Les 2 Alpes is one of the world’s great ski resorts. Located in the picturesque Isère area of France, at a snow-sure 1650m, the resort has one of the biggest ski areas in the Alps with 200km of piste. Hugely impressive still is the skiable vertical, descents of more than 2,000 vertical metres are possible from the highest point, one of the 10 biggest lift-served verticals on the planet. What’s more, to open up that amount of vertical some very high lifts are needed – to 3,600m altitude in fact. There are few lifts higher in Europe accessing terrain that’s so snowsure there’s a glacier up there which is actually the largest skiable glacier in the Alps.
The icing on the cake? Well, despite all that snow, Les 2 Alpes is located in one of the more southerly parts of the French Alps, in the Dauphiné region of France, which means above-average sunshine conditions.
Ski area
© Nils Louna
Although the XXXL dimensions of the Les 2 Alpes glacier make it a big attraction for intermediate and advanced skiers, beginners are certainly not forgotten, with easy slopes right at the top of the glacier and plenty of wide, gentle slopes right from 3600m. So first-timers can take in the spectacular views and the high mountain atmosphere right from day one.
Beginners will also find nursery slopes with free-to-use drag lifts down in the village too, so you can practice your lessons here at no extra cost. There are cafes and bars nearby where non-skiing friends or family can hang out while you practice, or indeed you can rest in between runs!
© Nils Louna
For intermediates and expert-level skiers and boarders, the vast Les 2 Alpes domain is a real paradise with hundreds of kilometres of superb terrain for all levels plus five different areas dedicated to freeriding.
If freestyle is more your thing you’ll be glad to hear that Les 2 Alpes also ranks amongst Europe’s most snowboard and freestyle-skier-friendly resorts with an extensive terrain park complete with half-pipe and numerous jumps, rails and other hits to bounce off, plus two boardercross courses, within the Toura area.
In other words, every ability level and every style of snow sports is well catered for in Les 2 Alpes.
Activities & Après ski
Les 2 Alpes is a large, long-established resort that’s popular year-round with lots of activities available both for non-skier members of your party or for whenever you fancy a break from the slopes. The numerous options include fairly gentle activities like ice skating or tobogganing to more full-on experiences like paragliding to dog sledding.
Les 2 Alpes also has a great selection of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars and has a reputation for offering one of the liveliest après ski scenes in the French Alps when a big choice of hot spots from mid-afternoon right through to the small hours, if you have the energy to party on through. But there are lots of quieter, more sophisticated venues too if you want a more low-key night out!
To Sum Up
© Monica Dalmasso
Les 2 Alpes is one of the best resorts in France and the whole world. It’s got one of the country’s biggest ski areas and one of the planet’s biggest lift-served verticals. That means that on the slopes you have something for everyone, plus a great snow record thanks to its high terrain and even a good sunshine record as well, thanks to its southerly location – double prizes! Add into the mix the vibrant atmosphere, and easy access by car, train or plane and you can start to understand why so many Les 2 Alpes fans return year after year.
Where to Stay
© MReyboz
Stay at: Neige et Soleil apartments have direct access to the slopes and ESF ski school meeting point, and benefit from a central location. Facilities include a wellness area with a relaxation pool, sauna, steam room and spa.
©MReyboz
Peak Retreats, 023 9283 9310
We have a regular Podcast called The White Out where we review the latest gear, talk about the latest snow forecast and updates on where is best to ski now, as well interviews with absolute ski legends AND we spotlight a resort every week and so much more. You can check out our regular podcast here Apple | Spotify | Podcasts or search The White Out on your chosen podcast directory.