Take a ride up to the bottom of the Grande Motte glacier at 3,100-metres and a number of options open up to skiers. More adventurous off-pisters – such as the two British Army colonels home on leave from Afghanistan that we met in Tignes – rope up and head off to the Pramecou peaks. It’s testing in places – the pitch can be 45 degrees – but worth it for the views. Be sure to take a guide. The nearby Couloirs de la Grande Balme have fans, but only among the technically proficient. Less testing but still a challenge is the Couloir du Chardonnet. There is generally powder to be found here, which explains why the area is so popular with camera crews looking to capture the essence of Tignes. Get there via the Merle Blanc chair lift.