LES DEUX ALPES
Ski & Snowboard Resort Review
Les 2 Alpes, FRANCE is one of the oldest ski resorts in France. The resort has very reliable snowfalls, fantastic ski and snowboard terrain set above a vibrant picturesque village. The winter season stretches from mid November until late April when summer skiing and snowboarding commences on the famous Glacier de Mantel, Europe’s largest summer glacier.
Les 2 Alpes Skiing and Snowboarding Terrain
The skiing and snowboarding terrain at Les 2 Alpes has a vertical drop of 2,300 meters over glaciers, huge open powder fields divided by fast steep runs, natural gullies and cliff drops, endlessly long linked groomed trails and gentle beginner areas all supported by a fast and efficient lift system.
Since the 2006/2007 winter season Les 2 Alpes and the neighbouring resort of Alpe d'Huez are accessible on the one lift pass. If a six day or more pass is purchased in Les 2 Alpes skiers and snowboarders can access Alpe d'Huez for two days. Buses connect the two resorts as does a helicopter link. For more information on Alpe d'Huez click here
Advanced Skiing and Snowboarding
Access the Glacier de Mantel for excellent deep powder off piste skiing and snowboarding from the top of the Jandri Express Gondola second station and the Glaciers Chairlift.
The terrain under the Super Diable Chairlift is very steep, ungroomed and littered with drops and tight chutes, it continues down under the Diable Gondola leading into the village.
For moguls and fast corners head to the Aymes run under the Fee Chairlift.
The legendary run to the lift linked village of La Grave is a descent of almost 2,000 meters through off piste advanced challenging terrain under the Meije’s 1 and 2 Gondolas. It should only be attempted by very confident skiers and snowboarders; guides are highly recommended. For information on La Grave click here
Intermediate Skiing and Snowboarding
Intermediates can access the entire resort of Les 2 Alpes on extremely long linked groomed trails.
From the village catch the Jandri Express Gondola to the first station and turn left down the Gours trail for a really long curving run down to the Fee Chairlift.
From the Jandri Express Gondola second station groomed trails lead off in all directions across the Glacier de Mantel. Turn left down the Roche Mantel run to access the fast Signal run, or right for the long winding Jandri trail leading all the way back down to the village area. The Dome Express Funicular transports skiers and snowboarders further up the glacier to access the scenic Lauze trail. To go even higher hitch a ride on the snowcat to access the Trifides and Girose lifts servicing more groomed terrain.
The Pied Moutet area, directly behind the Les 2 Alpes village has fast groomed trails branching out on either side of the Vallee Blanch Chairlift as well as a couple of advanced trails for intermediates to test their skills on.
Beginner Skiing and Snowboarding
Gently sloping wide beginner runs rise upwards from the Les 2 Alpes village. First time skiers and snowboarders head to the Gentianes and Rivets Chairlifts which access well groomed flat runs.
Once confidence grows catch the Village Chairlift for a long curving run back down along the ski area boundary line on the Chemin des Demoiselles trail. Catch the Jandri Express Gondola to the second station for open wide gentle glacier skiing and snowboarding on the Roche Mantle and Puy-Salie 2 runs. To return to the village catch the Jandri Express Gondolas back down.
The Les 2 Alpes ski and snowboard schools offer group, private and day long lessons for all ages and ability levels with professional bilingual instructors. Freestyle and off piste powder lessons are also available.
Les 2 Alpes Terrain Park and Halfpipe
Les 2 Alpes has a large terrain park, halfpipe and boardercross course all of a top standard and well worth a look.
The Snowpark terrain park at La Toura has tables, rails, boxes, quarters and huge jumps. It has a well maintained halfpipe and a beginner area with small rails, low jumps and a mini halfpipe. The 1 kilometre long boardercross course hosts international competitions throughout the season.
Other Activities at Les 2 Alpes
Other activities include snowshoeing, ice climbing, ice skating, horse drawn sleigh rides, ice climbing, hang gliding, snowmobiling and scenic helicopter rides. A must try is ice gliding, it is a fun cross between snowmobiling and bumper cars on ice.
Indoor activities include bowling, playing bridge and massage and beauty treatments.
Shopping at Les 2 Alpes
Les 2 Alpes has over 125 shops lining the main street. There are ski and snowboard shops stocking the latest equipment and rental stock, fashion boutiques, children’s ski shops, gift and souvenir shops, jewellery shops, perfume shops and pharmacies. There are chocolate shops, patisseries (bakeries) butchers, grocery markets and delicatessens.
Les 2 Alpes Restaurants
Les 2 Alpes has over 40 restaurants serving traditional French cuisine, Italian, Austrian, Thai and Mexican cuisine.
Restaurant Casa Nova is open for lunch and dinner serving French local mountain speciality dishes and seafood. Go to Restaurant Le Charbon de Bois in a group, it has a great atmosphere and serves fondues, raclette and grilled meats.
Creperie Les Sagnes located in an old stable serves delicious sweet and savoury crepes and traditional French meals accompanied by good wines. The Italian Restaurant Le Tourra serves home made gourmet pizzas followed by sweet crepes.
The main street has small takeaway outlets open until late in the evening selling pizzas, hamburgers, kebabs, sandwiches, crepes and sweet snacks.
On the slopes stop for lunch at Restaurant La Moliere and sample their smoked hams, barbequed meats and raclette. Restaurant Les Glaciers, located at 3,200 meters is a self service cafeteria with two bars. It seats 400 people inside and 240 outside on the sun terrace overlooking the glacier.
Les 2 Alpes Nightlife
The nightlife at Les 2 Alpes is vibrant; there are bars, pubs and nightclubs littered throughout the village full of international visitors.
The popular Bar La Grotte du Yeti is a favourite meeting spot; it is open all day and late into the night serving tasty snacks and cocktails. Pub Le Pressoir plays a wide variety of music from country to jazz while Pub O’Brians has a daily happy hour, cocktails and disco after 10pm.
The two nightclubs L’Avalanche and L’Opera have DJs, huge dance floors, theme nights and are open until 4am every day.
More About Les 2 Alpes
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