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Les Deux Alpes Ski Holidays
It's one of the oldest ski resorts in France and boasts the largest skiable glacier in Europe. This unique feature means it's a snow-sure destination for a long winter season and even offers summer skiing, making it a year-round hub for snowsports enthusiasts.
The resort itself is a vibrant, bustling strip, stretching along the valley floor, with the skiing and snowboarding action taking place on the mountains rising on either side. It's often called an ‘upside-down’ resort, as the easier, gentler slopes are found up high on the glacier, while the more challenging runs are located closer to the village. This makes it a great spot for beginners who want the thrill of high-altitude skiing without the difficulty, while still providing plenty of terrain for advanced riders who want a challenging end to their day. It’s a resort that truly caters to all abilities and interests, from the laid-back cruiser to the adventurous freerider, all within one of France's most iconic mountain landscapes.
You'll love cruising the ridiculously long blue runs right from the glacier down to the resort!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
Les Deux Alpes' mountain statistics are as impressive as its glacier. The resort sits at an altitude of 1,650m, and the lifts take you all the way up to a whopping 3,600m. That’s a huge 2,300m of vertical drop to play with, one of the biggest in the world and a true leg-burner for those who love a long, uninterrupted descent. With over 220km of marked pistes, there's a vast amount of terrain to explore, with something for everyone across its 87 runs.
The trail map is well-balanced, featuring 54 easy runs perfect for those still finding their feet, 23 intermediate runs for those looking to build confidence, and 10 difficult runs for experienced riders seeking a challenge. The resort's longest run, a 16km trail from the top of the Dôme de la Lauze, is a must-do for anyone looking for an epic journey from the high glacier all the way down to the village of Mont de Lans. All of this is accessed by a modern lift system of 39 lifts, including the unique Jandri Express gondola and the funicular that tunnels its way to the top of the glacier.
Snow conditions in Les Deux Alpes
Thanks to its glacier and high altitude, Les Deux Alpes has a well-deserved reputation for reliable snow, making it a safe bet for a winter holiday. The upper slopes, especially those on the glacier, are open for much of the year, guaranteeing excellent conditions from early winter right through to late spring and even into summer. Even the lower runs hold up exceptionally well, and the resort's extensive snow-making capabilities ensure that the main routes down to the village are well-covered throughout the season, even in warmer periods. This commitment to snow quality means you can always count on finding great powder, whether you're carving up the glacier in late spring or enjoying the first flakes of the season in December.
Skiing in Les Deux Alpes
Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, Les Deux Alpes has something for you. Beginners will absolutely love the gentle, high-altitude slopes on the glacier, which are a true rarity in the Alps. Unlike many resorts where learning areas are stuck in a flat, uninspiring basin at the bottom, here you can get to the top of the world and still feel completely safe and in control. The Jandri blue run is a fantastic 16km-long trail that lets novices ski almost the entire vertical from the glacier down to the village, a truly epic experience for those just starting out. For intermediates, there's a good selection of varied red runs, from wide-open groomers perfect for building confidence to more challenging, winding trails that let you work on your technique.
The linked sectors of Pied Moutet and Vallée Blanche offer fantastic cruising and more challenging options. And for advanced skiers, the resort offers a range of challenging black runs, including the legendary 'Super Diable', and some seriously rewarding off-piste terrain. For the truly adventurous, the legendary freeride haven of La Grave is just a short hop away, providing some of the most challenging and untamed skiing in all of Europe, accessible with a qualified guide, via a single, rustic cable car.
Snowboarding in Les Deux Alpes
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Snowboarders are incredibly well-catered for in Les Deux Alpes. The resort has one of the most extensive and highly-regarded snowparks in Europe, which is constantly being re-modelled with new features to keep things fresh. It's a real hub for the freestyle community, with a dedicated team of shapers keeping the park in tip-top condition. The park includes everything from a halfpipe to a boardercross course and various kickers and rails suitable for all levels, from beginners practising their first jumps to pros honing their tricks.
The resort's wide, cruisy pistes are also a dream for carving and laying down smooth turns, offering plenty of space to get your flow on. Meanwhile, the abundant off-piste opportunities - from easily accessible powder stashes to more adventurous backcountry lines - make it a fantastic playground for riders who love to explore. The resort's layout and terrain are truly a snowboarder's dream, offering endless opportunities for progression and fun.
Accommodation in Les Deux Alpes
With so many accommodation options to choose from, we thought we’d step in and help by creating a list of our favourites.
All Accommodation in Les Deux Alpes
What's available at Les Deux Alpes ski resort?
Après-ski in Les Deux Alpes
Les Deux Alpes is famous for its lively après-ski scene, which rivals the best in the Alps. When the lifts close, the resort comes alive with a multitude of bars and pubs where you can kick back and relax or dance on tables in your ski boots. A few local favourites include:
- Umbrella Bar is a must-visit at the base of the Jandri Express. This open-air spot is known for its fantastic après atmosphere with live DJs and a buzzing crowd dancing in the late afternoon sun.
- For a more relaxed and cosy atmosphere, Le Rustique offers a traditional Alpine pub experience, perfect for unwinding with a cold beer and a hearty meal after a long day on the slopes.
- The Spot is a lively restaurant and bar that is popular for its friendly vibe and great food. It serves everything from build-your-own burgers to tapas, with live music and a sunny terrace.
- For a welcoming bar with a warm, mountain-style setting, Le Trappeur is the perfect place. Settle in for a post-ski pint and chat with friends, and stay late into the evening.
- The Polar Bear Pub is a well-known spot that offers a classic après-ski experience with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and a great selection of beers, with live music and sports on the big screens.
Facilities in Les Deux Alpes
Beyond the slopes, Les Deux Alpes has a host of fantastic facilities to enhance your holiday, ensuring there's always something to do, even for non-skiers. The main street is a vibrant hub with a wide selection of shops, from ski gear boutiques to souvenir stores. Foodies will be spoiled for choice with a variety of restaurants catering to all tastes, whether you're craving a traditional Savoyard fondue, a hearty pizza, or fine French cuisine.
The resort has excellent wellness facilities for those looking to relax and unwind. Many hotels and residences offer spas with saunas, hot tubs, and massage services. The resort's public swimming pool is also a perfect place to soothe tired muscles after a day on the slopes.
If you're looking for something a bit different, Les Deux Alpes offers a range of unique activities. Take a trip to the magical Ice Cave, located at 3,400m on the glacier, where you can explore a stunning world of ice sculptures carved by hand. For some evening entertainment, there's a bowling alley and a cinema showing films in both French and English. The resort also offers exhilarating activities like ice skating on the open-air rink in the centre of town, snowshoeing expeditions into the serene backcountry, or even a snowmobile excursion for a taste of high-speed adventure.
Facilities for children in Les Deux Alpes
As a Famille Plus resort, Les Deux Alpes is dedicated to providing a great experience for families, ensuring that kids have as much fun as the adults. There are a number of excellent ski schools with dedicated "snow gardens" for children as young as three, where they can learn to ski in a fun and safe environment. These areas are specially equipped with magic carpets and small tows, helping little ones get comfortable on the snow with mascots like Piou-Piou guiding their way.
For parents who want some time to explore the slopes on their own, the resort offers a range of reliable childcare services, including nurseries and crèches for children from six months old. These facilities provide a safe and playful environment with activities designed for younger kids.
Beyond the ski lessons and childcare, Les Deux Alpes is packed with other family-friendly activities. There are dedicated sledging runs with safety nets and foam padding, allowing kids to enjoy a fast and fun ride. The resort's ice rink is a huge hit, especially on Ice Gliders nights when bumper cars on ice are available. In the main village, you'll also find a fun park with mini-skidoos for kids, a bowling alley, and a cinema showing family-friendly films. The resort truly goes the extra mile to ensure that a family ski trip is a holiday for everyone.
Why choose Erna Low for Les Deux Alpes skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
If you want big mountain fun, Les Deux Alpes delivers with a massive vertical drop and a great snowpark in the French Alps.
Jane Bolton, Product Director
