Les Deux Alpes introduction
Les Deux Alpes (“deux” meaning 2 in French) is the second oldest French skiing resort after the world famous Chamonix. Perched high up at 1650 m in the marvelous Dauphine region on the southern alpine slopes, the resort spreads on the top of the magnificent Veneon Valley. It has two faces – enchanting and unique nature and a myriad of winter resort opportunities, but fusing smoothly into the refreshing mix you need for optimal holiday!
Les Deux Alpes area includes 200 km of runs on both sides of the valley, and Europe’s largest skiable glacier. The 76 runs suit all abilities with more than 50% variety of medium terrain for intermediates to practice and improve. Fast-learners will very soon be able to enjoy the stunning challenges of the advanced and expert pistes as well as the vast off-piste opportunities. And there is a lot of challenge indeed – here is one of the most exciting off-piste runs of Europe, the Vallons de la Meije, with the impressive vertical descent at over 2 150 m! As a whole the resort offers high-altitude skiing for the bravest – its highest point reaches 3 559m. The runs are connected by a modern lift system composed by 63 lifts to assure best access to any site of interest. If you still need to change the skiing scenery, take a short trip to La Grave, down along the valley, to try some more of the world finest skiing opportunities.
At the altitude of between 1650 and 3559 m you should not worry about solid snow cover from November to May. As there are two seasons only, summer can be enjoyed by beginners practicing on the glacier and the snow park will welcome eager boarders for various amusements! In fact Les Deux Alpes never gets deserted – plenty of activities in winter and summer skiing from June to September, the lovely French town attracts visitors all over the year.
Off the runs Les Deux Alpes will still assure a lot of fun – tobogganing, motoski, ice-climbing, skating, sleigh-riding and snowshoeing among them. The village maintains an out-door swimming pool and two sport-centers to keep you in good shape and fresh mood. You could try some aerobics, steam-bath or play bowling or squash with friends. But afterwards don’t forget to take your camera and go sightseeing in Venosc end of the village – the old medieval part with stone churches and old-time buildings for a romantic history experience! If your children find it boring, there is better to do for them – let them enjoy the Club Petits Montagnards of the resort or some of the other facilities specially meant for little ones’ comfort. Les Deux Alpes has a lot more to surprise you with. What about seeing a play or listening to a delightful piano concert at the Maison De Le Montagne or going to the local cinema, or visiting the two historical museums?
Nights are equally fun at Les Deux Alpes, though a bit calmer than in other alpine resorts. Clubs and discos could entertain you till dawn, but still you may prefer the adventure of a torch-lit descent guided by the local ski school instructors. Culinary experts should try the traditional and international recipes of the local chefs in some of the many excellent restaurants and bistros.
Access to this charming spot high up in the Southern Alps is best assured from Grenoble (at 70 km) and Lyon (at 160 km).
Unforgettable sceneries in authentic French atmosphere with sport and fun abundance! Keep your tourist spirit in perfect shape by visiting Les Deux Alpes.