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Les Deux Alpes - One of Europe’s most snowsure resorts, Les Deux Alpes enjoys long hours of sunshine, and a fabulous range of slopes for all levels. Les Deux Alpes skiing is divers and perfect for skiers and snowboarders. Like Courchevel, Alpe D'Huez and Meribel, Les Dex Alpes ski resort has brilliant apres-ski and is great for all levels of skiers. Les Deux Alpes is warm and lively, with low-rise buildings and lots of hotels providing the atmosphere lacking in an apartment resort.
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Les Deux Alpes Ski Resort
The Les Deux Alpes ski resort is becoming increasingly renowned for a lively and varied après ski scene, with various inviting bars and clubs. In addition to a heated outdoor swimming pool, outdoor ice rink and sports centre, the resort offers a tanking centre with flotarium, sauna and Turkish baths to help relax any aching limbs at the end of a hard day’s activity, what else could possibly make Les Deux Alpes skiing holidays better.
Skiing in Les Deux Alpes
Skiing in Les Deux Alpes is great for skiers and boarders alike, with extensive ski terrain, efficient lift system and lots of sun on south-facing slopes. For snowboarders, in addition to wide-open spaces, is a challenging boarder cross, fun park and half pipe, and for stout-hearted skiers, a mile-long couloir to jump into. Les Deux Aples is now linked with La Grave on the same lift pass, which opens up a huge area of Off Piste skiing.
The Mont-de-Lans glacier, near the top of the main mountain, is claimed by the tourist office to be the largest skiable glacier in Europe. Beginners are especially well catered for, with many gentle runs above the village, and the glacier is a haven, with it’s wide open pistes.
Boardparks and Pipes: The Les Deux Alpes boardpark is one of the best in Europe, which comes as no surprise, as they have been welcoming snowboarders here for many years back. There are usually five big hits, from small to some of the biggest ones we have ever seen.
The boardercross course is gateless and not groomed too often, but full of little surprises, both good and bad. There is also a massive half pipe (sorry, no two-plankers), which is kept in pristine condition. There are also weekly competitions, check in resort for schedule.
GREEN RUNS - 27
BLUE RUNS - 45
RED RUNS - 16
BLACK RUNS - 13
DRAG LIFTS - 25
CHAIR LIFTS - 25
GONDOLAS - 3
CABLE CARS - 1
FUNICULARS - 1
Les 2 Alpes is France's second oldest ski resort (after Chamonix). It is a world class resort with one of the largest ski areas and vertical drops to be found anywhere. Add to this a huge range of apres-ski options and the lift-linked descent to La Grave, and you have a very special destination.
Les 2 Alpes is located in the heart of the Oisans and at the foot of the Meije, offering more than 200 km of runs served by over 60 ski lifts. From the center of the resort you can access all the trails with at most a 5 minute walk. On the glacier, reliable snow and gentle slopes provide mellow skiing at 3000 metres. Snow cannons ensure that the trail back to the resort is always open.
The ski area stretches over successive mountains moving away from the village (like Keystone in Colorado, only much bigger). Served by state-of-the-art lifts, a huge gondola and an under-glacier funiciular railway - both built in the mid 1980's - whisk skiers to the highest points, where skiing is available through the summer.
The Vallons de la Meije offers skiing between Les 2 Alpes and La Grave. It is one of the most exciting off piste runs in Europe, covering 2150 metres (over 7,000 feet) of vertical. Open from late January, this legendary run attracts all advanced skiers, although a local guide is essential for the descent.
With over 35,000 guest beds, more than 200 shops and 40 restaurants, Les 2 Alpes is one of the biggest and livliest resoirts in the Alps. Night clubs stay open until dawn. Other 'things to do' include a climbing wall, ice climbing, paragliding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. The resort broadcasts through its own radio station, Radio 2 Alpes on 96.2 FM.
Like the name says, this resort is made up of two Alps, two alpine pastures put together over 50 years ago to form a ski resort. It shows how prescient the burghers of Mont-de-Lans and Venosc were; today 35,000 Frenchmen at a time flock to the mile-high resort. They come to enjoy the extensive, mostly treeless ski terrain, efficient lifts and lots of sun on south-facing slopes. They ski on 220 km of groomed slopes, 20 percent of them black, and 44 percent intermediate and 36 percent easy. A top skiable elevation of 3600 meters and a vertical drop of 2300 meters are impressive statistics rarely found in a ski area. Snowboarders have a real chance to strut their stuff. In addition to wide-open spaces, shredders have a boarder cross, fun park, and halfpipe. Stout-hearted skiers have a mile-long couloir to jump into. The Mont-de-Lans glacier, near the top of the main mountain, is claimed by the tourist office to be the largest skiable glacier in Europe.
Resorts close to Les Deux Alpes include: Auris En Oisans (3 km), Oz En Oisans (7 km), Le Lac Blanc (8 km), Alpe d'Huez (9 km) and Vaujany (13 km).
Directions to Les Deux Alpes
Les 2 Alpes is located 70 km (43 miles) from Grenoble, and driving time is about 90 minutes. The nearest international airport is Grenoble-St-Geoirs. Lyon-Satolas airport is 160 km away. The nearest train station is Grenoble, and bus service is availble from there.
Helicopter transfers between Les 2 Alpes and the Grenoble or Lyon airports can be arranged by calling 04.76 79 75 15.
The resort occupies a high, wide and sunny valley with excellent skiing on both sides. The runs you can see from the resort are only half the picture. Invisible from the valley are miles of piste on the biggest skiable glacier in the Alps where skiing is possible 365 days a year. This enormous and high plateau is one of the best things about Les Deux Alpes. It offers crisp snow, sunshine, and easy runs well above the tree line. These are great for beginners who benefit from the gradual progression and wonderful conditions. The ski school is good as well, so we recommend Les Deux Alpes even to novices, because progress is swift and painless. There are also a few nursery slopes and lifts in the village.
Intermediates enjoy endless cruising runs and some amazing powder on not-too-steep slopes at altitude. The runs back to resort are surprisingly difficult but beginners can either take a long looping green or a gondola.There is plenty for advanced skiers as well, including the fearsome off-piste run to La Grave. This is one of the greatest ski runs in the world, but it's only for experts with a guide. The departure point is a 15min plod carrying your skis. Some of the best black runs are immediately above the village providing a far from relaxing end to your day. On the southwest side the skiing is sunny and gentle. It's good to ski here on cold mornings, then move over to the other side in the afternoon. The lift system is colossal and boasts every type of lift, including an amazing tube train drilled through the summit of the mountain, opening up stunning views and unending vistas.
The village is open and attractive and buzzes with life. It's almost all purpose-built but it's not unattractive. Oddly enough the newer parts are the nicest. Every kind of facility and amusement is available. Free buses circulate until evening.
Village Facts
Dynamic resort the whole year round, with a young international following. Warm and friendly with brilliant facilities and après ski. Loads of bars, lively pubs and restaurants. Excellent shopping.
Night skiing
Paragliding
Snowboard park
Helicopter excursions to Alpe d'Huez
Torchlight descents
Skidoos
Massive sports centre
8 mountain restaurants
Free shuttle bus 8.30am to 8.30pm
Banks o Post office
Tourist office
Excellent shopping
Medical centre
Outdoor skating rink
Outdoor pool
10 pin bowling
Cinema
Ice grotto at 3420m
Internet cafes
Snowboard taster sessions
Inflatable bob-run
Snow biking
Ice driving
Curling
Ice climbing
LES DEUX ALPES ATTRACTIONS
Skiing - Les Deux Alpes, as the name suggests, is all about skiing and all things related to snow. There are many outdoor activities available here, including skiing; snowboarding; hiking; and dog sledding, plus many more. This is another excellent ski location in France and caters for everything level of experience.
Maison De La Montagne - The Maison houses two exhibitions the summer and winter: the Chasal Lento Cultural and Heritage Exposition, and the Cultural and Nature Exhibition. These exhibitions are dedicated to the life of the Oisans people and to the mountains that they live in.
Museum of the French Revolution - Located just out of Les Deux Alpes. The chateau where the first meeting to revolt was held, has been turned into a beautiful museum with gardens. There are beautiful roses gardens and a garden maze. The displays are ver interesting and informative.
LES DEUX ALPES RESTAURANTS
Crepe a Gogo - Located on the main street. This cafe is very popular with both the locals and the tourists. They serve excellent crepes and raclette, and all the melted cheese you can eat with patatoes and cold meat. It's a good idea to book ahead as it gets very busy at dinner time.
Le Pastorale - This high-altitude restaurant, found at an elevation of 2 400 m, is one of the best restaurants in La Plagne. They serve a range of excellent local dishes at reasonable prices. It is very popular with both the locals and tourists.
Smoky Joe - Located in the centre of town. This restaurant is always popular and is a great place to go for an excellent meal. They serve a wide range of international cuisine at very reasonable prices. They are famous for their spare ribs.
LES DEUX ALPES BARS & CLUBS
Rodeo-Bar - Located on the far side of town. This is one of the best bars in town, and has a pool table and the main attraction is a rodeo bull. It is very popular with the locals and tourists alike, a great place to meet people, have a few drinks and have fun.
L'Opera - Located in the centre of town. This is one of the best dance nightclubs in Les Deux Alpes. It is very popular with the younger locals and tourists. This is the place to go if you're looking to let your hair down and boogie on down all night long.
The Boom Boom Bar - Located in the centre of Le Deux Alpes. This bar is very popular with the locals and tourists alike. It is a great place to go if you're looking to meet some people and have some fun. They serve a range beers and wines. There's also cable t.v. so you don't have to miss out on any sports.
LES DEUX ALPES CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES
Le Bonhomme de Neige - Located at Rue des Sagnes. This is a great place to take your children aged 2 to 6 years, for some fun and games while you hit the slopes. Here they offer sports; play; and cultural activities to suit the age of the child. They'll have a great time and will want to come back for more.
Quad - 10 route de Champame. This is a place the children with love. There is a several safe circuits, adapated for children of all ages with vehicles of different capacity. There is an easy track on flat ground for the small kids, and a more difficult track for teenagers and the more experienced.
Set high up in the picturesque Dauphine region of the Southern Alps, Les Deux Alpes is one of France’s oldest and most prestigious ski resorts.
the skiing
Les Deux Alpes ski area, as the name suggests, is on two mountains; the Venosc and Mont de Lans. The ski slopes run down both sides of the valley to the high altitude village and the lifts are about every 100m, so you won’t have far to walk. The nursery slopes, for complete beginners are in the village, from here you quickly progress to the gentle green slopes on the glacier called La Meije Glacier (3570m) From here you have great views. The whole ski area is 200km of piste on around 70 runs. It is often called the ‘upside down’ resort in that its more gentle runs are at the top on the glacier with the steepest runs being more down towards the village.
advanced
In good snow, which at this resort height is normal, the off piste skiing here is awesome. Have you ever skied a vertical of 2000m? The run is called La Grave! It’s open from January onwards. It’s very tricky and should only be done with a guide.
intermediate
Not a good resort for keen intermediates, many of the runs are tough, some of the blues could or should be reds. The runs high up are good for aggressive intermediate skiers with fast cruising runs. Less confident intermediates will prefer the gentleness of the slopes and the snow quality of the upper mountain, but in times of poor snow lower down these runs can get busy.
beginner
Les Deux Alpes is a great resort for beginners with gentle nursery slopes and easy blues. Beginners should quickly progress to “Les Cretes” or the gentle glacier runs.
family
The village nursery takes babies from six months to two years old and there is a kindergarten that takes kids from two to six years of age, while there are free T-bars at village level for children.
snowboarding
This really is a top resort offering terrain to suit everyone. The boardpark at mid-staion is well worth checking out with kickers, spines, rails and a boardercorss course. The off piste is huge and challenging, try Serre Chevalier for a day if you like trees. Beginners couldn’t ask for a better place for speedy progress.
apres ski
Loads of it! There is a lively and bustling town centre with an abundance of shops, bars, nightclubs and restaurants. There is a cinema, bowling alley and sports facilities including a heated outdoor pool and an ice rink (where admission is included free on your lift pass). Mikes and Smokey Joes are good apres-ski venues and the Rodeo offers entertainment in the form of its mechanical bucking bronco! The Avalanche seems to be the most popular nightclub.
Reviews
1 February 15, 2006 - 01:42 PM
Chris Rees from UNITED KINGDOM
I visited Les Deux Alpes between the 3rd - 10th of Feb 2006 and stayed half board at the Jameron Club Hotel at the far side of the resort. Before arriving I had a preperception of the town thinking it would be somehow tacky and purpose built, so was very happy when we turned up to see an attractive alpine village. Other than a serious lack of women I found the town great, plenty of shops for all your needs and nightlife was also fulfilling. Favourite watering holes for me was The Windsor (seemed very French) and the Polar Bear along with many others within close proximity. Our hotel was great, being on the side of town and located right beside the piste presented us with great views from our balcony, main reception lounge, and restaurant. The English staff at the Jameron was awesome along with our tour operator 'Tops Travel', both being extremely helpful, friendly and willing to chat. Food was also good and varied come evenings. After visiting the 3 vallees some years ago I was expecting the ski area at Les Deux Alpes to be somewhat limited, but was pleasantly surprised by the amount of ski runs available to all levels of skiers/snowboarders. One criticism some may find is there isn't many easy runs back to the resort back from the main mountain. There is a slushy green back down but this is narrow and a little cluttered in the evening rush. I found the 2 black runs 'Valentine' & 'Diable' the obvious routes down but then again i did have a death wish because of the gradients of the slope and the extreme iciness due to there being a shortage of new snowfall. Skiing up at the top of the glacier is great with better snow to be found and several wide open runs ideal for snowboarding. In all a great holiday with very little to fault, nice town with nice skiing. What else can one want!
2 February 09, 2006 - 03:23 PM
Wayne Potter from UNITED KINGDOM
A weeks snowboarding/skiing as part of a group of 14 staying in Chalet Chalance.
Pistes were great, expansive and wide. Some of the difficulty ratings are questionable, but I think this is a regular query for French resorts.
The glacier has some great runs from the top down to Toura. The green coming down into Cretes is a bit of a walk at the end for snowboarders and the green from Cretes down into the village is quite a narrow zig-zag path that is quite crowded in the late afternoon as people descend. Also a few flat bits on Gours piste, but it is magnificent scenery.
The 'Slide' pistes, such as the boardercross or the canyons are superb, I've never tried anything like them and the snowparks were brilliant to watch other people if you didn't want to have a go yourself.
As we stayed in a chalet as a large group, we didn't wander out too much, but the nights we went out we had a good laugh. Recommend the Windsor for cocktails!!
We didn't have any problems with lift queues, 5 minutes max, which we thought was very quick considering the volume of people.
There were a few beginners in the group that progressed very quickly and were able to go from the glacier right down into the village by the end of the week.
La Grave was closed whilst we were there unfortunately but there were enough pistes to keep us all occupied at a number of different levels on skis and snowboards.
I would highly recommend this resort.
PS Our chalet hosts, Simon and Ellie, were fantastic and really friendly!!
3 December 15, 2005 - 12:51 PM
Paul from UNITED KINGDOM
Just come back from an early-season few days in Les 2 Alpes. An excellent variety of characterful terrain (couloirs, ledges, snowpark, tree skiing etc)for all abilities, the bloke (Hugo) who wrote that you'll tire of this place if you're intermediate or advanced is plain wrong. There are 220km of runs, plus off piste in abundance all over the mountain, and the runs if anything are conservatively coloured - eg the blacks really are very black, and the reds would be black if this were Austria or Italy. Anyone who has skied the Diable or Combe Valentin on an icy afternoon will agree. There is much fun to be had among the trees on the lower slopes, and a lovely under-used mountain restaurant (Chalet La Fee) serving simple, reasonably priced home cooking and drinks. Some of the others are a bit pricey though. There are 60-odd lifts, although the main Jandri Express cable car delivers you from the village to the glacier in one go. I am led to believe it is the fastest people-mover in Europe (in terms of people/hour it can carry). Lift queues even in peak weeks are avoidable if you read the piste map and avoid the popular lifts. There are many new high speed chairlifts now as well. There is a wide choice of eateries and bars in the village, and 2 nightclubs. Admitted, the town isn't off a chocolate box, but then its a lot nicer than many high French resorts. Highly recommend the skiing if you've got a bit of adventure about you - if you want motorway pistes and featureless terrain to flatter your style go to Val d'Isere! Personally I'd rate the skiing as better than anywhere I've been, particularly if you bring the La Grave sector into the equation.
4 January 24, 2005 - 06:18 PM
Lisa from UNITED KINGDOM
Just come back from skiing in Les 2 Alpes went from 16th-23rd Jan 05.
I am a beginner and the nursery slopes were excellent, as were some of the green runs higher up the mountain.
The glacier was closed whilst we were there due to snow fall. the others who came with ski blue/red and said that the runs were good, but they would not come back to the resort again.
Overall very good for a bignner. However far too many lifts, drags and cable cars to get up the mountain.
Nightlife was good, but the town was made up of so much neon lighting i am sure it can be seen from space!
5 March 11, 2004 - 07:15 PM
Hugo Wheeler from UNITED KINGDOM
I went to Les Deux Alpes at the end of February 2004 and was slightly dissapointed with the resort as a whole. Having skied at many European resorts I found this one to be the least well connected in terms of lifts. Much of my time was spent queing to get a lift to another lift - this wasted potential skiing time. If you are a beginner then this is a fantastic resort if, however, you are intermediate to advanced then you shall bore of it extremely quickly.
The snow is great up top but this is where all the beginner slopes are and down low (where the more challenging terrain is) the snow tends to be poor. Its saving grace is the legendary La Grave with excellent off piste for advanced to professional skiers. All in all it is a fun resort but do not be fooled into thinking it will satisfy the more advanced skier as what should be marked as a red is marked as a black etc etc.
6 January 09, 2004 - 02:52 PM
Chris Needham from UNITED KINGDOM
I went out to Les Deux Alpes in March 2002 with my girlfriend and another couple. we stayed at the Chalet Mounier which i cannot recommend highly enough. The service was excellent and the food was fantastic. At the time of our arrival there was a huge lack of snow in the resort(due to the time of year) but the slopes higher up at the mid station were fine. The lift system is very efficient and i didn't feel like i was hanging around all the time waiting for a ride back up the slope. The Glacier at the top is the best area for beginners as it is very wide and long with a t-bar running up the middle. If you do not like t-bars there is a funicular railway that will take you back to the top. The nursery slopes in the village all have snow machines and are relatively good for complete novices. There is also a kicker ramp set up here with a huge airbag for freestyle snowboarders to practice their tricks without ending up in the local hospital!!!!! I had to have a go at this and really enjoyed it even though it was my first time on real snow with a board!!! This was our first experience at Les Deux Alpes and we had a great time. We are heading back there in Jan 2004 for 10 days (again at the chalet mounier)and can't wait to get there.
7 November 05, 2003 - 10:24 PM
Myles McNeany from UNITED KINGDOM
I went to Les Deux Alpes in the summer (2003).
They have the largest skiable glacier in europe. Its like a small resort. This summer there was no much snow on the glacier because of the heatweave.
From what I could see from when I was there; they have a very good lift system with most of the lifts being chairs and gondolas. Most of the chairs look pretty slow but its better than t-bars. There is a lot of rideable terrian here!
The snowpark this summer was amazing and I have heard its really good in the winter too. They have two halfpipes one small and one large and they are both maintained every night, making them some of the best pipes in europe.
The village I thought was fine lots of nightlife and resterants. The resort is abit purpose bulit if that bothers anyone.
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