Ballsy, young boarders launch themselves at Les 2 Alpes’ challenging off-piste, world-class snowpark and energetic party scene. That said, Les 2 Alpes has plenty to offer all: The high and varied slopes are largely north-facing, so hold the snow well, and afford excellent views. There is also a snow-sure glacier for all abilities.
Beginners will find wide, gentle nursery slopes beside the village and a good choice of ski schools while intermediates enjoy fast cruising on high red runs. More advanced skiers will eat up the powder-filled off-piste. The lively, modern town is stretched along a 2km strip lined with bars, shops, and accommodation for all budgets. A free shuttle bus links all parts of this large resort every 15mins. A six-day ski pass includes access to unpisted La Grave, Alpe d’Huez, and Serre chevalier.
The Mountain
For a big resort, the ski area is smaller than you might think (134km). But the variable terrain does offer something for all levels and its high, largely north-facing slopes, hold the snow well. There is also the snow-sure Glacier du Mont de Lans, served by an underground funicular and drags, with its long, easy runs and awesome views.
Beginners: Beginners have plenty of space to get started on the wide, gentle nursery slopes next to the village and seven of the nursery lifts are free of charge. Above the nursery area is the ridge of Les Cretes which also has gentle runs along it. It’s also worth venturing up to the Glacier du Mont de Lans, served by an underground funicular, with its long, easy runs and great views.
Intermediates: Head high for the best snowsure cruising terrain. For long runs on which to practise turns, the glacier is the place to go and has some pretty awesome views. From the top of the glacier, take the world’s biggest on-piste vertical descent (2,270m) down to Mont-de-Lans. There’s also some good, fast cruising between the glacier and Toura.
Advanced/experts: Some of the best, steepest blacks in Les 2 Alpes include the run down the Bellecombes chair and the shorter black served by the Super Diable chair. Another option is to take a snowcat tow over to the challenging, unpisted slopes of La Grave (covered by a six-day Les 2 Alpes pass). Off-piste is the main attraction for confident skiers.
Off-piste: There’s some great off-piste to choose from in Les 2 Alpes. Some of the best include Grand Couloir Chutes, Clot de Chalance, La Dome Glacier, and La Grave. The Grand Couloir Chutes is made up of three short, steep chutes that are accessible from the Bellecombes chair. The Clot de Chalance is more of an open bowl where you can take any route down to Les Gours piste and is accessed via the Signal lift (Chalance is prone to avalanches). La Dome Glacier from 3400m is a long, off-piste run with a 400m vertical which takes you down to the Signal chair. La Grave is a thrilling, unpisted and untamed ski area (accessed on the Les 2 Alpes ski pass) which is great for advanced skiers or powder fans but not suitable for beginners.
Snowparks: Les 2 Alpes’ snowpark ‘Freestyle Land’ is located in the Toura area at 2,600m. The well-maintained park has a kids’ mini park, a beginner area, and a slope-style line with rails, hips, boxes, tables, a big air jump. There’s also a half-pipe, boardercross and chill-out area.