Glacier de la Grande Motte

The Glacier de la Grande Motte is an alpine glacier in the Tignes region with its highest point reaching approximately 3,656 meters. The ice field extends across several kilometers and forms a distinctive white surface in the alpine landscape.

The glacier formed during the last ice age and has expanded and retreated multiple times since then. In recent decades, it shows clear decline, with significant losses in thickness and area.

The glacier is a landmark of the Tignes ski area and has shaped the region's identity for decades. Its snow-covered expanse is visible from throughout the valley and has become a symbol of the place.

Visitors reach the glacier most easily by cable car from Tignes, which provides regularly checked pathways. You should prepare for uneven ice and sudden weather changes, even though the access is relatively straightforward.

A meltwater lake formed at the glacier's base in the early 2020s, a visible sign of glacier dynamics. The water is managed through specialized systems to avoid safety risks.

Location: Champagny-en-Vanoise

Location: Tignes

Location: Val-Cenis

GPS coordinates: 45.41822,6.88098

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:26