Les Deux Alpes
A leading ski resort in France’s Isère department, Les 2 Alpes dates back to the 1940s and owes its international reputation to its high-altitude ski area – the highest in France at 3,600m.
The high summits guarantee natural snow in any season, and skiers can enjoy a continuous vertical drop of 2,300m from 3,600m to 1,300m (including 10km on a blue run). Then there’s Vallée Blanche, between 2,100m and 1,650m, where, from winter 2024, beginners will be able to enjoy the new Vallée Blanche green run. Not only will this area be accessible to all, but it will allow a for a better distribution of snowsports enthusiasts across the entire Les 2 Alpes ski area. And it is on the Vallée Blanche green run that night skiing sessions will be held, with a fun evening at La Troïka slopeside restaurant followed by a night- time ski descent back to the resort.
For those interested in glacier hiking, from March onwards the mountain guides office will be running guided sessions at altitudes of more than 3,400m. It’s a chance to get up close to the majestic summits and try your hand at mountaineering. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience. If you prefer a slower pace, enjoy a stroll at 3,400m and stop in at the Écrins viewing platform, suspended over a void, and marvel at the panoramic views over the Écrins national Park.
Don your snowshoes and go in search of the chamois mountain goats, try mountain biking in the snow or spend an afternoon with the piste groomer drivers. Then there’s trail running on snow, ice climbing horse-drawn sleighs and cani-rando hikes (snowshoes + husky dogs). Visit a local market, the blacksmith or watch a wool spinning demo.
Eat, Sleep, Relax
In terms of accommodation, there is a generous mix of options, all excellent. Hotel Côte Brune has been awarded a fourth star, while Hotel Club Belambra has been completely renovated and will re-open on 23 December
If you’re hungry, La Pizzeria, offering traditional Italian pizzas and reasonably priced too, has opened its doors in the heart of Les 2 Alpes. Raisin d’Ours is home to the smoked burger, and at Le Cours de la Vie in Venosc you’ll find Mathilde and Stephan serving refined, local, and authentic cuisine. For upmarket dining, Le P’tit Polyte, the restaurant at the 4-star hotel Chalet Mounier, is the Isère region’s highest Michelin-starred establishment. And if you’re feeling lazy, O2BRUNCH will deliver breakfast and brunch, using homemade, fresh, local produce.
And of course there are friendly bars and beautiful shops, ideal for gift buying! Or for a deeper kind of relaxation head to one of the top-quality spas.
Environment
Les 2 Alpes is keen to receive the Flocon Vert and has already made the lifts more efficient, improved snow grooming energy consumption and is working towards being carbon neutral. An eco-guide is available from the Tourist Office so you can do your bit too. Les 2 Alpes is the first mountain destination in Isère to use the Smart Mobility system developed by Antidots, making it easier for visitors to book their transport door to door to Les 2 Alpes in a single purchase, including planes, trains and automobiles. Various offers will favour a lower carbon footprint, enabling customers to choose the most environmentally-friendly mode of transport.
Events in 2024
Jan 19-20: Les Lumières de la Muzelle trail running event – the night race starts on the Vallée Blanche sector at 2,100m at sunset, with the lights of Les 2 Alpes below.
Feb 6, 13, 20 & 27: Magic Avenue – the February school holidays will see torchlit descents, firework displays, ski shows, shows at the Palais des Sports complex, hot chocolate and lively parades.
April 13: Black Garden Party (MTB) – mountain bikers head to Les 2 Alpes’ downhill trails, including the all-new Black Garden double black elite run.
At a glance
Ski until April 12
200km of runs at altitudes up to 3,600m