Les Deux Alpes
In the heart of the Oisans region, Les Deux Alpes is flanked by the Oisans massif to the west and the Ecrins national park to the east. Discover a fascinating world of peaks and summits, rock and ice. The national park alone boasts the finest collection of glaciers in France.
Whether you want to enjoy a peaceful holiday on the water or to fill your days with adrenaline pumping activities, Les Deux Alpes really does have it all. It offers an amazing array of more than 40 activities, from quad biking to via ferrata, paragliding to sledging. During the summer, Les Deux Alpes' ski area turns into a paradise for mountain biking enthusiasts.
With one of the highest ski areas in the world, Les Deux Alpes skiable domain goes from 2800m to 3600m. In May and June, the glacier is open for a short while, mainly for ski racing, professionals and ski teaching. Pedestrians can enjoy the full height of resort and capture amazing views from the Ecrin Belvedere footbridge, and visit the ice caves. A summer activity multi-pass allows access to skiing areas, including direct access to activities when it suits you during your stay in resort. The pass is available online or from the tourist office.
Play a round of golf facing snow-covered mountain peaks or have a go at one of the 45 different ascents that Les Deux Alpes’ climbing wall offers. You can even bungee jump from one of the highest cable cars in Europe. Canoeing, rafting and hydrospeed (where you swim downriver in a wetsuit, steering yourself with a streamlined float) are just some of the other activities that are available in the resort.
The area’s highest summits can be reached from Bérard, a mecca for walkers and climbers in summer. Use the pedestrian pass on the tourist lifts to reach the scenic villages of Mont de Lans and Venosc. The Mont de Lans tourist office organises hikes with qualified guides and storytellers.
Some recommendations for places to visit in Les Deux Alpes this summer
- Grotte de Glace: Several caves dug through 1000’s year old thick ice, are decorated with ice sculptures. At 3425m, they can be reached by the lift system and a funicular
- Discover amazing views from the top of the glacier! The Belvedere des Ecrins is a free ‘Skywalk’ located at the Belvedere des Ecrins, at 3,400m (the Soreiller summit). The Skywalk is seven metres long and stretches out above the Vallée de la Selle, with a 1,400m vertical drop straight down below you.
- E-biking: Les 2 Alpes has designated routes for e-bikes, including Vallee Blanche, Venosc, the Glacier, and the Veneon river. Hire your e-bike from one of the sport shops and the bike schools even organise guided outings. Aventure Electrobike organises rides at sunset. Riders cycle up to the Diable au Coeur restaurant at 2,400m, where they enjoy an aperitif and a BBQ before riding down by night, with a headlight. It costs €50 per person.
- The pretty little village of Venosc is accessed from a main road turn-off and is linked to Les Deux Alpes by an 8-minute gondola. Its cobbled streets, old chalets, fountains, 14th-century church and old-style architecture gives the village and its hamlets a traditional feel. Stroll along the village cobbled streets and discover vaulted ceilings, sundials and craft shops selling silk paintings, jewellery, wood carvings, wood paintings, woven goods and more.
Top summer activities to experience in Les Deux Alpes
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website
Here are some ideas of activities, however there is plenty more on offer!
Les 2 Alpes Bike Park - European leader in its field!
Les 2 Alpes Bike Park is the official name for the entire Les 2 Alpes mountain biking area, open in June, July and August. It is one of the largest bike parks in the Alps! If you’re the adventurous type, you’ll want to head to the area’s more 'hard-core' routes. From the fast, high-altitude downhill tracks to the more technical single-tracked enduro-style routes, you definitely won’t have time to be bored! Drop between altitudes of 2,400m and 900m, as well as a downhill run with a vertical drop! Make the most of its 103km of marked trails for all levels and its 4 ski lifts open all summer.
Here are the stats:
1,500m vertical drop,
11,145m of cumulative vertical drop between 2,400 metres and 900 metres,
1,390m of positive vertical drop in total,
103km of route,
4 x lifts including 2 new Telemix,
21 tracks: 4 green, 6 blues, 7 reds, 2 blacks and 2 élite trail including 15 downhill trails,
2 x enduro itineraries,
4 x E-bike itineraries: 1 green, 2 blues, 1 red,
Dedicated beginners area on Vallée Blanche,
Easy to Ride zone.
Note: from 8 July 2024, renovation work on the Jandri Express will mean that it will no longer be possible to up to 3200m.
Via Ferrata
Via ferrata involves progressing along a set route on metal fixings attached to the mountainside, using similar equipment to climbing. There are routes of varying difficulty and altitude to suit all abilities, so everybody can have fun taking part with friends or family.
Hiking
Situated where the Northern and Southern Alps meet, in the heart of the Oisans and on the doorstep of the National Ecrins Park, Les Deux Alpes is an ideal starting point for some incredible hikes. From footpaths through mountain pastures to steep ridges, a secluded stream to a large lake, an urban resort to a forgotten hamlet, the region nurtures its differences. If you wish to be accompanied, the Mountain Guides office is always ready to help you. There are 7 marked and secured walking trails accessible from the lifts
Discovery walk to Venosc village
At the end of the resort, a footpath goes down to Venosc village under the telecabine. The sloping track leads to the green Veneon valley, with a nice viewpoint on the Muzelle spring in background. From this path, you can also access to the Perron via ferrata. Be sure to take time to visit Venosc, a typical mountain village with charming small local shops and craftsmen.
Time for the way down: 1hr / For the way up: 1hr 45 mins
La Buissonnière swimming lake
Located at the entrance of the resort, discover the lake of La Buissonnière. Man-made beach, swimming zone, playground and petanque ground.
The bathing area is supervised by qualified personnel holding the National First Aid and Water Rescue Certificate at peak times. Outside of peak times, swimming is at the users' own risk and for minors under the responsibility of their parents or guardian.
Skate park
Come and pull off tricks against an exceptional backdrop at one of France’s most beautiful high-altitude skateparks! Set at the foot of the mountain, Les 2 Alpes skatepark is run by the DSK 2 Alpes Skate Krew association which now numbers around 20 local members. You can choose between skateboarding, rollerblading or scootering. You are strongly advised to wear protective gear and a helmet.
Beginner/intermediate space with a rail, curbs and a manual pad,
Intermediate/advanced area with a central module called the Chinese hat, a rail and an uphill and downhill ledge, and a slope with a curb to launch yourself onto the 3rd level,
Advanced/pro area with a ledge, a downhill rail that’s more elevated than the first 2: higher, steeper, more challenging,
A bowl accessible to all abilities.
Summer sledge
2 Rolla-run toboggan run, one fast, one slow. Meet at the Alpette chairlift.
Les Deux Alpes swimming pool
Heated swimming pool located at the bottom of the mountain right next to the Alpette summer sledges. Pool is 25x12m, depth 1.40m. Deckchairs, changing rooms, picnic area, snacks.
Venosc swimming pool
Take the gondola down to Venosc village. Swimming pool os 20x10m with paddling pool. Deckchairs available. Picnic area, changing rooms, snacks. There is also a children's playground close by.
Bowling
The bowling alley Le Strike offers 6 bowling lanes (equipped for children) with a maximum of 8 players per lane. Le Strike also offers arcade games, billiards, table football and a bar.
Golf
Take on Les 2 Alpes’ golf course, a 9-hole course at an altitude of 1,650m, in a magical setting facing the legendary Muzelle!
Les Deux Alpes restaurants and bars
From themed restaurants to haute cuisine, local specialities or traditional French dishes, whether you want fine dining, home delivery or a take-away, Chinese, Indian, Italian - it's all available!
At the end of the day, the après-ski scene starts revving up. There's a warm welcome at the resort's bars and pubs and you can party right from happy hour until the disco ball finally stops turning above the dancefloor at 4am!
Les Deux Alpes is a very lively resort.
120 shops from newsagents, butchers, bakeries, sports shops, gift shops, clothes shops, supermarkets...
Also: cash points, doctors, pharmacies, physiotherapists… All the facilities and services that you would find in a large resort.
There is also a self-service 24/7 petrol station.
Getting to Aussois, France
By road
Driving distance from Calais to Les Deux Alpes approx. 931km (587 miles) (approx. 9hrs). From Calais, take A26 Motorway towards Reims and Troyes, then Dijon, Lyon, A480 Motorway to Grenoble, exit no8 (Stations de l’Oisans), then N91 road to Briancon via Bourg d’Oisans. At the Chambon dam, take D213. It takes approximately 1 hour from the motorway exit to Les Deux Alpes.
By rail & air
The nearest train station for Les Deux Alpes is Grenoble, 85km away.
5 international airports are nearby. We don't book flights, we invite you to do your own research.
Geneva Airport to Les Deux Alpes is roughly 219km, approximately 2hr 30 mins
Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Les Deux Alpes is roughly 140km, approximately 1hr 45 mins
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Les Deux Alpes is roughly 118km, approximately 1hr 15 mins
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Les Deux Alpes is roughly 160km, approximately 2hr
Turin Airport to Les Deux Alpes is roughly 182km, approximately 2hr 30 mins
Private taxi transfers
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.
News and Events 2024
News:
Events:
- Mountain of Hell: 21st-23rd June 2024 - The MOH is 3 intense days of mountain bike racing; course reconnaissance, a qualifying round, a final and a unique atmosphere,
- Vintage Motor Show: 12th-14th July 2024 - exceptional days dedicated to old and rare cars and motorcycles,
- Urban DH Les 2 Alpes 1800: 13th-14th July 2024 - first edition of this mountain biking event.
- Skate contest 'King of the Plaza': 20th-21st July 2024 - skating contest,
- Girls shredding days: 20th July-21st July 2024 - an incredible event 100% GIRL,
- La Défi de la Muzelle: 22nd July-26th July 2024 - trail event, 4 stages starting from Les 2 Alpes for a total of 100km to cover! Each day a new sector to explore… 5 great challenges to take up to challenge yourself more and more on the 4 stages of the race,
- IXS European DH cup: 26th July-28th July 2024 - a mountain bike competition with the elite of the discipline. Come and support the riders taking part in the IXS EUROPEAN DH CUP,
- Fete des Foins: 3rd August-4th August 2024 - a programme in the colours of yesteryear: open-air mass, parade in period costumes, country aperitif, hay-cutting demonstrations, folk groups, flea market and garage sale, sale of regional products…
- Moves on the Top: 3rd August-10th August 2024 - this is the festival not to be missed if you like to sway to the beats of the music,
Experience the resort of Les 2 Alpes in an atmosphere of guaranteed madness, day and night! - Mont de Lans festival: 15th August 2024 - celebrations.
Read about these events and more via the Les 2 Alpes events page!
