Les 2 Alpes is one of the world’s great ski resorts and a much-loved destination for its many fans, most of whom return season after season.
Located at the more southerly end of the French Alps, part of its appeal is that it gets lots of sunshine, but thanks to its high-altitude glacier-covered upper mountain, snow cover is guaranteed here too. In fact, it is one of the few remaining resorts still offering snow sports in after May up there too, the slopes aiming to stay open into July.
This high-altitude terrain also opens up one of the world’s biggest lift-served verticals and makes some wonderful long descents possible.
©A Gelin – Peak Retreats
But while this world-class ski area is a big part of Les 2 Alpes’ enduring appeal, it’s the friendly, genuine atmosphere of the village at the base of the slopes that really seals the deal.
Although there’s extensive, challenging terrain for the most demanding skiers and boarders, there are also lots of family-friendly options too and even loads to do besides ski and board. In fact, it’s that part of the resort’s offer that has been a big focus of new developments there in recent seasons, including the current one.
This combination of world-beating advanced terrain, endless intermediate slopes and brilliant beginner runs and services for both adults and kids make Les 2 Alpes a great choice for mixed-ability groups.
Over €145 Million in New Developments
Les 2 Alpes has been investing in becoming an ever more family-oriented destination in recent years, spending huge sums on upgrades and new initiatives.
© Pyrèen Duffau – Peak Retreats
A big part of this has been the creation of a new very-easy green piste on the Vallée Blanche slope for much easier accessibility to all on this low altitude sector (2100m to 1600m)
In addition, the new Coolidge magic carpet opening this year sees the Coolidge area having two old drag lifts replaced by a new, free-to-use and beginner-friendly magic carpet conveyor lift. It’s part of a redevelopment project which started in 2022 that will make learning areas more accessible across the base of the slopes
In addition, one of the resort’s most famous lifts, the Jandri cable car, is being upgraded to a brand new 3S lift (a kind of combination gondola/cable car, with large, stable, comfortable gondola cabins), dramatically cutting the journey time up to higher altitude slopes and viewpoints from 40 minutes to just 17. The new lift allows a dozen more people per cabin compared to the previous lift and is due to open at the start of next winter season from 30th November 2024.
Famille Plus
Les 2 Alpes holds the French Government’s ‘Famille Plus’ award which is given because it has been proven to be among a limited number of holiday destinations that provide particularly good service and facilities for families.
As well as providing great service to children from 18 months old, to achieve the Famille Plus award, Les 2 Alpes had to scrupulously meet 110 specific requirements and make six commitments to ensure visiting families have a great holiday.
Those six promises start with a 2personalised welcome for your family and having a holiday available to meet your budget. Then Les 2 Alpes also commits to offering activities and entertainment suitable for all ages to enjoy together or, where applicable, separately. In addition, all resort businesses and services are easily accessible and the highest standards of professional childcare will be offered.
Family-Friendly Skiing
Les 2 Alpes has excellent, easy-to-access terrain for families and first-timers on the slopes.
To begin with, at the base of the mountain and close to accommodation, there’s an area with free lifts which are great for kids and novice adult skiers.
There are runs for all levels, with 60% of pistes suited to beginners and intermediates and 40% for good to expert skiers. Confident novice skiers with a few days experience should skiing under their belt should be able to ski from the top of the glacier all the way down to resort level on greens and easy blues – one of the longest descents in the world and a wonderful confidence-builder for your first week on the slopes.
Plenty For Families Off the Slopes
Les 2 Alpes has lots for families to do and enjoy off the slopes including an ice rink, dedicated sledging areas, a carousel, an indoor arcade and organised entertainment as well. There are also lots of laid-on activities targeted at different age groups, of which more below.
The resort also has a good range of shops, cafes and restaurants, most with a family focus, the Polar Bear pub in the resort centre is a perennial favourite for all ages.
Activities For All Ages
Toddlers and Young Children
Children as young as a year old can enjoy Baby Snow with the ESF ski school. The baby snow device was created so that parents can enjoy skiing with their one- to four-year-olds. It comprises a mini-snowboard that has a toddler saddle and handlebars and then an additional handle for an adult to hold onto while they ski behind.
For something a little more traditional Les 2 Alpes is home to three free sledging runs for children, one of which is reserved for those aged 2 to 6 years old. Located at the foot of the slopes and surrounded with safety nets and foam padding they’re a safe option for some gentle sledging fun.
Older Children
The ‘Kids Park’ Freestyle Area is a special freestyle area on the slopes designed for children under 10 years old to enjoy. It features banked turns and jumps making it an ideal place for younger children to practice their skills.
Kids also love sleigh rides and hour-long excursions on the snow, including a short coffee or hot chocolate break, are a great way to discover the beauty of Les 2 Alpes’ snowy surroundings away from the slopes. Under 2s go free!
Teens
Teens will love Les 2 Alpes’ Big Air Bag Park, a thrilling tubing area either alone or with a friend or family member in a double ring. After taking to the air visitors land on a huge inflatable mattress. It’s also possible for teens to try paragliding, with three different paragliding schools to choose from.
With its great variety of terrain, fabulous long descents for all ability levels, sunshine record, excellent snow quality and activities, entertainment and facilities to suit all ages and abilities, Les 2 Alpes works hard to satisfy everyone’s needs and keep the whole family happy on their ski holiday.
Recommended Stay: Neige et Soleil
The Neige et Soleil apartments have direct access to the slopes and are located next to the ESF ski school meeting point. Made up of just 25 apartments, the residence is also located close to several shops, bars, and restaurants. Facilities include a relaxation pool, sauna, steam room, spa, ski lockers with boots dryers and free Wi-Fi.
Discover your ideal Les 2 Alpes ski holiday, at peakretreats.co.uk
Peak Retreats are the French Alps ski holiday specialists, winner of the Telegraph Travel Awards Best Ski Operator 2023, they offer accommodation in over 70 mountain resorts; specialising in self-drive, self-catered ski holidays.
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