Les Deux Alpes holidays

How to reach Les Deux Alpes

Flight time:

• Flights to Grenoble or flights to Lyon take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours from London. Grenoble Airport is the closest, offering a shorter transfer to the resort.

Transfer time:

• From Grenoble Airport, the transfer time to Les Deux Alpes is about 1 hour 30 minutes by car or shuttle service. If flying into Lyon, the transfer time increases to roughly 2 hours 30 minutes.

Price:

• A shuttle bus from Grenoble Airport costs around €45 per person one-way. Alternatively, a private transfer for a group can range from €120 to €200, depending on the vehicle size.

Best time to visit Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes is filled with exciting activities from the depths of winter to the heights of summer, with the best time to visit depending on your preferred activities. Here's a breakdown of the seasons:

December to April:

• This is the high season for skiing, with the slopes in excellent condition. Expect plenty of snow, festive events and lively post-ski scenes. Temperatures range from –5°C to 5°C, with plenty of sunshine and occasional snowfall.

May to June:

• A quieter period, early summer is perfect for enjoying the melting snow and transitioning to summer activities like hiking. Average temperatures rise from 5°C to 15°C, with more hours of sunshine and reduced crowds.

July to August:

• The resort transforms into a summer haven, ideal for mountain biking, hiking and glacier skiing. Temperatures can reach up to 25°C, with long sunny days and minimal rainfall.

September to November:

• The off-season brings cooler temperatures ranging from 10°C to 0°C. It's a peaceful time for nature walks and enjoying the autumn foliage, with most winter facilities preparing for the upcoming ski season.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: French is the primary language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially by staff in hotels, restaurants and ski facilities.

• Local habits and customs: Tipping in restaurants is customary but not obligatory, as service is included in the bill. It's polite to greet with a "Bonjour" when entering shops or restaurants.

• Currency: The Euro is the local currency. ATMs are available, and most establishments accept credit cards.

• Getting around: The resort is compact, making it easy to navigate on foot. For exploring the nearby areas, buses and shuttles are available. A single bus ticket costs around €2.

• Electricity and plug types: France uses the standard continental European two-pin plug (Type C and E). UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Les Deux Alpes operates on Central European Time, which is 1 hour ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes is a vibrant destination offering a wide range of activities that cater to all tastes, whether you're a thrill-seeker or looking for a more relaxed experience. Here's a selection of the must-see sights and activities to enjoy during holidays to Les Deux Alpes.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Glacier de la Girose: Offering spectacular views over the Alps, the glacier is accessible via the Jandri Express lift. It's a perfect spot for photos, especially on a clear day when you can see Mont Blanc in the distance.

• Belvédère des Écrins: This viewpoint offers panoramas of the surrounding mountains and valleys fit for a computer screensaver. It's accessible via a short hike or by taking the chairlift to the higher altitudes.

The best districts

• Les Deux Alpes 1800: This area is known for its lively atmosphere, packed with shops, restaurants and nightlife. It's the heart of the resort and a great place to soak in the local vibe.

• Les Deux Alpes Village: A quieter, more traditional area, perfect for those looking to experience the charm of an alpine village. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll and to enjoy the local architecture.

Historical monuments

• Saint-Benoît Chapel: A small but charming chapel that offers a glimpse into the religious heritage of the area, it’s a peaceful spot to visit and reflect.

• Chasal Lento Museum: Located in the neighbouring village of Mont-de-Lans, this museum provides insight into the history and culture of the Oisans region, showcasing traditional crafts and local history.

Day trips in the area

• La Grave: A short drive from Les Deux Alpes, La Grave is known for its challenging off-piste skiing and stunning mountain scenery. It’s a must-visit for experienced skiers and those interested in exploring untouched natural beauty.

• Alpe d'Huez: Famous for its ski slopes and the iconic Tour de France climb, Alpe d'Huez is perfect for a day trip, offering a variety of activities, including skiing, hiking and sightseeing.

Activities for families in Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes is a fantastic destination for families, offering plenty of activities that cater to all ages. Here’s a roundup of the best family-friendly activities in the resort.

• Les Lutins Piste: This specially designed ski area for children, with gentle slopes and magic carpets, makes it perfect for beginners and younger kids learning to ski.

• Ice skating rink: A fun and safe activity for families, the resort’s ice skating rink is a great place to spend an afternoon. Skates can be rented on site.

• Swimming pool and wellness centre: The indoor swimming pool complex offers a great alternative for non-skiing days, complete with a sauna and spa area for parents to relax.

• Snake Gliss: This offers a unique sledging experience where families can link sleds together and slide down the slopes in a fun, snake-like formation.

Free things to do in Les Deux Alpes

Exploring Les Deux Alpes doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The resort offers plenty of free activities that allow you to enjoy the stunning surroundings without spending a cent.

• Hiking and walking trails: There are numerous trails around Les Deux Alpes, perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the region. These trails vary in difficulty and length, offering something for everyone.

• Free concerts and events: The resort often hosts free concerts and events, especially during the holiday season and summer months. Keep an eye on the local event calendar for what's on during your stay.

• Village markets: Explore the local markets, where you can browse a variety of local products, including cheese, charcuterie and handmade crafts. It’s a great way to experience local culture and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir.

Wellness in Les Deux Alpes

• Spas and thermal baths: Many of the local hotels and wellness centres offer spa treatments, including massages, facials and thermal baths. These facilities provide a perfect way to relax tired muscles and rejuvenate the mind.

• Yoga and meditation: Several wellness centres offer yoga and meditation classes, often with stunning mountain views. It’s a spectacular experience to relax and connect with the peaceful alpine environment.

• Traditional body care: Embrace the local wellness traditions with treatments using natural alpine herbs and oils. Many spas offer special treatments that incorporate these local ingredients for a truly unique experience.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Skiing and snowboarding: The resort is famous for its extensive ski area, which caters to all levels, from beginners to advanced. The glacier skiing is particularly popular, offering reliable snow conditions.

• Mountain biking: In the summer, the ski slopes transform into a mountain biking paradise, with trails for all skill levels. The lift system allows for easy access to high-altitude routes.

• Paragliding: For a truly unforgettable experience, try paragliding over the stunning alpine scenery. It’s a thrilling way to see the landscape from a unique perspective.

• Hiking and via ferrata: The area boasts numerous hiking trails and via ferrata routes, offering everything from gentle walks to challenging climbs. The spectacular scenery makes it worth every step.

Local dishes in Les Deux Alpes

One of the joys of Les Deux Alpes holidays is sampling the delicious alpine cuisine. The resort offers a variety of dining options, from cosy mountain huts to gourmet restaurants. Here's what to look out for:

Some typical dishes

• Raclette: A traditional dish featuring melted cheese served with potatoes, charcuterie and pickles.

• Fondue Savoyarde: A delicious mix of melted cheeses served in the centre of the table with bread cubes for dipping. It's a classic après-ski dish that brings people together.

Meat dishes

• Tartiflette: A hearty dish made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons and onions. Indulge in this perfect comfort food after a day on the slopes.

• Diots: Savoyard sausages are often served with a creamy sauce or stewed in wine, typically accompanied by potatoes.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Trout: Locally sourced trout is often grilled or smoked, served with fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables.

Sweets and desserts

• Tarte aux Myrtilles: A delectable blueberry tart, often enjoyed with a dollop of cream or a scoop of ice cream.

• Crêpes: Whether sweet or savoury, crêpes are a popular choice, often filled with chocolate, fruit or cheese.

Local drinks

• Vin Chaud: Warm up with a glass of mulled wine, a popular choice during the winter months.

• Génépi: A herbal liqueur made from alpine plants, perfect as a digestif after a hearty meal.

Sports and outdoor adventures on your Les Deux Alpes holidays

Les Deux Alpes is a paradise for sports lovers, offering an unbeatable mix of high-altitude skiing, thrilling mountain biking, and year-round adventure. Whether you're here in winter or summer, there’s no shortage of action-packed activities to keep you moving.

• Skiing and snowboarding – high-altitude thrills

  Les Deux Alpes boasts one of Europe’s largest skiable glaciers, ensuring reliable snow conditions throughout the season. With over 220km of pistes, the resort caters to all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Snowboarders and freestyle skiers can test their skills at the world-class snow park, one of the best in the Alps.

• Summer glacier skiing – hit the slopes in July

  Unlike many resorts, Les Deux Alpes offers summer skiing on its glacier, attracting pros and enthusiasts looking to extend their season. With a mix of groomed runs, freestyle zones, and ski schools, it’s a unique experience to carve down the slopes under the summer sun.

• Mountain biking – world-class downhill trails

  In summer, Les Deux Alpes transforms into a mountain biking haven, with lift-accessed trails designed for all skill levels. Whether you’re into downhill riding, enduro trails, or scenic cross-country routes, the resort has some of the best biking in the French Alps.

• Hiking and trail running – breathtaking alpine routes

  With trails leading to panoramic viewpoints, alpine lakes, and hidden valleys, Les Deux Alpes is a fantastic destination for hiking and trail running. Routes vary from easy walks through flower-filled meadows to challenging ascents with spectacular mountain views.

• Paragliding – the ultimate bird’s-eye view

  Take to the skies with a tandem paragliding flight and enjoy breathtaking views over the Écrins National Park. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the stunning landscapes of Les Deux Alpes from above.

• Rock climbing and via ferrata – high-altitude adventure

  For thrill-seekers, the resort offers fantastic climbing opportunities, including via ferrata routes with fixed cables and ladders that allow you to scale dramatic rock faces safely.

• Water sports – rafting and canyoning

  The fast-flowing rivers around Les Deux Alpes are perfect for white-water rafting and canyoning. Whether you’re navigating rapids or sliding down natural rock formations, these water sports offer an exciting way to cool off in the summer months.

• Golf and tennis – a more relaxed pace

  For a change of pace, enjoy a round of golf at the nearby courses or take advantage of the resort’s tennis courts, all set against stunning mountain scenery.

From adrenaline-fuelled winter sports to high-energy summer activities, Les Deux Alpes is a top-tier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're here for the snow, the trails, or the adventure, this resort delivers non-stop excitement all year round.