Les 2 Alpes

Les 2 Alpes is one of France’s most vibrant and snow-sure ski resorts, famous for its huge vertical descents, year-round glacier skiing, and lively après-ski. Sitting at 1,650 m in the Oisans region, with pistes reaching up to 3,600 m on the Glacier de Mont-de-Lans, it offers one of the largest vertical drops in the world — over 2,000 m from top to bottom.

Built in the 1960s, Les 2 Alpes has grown into a resort with 220 km of pistes, a thriving freestyle scene, and a reputation as one of the best all-rounders in the French Alps. Its long, straight village strip has everything from budget apartments to smart hotels, ski shops, lively bars, and restaurants. While it may lack the chocolate-box charm of Savoyard villages, it more than makes up for it with snow reliability, variety, and energy.

With a glacier that guarantees snow almost year-round (including summer skiing), Les 2 Alpes has become a favourite for skiers and snowboarders who want reliable conditions, a youthful buzz, and plenty of terrain to explore.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Les 2 Alpes’ skiing is defined by altitude, vertical, and variety.

• Beginners: Wide nursery areas at village level and gentle blues higher up make Les 2 Alpes a surprisingly good choice for learners. Dedicated ski schools and free beginner lifts help ease the first steps.

• Intermediates: This is paradise for confident intermediates. Long, rolling reds and blues sweep down from the glacier all the way to resort. Runs like Jandri and Super Diable provide endless mileage and spectacular views.

• Experts: Les 2 Alpes offers tough blacks like Grand Couloir and access to legendary off-piste. The neighbouring resort of La Grave, linked by lift, is a mecca for advanced skiers seeking untamed descents and couloirs. Guided skiing here is bucket-list material.

• Freestylers: The Les 2 Alpes snowpark is one of Europe’s best, with pro-level kickers, rails, and halfpipes, as well as beginner-friendly lines. It’s hosted international freestyle events and remains a magnet for snowboarders and freestyle skiers.

The sheer vertical — from glacier at 3,600 m to village at 1,650 m — gives Les 2 Alpes a sense of scale few resorts can match. On a good day, skiing from top to bottom in one go is an unforgettable experience.

Ski Lift Passes (2024/25 Season)

Lift passes in Les 2 Alpes cover the full 220 km of pistes, plus La Grave access for advanced skiers.

• Adult: ~€63/day | ~€315 for 6 days
• Child (5–12): ~€50/day | ~€250 for 6 days
• Senior (65–71): ~€50/day
• Under 5s & over 72s: Free

Deals:

• Family passes available.
• Beginner passes at reduced rates.
• Season passes include summer glacier access.

More info: Les 2 Alpes ski passes.

Resort & Infrastructure

The lift system has been steadily modernised, with gondolas and high-speed chairs reducing bottlenecks, though the long Jandri Express gondola to the glacier can still be busy in peak weeks. Snowmaking covers most lower slopes, while the glacier ensures reliable conditions even in late spring.

Les 2 Alpes’ layout — a long, straight strip village — means most accommodation has easy access to lifts, and the free shuttle makes getting around simple. Unlike many resorts, ski-in/ski-out convenience is widespread.

Accommodation

Les 2 Alpes has a wide variety of accommodation, catering to every budget.

• Budget: Self-catered apartments and hostels for groups and younger skiers.

• Mid-Range: A mix of 2★–3★ hotels, catered chalets, and residences along the main strip.

• Luxury: A growing number of 4★ hotels and spa residences, such as the Hotel Chalet Mounier, which combines alpine charm with fine dining.

Overall, the resort is more affordable than high-end destinations like Courchevel or Val d’Isère, making it popular with families and groups of friends. Browse via the official accommodation search.

Dining & Après

Dining in Les 2 Alpes is diverse and affordable. On the mountain, restaurants such as Le Diable au Cœur and La Troïka offer hearty fare with panoramic terraces. In town, you’ll find everything from pizza and crêpes to traditional Savoyard specialities.

Après-ski is one of the resort’s strong points. Umbrella Bar and Le Pano Bar are slope-side party spots with DJs and live music, while in town, Smithy’s Tavern and L’Avalanche nightclub keep the nightlife buzzing into the early hours. The vibe is youthful, international, and high-energy.

Non-Skiing Activities

Les 2 Alpes has plenty to offer away from the pistes.

• Ice skating, bowling, and a cinema in the village.
• Snowshoeing and paragliding for adventure seekers.
• Indoor swimming pools and spas for relaxation.
• Snowmobiling and dog sledding for family fun.
• Summer glacier skiing and mountain biking add year-round appeal.

Its lively atmosphere ensures non-skiers won’t feel left out.

Village Character & Access

Les 2 Alpes is a purpose-built resort, but its long strip layout and mix of buildings give it more variety than some 1960s stations. The atmosphere is lively and youthful, with a strong international presence. It may not be the prettiest resort in the Alps, but its energy and convenience are undeniable.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Grenoble, Lyon, and Geneva are closest (2–3 hrs).
• By train: Eurostar/TGV to Grenoble, then bus/transfer (~1.5 hrs).
• By car: Around 9 hrs from Calais.

InTheSnow Verdict

Les 2 Alpes offers big skiing, big vertical, and big atmosphere. Its glacier ensures excellent snow reliability, its terrain caters to every level from beginner to expert, and its après-ski is among the liveliest in France. The connection to La Grave gives advanced skiers one of Europe’s most legendary off-piste areas, while families and intermediates enjoy the wide, rolling pistes.

It may lack the picture-postcard looks of traditional villages, but for snow-sure skiing, variety, and vibrant atmosphere, Les 2 Alpes is one of the most exciting resorts in the French Alps.