Tignes claim to be one of the world's few year-round
ski areas has suffered a set back with the news that
the resort closed its ski slopes last weekend to "give
the glacier a rest".
The slopes are due to re-open in 5 weeks' time on
June 18th. In 1999 the resort's 365 day opening record
was ruined by a fortnight's lift closure in the early
autumn for lift maintenance.
By coincidence a dozen members of the French national
football squad are reportedly in the resort this week
in preparation for the major European soccer competition,
Euro 2000. The football stars will reportedly include
high-altitude snow shoe walks on the glacier as part
of their training but it is not clear whether they'll
have to climb up to the glacier to do so or whether
the lifts will run for them.
Tignes has also announced initial plans for new high-speed
detachable lifts to improve connections over to Val
d'Isère in the Espace Killy. Connections on the Tovière
sector will be improved with the new detachable Bollin-Fresse
chair replacing two surface tows. The overall objective
of this and other planned improvements and upgrades
is to create a circuit for skiers and 'boarders circulating
between the two resort's ski areas, rather than a
'there and back' route.
Verbier
Glacier also to close
