Les Deux Alpes Resort Guide - Know Before You Go

THE RESORT

Les Deux Alpes Resort Guide

Les Deux Alpes is an iconic ski resort in the Isere department, situated in the heart of the Oisans region, on a high plateau that begins at an altitude of 1,650 metres. It offers spectacular alpine scenery, a wide range of mountain sports, a lively apres-ski scene, and many events on the schedule throughout the year, including different mountain biking and trail running competitions. Situated within the majestic Écrins National Park, the resort is also close to historic villages like Venosc and Mont de Lans, making it easy to explore the surrounding area.

Thrilling Ski Slopes and Breathtaking Views

What We Love About Les Deux Alpes

Known for its vibrant atmosphere and outdoor activities, here are a few of the resort's standout features:

An extensive ski area boasting over 200 km of slopes suitable for all skill levels
The highest ski area in France (with a blue run from 3.600 m to 1.600 m – 14km long)
Glacier skiing, which means skiing is available year-round
Lively apres-ski scene with plenty of bars, restaurants, and nightlife options
A family-friendly resort that features ski kindergartens for children as young as 3 years old.
Outdoor activities during every season, including hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, and more.
Shopping on the legendary Avenue de la Muzelle
Proximity to national parks and noteworthy destinations like Venosc, Mont de Lans, and Grenoble
A long list of entertainment events is scheduled throughout the year.

Les Deux Alpes, which means "the two Alps," does not refer to the two facing mountain sides that make up the resort. Instead, the name refers to two adjacent areas of the original mountain pasture on the plateau where the resort was established. These pasture areas (known as 'alps' in French) belong to the two villages of Mont-de-Lans and Venosc, located in the valleys to the north and south of the resort. Although there is no road connecting the resort to Venosc, a gondola provides access between the two, and a footpath is available during the summer months.

Come visit the highest ski area in France
(Images by photographer Pyrene Duffau)

Getting to Les Deux Alpes

Travel Advice:

By Plane: Les Deux Alpes is accessible from four international airports, each providing entry to the Alps.

Grenoble Alpes-Isere Airport (GNB) Approx. 1h45 drive. Grenoble offers seasonal flights from major European cities. From here, car hire or private transfers are the most efficient options for onward travel.
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport (LYS) Approx. 2h15 drive. A year-round airport with international flights; good for arrivals from outside Europe and easily reached via motorway or TGV.
Geneva International Airport (GVA) Approx. 3h drive. Geneva is a popular choice for long-haul travellers, with a scenic drive from the airport through Alpine foothills to the resort.
Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport (CMF) Approx. 2h drive. Chambery is a smaller, efficient winter option for direct seasonal flights from the UK, France, and Europe.

Tip: For a seamless arrival, Emerald Stay can help arrange private transfers directly from your chosen airport to your property in Les Deux Alpes.

By Train: Travelling by rail offers a relaxed and low-impact way to reach the mountains.

Grenoble TGV Station approx. 1h30 drive from Les Deux Alpes. Direct high-speed TGV services connect from Paris (3 hours) and Lyon (1 hour 15 minutes). In Grenoble, use taxis, shuttles, or rentals for the final leg.
Lyon Part-Dieu Station approx. 2h30 drive. A major hub for international and regional routes, slightly further than Grenoble. Convenient when coordinating with flights to Lyon.

Please note: There is no direct train to Les Deux Alpes. The final stretch must be completed by car or bus.

By Car: Les Deux Alpes is accessible via a well-maintained network of highways and mountain roads, making it ideal for those travelling by car.

From Grenoble, the total drive time is 1h30
From Lyon, the drive is approximately 2h15.
From Geneva, expect a 3-hour drive.

Snow-covered trees and rooftops in a mountain village, with a clear blue sky and majestic snowy peaks in the background.

Les Deux Alpes is accessible via highways and

mountain roads, making it easy to reach by car.

Skiing almost all year round

Les 2 Alpes has two ski seasons thanks to its glacier. The 2024–25 winter season ran from November 30, 2024, to May 4, 2025. Glacier skiing resumed from May to early July: from May 5–28 at 2,600 m and from May 29–July 6 at 3,200–3,600 m. The official summer lift season for biking, hiking, and walking is from June 14 to August 31, 2025. Glacier skiing is available only in the mornings and depends on the weather.

France's Second-oldest Ski Resort

Les Deux Alpes is the second-oldest ski resort in France, behind Chamonix⁠. At the time of its birth in 1925, the resort was known as La Barade and had only one small lift, a simple tow rope. Les Deux Alpes took 10 years to establish itself and is now, a hundred years later, renowned for being a snow-sure resort.

Snowy mountain landscape with ski tracks, surrounded by rugged peaks under a clear blue sky.

Participate in the Hay Day Festival

Each August, you have the opportunity to step back in time and learn the traditions of yesteryear. Once every year, locals dress in period costumes, sharing time-honoured crafts, food, and entertainment. Watch as the parade passes along Avenue de la Muzelle, followed by a day of fun that'll amuse families and friends alike. This event typically occurs during the first week of August.

Mountain of Hell

Every year, over 700 participants come from all around the world to participate in this downhill mountain bike race. There are two races over three days, including a 25 km descent, that challenge riders' physical abilities. This 'hellish' downhill lives up to its reputation! A children's race is also available, ensuring no one is left behind.