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.
