LES DEUX ALPES - Introduction
An excellent snow record, high altitude (one of the highest in the Alps at 3,568m), a glacier and a very large ski area combine to make Les Deux Alpes a favourite resort for visiting British skiers. This resort is set in the Dauphine region of the Southern Alps and enjoys many hours of sunshine - another reason for its continuing popularity. Every level of skier will enjoy a substantial variety of terrain and beginners making their first hesitant turns will benefit from the excellent conditions on the glacier. At the other end of the ability range, advanced skiers will certainly relish the challenge of neighbouring La Grave and its glacier. The 43 blue and 16 red runs will keep most intermediates more than entertained. Off the slopes, visitors can try paragliding, ice skating, outdoor swimming and an ice circuit for bumper cars and snow scooters. This is a lively resort with a very good choice of bars, restaurants and shops.
Skiing
Extensive skiing in a big, bustling resort; the higher you go, the better the skiing, the brighter the sun and the fewer the crowds. Lifts fan out across the upper and lower slopes of the Meije and the Venosc, providing a wealth of skiing for beginners close to the village and a good selection of intermediate trails higher up.
Snowboarding
The resort has welcomed boarders for a number of years and has built up quite a deserved reputation – there’s even a dedicated boarder school, boardercross, a fun park and a half-pipe. The top of the glacier hosts the annual Mondial du Snowboard competition. Freeriders should head to La Grave for more extreme off-piste boarding.
Ski Schools
The European ski School offers group lessons based on age and ability, for either a full or half day. The Crêche du Village takes kids from 6 months to 2 years, the Garderie du Bonhomme de Neige takes children from 2 to 6 years, and the Office de Tourisme has a list of local babysitters. Pre booked lessons are availble from SkiExtras, why not grab a quote?
Eating Out
Chalet de la Toura at the top of the 2600 area is highly recommended for both food and views. The Panoramique and its terrace does its best to make sure it lives up to the name, and the Pastorale at the top of the Diable gondola is also worth a mention. The resort as a whole doesn’t lack altitude restaurants, which can be found at most major lift junctions, but the quality of food is nothing to shout about. If you’re looking for a bit of haute cuisine, head to the Chalet Mounier restaurant. Le Dahy and La Patate are recommended for their good food and friendly atmosphere. If you’re looking for something that’s typically French, head for the Bel Auberge, whilst for something cheaper try the Spaghetteria or the Vetrata
Bars and clubs
The nightlife here is rocking with plenty of fun bars across the resort. Deux Alpes gets lots of traffic from Grenoble at weekends which adds to the nightly buzz. Brits have made Mike’s and The Windsor their own over the years, and Smokey Joe’s and The Baron have well-earned popularity, too. For great music and atmosphere head to Bar Bresilien. The main nightclub, the Avalanche is always worth a visit.
Off the slopes
Take the gondola ride to Venosc for a more inspiring day out. Mountain restaurants are accessible via the lifts and there are plenty of mountain walks to follow. The sports facilities have plenty of activities to offer from sports to relaxation. A helicopter ride across the resort is well worth it for the breathtaking views.