The ski resort of Les Deux Alpes is located in the Oisans region of Isère. It is 64 kilometres from Grenoble and has one of the largest glaciers in Europe, where it is possible to ski in summer and autumn.
Les 2 Alpes: 2 mountain pastures at the origin of the resort
The ski resort of Les Deux Alpes was formed from two mountain pastures. That of Venosc and that of Mont de Lans. Every summer, several families went to the heights to graze their herds. Until the first snows, the land was cultivated.
In 1936, the Hôtel des Glaciers was built. The very first road link between Mont de Lans and the Alps was built. It was completed just before the start of the Second World War.
At Christmas 1946, the first ski lift was put into service. It was located on the Pied Moûtet domain. The same year, the first ski school was inaugurated. As for summer skiing, it was only in 1973 that it was made possible.
Over the years, the ski resort of Les Deux Alpes has developed and gained an international reputation. International events were organised, such as the first edition of the Mondial du VTT in 2004.
2016, creation of the new commune of Les Deux Alpes
In 2016, the new commune of Les Deux Alpes was created. The municipal councils of Venosc and Mont de Lans voted unanimously in favour. The new commune officially came into being on 1 January 2017. The objective of this creation is multiple: to allow local actors to be identified, but also to provide citizens with continuity in public services. Finally, it is a strong decision for the future investments of the resort.
The 2 Alpes ski area
The ski area of Les Deux Alpes covers 410 hectares. You can start from the top of the glacier, at 3,600 metres, and ski down to the village of Mont de Lans, the lowest point in the area, at 1,300 metres. This means that you will have plenty to keep you busy throughout your stay.
You can also find spots adapted to your level. For example, beginners will be able to ski the whole area, thanks to the presence of many blue runs. Also keep in mind that in Les 2 Alpes, the higher you go, the softer and better the snow. At the bottom of the domain, you can also access 5 free ski lifts.
More experienced skiers can also take advantage of this and why not try night skiing. The two dedicated slopes are lit by spotlights. These are the Lutins and the Vikings. Access is free.
Les 2 Alpes – Office de tourisme
The best rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected for you several hotels in Les Deux Alpes. They have very good reviews from guests.
Terresens – Neige et Soleil
The Terresens – Neige et Soleil apartment hotel is located in the heart of Les Deux Alpes. The flats include a lounge area and a ski room is available to guests. The ski slopes are 150 metres from Neige et Soleil.
Pricesstart from 243€ per night.
Chalet Mounier
The Chalet Mounier is a 4-star hotel located in Les Deux Alpes. The rooms offer a beautiful view of the Ecrins National Park. The slopes are 150 metres away. You can enjoy the hotel’s starred restaurant.
From 371€ per night.
Les Flocons
Les Flocons is located 11 minutes from the 2 Alpes ski school and 180 metres from the Super Venosc ski lift. From the restaurant and some rooms you can enjoy the view of the Muzelle glacier. A pool table is available for guests in the common lounge.
From 132€ per night.
The most beautiful chalets
For an unforgettable holiday in the mountains, we offer two chalets for rent. They are very popular with holidaymakers.
Chalet Le 1700
The chalet Le 1700 offers a beautiful view of the resort and the mountains. During your stay you can enjoy private parking, a sauna and a ski room. The ski slopes are 350 metres from the accommodation.
Chalet Le Petit Bès
The chalet Le Petit Bès has a surface area of 340 m². It has 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. It can accommodate up to 14 adults and 4 children. This 5-star accommodation features a jacuzzi and a dedicated children’s playground. A shuttle bus is available.
Winter sports
The resort of Les Deux Alpes offers a range of activities other than downhill skiing. Here are the ones we recommend if you are spending a family holiday in the Isère resort.
Dog sledding
Trying out dog sledding means discovering the mountains from a different point of view. Comfortably installed in the sled, you will just have to let yourself be driven by the musher. And if you feel like it, don’t hesitate to ask for an introduction to driving the sled.
Tobogganing
Tobogganing is the ultimate family activity. Several slopes have been developed in Les Deux Alpes, with the aim of offering safe descents to sledgers. We recommend the Alpette and the Diable slope if you have children.
Access is free.
The Air Bag Park
At the Air Bag Park you can discover the joys of sliding in a new way. The idea is simple: sit in an inflatable buoy and let yourself go. You can choose to go with more than one person in a buoy. And to make it even more difficult, try sliding from the back.
The resort’s athletes
The resort of Les Deux Alpes is home to several high-level athletes. We suggest you discover three of them.
Marion Rolland
Marion Rolland is a former member of the French Alpine ski team, specialising in speed. The Frenchwoman suffered numerous injuries during her career, but this did not prevent her from becoming world downhill champion in 2013. Now retired from sport, she likes to share her experience with the younger generation.
Arthur Longo
Arthur Longo is a French snowboarder born in Grenoble in 1988 and specialised in freestyle. He joined the World Cup circuit in 2004, during the half-pipe in Saas-Fee. In 2011, Arthur Longo finished third in the overall World Cup half-pipe ranking. He also took second place in the superpipe at the X-Games in Tignes.
Sandrine Aubert
Sandrine Aubert is a former member of the French national team. This technician started in the World Cup in 2003. During her career, she reached the podium five times and scored four victories. In 2014, Sandrine Aubert put an end to her sporting career and switched to the management of people and sports organisations.
The key events in Les Deux Alpes
Les Deux Alpes is a dynamic resort, both in summer and winter. Many events are organised during the year. We suggest you discover three of the most emblematic ones.
The Mountain of Hell
The Mountain of Hell is an enduro mountain bike race in mass-start which takes place over three days. The start is at 3,400 metres, on the glacier of Les 2 Alpes. In all, 2,400 metres of ascent are swallowed by the cyclists.
And the principle is simple: the first to arrive at the bottom wins. The Mountain of Hell is the race not to be missed by those who love adrenaline.
Different types of terrain are covered by the bikers during the Mountain of Hell: snow, rocks or single track.
All Schuss Cup
The Tout Schuss Cup is a ski race organised by Marion Rolland, 2013 World Downhill Champion. It allows young skiers from 8 to 12 years old to try their hand at speed skiing, via several workshops. They also have the opportunity to compete in a Super-G.
To participate in the Tout Schuss Cup, U12 and U10 skiers must be licensed or have a day race ticket. The competition takes place on the Crêtes and Diable 0 runs. The prize-giving ceremony will take place at the Palais des Sports. Please note that the number of participants is limited.
Les 2 Alpes France Bleu Festival
The resort of Les Deux Alpes also hosts the France Bleu Festival. Several concerts are proposed and spread over four days. To access the festivities, it is imperative to have a numbered ticket. These private concerts take place in front of thousands of listeners who have obtained their entrance ticket.
The resort has already welcomed artists such as Clara Luciani, Axel Bauer, Gaëtan Roussel and Claudio Capéo to the Palais des Sports.
Ski passes
Several types of ski passes can be taken in Les 2 Alpes. For example, you can choose between 4-hour, half-day or full-day passes. If you are used to going to the Isère resort to ski, why not opt for the 20 day non-consecutive pass? This à la carte pass will allow you to hit the slopes whenever you have the time, but also the desire. And for the fanatics, we recommend the Supernova, which gives you access to the Deux Alpes area, but also to those ofAlpe d’Huez and La Grave.
Snowshoe itineraries
Several snowshoeing tours can be done in Les Deux Alpes. This is a great opportunity to discover the fauna and the natural mountain environment around you. Here are a few itineraries that we recommend you try:
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The Crêtes de Pied Moutet. You will have to pass by the restaurant La Bergerie Kanata, before climbing to the heights. The return is by the same route. Allow 3 hours and 30 minutes for the whole hike.
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The paths of La Molière. There are 4 of them, so you can choose which path to follow according to your level. The departure is on the right of the Vallée Blanche chairlift. Then cross the piste and choose one of the two paths.
Extra info: If you are not used to snowshoeing, ask a professional to accompany you. This is also an opportunity to learn more about the local fauna.
Ideas for summer activities
Les Deux Alpes is a 4 season resort. It is therefore possible to enjoy many activities during the summer. You can practice :
Golf
With its 9 holes, it is certainly not the largest green in the region. However, you will enjoy a unique site with a view of the Écrins massif. If you are new to golf, a professional can supervise you.
If it’s not your first time, just enjoy the experience.
Hiking
The many hiking routes starting from Les Deux Alpes will allow you to discover part of the Ecrins National Park. Among the most beautiful viewpoints to discover, we recommend the belvedere of the Écrins or the Broua of the Alpe de Venosc.
The via ferrata
The Perrons loop is a sporty outing for beginners and a more leisurely experience for those who are used to doing via ferrata. You can enjoy the view of the Vénéon valley. Allow 4 hours to complete the loop.
Summer skiing in Les 2 Alpes
Les Deux Alpes is one of the few resorts in France where you can ski in summer. The glacier, located at an altitude of 3,200 metres, is open during the month of June, depending on snow conditions. It is also open during the All Saints’ Day holidays. There are several slopes and a snowpark. The area is particularly popular with ski clubs and top athletes, who can begin their preparation for the winter season. To access the glacier, you need to take the funicular to the Belvédère des Écrins.
Access and public transport
If you are used to travelling by train, the nearest station to Les Deux Alpes is Grenoble. You will then have to make the connection by bus or taxi. You can also choose to access the resort by car. Between November and the beginning of April, remember to bringspecial equipment. You should also be aware that the resort has two dedicated charging points for electric vehicles.
Video presentation of Les Deux Alpes
Resorts near Les 2 Alpes
The nearest major resort to Les 2 Alpes is Alpe d’Huez. It is possible to go to Alpe d’Huez to ski for a day. Although further away, you can also find the resort of Les 7 Laux, very popular with students and powder lovers.
