Les Deux Alpes Travel Guide

Sitting at an altitude of 1650 metre, Les Deux Alpes is becoming increasingly popular with British skiers due to its reliable ski conditions and affordable accommodation. The resort is perched on a high plateau at the edge of the Ecrins National Park, south-east of Grenoble, and offers glacier skiing up to a height of 3421 metres. It's one of France's most popular ski resorts and, along with the villages of Alpe d'Huez, Puy Saint Vincent and Vaujany, it form part of the Grande Galaxie ski area. The resort is spread out along a narrow corridor of land, between two massifs, with free shuttle buses ferrying skiers between their accommodation and the ski lifts. The nearest airport to Les Deux Alpes is Grenoble-Isère Airport, which is around a 90-minute drive from the resort. Alternatively, skiers can take a train to Grenoble and then transfer to a shuttle or bus service to the resort.

Skiing

Les Deux Alpes has over 200km of ski slopes, suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, but it is particularly popular with families and beginners due to the many gentle blue slopes on the Glacier du Mont de Lans, the largest skiable glacier in Europe. The resort is known as being 'upside down' as the easiest runs are found higher up the mountain while the harder slopes run down to the village. There are a handful of red and black slopes, and the surrounding area also offers amazing off-piste opportunities.

Shopping

The resort offers a range of stores for those looking for the latest ski fashion and local souvenirs. For those who are self-catering, there are a few supermarkets, as well as a selection of boulangeries and patisseries.

Restaurants

Les Deux Alpes has a wide choice of reasonably priced family-owned restaurants serving everything from rustic wood-fired pizzas to fondues and other mountain specialities. Those prepared to splash out on a gastronomic treat can book at table the Michelin-starred Le P'tit Polyte in the Chalet Mounier. There's also a selection of mountain restaurants, including Le Diable Au Coeur, with its spectacular mountain views and gourmet cuisine.

Nightlife

Les Deux Alpes has a lively apres-ski scene, with a variety of bars, pubs, and nightclubs. Pano Bar is one of the most lively apres-ski venue, it is situated at the mid-station of the Jandri Express and offers live music and entertainment every afternoon. Le Saloon is also a popular apres-ski spots, along with The Windsor Pub and Smithy's Tavern. L'Avalanche is probably the most popular nightclub in the resort, for those looking to carry on partying after the bars have shut.

Holiday activities

Les Deux Alpes offers a range of non-ski activities, including ice skating, snowshoeing, and paragliding. There's also a sports centre in the resort, which features an outdoor swimming pool, gym, and indoor rock-climbing wall. Le Strike bowling alley offers 6 bowling lanes, and various arcade games. During the summer months, Les Deux Alpes becomes a popular mountain biking destination.

Any negatives?

Les Duex Alpes is not a pretty resort and is dominated by purpose-built apartment blocks and hotels. Advanced and intermediate skiers may find the skiing limited, and beginners won't enjoy the busy and icy slopes down to the resort and are advised to take a lift down. Few properties are ski-in, ski-out.