'm not sure about swimming in the lakes though, check that, but loads of biking and I think you can use the lifts to get uphill and enjoy the downhill if that's you're idea of fun.
Mountains in the summer - wonderful.
Owners abroad have some self catering apartments as does the Tignes website.

OldAndy, Many thanks for the info that is a great help, what is the skiing conditions like is it icy on the glacier I have no idea what to expect, we are pretty much intermediates but do like a challenge although I don't like ice too much!!
Thanks
NIIIXSY

Extraordinarily variable skiing conditions !!
You can get anything and everything - but mainly it all starts icy, but by 8.00am is softening up and by 10.30 getting very slushy - closes by end of morning.
But ...
I have skied fresh powder in August (for an hour or two before it went to slush) and how quickly it softens etc. varies.
Don't expect winter conditions it is similar to spring skiing at lower levels, and very hot by mid morning if the sun is out.
I would think of this as a wonderful, active, holiday with a bit of skiing, rather than a skiing holiday.

Oh and if you do go you will soon get the hang of where to start and where to finish your morning.
There is quite a vertical drop from the top of the cable car with the funicular coming in about half way as the access point.
So ...
First runs from the Panoramique restaurant downhill - a couple of drag lifts and a couple of chairs.
Then when this gets really sloppy go up the cable car and there are another two (I think) drags up high which will hold the conditions longer.
You can get advice when you are there and on the snow.

Thanks you have really helpful
NIIIXSY

I skied Tignes yesterday... right up until the closing of the final lift on the last day of this season (apart from the summer skiing that is).

It was snowing at 4 pm !