Grande Motte Glacier
Experience breathtaking panoramic views and summer skiing on the majestic Grande Motte Glacier in Tignes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light and fewer crowds
Grande Motte Glacier
Best Time
Best light and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking panoramic views and summer skiing on the majestic Grande Motte Glacier in Tignes.
"Amazing glacier, winter in the middle of summer, intoxicating view..very cold."
Pack for the Cold!
Even in summer, bring hats, scarves, and gloves. The wind can be intense! :scarf:
Quick Exit from Funicular
Strong winds near the funicular exit. Move quickly to the glacier area for less exposure. :wind_face:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Views
Grande Motte Glacier Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of snow-capped peaks. A must-see for any visitor.
Summer Skiing
Grande Motte Glacier Slopes
Experience skiing or snowboarding even in the height of summer, thanks to the high altitude.
Panoramic Restaurant
Altitude 3032m
Enjoy a meal or a drink with an unparalleled view of the surrounding mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Weather
Getting to the Top
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for the Cold!
Even in summer, bring hats, scarves, and gloves. The wind can be intense! :scarf:
Quick Exit from Funicular
Strong winds near the funicular exit. Move quickly to the glacier area for less exposure. :wind_face:
Sun Protection is Key
High altitude sun is strong. Use sunscreen and wear sunglasses to protect yourself. :sunglasses:
Online Ticket Booking
Save time by purchasing tickets online, especially during peak season. :ticket:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for the Cold!
Even in summer, bring hats, scarves, and gloves. The wind can be intense! :scarf:
Quick Exit from Funicular
Strong winds near the funicular exit. Move quickly to the glacier area for less exposure. :wind_face:
Sun Protection is Key
High altitude sun is strong. Use sunscreen and wear sunglasses to protect yourself. :sunglasses:
Online Ticket Booking
Save time by purchasing tickets online, especially during peak season. :ticket:
Enjoy the Views
Take your time to soak in the incredible mountain scenery. It's worth it! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views and the unique experience of summer skiing at the Grande Motte Glacier. The journey via funicular and cable car is also highlighted as an enjoyable part of the visit. However, some find the wind near the funicular exit to be intense, and the unsealed doors on the funicular contribute to unnecessary cold.
"The mountains are always fascinating. If you're in Tignes, Val Claret go up the mountain. Even those who don't practice winter sports like ski, snowboard is very worth for a few hours of relaxing. The ticketing staff are very helpful and will explain you how to get to the top, what kind of tickets can you buy and how the system works. You can buy tickets online or at the entrance. At altitude 3032 there is a nice restaurant Panoramic Restaurant with good food and... a good beer with a view over the snow covered peaks is very relaxing...add a sunny day and you won't regret it. Bring a sun protection cream for your face and sunglasses. Be patient especially around full winter holiday season, a lot of skiers and snowboarders will be going up the mountain. Almost all the staff speak good English, but even with a little French you'll manage."
Daniel AM
"good snow because of the high altitude, fast train that brings you up the glacier"
Thomas Grotte de la Luire
"Frothy lines and the boys were dropping dimes. Yee yee"
Matthew Axline
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to the Grande Motte Glacier typically involves a funicular ride followed by a cable car. The ticketing staff at the base are very helpful and can guide you on the best ticket options and the system. Many visitors find the journey itself to be a great outing.
While specific parking details for the glacier access point aren't widely detailed, Tignes Val Claret offers parking facilities. It's advisable to check local Tignes tourism resources for the most up-to-date parking information.
Tignes is accessible by various means, including driving, bus services from nearby train stations like Bourg-Saint-Maurice, and airport transfers from Geneva, Lyon, or Chambéry.
Yes, public transport within Tignes, including buses and the funicular/cable car system, is the primary way to access the Grande Motte Glacier.
The funicular and cable car system are generally accessible, but it's always a good idea to check with the local operators for specific accessibility details, especially regarding mobility aids.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets at the entrance or online in advance. The ticketing staff are known to be very helpful in explaining ticket types and how the system works.
Ticket prices can vary depending on the season and any special offers. It's best to check the official Tignes tourism website or inquire at the ticket office for current pricing.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or groups. Inquire at the ticket office or check the official website for any applicable discount programs.
A ticket typically grants access to the funicular and cable car that ascend to the glacier. This allows you to enjoy the panoramic views and potentially summer skiing.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak winter holiday seasons, to avoid long queues.
🎫 🏔️ Onsite Experience
Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, summer skiing and snowboarding, and dining at the Panoramic Restaurant. The high altitude offers a unique mountain experience.
The weather can change rapidly. Expect it to be cold, even in summer, with strong winds. High altitude sun is intense, so sun protection is crucial.
Yes, the Grande Motte Glacier is known for its summer skiing opportunities, attracting skiers and snowboarders looking for fresh snow and cooler temperatures. 
Yes, the Panoramic Restaurant at altitude 3032m offers food and drinks with spectacular views.
Dress in layers. Bring warm clothing, including a hat, scarf, and gloves, even during summer months. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are also recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and fewer people. Golden hour during sunrise or sunset can also offer stunning opportunities.
Expect to capture vast mountain landscapes, snow-covered peaks, skiers and snowboarders in action, and dramatic skies. The panoramic views are a photographer's dream.
The summit area offers 360-degree views. The area around the Panoramic Restaurant also provides excellent vantage points for capturing the scenery.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. Consider a telephoto lens for distant peaks and a sturdy tripod if you plan for low-light photography.
Use a camera cover to protect against wind and moisture. Keep spare batteries warm in an inside pocket, as cold drains them quickly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While skiing might be the main draw for some, simply experiencing the high-altitude environment is an adventure in itself. Ensure children are dressed warmly in layers, including hats and gloves, as the weather can be surprisingly cold even in summer.
⛷️ Ski Enthusiasts & Snowboarders
Whether you're looking to hone your slalom skills or simply enjoy carving down a glacier in July, the Grande Motte offers a unique experience. Be prepared for potentially challenging weather, including strong winds, and always check snow conditions before your visit. The sheer scale of the glacier and the panoramic views add an unparalleled dimension to the skiing experience.
📸 Photographers & Scenery Lovers
Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hour) are particularly spectacular for lighting. Beyond the grand vistas, look for details like the textures of the snow and ice, the distant villages, and the skiers carving down the slopes.
The journey up itself, with the changing perspectives, provides ample photographic subjects. Remember to protect your gear from the cold and wind, and bring extra batteries as they drain faster at high altitudes. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Fragile Beauty of the Grande Motte Glacier
This makes every moment spent here a reminder of its fragility. While it offers incredible opportunities for summer skiing and breathtaking views, it's important to appreciate its delicate state.Despite the environmental concerns, the glacier remains a significant attraction. The journey up via funicular and cable car is an experience in itself, offering increasingly dramatic vistas as you ascend.
Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of their impact and to appreciate the unique environment. The stark beauty of the glacier, contrasted with the surrounding peaks, creates a powerful visual experience that resonates with many who visit.
Navigating the Ascent: Funicular to Glacier
Travelers often highlight the efficiency of the transport system, with helpful ticketing staff available to guide visitors on ticket options and the process.
A specific tip shared by visitors concerns the wind near the funicular exit. It's advised to move quickly towards the glacier area, as this section can be a strong wind corridor.
Winter Sports on a Summer Snowfield
+2 This unique phenomenon attracts athletes and enthusiasts from all over who are looking to train or simply enjoy the thrill of skiing on snow when the valleys below are experiencing warm weather. +1Professional ski teams and athletes frequently use the glacier for intensive training sessions, honing their skills in slalom and giant slalom disciplines.
+1 The conditions are often described as having 'good snow' because of the altitude, making it a prime location for technical practice and performance refinement. While the opportunity to ski in summer is a major draw, visitors should be prepared for the conditions. The weather can be unpredictable, and strong winds are common.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit