Les Deux Alpes for Beginners vs Experienced Adventurers

Les Deux Alpes is one of the premier destinations for those looking to experience glacier skiing in France. With its extensive terrain and summer skiing opportunities, it caters to both beginners and seasoned adventurers. This guide will delve into what Les Deux Alpes offers for each skill level, from the gentle slopes ideal for novices to challenging runs for experienced skiers.

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Les Deux Alpes Overview

Les Deux Alpes Oisans, Isère, is a renowned ski resort known for its high-altitude glacier skiing. The resort boasts around 90 km of marked runs, making it suitable for a variety of skill levels. The glacier area is particularly well-suited for summer skiing, as it is home to Europe's largest skiable glacier. With activities such as mountain biking and paragliding, visitors are presented with a multitude of options year-round.

Beginner Options in Les Deux Alpes

For beginners looking to enjoy Les Deux Alpes, the resort provides a range of accessible trails and dedicated instruction. The École du Ski Français (ESF) offers comprehensive lessons tailored to those new to skiing. Group lessons typically range from €35-60 for half-day sessions.

Gentle Slopes and Practice Areas

To start, beginners should head to the snow park located near the top of the La Fée lift. The designated beginner slopes like the Les Crêtes and the Petit Plan are ideal for gaining confidence. Here, the wide runs and mild gradient make it easy to practice turning and stopping.

Chairlifts for Beginners

The village has several chairlifts, but for those just starting, the Télésiège de la Fée is most recommended. This lift services the beginner areas while providing stunning views of the glacier and surrounding peaks.

Intermediate Skiing in Les Deux Alpes

For intermediate skiers, Les Deux Alpes offers an extensive network of red runs that challenge skills while still being fun. The area around the La Fee and Vallée Blanche runs are particularly appealing.

Best Intermediate Runs

The run from the glacier down to the village is exhilarating for intermediate skiers. Routes like La Vallée Blanche provide a combination of wide, open trails and thrilling tree-lined paths, spanning about 7 km.

Ski Passes and Pricing

Pricing for intermediate ski passes typically starts at around €50-80 for the day. The “2 Alpes” area lift pass allows access to the full mountain, ensuring that intermediates can explore a varied terrain mix without limitations.

Advanced and Experienced Skiing Opportunities

For those seasoned in the mountains, Les Deux Alpes brings a wealth of off-piste and challenging routes. The legendary La Grave area offers some of the most challenging skiing in France.

Thrilling Off-Piste Runs

Experienced skiers should consider booking a local guide for the Kalashnikov and Chancel runs, where conditions are significantly more challenging. These routes require avalanche safety equipment and excellent skiing skills. France is known for its stunning off-piste skiing, and La Grave is a testament to this.

Snow Safety and Local Guidelines

Always heed local safety guidelines and consider hiring a guide if venturing off-piste. Avalanche risk can be high, particularly in spring conditions. Prices for guided tours range from €100-250, depending on group size and duration.

Adventure Activities Beyond Skiing

Les Deux Alpes is not only about skiing. The resort area is also a hotspot for mountain biking and paragliding, which can be equally thrilling for both beginners and experts.

Mountain Biking Trails

Mountain biking trails in Les Deux Alpes cater to various skill levels, including easy routes for beginners through to advanced trails. The Bike Park runs open in June, and prices for a day pass start around €25-40. The trails in the Venosc area offer stunning views and diverse challenges.

Paragliding Experience

For those looking to experience the mountains from a different perspective, paragliding is offered by local companies such as Air Les Deux Alpes. Flights start at around €70-110 for a tandem experience, and the launch area is conveniently located near the mountain tops.

Best Places to Eat and Drink

After a long day on the slopes, refuel at one of the many charming restaurants in Les Deux Alpes. From traditional Savoyard cuisine to more modern bistros, options abound.

Local Dining Recommendations

• La Fee: A mountain restaurant with traditional cuisine, ideal for lunch or dinner. Expect to pay around €25-40 for a full meal.
• Le Cafe du Mountain: Known for its fresh pastries and local wines, perfect for a quick break.
• Le Pano Bar: Offers stunning views and an extensive drinks menu, ideal for après-ski.

Accommodation Options

Finding the right accommodation can greatly enhance your experience in Les Deux Alpes. The village has options catering to different budgets and preferences, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.

Popular Choices

• Hôtel Les Flocons: A four-star option located near the slopes, with prices starting from around €120-190 per night.
• Chalet Mistral: A cozy and reasonably priced choice with rates around €60-100 per night for sharing rooms.
• Hostel Les Deux Alpes: Offers dormitory-style rooms starting from around €20-30 per night.

Frequently asked questions

How much does glacier skiing in Les Deux Alpes cost?

A glacier skiing pass for adults typically starts at around €50-60 per day. The cost may vary during peak season and price reductions may apply for children or if bundling ski school lessons with lift passes.

Is it safe for beginners to ski on the glacier?

Yes, the glacier area designed for skiers includes plenty of beginner-friendly slopes. However, it is always advisable that beginners take lessons to better learn how to navigate different conditions safely.

What are the best months for skiing in Les Deux Alpes?

The best months for skiing in Les Deux Alpes are from December through April. However, summer skiing is also available on the glacier from June to August, making it a year-round destination.

Are there non-skiing activities in Les Deux Alpes for families?

Yes, Les Deux Alpes offers a range of activities suitable for families, including mountain biking, hiking, and paragliding. During the summer months, visitors can also enjoy various lakes and recreational areas perfect for children.

What is the altitude of Les Deux Alpes?

Les Deux Alpes sits at an altitude of 1,650 meters in the village, while the glacier ascends to heights of 3,600 meters. This range offers diverse skiing experiences and stunning panoramic views.

Can I rent ski equipment in Les Deux Alpes?

Yes, several shops in Les Deux Alpes offer ski and snowboard rentals. Rental prices generally start at around €25-40 per day for basic equipment and can increase based on quality and type of gear.

Ready to go

Ready to book your adventure? Browse experiences in France on Roundtripski. Keep planning with the adventure guide to the Calanques and the adventure guide to the Vercors.

Guide requirement

The Breithorn and the Vallee Blanche are glacier routes. A certified IFMGA mountain guide is required, not optional: crevasse terrain and glacier travel are outside what a ski school may legally provide. Book a certified IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide for any glacier day.