Sometimes we want to take our ski holiday somewhere a little different, somewhere other skiers haven’t been to, perhaps haven’t even heard of. It feels special to discover somewhere new, to be the only Brits on the slopes, and it’s even more fun when the resort you pick is easy to get to and is sitting there waiting, right under everybody’s noses.
Les 7 Laux is made up of three lift-linked villages and is easy to reach by road, rail or air, being close to major roads, stations and airports. It’s a modern French resort that has been purpose-built for ski holidays on a plateau in the Belledonne mountains of the southern French Alps.
The resort’s three village bases of Prapoutel, Le Pleynet and Pipay, share an extensive 120km of ski slopes, which divide up into more than 50 individual runs and include something for all abilities and tastes. So, although not well known to the British market, this is no small resort and it’s also located within an area of exceptional natural beauty where it’s a pleasure just to find yourself standing at the top of the slopes, even before you push off.
Family Friendly
Les 7 Laux has long been a popular destination for French families for day trips, weekend getaways from nearby cities like Grenoble and Lyon, or longer stays. The key reasons for its popularity are its quieter slopes, high value and relaxed atmosphere.
It’s a resort where families can have the slopes to themselves and roll up to lifts without having to queue. But it’s not just a peaceful place to be, it’s a lot of fun too. Les 7 Laux is full of fun zones, with multiple beginners’ areas and fun trails where children and novice skiers can enjoy courses full of tunnels and arches to ski through and beneath.
The Taupe Course is great fun, full of things for novice skiers to look out for so that they forget any worries and just enjoy themselves, seeking out the resort mascot along the way.
The Squirrel Route is another brilliant attraction to progress on to. It’s an up to two-hour long route right around the full ski area taking in the easier slopes from Prapoutel to Le Pleynet, through Pipay. So you really get a sense of travelling around the area, enjoying incredible views over the valley from both sides of the ski area, even if you are a relatively new skier.
© Michael Mollier
Most of the pistes on the Squirrel Route are the easiest, green category, making it perfect for confident beginner or second-week skiers. Again, it takes you through a series of tunnels and there are obstacles to maneuver through, so again it’s both fun and confidence-building.
Just to add to the welcoming and relaxed feel of the ski area, Les 7 Laux has also invested in slope-side picnic spots, placing BBQ stations around the slopes and close to the Squirrels’ Route piste. So you can bring your barbecue needs in a backpack and fire up one of the free-to-use grills for a memorable slopeside meal, relaxing in one of the acorn-shaped covered sofas on site.
Not Just For Beginners
© Michael Mollier
There may be that strong reputation with families, but families come in all shapes and sizes and many include experienced skiers who won’t want to get bored, so it is good to know that Les 7 Laux has its fair share of intermediate to advanced terrain too, as well as ski schools and guides happy to take you to the off-piste freeride runs posting the best conditions at the time of your visit.
For freestyle skiers and riders, one cool attraction is the huge Les 7 Laux Snowpark. It is an eight-hectare park situated up at a snow-sure 1900m which helps keep the features in tip-top shape. The park is divided into four zones of differing difficulty – meaning it is accessible and suitable for all levels – including a series of gentle jumps especially designed for complete beginners to try out as their first taste of the high life that is freestyle!
Besides Skiing
© Michael Mollier
Les 7 Laux has a good selection of cafes, bars, restaurants and essential as well as gift shops, but all on a human scale, so you’ll soon be on first-name terms with the locals, but there are also added attractions to enjoy besides your day on the slopes, or indeed if you have non-skiers in your party.
One big après-ski attraction is the Wiz Luge, a kind of downhill roller coaster (or ‘mountain coaster’ to give it its proper name). With over 700m of track, you’ll reach a top speed of up to 40km/h (25mph) as you descend on what has been ranked as one of the most beautiful mountain coaster courses in France. If you’re riding with children and 25mph is too fast, you can adapt your speed to whatever you like and make your ride longer with a touch of the brake.
Another great activity is dog sledding, offered by a team of dogs in Les 7 Laux Le Pleynet. Following a quick instruction session, you can actually drive your own team of dogs along paths through woods and across snowy meadows, giving you the opportunity to see the mountain from another angle.
Those who enjoy sledging (and who doesn’t?) will have great fun trying Snakegliss, a kind of giant articulated sledge that snakes down the sledging hill, hence the name/. Everyone has their own individual sledge, but these can be clipped together to make one long one for maximum fun.
Finally, one more attraction in the long list, for families with pre-teenage children, there’s also a non-ski play area with trails and a wooden labyrinth, tunnels and a safe sledging area that kids aged 4-12 will love. (Taupi camp)
Recommended Stay
© Michael Mollier
The best way to travel to Les 7 Laux is with Peak Retreats, winner of the Telegraph Travel Awards Best Ski Operator 2023! One of few UK tour operators that feature Les 7 Laux ski holidays, they are the French Alps ski specialists who really care about every aspect of your holiday right from the start of the booking process to your return home after your holiday. Peak Retreats’ passionate team have the true French know-how.
Les Granges des 7 Laux apartments have ski-in/ski-out potential, right on the piste in the centre of Prapoutel, just 200m from the nearest shops. Facilities include a wellness centre with a treatment pool, hot tub, sauna, hammam and on-site restaurant.
Discover your ideal Les 7 Leux 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.
You can check out our regular podcast here Apple | Spotify | Podcasts or search The White Out on your chosen podcast directory.
Main Image © Michael Mollier
Our Resort Guide has everything you need to know.
You can check out our regular podcast here Apple | Spotify | Podcasts or search The White Out on your chosen podcast directory.