Travel Eye on Les Deux Alpes (Alps, France)

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Overview:

The main resort of the Dauphine region, Les Deux Alpes is very popular with the Brits. It offers fantastic snow and has a glacier (3568m), the largest in Europe, which allows summer skiing. Boarders will also like Les Deux Alpes, with its park, 'Nitro', and its October World Snowboarders' Meeting.

Advanced skiers should head to the La Fee area for testing black runs and to nearby La Grave for some of the best off-piste around.

Beginners and intermediates have plenty of choice, but should be aware that the level of skiing isn't accurate on the piste map. Firstly, many of the blue are quite challenging; secondly, these pistes can get very crowded (particularly at Le Jandri); and, finally, there is only one easy run back to the resort. The lift system, though, is very efficient.

Les Deux is a popular choice in summer with Italians. During winter the British and Italians still outnumber the French both as tourists and as staff. Beginners and intermediates are well catered for on the high-altitude slopes, but there are very few nursery slopes at resort level. Advanced skiers have a limited choice of slopes.

The accommodation here ranges from less expensive, simpler hotels to modern apartment blocks. A wide choice of mid-range accommodation is in the majority here.

Overall, a good resort for those who want both good skiing and après-ski, with La Grave and the glacier particular pluses. Also, Grenoble Airport is only 90 minutes away.

Locality:

Les Deux Alpes is in south east France, in the south east Isere region. (it is 24 mls SE of Alpe-d'Huez. 46 mls SE of Grenoble. 100 mls SE of Lyon. 70 mls SE of Grenoble and its airport). They are set in a valley running north to south, with east-facing ski-slopes. The west facing slopes have very poor snowfall, so skiing there is limited and cannot be guaranteed.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to:

There are at least 6 different ski-schools, all offering instruction in English. A 6-day ski-pass also gives access to the nearby resorts of La Grave and Vallons de la Meije.

The main area for shopping here is situated along the main street and at the commercial centre at the Place de l'Alpe de Venosc. They are predominantly sports shops selling expensive designer equipment.

During the daytime the activites available include skiing and snowboarding in both winter and summer on the glaciers above the resort. Other winter activities include snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing, with a sports centre offering gym, squash, weight training, sunbeds and indoor pool.

In summer activities include hiking, horse riding, bungee jumping and white-water rafting. There is a heated outdoor pool. Several folk festivals in nearby villages of l'Alpe de Venosc and l'Alpe de Mont-de-Lans for a more traditional feeling of the area.

The nightlife in Les Deux includes cinemas and bowling, as well as a multitude of bars and heaving nightclubs, also night skiing is popular.

There are many reasonably priced snack bars, creperies and pizzerias. There is a choice of several high-quality restaurants offering international cuisine and local dishes.