It's snow wonder the pistes in Alpe d'Huez are in such great condition

Starting every evening as soon as lifts close (around 5pm) the resorts large fleet of state of the art Pisten Bully slope grooming machines get to work ensuring the slopes of Alpe d’Huez and the Grande Domaine ski area are in perfect condition for the skiers and snowboarders for the following morning.

Each of these incredible machines costs in excess of €200,000 (£150,000) and truly are state of the art with 'snowsat' navigation systems, 360 degree video cameras and I would imagine a really good heater as well!

Working in teams in echelon formation, they ensure that the slopes are levelled, compacted, and perfectly groomed – not only ensuring a perfect piste for the following day but also preserving the snow for periods when no snow falls – hence towards the end of the season you will still see perfect pistes but no snow either side of them, just mountain glades – well this is all down to the snow preservation works undertaken by these incredible machines and their highly skilled operators.

There is even an annual national championship for pisteur operators.

So the next time you see those lights in formation up the mountain late at night, spare a thought for the intrepid Pisten Bully drivers who work all hours in all sorts of conditions in order to ensure perfect slopes for your enjoyment.

Check out the video to see up close how's it's done…...