Les Deux Alps

Les Deux Alpes means the two Alps and that is exactly where this lovely French ski vacation resort is located – where the Northern and Southern Alps meet. It is the main ski resort in the Dauphine region in the heart of the Oisans massif on the edge of the Ecrins National Park. Les Deux Alpes resort has slopes for all levels of skiing expertise and access to the largest glacier in Europe, where you can ski in the summer too.

The resort is a major free-riding, free-styling and carving spot as well as a boarders’ haven with its park, ‘Nitro’, and the October World Snowboarders’ Meeting. Beginners and intermediates have plenty of choice, although the beginners’ runs, with the exception of Le Jandri, are quite challenging too. There is only one easy run back to the resort. Do not miss the new snow-park and ski area with the “Slide” zones where you can safely discover all the new skiing activities such as ledges, waterfalls, canyons, gullies, and a 900 m-long boarder-cross.

Advanced skiers will find their challenges at La Fee with its deadly black runs and at nearby La Grave which offers some of the best off-piste around. La Grave, located at the foot of the Meije, can be reached by carrier, from the top of the Dome de la Lauze ski tow, and it offers the adrenaline pumping combination of backcountry skiing and 2,150 m of downhill excitement. La Grave has mind boggling views and the Glaciers de la Meije cabin lifts allow you to reach Ruillans pass. The houses here were built entirely out of stone in a terraced fashion, facing the mountain and they create an intricate maze of narrow, traditional alleyways.

Les Deux Alpes town is quite spread out and has a good range of shops and restaurants, and a lively nightlife. There are plenty of other activities like paragliding, sauna, an aquagym, swimming and ice gliders – bumping cars on ice! ‘Le Tanking Center’ is a ‘sensory deprivation experience’. Plenty of good accommodation in the form of hotels and apartments, such as the Cortina or Alpina Lodge, are conveniently close to the lifts and can be rented by the week!