Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes Ski Resort Guide

Les Deux Alpes, (Les 2 Alpes) are located in the Isère region of the French Alps, is one of Europe’s highest and most popular ski resorts. Known for its incredible snow reliability, extensive glacier skiing, and vibrant après-ski scene, it offers an excellent mix of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. With breathtaking mountain views, modern infrastructure, and activities year-round, Les Deux Alpes is a favorite destination for snow enthusiasts and families alike.

Overview of Les Deux Alpes Ski Resort

Les Deux Alpes sits at an altitude of 1,650 meters and reaches up to 3,600 meters on the glacier, ensuring excellent snow conditions throughout the season. Its high-altitude terrain makes it one of the rare resorts where you can ski year-round on the glacier. The resort itself has a lively and modern atmosphere, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

The ski season typically runs from late November to late April, and summer skiing is also available on the glacier during select months.

Ski Terrain

Les Deux Alpes offers 200 km of marked slopes and is well-known for its reversed layout, with beginner slopes found at higher altitudes and more challenging runs descending into the valley.

• Beginner skiing: Beginners can enjoy gentle, wide slopes at high altitudes, including the glacier area, ensuring stunning views while learning.
• Intermediate terrain: Intermediate skiers will find a wealth of blue and red runs, especially in the Bellecombes and Toura areas, offering long, scenic descents.
• Advanced skiing: Advanced skiers can challenge themselves with steep black runs, such as the legendary La Fee sector or the Valentin slope, a demanding descent into the village.
• Off-piste: Les Deux Alpes is renowned for its off-piste terrain, including the famous La Grave area (accessible with a guide), which offers some of the best freeriding in the Alps.

Ski Lifts

The resort has a modern lift system with 43 ski lifts, including high-speed gondolas, chairlifts, and surface lifts.

• Glacier access: The Jandri Express gondola quickly transports skiers to the glacier area at 3,600 meters, offering spectacular panoramic views.
• Chairlifts: A network of efficient chairlifts serves the main ski areas, minimizing wait times.
• Beginner lifts: Nursery slopes at both the glacier and village levels are serviced by beginner-friendly drag lifts.

Snowboarding and Freestyle

Les Deux Alpes is a paradise for snowboarders and freestyle enthusiasts, with a reputation as one of the best freestyle resorts in Europe.

• Snowpark: The Les Deux Alpes snowpark, located on the glacier, features rails, jumps, a half-pipe, and boardercross tracks. It’s a hub for freestyle events and competitions.
• Freeride terrain: Advanced snowboarders will love the off-piste areas, including tree runs and powder bowls.

Winter Activities

Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Les Deux Alpes offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy:

• Ice skating: Skate at the resort’s outdoor ice rink.
• Tobogganing: Enjoy sledging at designated areas for family fun.
• Snowshoeing and hiking: Explore marked trails that take you through stunning alpine landscapes.
• Paragliding: Take in breathtaking views of the mountains from above.
• Wellness and spas: Unwind in one of the resort’s spas, with options for massages, saunas, and hot tubs.

Après-Ski

Les Deux Alpes has a vibrant après-ski scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to keep the energy going after a day on the slopes.

• Bars and nightlife: Popular spots include Umbrella Bar for a lively après-ski atmosphere and Smithy’s Tavern for drinks and live music.
• Dining: From traditional alpine fare to international cuisine, restaurants like Le Cellier and La Porte d’à Côté serve up delicious meals.
• Mountain restaurants: Enjoy a meal with a view at on-piste restaurants like Chalet de La Fee.

Accommodation

Les Deux Alpes offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and style:

• Luxury hotels: Five-star options like Chalet Mounier provide upscale amenities, including spas and gourmet dining.
• Mid-range hotels: There are plenty of comfortable mid-range options, such as Hotel Le Cret, located close to the slopes.
• Self-catering apartments: Perfect for families or groups, apartments like Résidence Le Cortina offer convenient and flexible options.

How to Get There

Les Deux Alpes is easily accessible by car, train, or air:

• By car: The resort is about 1 hour 30 minutes from Grenoble and 3 hours from Lyon. Ample parking is available.
• By train: The nearest train station is in Grenoble, with regular shuttle buses running to the resort.
• By air: The closest airports are Grenoble Airport (1.5 hours), Lyon-Saint Exupéry (2.5 hours), and Geneva Airport (3 hours).

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Les Deux Alpes is from January to March for optimal snow conditions. The glacier ensures reliable skiing even during early and late-season periods, making it a great choice for those looking to extend their ski season.