Industry News
The vast Tignes Ski Resort located in the French Alps is known for its expansive terrain and year-round skiing just announced the summer opening of Glacier de la Grande Motte. The ski area is open this summer from June 29 to July 21. The summer ski season began a week later than initially planned, as the Savoie region experienced significant floods in late June. The closing date will depend on the prevailing snow conditions.
Skiing in Tignes is possible on the Grand Motte glacier, which is situated at over 11,000 feet of altitude and offers 2,400 vertical feet of summer skiing on 20km (12.5 miles) of groomed runs.
Tignes will operate five lifts during the summer stint, including the funicular that opened on July 3. A funicular is essentially a ski lift running on sloping rails and resembles a train car getting pulled up a mountain. Tignes offers intermediate groomers as well as park features to dial those tricks in during the summer. A place for everyone, Tignes has more than downhill skiing in the summer, they also have a scenic cross-country skiing route and guided glacier hiking and climbing.
Tignes, combined with Val d’Isere is one of the largest interconnected ski areas in the world. The area is often called Espace Killy, after French ski racer Jean-Claude Killy. The ski area jointly boasts 160 runs stretching across 300km (187.5 miles).
Although summer skiing is in full swing at Tignes, the weather might not want to give up spring. The 10-day forecast calls for temperatures in the 30s and low 40s °F, with a snow/rain mix expected this weekend at the 11,000 foot elevation band.
Summer skiing is common throughout Europe largely due to the significant number of accessible glaciers. Tignes along with other great summer ski areas are considered 15 Fantastic Spots for Summer Skiing in Europe. Unfortunately, glacier skiing is slowly dwindling away, as many of the glaciers in Europe are receding quicker than expected.
