These days, many ski areas claim to ‘have it all’. However, Isère in the heart of the French Alps is one area that can definitely stand up to this label.
The third most popular French skiing destination, the Isère area is made up of 23 resorts. From the charming village of Vaujany to dynamic Chamrousse and the larger, more lively resorts of Les 2 Alpes and Alpe d’Huez, there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets. This means a huge amount of variety in both ski terrain and accommodation options. Whether you’re a family looking for a great place to teach the kids, a group of friends after an energetic week on the slopes or a couple after a romantic mountain getaway, you’re sure to find your ideal spot.
Up on the mountains, you would be hard pressed to find an area with more variety, from beautiful tree-lined slopes and breathtaking high mountain landscapes, to Nordic skiing areas and snow-sure glacier skiing. Meanwhile, down at resort level you will truly experience a taste of real French mountain life, with friendly resorts, cosy restaurants and welcoming local businesses. What’s more, it’s all surprisingly easily accessible – fly into Grenoble and you can be skiing in Isère in less than two hours.
There are a few experiences that really sum up why we love skiing in Isère:
Lunch on a sun-drenched terrace?
Head to Le P’tit Truc, a charming high-altitude chalet with incredible views. Easy access for non-skiers means the whole family can enjoy a mountain lunch together.
Where? Vaujany.
Where to stay: Le Crystal Blanc apartments, Vaujany. 500m from the Alpette cable car with an indoor pool.
Ski the legendary Sarenne descent at sunset!
The famous Sarenne piste is amongst the longest in Europe. Take the last chairlift up to the summit of Pic Blanc (3300m) and ski down as the sun sets – magical and unique.
Where? Alpe d’Huez.
Stay: The luxury 4-star Le Cristal de l’Alpe apartments are in the heart of Alpe d’Huez just 50m from the closest ski lift. Facilities include an indoor pool, sauna, hot tub and spa.
Ski the biggest high-altitude ski area in Europe!
In Les 2 Alpes, you can ski from a top height of 3600m all the way down to 1300m at the village of Mont de Lans without stopping. That’s a huge 2,300m of altitude covering 16km of slopes!
Where? Les 2 Alpes
Stay: The 4-star Cortina apartments are in a lively area just 200m from the Diable lift and have a hot tub, sauna and steam room.
Dine in an igloo!
Experience an unusual dinnertime, enjoying typical mountain cuisine in the atypical surroundings of an igloo!
Where? Chamrousse
Stay: The Villages du Bachat apartments are close to the slopes and ski lifts and have an outdoor pool.
Peak Retreats is the French Alps specialist featuring a selection of handpicked apartments and hotels in Isère, French Alps. Find out more at peakretreats.co.uk/isere or call their team of Alpine experts on 023 9283 9310.
