There are heaps of events held throughout the year in Les Deux Alpes, ranging from small and quirky local festivals, to world renowned sporting events. Music festivals are also hugely popular during the summer months and provide a great excuse to make a quick trip out to the Alps. In this section, we bring you information about the major annual events in resort, and don't forget to check out our weekly calender.
This annual event mixes up slopestyle contests with top French and German DJ's to produce a great atmosphere on and off the slopes!
Every day the music kicks off on the slopes progressively moving into the resort in time for some après in the pubs and clubs of Les Deux Alpes. The emphasis is on house, techno and electronic music and creates a great combination of winter sports and music!
Each year Les Deux Alpes welcomes children and families with a week of fun and games! A carnival atmosphere transforms the resort with street entertainments, musicians, story-telling, circus tricks and more.
For the parents there are quiet zones and relaxation areas for them to retreat to while the children are wearing themselves out with the many games and workshops that are on offer!
Mondial du VTT - June
For mad keen mountain bikers, this is an event not to be missed…! Over 4 days, around 3,000 mountain bikers gather on the trails of Les 2 Alpes to ride, breathe and talk bikes. The 'Mondial du VTT' is the highlight of the summer mountain biking; it is the 2nd largest mountain biking event after the Roc d'Azur near Alpe d’Huez and is the 4th largest event in Europe.
Not only does this event give participants the chance to ride the fantastic trails in Les Deux Alpes, there is also an opportunity for riders to test new bikes and participate in the Free Raid Classic and enjoy the festival of entertainments taking place all over the resort. There are areas that are specifically adapted for downhilling, freestyle, cross-country, dirt, four cross, trial and accompanied rides.
Fête de la Musique is the celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21st June in cities, towns and villages across France. More than a music festival, the Fête de la Musique is a free event that spills out from the bars and restaurants onto the streets and encompasses every type of music imaginable, from local amateur teen bands to professional classical musicians, from club DJ’s to traditional folk bands.
Launched in 1982 by the French Ministry for Culture, the Fete is different from a music festival in that all the concerts and performances are free to the public and none of the artists are paid.
The Fete de la Musique is now celebrated all over the world, where it is more commonly refered to as World Music Day.
Fête de la Musique is one of those certain nights throughout the year when the French authorities waive normal licensing laws, allowing the revelry to continue as long as there are people with the stamina to enjoy it – it is definitely one of the not-to-be-missed events of the summer social calendar!
One of the biggest freestyle ski and snowboard events of the summer. The competition is in two parts with an invitational half-pipe where pros go head-to-head for prize money in the super pipe on the glacier. the slopestyle is open to all and asks that teams of three hit the course together creating a unique and exciting spectacle. There's also a jib contest, parties and a photo comp!
Oxbow Kids Week is a week fully dedicated to the kids, giving them the opportunity for young riders to asses their level of snowboarding and skiing with some of the worlds best pro riders. During the first half of the week, children benefit from coaching on the snowpark from guest coaches including: Olivier Gitler (Burton), Elias Elhardt (Rossignol) and Charlie Bellemin (Rossignol). In the latter half of the week, riders have the chance to ‘Jam’ with the guest coaches on the pipe, table, hand rail under team managers and representatives from various sports companies searching for new talent. The week concludes with a half-pipe contest so that each of the children can assess their level in relation to the top national and international levels.
The Mountain of Hell free ride downhill mountain biking competition is open to a number of international downhill experts and amateur riders. Organised by Choucas bikers, the event attracts up to 300 riders annually and consists of 2 races and 2 incredible routes over a three day period. The highlight of the event is 25km of downhill riding on an unmarked route from the top of the glacier. Mountain biking addicts must pass through several posts, ride over snow, rocks, single tracks, steps, and sheer descents… The drop in altitude of nearly 2,400 vertical meters has previously been completed in a time of 40 minutes and is a truly physical and invigorating and makes this ‘hellish’ downhill live up to its reputation!
This is the longest-established British run snowboarding summer camp. Based in France at the Les Deux Alpes Glacier, the Kommunity Camp provides riders with a friendly and progressive learning environment where riders of all abilities can improve their techniques and style. Open to riders of varying abilities, the course is however not suitable for beginners. It’s not just about the riding though, instructors provide a guide to all aspects of snowboarding in the morning then riders are free to participate in a range of other activities ideal for those summer afternoons; luge, swimming, beach volleyball, football, archery and golf. The camp uses British professional riders as its coaches such as long-time top British rider, Neil McNab. Neil McNab's experience as both a National Ski and Snowboard teacher/trainer and back-country snowboard guide are essential to the running of the camps. Together with the expertise of the very best British pro riders and guidance from the best Chamonix mountain guides, this ensures that the Kommunity camps are a great learning experience.
Every summer France is gripped by the biggest and best cycle race in Europe - Le Tour de France. The Alps have played a large part in the race over the years with the gruelling mountain climbs providing some of the most exciting spectacles of the event. The route changes slightly each year, taking in different towns and villages along the way. Even if the race doesn't pass near to where you are this summer you can guarantee that it will still be avidly watched in bars and cafés around the country with everyone joining in to cheer on the famous yellow jersey! ... see "Le Tour de France" for more
The Les Deux Alpes winter season commences with the Mondial du Snowboard in October followed by the Mondial du Ski in November. Snowsport enthusiasts can test out the latest gear while freestyle demos, live music and competitions add to the start-of-season excitement.
There is always a good turnout to this annual event (often including the odd celeb or two) and a real buzz in town as the bars and clubs gear themselves up for the new influx of visitors and seasonaires.
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