Les Deux Alpes

Why Ski in Les Deux Alpes?

The jewel of Les Deux Alpes is its glacier. Snow-sure, high-altitude, and skiable even in the summer months, it guarantees excellent conditions through the season. It's one of the few places in Europe where you can carve on real snow all year round. This legendary resort in the Southern Alps has long attracted seasoned skiers, freeride enthusiasts and bold beginners seeking altitude. Here are some highlights:

• The ski area reaches 3,600 m, guaranteeing quality skiing

• A vertical ski area (3,600 m to 1,300 m), meaning long vertical drops on skis

• An expansion of its slopes and lifts has recently taken effect, including the opening of the Jandri 3S cable car at the start of the 2024/2025 winter season.

• 75% of the ski area is above 2,100m.

• Easy departure and return to the resort on skis, or via the ski lifts (Hybrid-lift of Belle Étoile, Jandri 3S, hybrid-lift of Le Diable)

• Home to one of the largest skiable glaciers in Europe.

• Over 220 km of ski slopes ranging from beginner to expert.

• Ski schools are available for all ages and skill levels, and the resort is equipped and adapted for beginners, including three free ski lifts and conveyor belts.

• The Alpes snowpark (in the Toura sector at 2600 m), the freestyle area is suitable for all levels

• The higher you go in Les Deux Alpes, the more accessible the slopes become. Beginner skiers who start at a low altitude can ski at over 3,000 m by the end of their stay and return via the Jandri 3S.

What to Expect When Skiing in Les Deux Alpes

At the edge of the Ecrins National Park, this destination caters to skiers of every level, offering diverse terrain. Ski along well-groomed pistes or venture into the exhilarating glacier slopes, all while taking in scenic views that stretch to Mont Blanc. The atmosphere here unites the thrill of winter sports with the charm of traditional alpine villages, making each day on the slopes an exclusive escape.

From the vast beginner zones near the village to the dizzying descents at 3,600 metres, Les Deux Alpes offers over 200 kilometres of slopes that flow naturally between technical and accessible terrain. Wide blue runs. Long reds. Serious blacks. It's a playground designed for progression. And when you're ready to go beyond the piste? The Vallons de la Meije are right next door—off-piste terrain for expert skiers with a taste for the wild.

Skiing with Children in Les Deux Alpes

Skiing with kids? Les Deux Alpes has got you covered. This resort is proud to hold the "Famille plus" quality label. Here, you'll find ski schools that offer private lessons for children from 1 year old and group lessons for children from 3 years old. There is also a nursery for babies from 6 months, a daycare for children from 2 years old, and a recreation centre for children from 6 to 12 years old. There are practice lifts in the valley that are free of charge. Family lift pass rates also allow children under 5 to ski for free, and there are reduced rates for children aged 5-12.

The resort offers a wide selection of beginner slopes, including the easy slopes around Les Crêtes, making it a great destination for families with young children and first-time skiers. It also features a dedicated children's garden (Jardin de Neige) with a safe, enclosed area for beginners. This area features magic carpets and other amenities to help young children learn to ski in a fun and secure environment.

Non-Skiing Winter Activities in Les Deux Alpes

Of course, there's more than just skiing here; Les Deux Alpes makes space for other activities like snowshoeing, dog sledging, exploring ice caves, and even paragliding above the glacier.

Les Deux Alpes features an impressive 1,800-square-metre open-air ice skating rink located in the heart of the resort. Occasionally during the week, the rink is reserved for a fun activity called 'Ice Gliders,' which are bumper cars specifically designed for use on ice. In addition to the ice rink, you can enjoy several toboggan runs that range from gentle slopes to fast, adrenaline-pumping descents.

At an altitude of 3,400 metres, right next to the Jandri Express lift, you can explore fascinating ice caves. For a truly special experience, consider taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride, with three departure times available daily, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Or, you can try dog sledging and navigate the terrain while being pulled by a team of huskies. Les Deux Alpes also offers a variety of snowshoeing routes, which you can undertake with or without a guide. Additionally, snowmobiling is available on the pistes with a guide. Last but not least, don't miss the Big Air Bag Park, where you can slide down the slopes on an inflatable tube and catch some air!

Off-Piste Skiing in Les Deux Alpes

With a great mix of easily accessible backcountry trails and challenging terrain for the more advanced, this is a great destination for off-piste skiing. The resort itself is renowned for its freeride offerings, with access to areas like La Grave, a legendary off-piste spot characterised by steep slopes and challenging terrain, as well as opportunities for day trips to nearby Alpe d'Huez. Some more off-piste options here include:

• Saint Christophe en Oisans for the more advanced

• The Northern side of Les Deux Alpes with descents similar to those found at La Grave

• Cretes and Gours Valleys, with a variety of freeride options

• Tête du Diable (at 2,868 m alt.)

• The top of the Glacier, at 3,400 m alt., which also offers access to off-piste terrain

It is important to note that you should only ski off-piste with a qualified mountain guide; do not venture off-piste without one. Respect the mountains, always check the avalanche forecast, and be aware of the terrain and your limits.

Cross-Country Skiing in Les Deux Alpes

Although Les Deux Alpes is primarily known for downhill skiing, it also offers opportunities for cross-country skiing. The resort features a cross-country area with 25 kilometres of trails in the Vallee Blanche sector. For additional options, you can visit Auris-en-Oisans, located just 18 kilometres away, which provides access to the Alpe d'Huez Nordic area, boasting 50 kilometres of cross-country trails. The Auris-en-Oisans area features the Nordic Park, the Poutran Loop, and the Lacs Loop, offering a variety of challenges and scenic views. A highlight is the "Boucle de Lacs", a high-altitude 16km trail accessible by chairlift, located at 2,100m.