[RESORT INSIDER] Les Deux Alpes

This month Emmanuelle Chatel gives us her insider tips on her favourite French resort.

Best View ?

Once you reach the top of the slopes, before skiing down at full speed, take time at the top to take in the view. A good idea is to head to the Restaurant Le 3200, located at the bottom of the glacier, and enjoy the stunning view over the valley from the large terrace there. It will truly make your day! Early birds will appreciate the tranquillity, and as an added bonus, the thrill of making first tracks ! (So don’t spend TOO long taking in that view …)

Best Adventure ?

If you’re in resort at the right time, you’ve got to experience the Full Moon Party. Once a month, by the light of a full moon, you can spend the evening on top of the mountains for a truly unique experience. Ski until sunset on the glacier, which is open especially, then have dinner in a cosy mountain restaurant before enjoying the dance floor and then skiing back to the resort by night with the ski patrollers under the light of the full moon.

Longest Slope ?

Les Deux Alpes ski area has one of the biggest lift-served vertical drops in the world at 2300m, and there’s a nice run that goes from the top to the bottom. Dôme de la Lauze-Mont de Lans is the longest slope at the resort, 16km long. Start at the top of the glacier at 3600m and ski all the way down to Mont de Lans village at 1300m. The great thing is different routes are possible according to your level of ability, and no lift is needed to make connections for the full descent! You can then easily get back up to the resort by a free shuttle or by ski lift.

Locals’ Favourite Après-ski Hangout ?

The Umbrella, a clubbing bar, located at the bottom of the slopes, is a great place to head just after a good day on the slopes – yes, you can dance in your ski boots and there’s a guaranteed good après-ski atmosphere. Later on in the evening, drop by the Polar Bear Pub, a traditional chalet, for a mulled wine by the fireplace.

Best Adventure Besides Skiing ?

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be in an avalanche, and want to actually find out, try the Dôme Robocoaster. It’s an articulated robot you sit inside with big screens which recreate avalanche conditions and take you deep in the heart of the event. With an important learning role, the Robocaster offers avalanche education in complete safety and reminds you how to stay safe on the mountain.

Best Sweet Treat ?

You definitely don’t want to miss this chocolate factory! La Marjolaine is also a tea room with a delightful chocolate smell all around. There’s a chocolate fountain, many flavours of nougat and ice-creams – all homemade naturally. It’s a must for sweet lovers.