Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes is a French ski resort in the Isère department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, set at the foot of a glacier in the Dauphiné Alps. The resort village sits at 1,650 m, while its lifts climb all the way to 3,600 m onto the glacier itself, opening up views toward the Écrins massif and, on clear days, Mont Blanc in the distance. It is France's second oldest ski resort after Chamonix and one of the few places in Europe where glacier skiing is possible for much of the year.

How do you get there?

The nearest major city is Grenoble, roughly a 71 km drive to the southeast through the mountain roads of the Romanche valley. Winter journeys can take longer than the distance suggests, since snow chains are often required on the approach. The closest airports are Grenoble-Isère and Lyon-Saint-Exupéry, both connected to the resort by seasonal coach and ski-transfer services.

What is the skiing like?

Les Deux Alpes is known for having the largest skiable glacier in Europe, which keeps some slopes open for skiing well beyond the standard winter season, though the summer skiing area is more limited than the full winter terrain. In winter, the resort offers a wide network of runs across different altitudes, from steep glacier descents at the top to gentler pistes lower down the mountain. It also claims one of the longest continuously open on-piste vertical drops in the world on a single run, a distinction few other Alpine resorts can match. For skiers looking beyond the marked pistes, the top of the glacier connects on foot to La Grave, one of the most respected off-piste and freeride destinations in the Alps.

When should you visit?

The main ski season runs from autumn through spring, with the resort's full terrain open in the winter months. Because of the glacier, a section of the slopes can remain open in summer, drawing skiers and snowboarders looking to ride outside the usual season. The village's altitude of 1,650 m and lift access up to 3,600 m give it more reliable snow conditions than many lower-lying resorts in the Alps.

What should you know before you go?

Given the altitude and glacial terrain at the top of the resort, pack for cold conditions even mid-season. Mountain roads leading up from Grenoble can be demanding in winter, so it's worth checking road conditions before setting off. Anyone planning to ski down into La Grave should be aware it is unmarked, ungroomed terrain for experienced skiers only, with limited on-slope safety infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you ski at Les Deux Alpes in summer? Yes, thanks to the glacier, part of the ski area stays open outside the standard winter season, making it one of the few European resorts offering summer skiing.

How far is Les Deux Alpes from Grenoble? About 71 km by road to the southeast, via the mountain valleys of the Isère department.

What's the difference between Les Deux Alpes and La Grave? Les Deux Alpes is a fully developed resort with lifts and marked pistes, while La Grave is off-piste terrain for advanced skiers, reached on foot from the top of the glacier.

Is Les Deux Alpes a large ski resort? Yes — it has the largest skiable glacier in Europe and one of the longest regularly open on-piste verticals in the world, placing it among the top Alpine ski destinations.