Report compiled by Will Corder and the team at Ecrins
Lodge
Les Deux Alpes is a classic family resort offering over 225km of fantastic
piste skiing for all levels. Originating from two small farming villages,
this lively resort first developed for skiing in 1946 has grown in the
valley between two mountains, hence the name.
The main part of this sun-drenched town offers accommodation at between 1600
and 1800 metres with stunning views over the Ecrins National Park and the
impressive Muzelle at 3465m. The resort has close ties with neighbouring
Alpe d’Huez where you can ski for two days with your six day ski pass.
A free bus service runs between the resort, or travel in style via a very
reasonably prices helicopter shuttle. The high altitude off piste resort of
La Grave can be accessed directly via the glacier.
Les Deux Alpes is one of the most snow-sure resorts in France thanks to the
vast ski areas above 3000 metres. This glacier area has summer skiing from
mid June until the end of August. Along with a system of drag lifts the
glacier is serviced by an underground funicular - perfect when it is very
cold, but also useful for those who don’t care for drag lifts.
In both summer and winter the resort boasts a freestyle park of ‘worldwide
reputation’. Beginners will appreciate a scattering of free lifts situated
directly in front of the resort. Once confident to make a few turns, Les
Crêtes is popular with wide open, easy runs.
Those in search of first time off piste should try the slopes serviced by La
Fée chair lift and for the experts take the link over to the off-piste
resort of La Grave and ski some of the most spectacular terrain in Europe at
nearly 3700 metres. For an end of day challenge, try the snow sure Valentine
black run back into the resort.
Full of Brits > 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > Test my
languages
As well as the French, Les Deux Alpes attracts a high percentage of Italians,
Dutch and of course British. As a result, many any of those who work bars
restaurants and shops speak a number of international languages including
English.
Quiet bars > 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > Beerhalls
and clubs
Les Deux Alpes has an impressive variety of bars and clubs to suit everybody.
For live après-ski music try Smokey
Joes or the Umbrella Bar at the bottom of the slopes. For international
food and a fun bar try Smithies
and for late night dancing head to the Avalanche.
Cheap cheerful food > 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 >
Haute cuisine
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