Overview of Les Deux Alpes
There are only two things associated with the number two in Les Deux Alpes ski resort – the two mountain villages and the 2km long strip that joins them to create the resort. Otherwise, it’s all about the number ones – the highest skiable glacier in France, the greatest lift-served French off-piste ski area, the largest snowpark in Europe, the hub of the European freestyle scene and, if you’re down with the right crowd, the best party experience in the Alps!
Situated on the cusp of the Northern and Southern Alps only two hours from Grenoble airport, Les Deux Alpes ski area brings together beginner and expert skiers, as well as families and party people.
Despite the fact that development of the Les Deux Alpes ski resort has not always been in keeping with its historic alpine village roots (make sure you head to the Venosc end of town if you are looking for a bit of alpine charm), there are still some beautiful traditional chalets and Les Deux Alpes apartments to suit all budgets.
The main strip is a venerable entertainment highway, with ski lifts leading up the hill on each side by day and bars and restaurants enticing you in by night. While this may not appeal to all, there’s no denying that Les Deux Alpes holiday-goers will not be disappointed.
Skiing and Boarding in Les Deux Alpes
Fine snow on high slopes and gradients ranging from friendly to fearsome, Les Deux Alpes skiing is a good place both to start and to end up.
Beginners are spoilt for choice as nursery slopes stretch along the eastern flank of the resort and once you’ve linked up those turns, Les Deux Alpes skiing offers you the whole mountain experience. Green and blue lines extend up onto the glacier, letting you share in the stunning views and then glide back down on the gondola.
Intermediates will find the terrain perfect for honing their technique, although stronger skiers may hunker after a few more reds in between the cruisy blues and gnarly blacks. The often quieter Pied Moutet side of town boasts some fun blues and interesting reds though, especially bumpy Bons, which snakes down through the trees to 1300m.
If that’s not enough to keep you occupied, you could always hop on a helicopter (or the bus) over to Alpe d’Huez or Serre Chevalier to make some fresh tracks, all on the one lift pass.
Anyone who calls themselves an advanced skier will already know that Les Deux Alpes skiing offers something you don’t get everywhere in the Alps. With almost as many black runs as reds and 1400ha of accessible off-piste, there is plenty to whet the appetite of the most demanding technical skier.
Freeriders flock here too so as to find La holy Grave: the mountains above this small hamlet are unique. The one old school bubble lift takes you to the summit and then it’s a 2150m descent, except there is only one marked piste, otherwise “each run is to imagine.” You won’t see ski patrol and you won’t see anything to warn you of dangers: this is skiing as it was meant to be. Be sure to take avalanche-safety gear (probe, shovel and transceiver) as well as a guide, because it is highly likely that you will get lost without one. Oh, and Les Deux Alpes ski resort also has the best snowpark in Europe.
Lift Passes in Les Deux Alpes
The Les Deux Alpes 6 Day Pass grants you access to the full 225km of runs and 51 ski lifts. As with the Alpe D’Huez pass, you also receive the added bonus of 2 days in Alpe D’Huez and 1 in Serre Chavelier. You also get one free entry to the swimming pool or ice rink per day. There are also 5 free drag lifts for those who are learning to ski.
