Les Deux Alpes ski holidays

Les Deux Alpes ski holidays

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ABTA & ATOL Protection

Top features of this resort

Great après-skiGreat après-ski
Snow-sure resortSnow-sure resort
Off-piste skiingOff-piste skiing
Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities
Great après-skiGreat après-ski
Snow-sure resortSnow-sure resort
Off-piste skiingOff-piste skiing
Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities
See more

Top features of this resort

Great après-skiGreat après-ski
Snow-sure resortSnow-sure resort
Off-piste skiingOff-piste skiing
Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities
Great après-skiGreat après-ski
Snow-sure resortSnow-sure resort
Off-piste skiingOff-piste skiing
Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities
See more

Les Deux Alpes ski resort

4.5/5
WONDERFUL (273 REVIEWS)
273 REVIEWS

Les Deux Alpes is an unpretentious resort where skiing and snowboarding speak for themselves. Perched high in the French Alps, it's got glacier, altitude, and some of the most reliable snow in the area - with slopes reaching up to 3,600m, one of Europe's largest and highest skiable glaciers, and summer skiing that's actually an option.

This is a place where everyone can find terrain that suits them. Beginners at Les Deux Alpes get to do something rare: learn on a glacier. Intermediates can lap challenging runs all day, and experts can hunt steeps and powder. The resort has 220km of pistes, a world-class winter snow park, and modern lifts that whisk you up from the valley floor.

A freestyle-friendly vibe and lively après scene set Les Deux Alpes apart from its more traditional neighbours, making it particularly popular with younger crowds, freestyle enthusiasts, and families who appreciate value. The village itself stretches along a single main road, keeping things accessible and easy to navigate. With cosy accommodations, diverse restaurants, and a nightlife that doesn't take itself too seriously - Les Deux Alpes delivers a proper ski holiday.

Check out Les Deux Alpes ski deals to start planning your trip.

Les Deux Alpes resort facts
Ski areaLes Deux Alpes
Total slopes90 km
Easy slopes17 runs
Intermediate slopes45 runs
Difficult slopes22 runs
Expert slopes12 runs
Number of lifts46
Snow range1,300 m - 3,600 m
Resort height1,850 m - 1,950 m
Snow parks1
Rating by ski level
Beginners
5/10
Intermediates
7/10
Experts
9/10
Snowboarders
6/10
Rating by group type
Friends
10/10
Families
7/10
Couples
6/10
Transfer times to Les Deux Alpes
Grenoble airport1 hr 30 min
Lyon airport3 hr
Chambéry airport3 hr 15 min
Geneva airport4 hr

Les Deux Alpes ski resort

4.5/5
WONDERFUL (273 REVIEWS)
273 REVIEWS

Les Deux Alpes is an unpretentious resort where skiing and snowboarding speak for themselves. Perched high in the French Alps, it's got glacier, altitude, and some of the most reliable snow in the area - with slopes reaching up to 3,600m, one of Europe's largest and highest skiable glaciers, and summer skiing that's actually an option.

This is a place where everyone can find terrain that suits them. Beginners at Les Deux Alpes get to do something rare: learn on a glacier. Intermediates can lap challenging runs all day, and experts can hunt steeps and powder. The resort has 220km of pistes, a world-class winter snow park, and modern lifts that whisk you up from the valley floor.

A freestyle-friendly vibe and lively après scene set Les Deux Alpes apart from its more traditional neighbours, making it particularly popular with younger crowds, freestyle enthusiasts, and families who appreciate value. The village itself stretches along a single main road, keeping things accessible and easy to navigate. With cosy accommodations, diverse restaurants, and a nightlife that doesn't take itself too seriously - Les Deux Alpes delivers a proper ski holiday.

Check out Les Deux Alpes ski deals to start planning your trip.

Les Deux Alpes resort facts
Ski areaLes Deux Alpes
Total slopes90 km
Easy slopes17 runs
Intermediate slopes45 runs
Difficult slopes22 runs
Expert slopes12 runs
Number of lifts46
Snow range1,300 m - 3,600 m
Resort height1,850 m - 1,950 m
Snow parks1
Rating by ski level
Beginners
5/10
Intermediates
7/10
Experts
9/10
Snowboarders
6/10
Rating by group type
Friends
10/10
Families
7/10
Couples
6/10
Transfer times to Les Deux Alpes
Grenoble airport1 hr 30 min
Lyon airport3 hr
Chambéry airport3 hr 15 min
Geneva airport4 hr

Les Deux Alpes skiing & snowboarding

Les Deux Alpes is an inverted mountain - gentle slopes at the top, steeper challenges below. One moment you're carving wide, sun-drenched boulevards above the treeline, the next you're navigating narrow gullies through rocky terrain.

With 220km of pistes and over 2,000m of vertical, there's enough to explore for a week - though the inverted layout takes a day to get your head around. The glacier offers high-altitude cruising where snow conditions stay consistent even when lower resorts struggle.

Skiing for beginners in Les Deux Alpes

If you're new to skiing or snowboarding, Les Deux Alpes offers something most resorts can't match: learning on a glacier. The mellow slopes at 3,200m mean stunning views from day one, forgiving gradients, reliable snow - and feeling like a proper mountain skier rather than being stuck on a nursery slope.

At village level, gentle green runs let you find your feet without worrying about speeding intermediates. Once you've mastered the basics, the Jandri area offers progression terrain - wide, forgiving blues with plenty of space to practise turns. ESF and independent schools provide patient instruction in English, with most meeting near the main lifts for easy orientation. The main challenge comes later in the day - the runs back to the village are more demanding, so beginners typically download by gondola until their skills develop.

Intermediate skiing in Les Deux Alpes

Intermediates thrive at Les Deux Alpes, with sustained cruising and enough pitch to keep things interesting. The glacier offers wide, confidence-building runs with that high-altitude buzz, mid-mountain has varied blues and reds, and the descents to the village provide genuine challenge as you improve.

The Super Venosc area offers tree-lined runs for days when visibility closes in higher up, while the Toura sector has challenging blues that test your technique without overwhelming you. Don't miss the descent from 3,200m down to the village - over 2,000m of vertical that'll have your legs talking by the end. For the adventurous, the connection to La Grave opens up legendary terrain (via shuttle, or ski-in with a guide).

WeSki insider tip: The Vallée Blanche sector away from the main lifts offers quieter pistes and better snow preservation. For confident intermediates, the Fee run from the glacier tests technique on a sustained descent.

Advanced and expert skiing in Les Deux Alpes

This is where Les Deux Alpes shows its teeth. While the gentle terrain sits up high, the steep, technical skiing lives on the lower mountain - and there's plenty to keep expert skiers and snowboarders busy for a week. Expect serious mogul fields, sustained black runs that test your technique, and off-piste that rewards those willing to explore.

The Vallons sector builds chunky moguls by mid-morning, and the Chalance chair accesses steep, north-facing terrain with quality snow. Black runs off La Fee bowl are reliably steep and often hold powder longer than the main pistes. For something wilder, the Belle Etoile and Diable runs drop through trees with sustained pitch and variable conditions.

Off-piste options elevate things further. The terrain around the glacier and the north-facing slopes above Vallée Blanche offer steep, ungroomed descents - and if you have genuine big-mountain ambitions, the Vallons de la Meije delivers. For both of these adventures, you'll want a guide and the right conditions.

Snowboarding in Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes has long been a freestyle mecca, and boarding culture runs through the whole resort. Two terrain parks cater to all levels - one is an outstanding winter park and the other a glacier park open in summer. Both attract pro riders and are often used for training camps. The natural terrain is boarder-friendly too, with plenty of hits and minimal flat sections that make it one of the more rideable resorts in France.

Off-piste skiing

Les Deux Alpes' glacier setting means reliable high-altitude snow, and the off-piste potential is extensive. You can expect accessible couloirs, open bowls, and itineraries that rival dedicated freeride resorts - most of these require a guide.

The off-piste jewel here is La Meije - legendary among freeriders - with challenging terrain and genuine consequences. For the bucket-list crowd, the descent to La Grave via La Meije is as serious as it gets, requiring experience, proper equipment, and local knowledge. Factor in a taxi back or an overnight stay.

Les Deux Alpes snow school and lessons

ESF runs the largest operation at Les Deux Alpes, with independent schools like European Ski School and St Christophe offering solid alternatives. Group and private lessons cover every level, and English-speaking instructors are easy to find. The resort's freestyle culture also means quality park coaching for those keen to progress in the terrain parks. Dedicated children's areas keep young learners safe and entertained while they build confidence.

Through WeSki, you can add ski or snowboard lessons to your package and have everything arranged before you arrive. Check out Les Deux Alpes ski deals to get started.

Les Deux Alpes snow parks

The resort's winter snow park is a large complex with multiple themed zones and a progression of features - from beginner-friendly boxes to competition-standard kickers. Some of its highlights include a superpipe and slopestyle course, and constant maintenance draws pro riders year after year. The vibe here is welcoming rather than intimidating, with park rats and first-timers sharing the space without attitude. Les Deux Alpes' glacier snow park is another unique seasonal feature - one of the only terrain parks in Europe that's open for summer sessions.

Les Deux Alpes piste map

Les Deux Alpes piste map
  1. Les Deux Alpes family ski holiday
  2. Things to do in Les Deux Alpes
  3. Planning your trip in Les Deux Alpes
  4. How to get to Les Deux Alpes
  5. Les Deux Alpes FAQs

Les Deux Alpes family ski holiday

Les Deux Alpes works for families because it keeps everyone happy - not just the little ones. Young children get gentle glacier slopes and dedicated learning areas, teens get terrain parks and a freestyle culture that actually impresses them, and parents get a compact village where nothing feels like too much of a schlep.

Childcare options cover all ages: Les Lutins Nursery takes babies from six months, ski kindergarten starts at four, and Kids' Club programmes mix skiing with off-snow activities. Slope-side locations mean you're never far from a hot chocolate pit stop when energy fades.

Self-catered apartments are popular for flexible mealtimes and managing costs, but the village also has a good spread of casual, family-friendly restaurants for evenings when no one wants to cook. A swimming pool, bowling alley, and ice rink give you options on rest days - and the relaxed après scene means older kids can soak up some atmosphere without things getting rowdy.

WeSki insider tip: Book accommodation near the Jandri Express for easy morning ski school drop-offs without trekking across town.

Things to do in Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes doesn't wind down off the slopes. Whether you're after fun activities in the snow, rest-day distraction, evening entertainment, or something to do with tired legs - the village has plenty to do beyond skiing and snowboarding.

Snow activities

Les Deux Alpes' adventurous spirit extends to its off-slope activities. When you want a break from skiing or snowboarding, there's engaging activities around the glacier and surrounding terrain to keep the adventure going and make memories that'll last a lifetime.

  • Ice cave tours: Explore the glacier from within, featuring impressive ice sculptures and tunnels.
  • Snowshoeing: Guided walks through quiet forest trails and untouched alpine landscapes.
  • Sledging: Dedicated toboggan runs including an exciting evening session under the lights.
  • Ice karting: Slip and slide around a frozen circuit in high-adrenaline karts.
  • Paragliding: Tandem flights over the mountains with breathtaking panoramic views.
  • Skidoo excursions: Powered exploration of the backcountry with guided alpine routes.
  • Snowmobiling: High-speed snowmobiling on dedicated circuits above the resort.
  • Winter hiking trails: Marked paths for peaceful valley walks and scenic views.
  • Snake gliss: Group tobogganing linked together for fast-paced downhill fun.
  • Night sledging: Illuminated sledging runs followed by a traditional fondue dinner.

Non-snow activities

Les Deux Alpes has a wide range of non-snow activities for rest days, non-skiers, or family entertainment. Whether you prefer to stay indoor or explore the outdoors off the slopes, here are some excellent ways to enjoy the resort:

  • Sports centre: Indoor swimming pool, gym, and modern wellness facilities.
  • Ice rink: Public skating sessions throughout the season for all abilities.
  • Bowling alley: Modern lanes and arcade-style games for all ages.
  • Cinema: Films shown in French and occasionally in English.
  • Spa treatments: Massages and relaxation services perfect for post-ski recovery.
  • Museum visit: Maison de la Montagne covering local alpine history and heritage.
  • Escape room: Indoor puzzle challenges offering fun, weather-proof entertainment.
  • Shopping & cafés: Resort boutiques and cafés ideal for relaxed afternoons.
  • Scenic viewpoints: Spectacular summit terrace at 3,400m with panoramic vistas.

Les Deux Alpes restaurants

Dining at Les Deux Alpes tends to be casual, but there's more range than you'd expect - from hearty mountain fuel to properly good sit-down meals. Mountain restaurants reward sunny lunches with glacier views, while the village covers everything from pizza to Savoyard classics.

  • Le Diable au Coeur: Altitude dining at 2,400m with panoramic glacier views and refined alpine cuisine.
  • La Patate: Raclette and fondue done properly in cosy, welcoming mountain surrounds.
  • Le P'tit Polyte: Gourmet mountain cuisine with a creative, chef-driven touch.
  • Smoky Joe's: Tex-Mex and burgers for casual, family-friendly dining.
  • La Spaghetteria: Fresh, generous pasta dishes perfect for refuelling tired skiers.
  • Chalet de la Fee: Traditional mountain hut atmosphere at altitude with hearty Savoyard dishes.
  • Le Spot: Quality steaks and grills served in a relaxed, lively setting.
  • La Grange: Classic traditional fondue and raclette done consistently well.
  • Crêpes à Gogo: Sweet and savoury crêpes ideal for a quick, satisfying bite.

WeSki insider tip: Le Diable au Coeur books up quickly - reserve a few days ahead for lunch on sunny days when the terrace is at its best.

Les Deux Alpes après-ski

Les Deux Alpes has some of the liveliest après-ski in the French Alps - fuelled by its younger crowd, seasonaire community, and freestyle culture. The party starts on the mountain with slope-side drinks and continues well into the night. There are more bars and clubs packed into this village than most French resorts can claim.

The main strip comes alive after 4pm, with a mix of British-style pubs, cocktail bars, and clubs that don't really get going until midnight. The vibe is relaxed and unpretentious - ski boots and dancing somehow coexist here. Happy hours roll into live music, themed nights keep things interesting, and proper clubs cater to those wanting to go until late. Families can enjoy the early evening buzz before the volume goes up.

  • Pano Bar: Slope-side terrace with live DJs, sunset sessions, and stunning mountain views.
  • Smithy's Tavern: Lively British pub atmosphere with sport on the screens and classic pub nights.
  • L'Avalanche: Late-night club pulling a mixed crowd with DJs and dancing until late.
  • La Grotte du Yeti: Cave-style bar with a fun, quirky vibe and themed interiors.
  • Le Secret: Creative cocktails and chilled music in an intimate, stylish space.
  • Polar Bear Pub: Popular with seasonaires and younger crowds for high-energy après.
  • Umbrella Bar: Classic slope-side après spot with DJs, dancing boots, and big atmosphere.
  • La Folie Douce Les Deux Alpes: Iconic on-mountain après with live performers and party crowds.
  • Motown Café: Live bands and late-night dancing with a vibrant, music-led crowd.
  • Windsor Pub: Pool tables, pints, and a sociable, easy-going setting.

Les Deux Alpes map

Les Deux Alpes map

Planning your trip to Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes accommodation

Les Deux Alpes stretches along a single main road, which keeps navigating accommodation pretty simple. The village centre - around the Jandri Express gondola - puts you closest to the main lifts and the liveliest stretch of bars and restaurants, most within a five-minute walk.

Further towards Venosc, the atmosphere quietens and self-catered apartments come at more competitive rates, though you'll need the free shuttle or a short walk to reach the main lifts. Hotels cluster around the centre but are less common than in traditional resorts, while chalets are scattered throughout.

WeSki insider tips:

  • Stay near the Jandri Express or Diable lift for the quickest access to the glacier and high-altitude terrain.
  • The Deux Alpes 1800 area offers ski-in/ski-out options at lower prices than the main village.
  • Self-catered apartments are particularly good value - supermarkets are well-stocked for cooking in.
  • If nightlife matters, avoid accommodation at the far ends of the village - the walk back can feel long after midnight.

Les Deux Alpes ski pass

The standard Les Deux Alpes ski pass covers all lifts within the resort, including access to the glacier. This is sufficient for most visitors, with over 200km of marked pistes to explore. For those wanting to combine Les Deux Alpes with neighbouring resorts, extended passes cover the wider area including links to Alpe d'Huez and La Grave - though these require taxi or shuttle connections rather than lift links.

Add your ski pass to your WeSki Les Deux Alpes ski package for a streamlined arrival - collect it on check-in rather than queueing at the ticket office.

Equipment hire

Ski and snowboard hire shops are spread throughout the village and around the main lift stations at Les Deux Alpes. You'll find reasonable prices and everything from budget packages to performance demos, and boot fitting is standard. The freestyle culture at Les Deux Alpes also means snowboard-specific shops stock excellent boarding gear.

Most shops offer overnight storage in heated lockers, so you don't have to worry about lugging equipment back to your accommodation each day. Pre-booking your equipment is definitely recommended, particularly during school holiday weeks when queues build up.

WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Les Deux Alpes, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Les Deux Alpes ski deals to build your perfect trip.

Getting around Les Deux Alpes

A free shuttle bus runs along the main road of the resort, connecting outlying areas with the central lifts. Buses run every 10-15 minutes during the day and continue until around 8pm - so an early dinner in the village centre doesn't necessarily mean a trek home in ski boots.

The village is walkable if you're staying centrally, taking about 25-30 minutes on foot from end to end. Taxis are also available but busy at peak times - we recommend you book ahead, especially for late-night rides. During the day, skis are often the easiest way to move around, with runs linking different parts of the resort.

How to get to Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes sits in the Oisans region of the French Alps, reached via the valley road from Grenoble. The nearest airports are Grenoble (100km), Chambéry (130km), Lyon (160km), and Geneva (220km). Grenoble train station has TGV connections from Paris.

Bus transfers from Grenoble take around 90 minutes, winding through the scenic Romanche valley as you climb. Self-driving offers flexibility to explore the region - mountain roads are well-maintained, though it's worth checking conditions before setting off in winter.

WeSki insider tip: Saturday changeover traffic can add time to transfers, particularly through the Romanche valley - consider midweek flights if flexibility allows.

Les Deux Alpes FAQs

Is Les Deux Alpes good for beginners?

Yes. The resort has invested in nursery slopes at village level and progression terrain on the lower mountain. What sets it apart is glacier access - even beginners can experience high-altitude skiing on gentle slopes with exceptional snow quality. Several ski schools offer English-language instruction, and the village layout makes navigation straightforward. Beginner ski passes cover the learner areas at reduced cost, so you won't pay for terrain you're not ready to use.

How reliable is the snow in Les Deux Alpes?

Snow reliability is one of Les Deux Alpes' strongest selling points. The glacier, reaching 3,600m, guarantees skiing even when lower resorts struggle - it's one of the reasons the resort can offer summer skiing. The main ski area above 2,600m typically holds snow well throughout the season, and north-facing aspects retain quality longer. While the lower village runs can be variable in warmer weather, snowmaking covers key routes. For the most consistent conditions, head high and ski the glacier in the morning before afternoon sun softens the surface.

Does Les Deux Alpes get crowded?

The resort can be busy during French school holidays, when lifts see longer queues - particularly the main Jandri Express and Diable gondolas in the morning. Outside these peak periods, the ski area absorbs crowds well thanks to its size and multiple access points. The glacier area tends to be quieter than the lower slopes, and heading to outlying sectors like Toura or Super Venosc often rewards with empty pistes. Early starts help too - first lifts see the shortest waits.

Is Les Deux Alpes good value for money?

Compared to the big-name Three Valleys resorts, Les Deux Alpes offers excellent value. Ski passes, accommodation, and dining tend to be more affordable, particularly in self-catered apartments. The resort has a young, budget-conscious reputation without feeling basic - you get proper skiing and lively nightlife without the premium price tag. Supermarkets are well-stocked for cooking in, and there's a good range of reasonably priced on-mountain restaurants.

Is Les Deux Alpes good for intermediate skiers?

Intermediates are arguably the best-served ability level here. The long descents from the glacier - over 2,000m of vertical - provide sustained cruising on wide pistes. Red runs dominate the terrain mix, with enough variety to spend a week without repetition. The resort's layout encourages exploration, and you can ski from glacier to village on linked runs that build confidence and technique. Tree-lined runs in the Venosc area add interest on cloudy days when visibility closes in higher up.

When does Les Deux Alpes close for the season?

The winter season typically runs from early December until late April, though exact dates vary each year. What makes Les Deux Alpes unusual is its summer glacier skiing, which usually opens from mid-June to early July. This means you can ski here when most other resorts are firmly in hiking mode. Check current season dates when booking, as the glacier's opening can depend on snow conditions.

Can you link Les Deux Alpes to other ski areas?

Les Deux Alpes isn't lift-linked to other resorts, but connections are possible with a short journey. The legendary La Grave - one of Europe's most serious freeride mountains - is accessible via taxi or bus (around 30 minutes). Alpe d'Huez is also nearby and can be visited as a day trip. Some ski passes offer combined access, though you'll need to factor in travel time between resorts. For most visitors, Les Deux Alpes' own terrain provides plenty to explore without leaving the ski area.

Can you ski in summer at Les Deux Alpes?

Yes - the glacier opens for summer skiing from June to July, making Les Deux Alpes one of Europe's top summer ski destinations. The snowpark operates through summer, attracting professional riders for training. It's a unique experience - skiing in the morning and swimming in the afternoon.

How does Les Deux Alpes compare to Alpe d'Huez?

They're neighbouring resorts with different characters. Les Deux Alpes is younger, livelier, with better freestyle facilities and glacier access. Alpe d'Huez has more extensive intermediate terrain and a sunnier aspect. Both offer excellent skiing - it's a choice of vibe rather than quality.

What's the nightlife like in Les Deux Alpes?

Les Deux Alpes has some of the best nightlife in the French Alps - lively, affordable, and welcoming. The younger demographic and seasonaire community create a party atmosphere that rivals anywhere outside Val Thorens. Bars, clubs, and live music keep things going late. It's social rather than pretentious.

Is Les Deux Alpes good for snowboarding?

Les Deux Alpes is excellent for snowboarding. The glacier snowpark is one of Europe's best - well-maintained, varied, and host to international events. The summer glacier sessions attract professional riders. The freestyle culture shapes the whole resort, and the terrain suits riding well. If parks and progression matter to you, this is a top choice.

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