Les Deux Alpes Skiing Revealed

Ski Areas in Les Deux Alpes

With over 200km of terrain to explore as well as 2 boardparks and any number of mountain restaurants you might find our guide to the Les Deux Alpes ski area helpful. With tips on where to go for cruisy runs, steep descents and a good vin chaud we hope you enjoy it!

Les Deux Alpes Ski Area

It is, undoubtedly, the skiing that gives Les Deux Alpes its international reputation. It is the largest ski resort in the Dauphine region and is the second oldest ski resort in France, after Chamonix in the Haute-Savoie. Les Deux Alpes makes up part of the Grande Galaxie ski area along with Alpe d'Huez, La Grave, Puy St Vincent and Vaujany.

The 220km of skiable area contains 75 pistes, 55 lifts, 2 boardparks, a half-pipe and 25km of groomed cross-country trails. It’s high altitude and surrounding glaciers make it a snow sure resort with varied terrain to suit everyone; from sunny beginner slopes to wide motorway pistes to steep black runs and masses of off-piste.

The majority of the pisted skiing takes place around Les Crêtes (2100m) and Toura (2600m). Novices needn’t fear taking the journey to the top of the lift system – Les Deux Alpes has a reputation for being ‘upside down’, meaning that the lower slopes tend to be the steepest whereas high up on the glacier there are plenty of pistes of the more sedate variety. This has the bonus of meaning that beginners needn’t miss out on the spectacular views and the experience of skiing high up amongst the peaks! Having said that there are a number of easy pistes near to the resort, where the glacier flattens out towards the bottom.

Summer skiing is popular on the Mantel Glacier – the largest European glacier used for summer skiing (2900-3600m). It offers 300 acres of groomed pistes with fabulous views of the Meije and Ecrins massifs, as well as some amazing off piste.

For intermediate skiers who want to cruise along and enjoy some uncrowded pistes head for the La Fée sector, off the shoulder below Toura. It has some of the best blue and black runs on the mountain and is often less busy than other areas.

The Pied Moutet sector is great for getting you back into action at the start of your holiday with its gentle sunny blue runs. There are 3 lifts and, depending on the snow conditions, you can ski from here down to the village of Bons at 1300m.

Les Deux Alpes is an important resort for snowboarders, its board parks are world class and each summer you’ll find a number of camp programmes focussing on freestyle tricks and techniques. Every October Les Deux Alpes kicks off the winter season with the Mondial du Snowboard event, which is definitely worth a look.

last updated 7-Mar-2008

Additional Ski Areas in Les Deux Alpes

Vallons de la Meije and Le Grave
These areas are additional to the main resort and accessed by hitching a ride behind a piste-basher! They are mainly off-piste and there are a few chair and drag lifts. The day rate for the full Les Deux Alpes ski area plus Vallons de la Meije and Le Grave is 48€, or you can have it added to your 2-5 day pass for an extra 12€ per day. They are included with any pass over 6 days.

Great Galaxy
This is the name given to the wider ski area that encompasses Les Deux Alpes, Alpe d'Huez, Oz, Vaujany, Serre Chevalier and Puy St Vincent. If you buy a pass for 6 days or more you will be able to enjoy 1 day in Serre Chevalier or Puy St Vincent, or 2 days in any of the other resorts.

last updated 28-Feb-2008

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.

last updated 2-Jul-2008

Mountain Restaurants

At 2600m Le Panoramic is well placed for a timely lunch break. It stills bears evidence of its mountain hut origins and has a great atmosphere. The views are wonderful and the food is better than the average mountain restaurant fare; you can choose from traditional restaurant or self-service.

La Patache serves traditional French mountain food ie lots of meat, cheese and potatoes – basic components of the ever-popular Tartiflette! There is also a daily special and a choice of homemade cakes and deserts. This popular restaurant has a great sunny terrace and the options of table service in the bar-restaurant or a quick bite at the Patachon self-service snack bar. The sun drenched deckchairs and spectacular views make this worth a visit.

At the top of the Télécabine du Diable is Le Diable au Cœur, a large bustling restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere. Its open fire and regional cuisine help make it popular and lively; starters range from 9€ to 15€, pasta dishes and omelettes are good value at around the same price and main meals start at 13.50€ and go up to 17.50€ for a meat/fish dish. The owner is the son of Mdm and Mr Mounier of Le P’tit Polyte.

Please see here for contact details of all these mountain restaurants and more.

Do you have any personal favourites that we’ve not mentioned? Have you had a great meal you think we should know about? Let us know your personal recommendations and we’ll keep the site updated with the latest Les Deux Alpes mountain eateries. Contact us here.

last updated 26-Jun-2008