Les Deux-Alpes Ski Holidays

Why choose Les Deux-Alpes

Les Deux Alpes stands out for having one of the largest skiable glaciers in Europe, with lifts rising up to 3,600m. This guarantees excellent snow cover from early December through to late April, and in poor snow years, this altitude makes all the difference. Unusually for a French resort, the easier runs are located at higher altitude, so even beginners can ski on the glacier once confident. With over 225km of pistes and a 2,300m vertical drop, the ski area is varied and rewarding for all levels.

The resort has long been a hotspot for freestyle skiers and snowboarders. The snowpark at La Toura (2,600m) is one of the best in France and includes a half-pipe, jumps, rails, an airbag and progression zones. There’s also a family park, a children’s freestyle area, and more mellow terrain suited to boarders, with fewer flat areas than many other Alpine resorts. Snowboarders also benefit from excellent freeride terrain off the glacier.

Off the mountain, Les Deux Alpes offers a lively resort centre packed with bars, restaurants and shops. Après-ski starts on the slopes in the afternoon and continues well into the night at venues like Smithy’s Tavern and Avalanche nightclub. Despite the busy social scene, the resort is also very accessible for families and groups on a budget, with a wide range of affordable self-catered apartments, hotels and catered chalets available through Ski Line.

Les Deux Alpes is one of the most snow-reliable resorts in the French Alps, thanks to its glacier and high base altitude (1,650m). The glacier ensures skiing is possible throughout the season, with good coverage even in early December or late April. The resort has over 200 snow cannons to reinforce cover on lower slopes when needed, and the vast vertical drop (over 2,300m) means that snow quality can vary across levels, allowing skiers to follow the best conditions throughout the day.

The top of the glacier tends to hold dry, cold snow, while the lower runs into the resort can become heavier during warmer spells. In peak weeks, it’s advisable to start early to avoid queues, especially around the Jandri Express lift.

Skiing in Les Deux-Alpes

Les Deux Alpes has one of the highest skiable zones in France, with lifts rising from the resort village at 1,650m to the glacier at 3,600m. There are 225km of pistes in total, with a good balance of green, blue, red and black runs. The layout is unique with easier runs are found at higher altitudes while the steeper, more technical descents return to resort level.

A recent and welcome improvement has been the regrading of the lower homeward trails. This includes the new blue run that makes the final descent far more accessible for less experienced skiers. This has helped address one of the resort’s longstanding weaknesses, as previously the only options were a busy green or a steep, mogul-prone black.

Beginners skiing

Les Deux Alpes is a strong option for beginners, with five free nursery slopes located in the village centre and a number of wide, confidence-building green and blue runs higher up. Beginners can even ski the glacier safely via easy blue pistes, a rare feature among Alpine resorts. The Jandri 1 and Petite Aiguille runs are excellent for those moving beyond the nursery slopes. There are several ski schools in resort, including ESF and independent operators, offering group and private lessons in English. Please speak with our sales team for help booking lessons in advance.

Intermediate skiing

Intermediates will find a good selection of long, scenic blue runs and enjoyable reds across the ski area. The Mont de Lans glacier run is a favourite, offering a gentle descent of over 10km with impressive panoramic views. The Toura and Belle Étoile areas are also popular for their red runs, while the wide glacier slopes provide high-altitude skiing throughout the season.

Skiers looking to push themselves can explore steeper reds like Vallée Blanche and Diable, which offer a more challenging gradient without the commitment of full black runs.

Advanced skiing

Advanced skiers will appreciate the black runs scattered across the resort, including the Super Diable and Grand Couloir pistes. The legendary 16km Sarenne black run is technically located in Alpe d’Huez, but accessible for two days with your Les Deux Alpes lift pass. The glacier also provides steep descents for those looking to sharpen technique on hardpack.

Perhaps most notably, Les Deux Alpes offers guided access to the legendary off-piste area of La Grave, via a traverse or hike from the top of the glacier. This is not patrolled and is only suitable for experienced skiers with a qualified guide.

Snowboarding

Les Deux Alpes has long been considered one of the best resorts in France for snowboarders. The terrain layout suits riders well, with few flat areas and plenty of wide, rolling pistes. The resort’s snowpark, located at La Toura (2,600m), is a major draw and includes kickers, rails, a half-pipe, superpipe, boardercross and airbag zones. There’s also a family park and dedicated beginner freestyle areas. Snowboarders also benefit from the extensive off-piste terrain, especially around the glacier.

Off-Piste Skiing

The glacier and high-altitude zones offer several off-piste routes directly from the lift system, but for something more adventurous, hiring a guide opens up some excellent options. Snowcat-accessed terrain beyond the glacier and routes leading from the 3,568m Dome de la Lauze down to La Grave provide challenging and rewarding descents for expert skiers. Off-piste safety gear and guiding are essential.

Ski passes and lessons in Les Deux-Alpes

Ski passes

A six-day Les Deux Alpes lift pass currently costs around €311 for adults, €249 for children, and €291 for seniors. Your pass includes two days skiing in Alpe d’Huez, with the option to transfer by helicopter (€65 return) or by bus (typically operating Wednesdays and Thursdays. Early booking is recommended). Also included is one day of skiing in Serre Chevalier, Montgenèvre or Sestrière.

The pass also grants access to the resort’s public swimming pool and outdoor ice rink once per day, offering great added value for families and mixed-ability groups.

Ski schools

Les Deux Alpes has a wide selection of ski schools catering for children and adults, beginners and improvers. Major providers include:

• ESF (École du Ski Français) – the largest and most established, offering group and private lessons for all levels.
• Easiski – British-run ski school with a strong reputation for quality instruction and friendly service.
• European Ski School – English-speaking instructors, known for small group sizes and good beginner packages.
• Proski – Offers private coaching and performance lessons for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Prices for group lessons start at around €170 for 5-6 half days. Private lessons average €55-€75 per hour depending on the instructor and time of year. Children’s ski lessons are widely available from age 3 and up, with special ski garden areas for first-timers.

If you would like help securing ski lessons, our team can assist you when booking your holiday.

Ski accommodation in Les Deux-Alpes

Ski chalets

Ski Line offers a range of catered chalets in Les Deux Alpes, with options including hot tubs and ski-in, ski-out access.

Ski hotels

We offer a solid choice of well-priced, comfortable hotels in Les Deux Alpes. The resort has never tried to compete with the glitz of its neighbours, but it makes up for that with charm and good old-fashioned mountain comfort. Some of our hotels have hot tubs, and a few are right on the piste, perfect for clicking in and skiing off straight after breakfast.

Ski apartments

We have a large selection of self-catered apartments, ideal for families or those looking for a more flexible and budget-conscious stay. These range from basic but comfortable residences to more modern and stylish apartments closer to the lifts.

At Ski Line, our availability and pricing are updated throughout the day, it’s a great way to find the best ski deals and last-minute offers in Les Deux Alpes.

Après ski in Les Deux-Alpes

If we had to sum up après ski in Les Deux Alpes in one word, it would be perfect! This is a resort made for party animals, with one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in the French Alps. The fun kicks off early at Pano Bar, where DJs get the slopes buzzing by mid-afternoon, and carries on into the small hours down in town.

There are over 30 bars to choose from, with something for every mood. Smithy’s Tavern is a long-standing favourite with the younger crowd thanks to its live music and lively atmosphere. The Secret Bar hosts regular gigs and themed nights, while Tribeca is popular with a more mature après crowd looking for cocktails and conversation. When it’s time to dance, Avalanche nightclub keeps the party going from dusk until dawn.

Restaurants

Les Deux Alpes offers a wide variety of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are a few we and our clients recommend:

• La Toura – A slope-side spot serving traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. Cosy atmosphere and seasonal ingredients make it ideal for a relaxed lunch or early dinner.
• L’Alisier – Known for its excellent seafood and refined French dishes, L’Alisier offers mains like duck confit, beef tartare and fresh fish. It’s a smart choice for a more polished evening meal without being too formal.
• Le Cellier – This is the place for hearty Savoyard specialities, raclette, tartiflette, fondue, all served in a warm, wood-panelled dining room. Portions are generous and the atmosphere is friendly.
• Le Diable au Thym – A fusion of French and Mediterranean influences, this popular spot focuses on fresh, locally sourced produce. Dishes include roasted lamb, seafood risotto and creative vegetarian plates.
• Le P’tit Polyte – Les Deux Alpes’ only Michelin-starred restaurant, Le P’tit Polyte offers a refined, fine-dining experience. Expect classic French flavours with artistic presentation in a rustic-chic setting. Booking recommended.
• Casa Nostra – A relaxed Italian eatery serving wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta and generous portions. Perfect for families or groups after a casual meal with quick service and good wine.

There’s also no shortage of casual dining, including pizzerias, burger joints and mountain huts with hearty, good-value food.

Activities off the slopes in Les Deux-Alpes

Les Deux Alpes offers a good range of non-ski activities for days off the slopes or non-skiers in your group. There’s a heated outdoor pool, a large ice rink, and a small wellness centre with sauna and steam room. Dog sledding and snowmobiling are available, and snowcats can take visitors across the glacier to viewing points with stunning vistas of the Southern Alps.

Families will enjoy weekly ice dodgem sessions at the rink, as well as tobogganing and other family-friendly events scheduled throughout the season. You can also take the gondola down to the pretty village of Venosc, which has artisan shops and cafés.