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The Grande Motte glacier, situated high above the resort of Tignes, opened Sept. 26 for the 2009-10 winter season .

The glacier boasted 20cm of fresh snow upon opening with more on the way. Each winter the Grande Motte glacier (3000-3456 metres) is among the first ski destinations in Europe to open its slopes.

Skiers and snowboarders can access the Grande Motte glacier via the funicular in just seven minutes between 8:30 a.m and 5:30 p.m every day. A one-day ski pass for the glacier costs €32 for adults; €26 for children (five to 13 years old).

Tignes (2100 metres) has a very reliable snow record due to its high altitude. The resort comprises five Villages: Val Claret, Tignes le Lac, Le Lavachet, Tignes Les Boisses, and Tignes-les-Brevieres. The first three are close together at 2100 metres and Les Boisses and Les Brevieres are further down the valley.

The resort is part of the large ski area of L'Espace Killy with its 300 kilometres of pistes connected by 97 lifts, including two high-speed underground trains. L'Espace Killy is also known for its impressive off-piste and has a snowpark with halfpipe and boardercross.

The L'Espace Killy ski area opens its resort slopes Nov. 28, 2009.

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