Les Deux Alpes is one of France’s oldest ski resorts (second oldest after Chamonix, the location of the largest mountain in western Europe). It is located in Dauphiné area of southern Alps of France. Although the Pied Moutet area is smaller, the main skiing area ascends to the big glacier, making Les Deux Alpes one of the world’s highest resorts as well. The resort’s altitude is 1650 metres while the vertical drop is 2,298 metres. The highest lift is 3,568 metres.
Le Doux Alpes is made up of two Alpine villages (Venosc and Mont de Lans) that were put together to form a ski resort more than 50 years ago. It is a popular skiing destination in Europe today with over 35,000 tourists assembling here at a time.
Dauphiné is located in southeastern France. An independent State from 1040-1349, Dauphiné came under the rule of the Counts of Albon before joining the French Kingdom. As a province of France, Dauphiné kept its autonomy until 1457. Grenoble is the historical capital of Dauphiné.
Les Deux Skiing:
The resort has 220 km of groomed slopes, 20 percent of which is black, 44 percent intermediate while 36 percent easy. Les Deux Alpes has a top skiable elevation of 3,600 meters and a vertical drop of 2,300 metres. The Mont-de-Lans glacier at Les Deux Alpes, located near the top of the main mountain, is claimed to be the largest skiable glacier in Europe.
The gentle slopes and drag lifts at the bottom are suitable for the beginners while there is a ski school that meets at mid-mountain Les Crêtes. The resort has 225 km of piste while opportunities are galore for off-piste skiing. La Grave, Alpe d’Huez (twice weekly bus), Serre Chevalier and a part of the Milky Way (about 400 km) lift pass that extends from Montgenevre in France to the 2006 Winter Olympic resorts of Sestriere and Sauze d’Oulx over the border in Italy, are all included in the same lift pass. The resort has 108 runs (45 beginners’ and advanced runs and 18 advanced runs). The skiing season at Le Doux Alpes extends from early December till mid-April.
Les Deux Alpes Activities:
- Bowling
- Wall climbing
- Parapenting
- Mountain trail
- Swimming
- Playing Squash
- Heli-skiing (contact SAF Helicoptères; see www.saf-helicopters.com)
- Sightseeing in gondola
- Child care:
Le Doux Alpes is known for its superb child care and other family facilities. European Ski School offers excellent training to children (even those ageing four). Bonhomme de Neige Centre, on the other hand offers non-ski care to children between six months to 12 years. - Shopping:
The place is known for its clothes, chocolate and other food item shops. Quiksilver Boardriders Club, La
Marjolaine chocolate shop and Le Montagnard Gourmand are some of the popular outlets here. - Après ski:
Pub Le Windsor, L’Avalanche and L’Opéra are some of the topspots. - Eating out:
There are as many as 80 places to hang out here at Les Doux Alpes. La Bel ‘Auberge, La Petite Marmite, Restaurant Les Fondues de la Raclette are well known.
Les Deux Alpes Accommodation:
- La Farandole (4-star chalet-hotel)
- Hotel Adret
- Hotel Cote Brune
- Resorts like Auris En Oisans (3 km from Les Doux Alpes), Oz en Oisans (6 km), Alpe d’Huez (7 km), Col d’ Ornon (9 km), Vaujany (13 km)
Reaching Les Doux Alpes:
- By air:
Nearest airports: Grenoble (120 km), Chambéry (130 km), Lyon (160 km), Geneva (143 km) - By rail:
Grenoble is the nearest railway station (70 km) - Getting around:
Bus service is available to explore the long resort.
