(Image courtesy of Alpe D'Huez/NUTS agency)
Alpe d'Huez have installed 72 snow cannons over the summer on the lower half of the world's longest black slope, the 16km (10 mile) long Sarenne descent. The snow cannons also carry lighting.
The aim is for the full 16km of the famous slope to be accessible and skiable by 6th December with the installation which covers the area from Marmottes 3 to the Sarenne Bridge at 1,600m. The Herpie Lake which supplies the water required will also become the highest artificial lake in Europe.
The financial investment involved is estimated at around 8 million euros (which includes the introduction of 72 snow canons, the lake and the snow factory).
Six webcams have also been installed along the route so skiers will be able to view real-time snow conditions on the Sarenne.
In addition and the length of the Sarenne will be illuminated by each cannon which is equipped with LED lights to create a 'slope to the stars' effect for night skiers, the resort says.
A new option for good skiers this winter will be the chance to ski the Sarenne at night.
Participating skiers will take the last cable car up to the top of Pic Blanc, to an altitude of 3,330m, and watch the sun set over the Grandes Rousses enjoying the mountains in the company of Alpe d'Huez qualified ski instructors and ski patrollers.
There will then be a short stop at le GUC mountain refuge for an aperitif before venturing down the 16km and 2000m vertical drop of this iconic run.
Once they have conquered the majority of the slope skiers can celebrate with a mountain dinner at the Auberge de la Combe Haute before returning by bus to the resort.