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Les Deux Alpes Activities - Winter
| Winter Activities in Les Deux Alpes |
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Well of course, you are always going to have the ubiquitous skiing and snowboarding, but whilst you’re in Les Deux Alpes, you may want to try your hand at one of the many other winter activities available in this town. Read on for a few suggestions to tickle your imagination! |
| Cross Country Skiing (Ski de Fond) |
 | | 'Classic' Style |
Get back to nature and explore tranquil cross-country trails at your own pace. There are two different techniques – classic and skating. Classic is the easiest for beginners; you simply place your skis in two parallel groves, push off and glide around the trails. Skating is more energetic and a slightly harder skill to grasp; you push your feet out to either side as though you are ice skating and use your poles simultaneously to gain momentum.
You can hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops and book a group or private lesson to learn the basics from most ski schools or private instructors. For those used to downhill skis, at first you feel precariously balanced and downhill sections are definitely more exciting on narrow skis with no edges! The skis are lighter and slimmer than downhill skis and the boots are much softer and more comfortable.
The tranquility of cross country (also known as Nordic) skiing is perfect for anyone who enjoys peace and quiet, or finds the downhill pistes too crowded or too steep. It is a great form of aerobic exercise and one can be as energetic or slow as one likes, while the relaxed pace makes it a more tranquil way to enjoy the surroundings!.
 | | 'Skating' Style |
Once you have grasped the essentials, head off for the tranquil cross country trails that criss cross the Oisans region. Les Deux Alpes has a number of circuits including La Molière and Les Perrons, which will take you through high pastures and alpine woods with some stunning views of the glaciers along the way. Nearby Vénosc also offers a multiude of cross country ski trails. |
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last updated 2-Jul-2008 |
| Glacier Walking |
For a truly unique experience, clamp on your crampons and go hiking on Les Deux Alpes' Glacier 3200 or on one of the many glaciers in the Ecrins National Park. The breathtaking views and spectacular crevasses make this an incredible adventure and if you are quiet you can sometimes even hear the creaking noise of shifting ice! There are a number of glacial hikes, of varying difficulty, in this region of the Alps.
We strongly advise hiring a qualified guide for any activities on a glacier; most mountain guiding companies will run organised excursions to the most accessible.
To read more about glaciers and the environment please go to our Glacier Meltdown article. |
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last updated 2-Jul-2008 |
| Grotte de Glace (Ice Caves) |
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The Les Deux Alpes ice caves are a magical grotto of glistening sculptures and fairytale figures. Dug out many years ago by two local guides they have become an annual feature; each winter expert ice sculptors arrive to create a new exhibition based on a different theme every year. At 3400m the caves are accessible via a ski lift and a funicular. |
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last updated 3-Jul-2008 |
| Helicopter Tours & Heli-Skiing |
Sit back and admire the mountains from even higher up! Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies or some mountain guide companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snow-capped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests of the Oisans.
Unfortunately, heli-skiing is not permitted in France, however some of the ski schools and mountain guide companies will offer a pick-up/drop-off heli skiing service for you where you will be taken over the border into either Italy or Switzerland. It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience! |
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last updated 3-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Climbing |
For the true mountain enthusiast, why not scale an amazing frozen waterfall or glacier? This is a fantastic sport, not just for experienced mountaineers. The Oisans and the Ecrins National Park are renowned for their spectacular ice formations. The sunny faces of Vaujany are the ultimate location for arming yourself with crampons and an axe and scaling your way up a frozen waterfall!
Although it sounds like a very specialised sport, ice climbing is suitable for everyone - from complete beginners to experienced climbers. Some knowledge of ropes and basic climbing skills will give you a head start, but if you are a complete novice then your guide should be able to teach you from scratch. The ice climbing season peaks between December and March.
Safety is important, so it is advisable to take an experienced mountain guide to instruct you on the use of crampons, ropes and ice picks. |
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Rink |
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The open air ice rink at La Croisette on Rue des Sagnes offers free entry for all holders of a 6 day ski pass (skate hire is extra). |
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Paragliding ('Parapente') |
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From the heights of the Les Deux Alpes mountains you can fly above the pistes for an alternative view of the valley. Glide back to the bottom on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor (a vertical distance of approximately 1000m). They manoeuvre the parachute while you, the passenger, enjoy the ride and fantastic views. Taking off is the only scary moment: once equipped with a helmet and an instructor strapped behind you, in a rather intimate way, both of you simply point your skis (or board, or run on foot) downhill, and carry on getting faster and faster until the wing lifts you into the air. Peacefully ride above the pistes for ten to twenty minutes, aiming to catch thermals to keep you up for longer. Landing is very gentle and no more of an impact than jumping off a step. ... see "Les Deux Alpes for Paragliding" for more |
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last updated 7-Jul-2008 |
| Ski Joering |
At first glance, ski joering could be considered a somewhat unusual pastime, but once you discover the thrill of it, you will understand why it has a growing number of fans!
Originating in the farming communities of Scandinavia, ski joering literally means "towed" or "pulled skis" and in the beginning, it was simply a means of getting from one place to another. A bit like waterskiing, the skier lets himself be dragged along whilst holding on to a rudder bar and steering the horse with the reins and a whip. There are many ways of ski-joering, from gentle walking to speed racing and slaloming.
At the donkey farm in Les Deux Alpes you can go for a ride with a friendly mule or donkey, please see Action, Fun & Sports for contact details. |
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last updated 8-Jul-2008 |
| Snow-Mobile (Moto-Neige) |
Photo Credit: Snow-Biker.Com
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Those who enjoy speed will love riding a powerful snow-mobile (like a motorbike with caterpillar tracks) over the pistes after dark! Discover the different dimensions of driving; carving turns, accelerating in a straight line, ascents and descents. Either be the driver, or if that doesn't suit then you have the opportunity to be a passenger. Seated either one or two per bike, one follows the guide up the pistes, around a specially prepared circuit, over jumps and bumps, and sometimes off-piste through the powder. Half way through the hour-long outing, you have the opportunity to swap places with your partner and off you speed again. Remember to wrap up warmly especially if you go after dark, and bring goggles if there is powder. This is not a sport for the timid!
There are 4 departures every evening at 6pm, 7.15pm, 8.30pm and 9.30pm from the snowmobile chalet near to the ice rink. See Action, Fun & Sports for contact details. Reservation is necessary for this popular activity. |
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
| Snowshoe Walking ('Raquette à Neige') |
Strap lightweight plastic snowshoes to your feet, and walk effortlessly through deep snow. Either set out on your own, or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and explore the hidden parts of the valley. On these half day group outings you will get off the beaten track to follow animal footprints, discover mountain flora and fauna and learn the history of the valley. Snowshoes and ski poles are provided. See Action, Fun & Sports for details of guiding companies.
You can also hire snowshoes from most Sports Shops, grab a trail map and head off on your own adventure. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go. The Oisans region has some beautiful trails to explore and the Ecrins National Park is a great place to go and enjoy the scenery and spot some alpine flora and fauna.
This is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions, or for non-skiers; walkers and nature lovers will love these outings. Don't forget to take energy bars and wear comfortable boots. |
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
| Swimming |
Les Deux Alpes has 4 pools to choose from; indoor and outdoor depending on the weather!
The indoor pool at the Aqua Centre des 2 Alpes on Avenue de la Muzelle is open daily from 3pm to 8pm and features a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. It is part of the Tanking Centre in Galerie Lou Véno, where you can also have massages and other treatments.
Club Forme in Les Deux Alpes 1800 has a heated indoor pool that during the winter is open from 3pm to 7pm, but is closed on Saturdays. In summer the outdoor pool opens from 11am to 7pm every day except Saturday, when the opening hours are 2pm to 7pm. The Club Forme offers a variety of other fitness and leisure activities.
The Croisette on Rue de Sagnes houses the main open air swimming pool. It is heated year-round and even in winter is warm enough for a dip - just make sure you have a big fluffy towel ready for when you get out of the water! In the summer the children's pool opens next to it and the two pools are surrounded by large terraces with sun loungers. You can book aquagym and swimming lessons. Discounts are available on the entry fee to skipass holders and admission is free to children under 5 years old. In winter it is open from 2.30pm to 7pm, in summer it is open all day from 10am to 7pm.
Venosc Village has an outdoor pool with water flume that is only open during the summer months.
Please see our Water Sports page for addresses and contact details.
Many of the spas and hotels in Les Deux Alpes have private swimming pools that may be accessible to visitors on request - you may have to book a beauty treatment or a table for lunch. See our Spas & Salons section for details. |
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last updated 10-Jul-2008 |
| Tobogganing |
After the pistes have closed for the day you can take your toboggan up the Alpette lift on some evenings and whizz back down a choice of two toboggan or 'luge' runs. There is a fast and a slow run, and toboggans can be bought or hired fairly cheaply from most Sport Shops.
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last updated 10-Jul-2008 |
| Winter Walking Trails |
Not everyone comes to Les Deux Alpes to ski - there are a number of walking trails that stay open throughout the winter, allowing you to access the snowy heights of the mountains and sample the high altitude mountain restaurants at your leisure.
Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you set out as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
You do not need any particular equipment, just a pair of sturdy boots and layers of warm clothing that you can take off or put on as necessary. A pair of walking poles will come in handy for extra balance on icy patches and for checking snow depth before you go striding forth! Top tip: buy ‘grippers’ for your walking boots to prevent slipping, all of this can be bought from most local Sport Shops.
Click here for prices of pedestrian lift passes. |
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last updated 11-Jul-2008 |
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