Base: 1,650m | Summit: 3,600m | Piste: 220km | Lifts: 59 | Season: Dec–Apr (glacier Jun–Aug) | Airport: Grenoble (GNB) — 1.5 hrs
Les Deux Alpes is France’s highest ski resort above the tree line — a glacier at 3,600m, an extraordinary vertical drop, and one of the few European resorts where summer skiing is genuinely excellent. It’s purpose-built, high, and relentlessly focused on the mountain. Known for deep snowpacks, reliable conditions, and a strong British following.
Resort overview
The resort occupies a long plateau at 1,650m with the ski area rising dramatically to the Dôme de la Lauze glacier at 3,600m. The vertical drop of nearly 2,000m is one of the greatest in France. The town is purpose-built — not the most attractive, but functional and well-equipped with good restaurants and a lively nightlife driven by its popularity with British and Scandinavian visitors.
Les Deux Alpes is particularly well-known for summer skiing on the glacier (usually June to August), when most Alpine resorts have closed. It’s also one of France’s best resorts for snowboarding, with excellent terrain parks across multiple levels.
Getting there
Grenoble (GNB) is 1.5 hours — well connected from UK airports with budget carriers. Lyon (LYS) is 2 hours. Geneva (GVA) is 2.5 hours. Transfers are well organised and the approach road is generally clear in normal conditions.
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The skiing
Terrain and pistes
220km spread across a wide altitude range — beginner terrain around the plateau, long blues and reds on the mid-mountain, and challenging blacks dropping from the glacier. The Jandri Express gondola takes you to 3,200m in under 20 minutes. The descent from the glacier to the village covers 2,300m of vertical and is one of France’s great full-mountain runs.
Off-piste and freeriding
The La Grave off-piste area is a short drive away and often combined with a Les Deux Alpes trip for serious freeriders. Within the resort, the glacier terrain offers excellent off-piste options. The resort has a well-established backcountry touring culture.
Ski schools and lessons
Multiple schools including the ESF and Evolution 2, all with English-speaking instructors. Strong snowboard tuition with dedicated park coaches.
Lift passes
Six-day adult pass approximately €255–280. No major multi-resort pass. Book online for savings. Summer glacier passes available June–August.
Where to stay
Accommodation is concentrated along the main resort road — ski-in/ski-out is easily achievable in the central zone. Club Med operates a large property. Several UK-operated catered chalets. The resort has a compact, walkable centre for evenings.
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Après-ski
Popular with British and Scandinavian visitors — lively bars along the main street from late afternoon. Smithy’s Bar and the Avalanche are classics. Good fondue restaurants throughout.
Best time to visit
January and February for the best snow. March for spring sunshine and still-good glacier conditions. June–August for summer glacier skiing — unique in France.
Tips and insider advice
- The glacier run from 3,600m is the must-do descent — start it before 11am when the lower sections soften.
- Combine with La Grave on a day trip for one of Europe’s most extreme off-piste experiences.
- Summer skiing (June–August) is excellent and the resort is significantly quieter than winter.
- The Venosc cable car across the valley connects to a quieter, traditional village worth visiting for lunch.
- Grenoble is worth a night before or after — a genuinely interesting French city with excellent restaurants.
Frequently asked questions
Can you ski in summer at Les Deux Alpes?
Yes — the Dôme de la Lauze glacier at 3,600m offers skiing from June through August, making Les Deux Alpes one of the few European resorts with a genuine summer ski season. Snow quality is good in the early morning; afternoons can be soft. The glacier is also open for hiking and mountain biking in summer.
Is Les Deux Alpes good for snowboarding?
Excellent — the resort has one of France’s best terrain park infrastructures with multiple parks across different levels. The glacier provides a consistent, large park through winter and into summer. A strong snowboard culture exists throughout the resort.
Is La Grave accessible from Les Deux Alpes?
La Grave is about 15km by road — a 20-minute drive. Many visitors based at Les Deux Alpes take a day trip to La Grave, which offers one of Europe’s most extreme and uncrowded off-piste descents from the 3,568m summit of La Meije. A guide is mandatory.
What is the snow reliability like?
Excellent due to altitude. The glacier at 3,600m is consistently covered, and most of the ski area above 2,000m receives reliable snow from December through April. Even in poor snow years, the upper mountain remains skiable.
Is Les Deux Alpes good for families?
Good but not exceptional — the plateau area has gentle terrain for learning and the ski school is well equipped for children. The purpose-built town lacks the charm of Méribel or Courchevel for family atmospherics, but the practical infrastructure is solid.
How does Les Deux Alpes compare to Alpe d’Huez?
Both are major Isère resorts with similar altitude profiles. Alpe d’Huez has more sunshine, better atmosphere, and the Sarenne descent. Les Deux Alpes has higher summit altitude (3,600m vs 3,330m), summer skiing, and a stronger snowboard culture. Intermediates tend to prefer Alpe d’Huez; snowboarders and summer skiers lean towards Les Deux Alpes.
What airport should I use for Les Deux Alpes?
Grenoble (GNB) is closest at 1.5 hours — Ryanair and easyJet serve it well from UK airports. Lyon (LYS) and Geneva (GVA) are alternatives at 2–2.5 hours with more international connections.
What is the lift pass cost?
Approximately €255–280 for six days, slightly cheaper than the Three Valleys or Espace Killy. No Ikon/Epic inclusion currently. Book online in advance for the best pricing.
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