© Ellie Mahoney
© See2Alpes.com
© Ellie Mahoney
© Valdinet
© Ellie Mahoney
Discover the top Les 2 Alpes activities
The main draw for people coming to Les 2 Alpes in winter is, of course, skiing and snowboarding in one of Europe's highest skiable glaciers. However, there’s a whole host of other activities to do in Les 2 Alpes in the summer as well as in the winter. So, whether you're just looking for something to do when the lifts close or you simply don't ski, we promise you you'll have no time to get bored here!
What to do in Les 2 Alpes?
Les 2 Alpes is an outdoor-lovers paradise. The Alpine town and its surrounding mountains offer hundreds of things to do for every ability and every age. Some activities are perfect for solo travellers while others are more suited to romantic couples. Families and groups will also find a wide range of things to do in Les 2 Alpes. From relaxing to full-on adrenaline, from child-friendly to adults-only, from outdoor fun to indoor bad-weather activities, there is something for everyone in Les 2 Alpes.
Rock climbing
Les 2 Alpes is a great place rock climbing for both beginners and experienced climbers. Experienced climbers can tackle the mountainside rock and enjoy the fantastic views (just make sure you have all the right gear and safety equipment). For beginners, there are a number of adventure companies or mountain guides who can take you out on your first climb and show you the 'ropes'.
The Oisans region boasts great climbing for those who wish to see more of the area. Le Vernis (750m) has 30 routes that are accessible all year round; Venosc (950m) has 51 routes and the climbing season runs from May to October; La Bérarde (1500-2000m) has a whopping 100 routes and is open throughout spring, summer and autumn; La Chalp (1000 m) has 37 routes and is also open throughout spring, summer and autumn. The Ecrins National Park offers a range of climbing routes amongst them; the south face of La Barre des Ecrins, a massive 2000m wall with moderate 5c climbing; La Meije, a huge south face with more than 20 pitches of bolted 6b routes; the granite slabs at Ailefroide. Maps and guides for the various routes can be bought from one of the park information centres.
There is also an artificial 30m outdoor wall at the entrance of the resort with more than 45 routes ranging from 4a to 7c. To climb the south face you need to book at the Mountain Guides Office, while the other 2 are free to use.
Indoor climbing
If you don't fancy climbing outdoors, or you're new to climbing and want to give it a go in an indoor centre, then Les 2 Alpes has somewhere for you to go. The Palais des Sports offers an indoor climbing wall, although here climbing equipment is not provided.
Mountain climbing & mountaineering
There are a number of companies who can take you mountaineering in both summer and winter, from local guides to ski schools, private instructors and activity companies. The summits of the Ecrins National Park, especially the Barre des Ecrins (4101m) and La Meije (3984m) are the most popular peaks in the area.
Via Ferrata
If climbing up sheer rock on the end of a piece of rope sounds a bit scary then Via Ferrata climbing offers an element of security that still allows beginners to enjoy the achievement of having scaled a mountain! This form of climbing was invented by Italian soldiers in the Dolomites who used it to enable them to scale vertiginous faces easily and quickly. These days it is a popular sport that makes the thrill of mountain climbing more accessible to children, beginners and those who want a bit more security when they climb. Following marked routes through the mountains you are helped along by steps, bridges and ladders whilst being roped up for extra safety. Suitable for adults and children over the age of 8, guides can be arranged on request.There are numerous maintained routes throughout the Oisans region on which to explore the mountains from another angle. Recommended sites are the Gorges de la Durance near Vénosc and alongside the river in St Christophe.
Ice climbing
Ice climbing is great if you're the sort of person that likes a bit of adrenaline and a challenge. Whether you are an experienced climber or a beginner you can have a go. There are 600 ice waterfalls you can climb in the Oisans region.
Ice caves
The Les Deux Alpes ice caves are a magical grotto of glistening sculptures and fairytale figures. Dug out many years ago by two local guides they have become an annual feature; each winter expert ice sculptors arrive to create a new exhibition based on a different theme. At 30 metres below the glacier's surface and 3200m altitude, the caves are accessible via a ski lift and a funicular. Open every day from 09:00 to 16:00, accessible via the Jandri Express lift.
Step into the void
For a unique experience, step into the void at 3,400m. Set on the Soreiller summit and just a 5-minute walk from the arrival of the funicular, skiers and non-skiers can experience a 7-metre long step into the void overlooking La Selle valley, 1,500m below.
Farm visits
The Ferme de la Molliere is on bend 1 of the road up to Les 2 Alpes. It's open for visits in summer and winter and is a great place to take the children or to visit for cheese tasting. In winter the children can meet the animals in the farm and pet them, whilst in summer they roam their fields which you can visit on a walk to the farm and its restaurant. Open every day from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 16:30 to 18:00. Tasting sessions of their locally made produce are available by appointment (in French).
Museums & galleries
If you're after a more cultural affair, you can visit the Chasal Lento Museum in Mont de Lans to learn about the region's history and customs, or to the Mémoires d'Alpinisme Museum to know more about mountaineering and how it came to be such an important discipline. You can also head to the Ice Cave, located at 3200m, a unique experience to enter inside a glacier and discover amazing ice sculptures.
Nature reserves & parks
The Ecrins National Park is one of the highlights of the Southern Alps region; a haven for all sorts of wildlife as well as a magnet for outdoor sports enthusiasts, it is well worth a visit at any time of year. The 750,000 people who visit the Ecrins National Park each year are a diverse bunch ranging from serious alpinists, ramblers, hardcore rock climbers, families with children, adrenaline junkies and day-trippers hoping to spot a marmot or two!
Cycling
Even if not as famous as the neighbouring resort of Alpe d'Huez, the cycling routes in Les 2 Alpes are quite challenging. Some of the most famous cycling climbs in the area are the Col du Jandri (3141m), the ascent from Les 2 Alpes to the Chambon lake as well as the road from Bourg d'Oisans to Les 2 Alpes. Riding in the Alps is much more demanding than your favourite local route back in the UK. The roads around Les 2 Alpes are the setting for some of the most gruelling sections of the Tour de France, but they can be tackled by enthusiasts as well as professionals. To gain the most from your riding in the area it goes without saying you need to have a reasonable level of fitness.
Mountain biking
Les Deux Alpes is one of the more recent ski resorts to develop its summer programme to include mountain biking. The bike park is one of the greatest in the Alps. With 4 sectors (Vallée Blanche, Jandri, Le Diable and Venosc), 100km of marked tracks, 26 descents, 5 cross country routes and 10 lifts that can transport bikes it is definitely worth checking out! There are various downhill tracks, enduro itineraries and touring courses, a paradise for mountain bikers!
Lake fishing
There are a number of beautiful mountain lakes, rivers and streams where fishing is permitted in Les 2 Alpes. The lakes are Lac Besson, Lac des Bergers, Lac Blanc, Lac Noir, Lac de la Faucille and Lac de Milieu. You can also fish the waterways of the Sarenne, the Rif Nel and the Rif Brillant. You can expect to find rainbow trout ("truite arc en ciel"), brown trout ("truite fario"), brook trout ("saumon des fontaines") and Arctic char ("omble chevalier"), amongst others. You must, however, ensure that you have the correct fishing permit and are aware of the local fishing regulations.
Gyms
A public gym with cardio training and weights can be found at the Espace 1800 Fitness in Les 2 Alpes as well as at the Aqua Centre 2A. Many hotels also offer fitness facilities.
Team sports
There are small football pitches at the foot of the slopes. They organise a friendly match one Thursday per month for anyone over 8 years old, free of charge, for which you can sign up by the pitch from 14:30. Balls are available on loan. There are also indoor courts at the Palais des Sports. Beach volleyball in the heart of the French Alps may sound strange but in Les 2 Alpes you can hop on the sand and play a game of football or volleyball with your friends or family. Located at the entrance of the resort, the two beach volleyball courts can be used free of charge, and there are even beach volleyball tournaments arranged on a weekly basis. You can also try out beach football there! Balls are available on loan.
Swimming
Most hotels, lots of chalets and apartments have their own swimming facilities. There are also several public swimming baths that you can visit in Les 2 Alpes. The outdoor Piscine de la Croisette has 2 semi-Olympic pools open from 10:00 to 19:00. At Espace 1800 there are indoor and outdoor heated pools, open also from 10:00 to 19:00. At the Buissonière you will find a pleasant lake open from June to September offering also petanque grounds and activities for children.
Helicopter tours
Sit back and admire the mountains from even higher up. Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snow-capped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests of the Alps. From Les 2 Alpes, helicopters can take you over the Aravis mountain range, the Mont Blanc and Lac Leman.
Hot-air ballooning
One of the best ways to take the spectacular mountain scenery from a different point of view is on a hot-air balloon. From Les 2 Alpes you can fly around Lake Annecy, the Aravis mountain range and Mont Blanc. Anyone over 1.2m tall can take part, flights last for around 3-4 hours.
Light aircraft & micro-flights
Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Alps from a light aircraft. If you've ever wondered what it's like to fly a plane, then this could be your chance to try. The nearby resort of Alpe d'Huez has its own small airport where you can partake in a number of flying activities including offers flying courses, initiation (first flight) sessions and air excursions. Open all day, every day according to the weather – reservation necessary. There is also an array of airborne activities for the more adventurous including microlight, hang gliding and parapenting. Book in for an experience you'll never forget, and see the mountains from a totally different perspective.
Paragliding
If you’ve never tried paragliding before then Les 2 Alpes is a great place to learn how to fly. Known as “parapenting” in France, there are a great number of clubs and organisations in the area whose sole purpose is to give you the experience of flying. From the heights of the mountain tops, you can glide down to the bottom of the valley on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor. He manoeuvres the parachute while the passenger enjoys the ride and fantastic views. The main departing area is accessible via Le Diable chairlift.
Golf course
With excellent courses and beautiful scenery, you can play golf in the summer in Les 2 Alpes surrounded by fantastic mountain views. The 9-hole 2 Alpes golf course is open in summer from 09:00 to 18:00. Although not very long, it is a very technical course due to the nature of the terrain with natural and artificial obstacles.
Mini golf
Enjoy a few hours of fun in the summer months on the miniature golf course in Les 2 Alpes. Great for some gentle exercise on a sunny day, Les 2 Alpes also has "Pit-Pat" mini-golf, a cross between billiards and crazy golf.
Horse riding
There is a horse riding centre in Les 2 Alpes offering not only tours but also riding lessons. You can find it just down from the resort on the first bend in the road as you leave, or the last bend as you're coming up the hill. They're closed on Sundays but open every other day of the week in summer.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides
Enjoy a leisurely, fun sleigh ride pulled along by a horse on the snow. There are three trips per day from Les 2 Alpes to La Molière farm that you can choose from at 10:00, 14:00 and 15:30 and the ride lasts for an hour and 15 minutes. Children under 3 are free. Expect to pay around €25 for adults and €20 for children. You can book at the Tourist Office.
Bowling
If you want to take a break from the mountain activities, do something with the family or in a group, then bowling is a great option. Head to Le Strike Bowling Alley on a bad weather day or if you just fancy doing something in the evening after a day on the mountain.
Cinema
Catch the latest films and releases in Les 2 Alpes on your winter or summer holiday at the Cinema des 2 Alpes. It is open every day except Sundays and Mondays with 2 screenings at 18:00 and 20:30. Look out for VO or VOST for English speaking films.
Downhill skiing & snowboarding
Lift-assisted downhill skiing and snowboarding are the most popular activities in Les 2 Alpes. So much so that we could write several guides dedicated to them... and, in fact, we have! Take a look at our Ski Areas, Pistes and Parks Guide where you'll not only find a lot of information on the Les 2 Alpes ski area but also links to many other articles: Ski Lifts Guide, Best Pistes Guide, Snowparks Guide, Beginner Ski Areas Guide, Advanced Ski Areas Guide, Off-Piste Ski Areas Guide, Ski Itineraries Guide and even a guide on the best places to go skiing when the weather is bad.
Summer skiing
If you thought skiing was reserved only for winter, think again! In Les 2 Alpes you can head out skiing on the glacier throughout the summer months. Located on the Girose and Mantel glaciers, there are 11 runs open in summer, so you can enjoy a morning of skiing and then an afternoon of hiking. Learn more about summer skiing in Les 2 Alpes.
However, lift-assisted downhill skiing and snowboarding aren't the only things you can do in Les 2 Alpes while having a pair of skis or a board strapped to your feet.
Ski touring & split boarding
Les 2 Alpes is popular for ski touring, whether it's going up the pistes that most people normally ski down, or tackling more of a backcountry route. A number of ski schools, private instructors and companies can show you around, or if you've got all the necessary equipment you can head out in your own group. There are 3 marked ski touring routes in resort: one close to Les Vallons du Diable, one starting from the Super Venoc chairlift and another one starting from the Vallée Blanche chairlift. The mountain guides also organise evening touring sessions for beginners. For those more experienced, some of the most popular ski touring areas in Les 2 Alpes are the mountains of Les Cerces, the Ecrins National Park and Le Queyras.
Cross-country skiing
There are cross-country tracks available in Les 2 Alpes. You can access them at the bottom of the Vallee Blanche chairlift; they are only suitable for skating style as they are shared with walkers so do not have classic tracks in place. The good news is they are free! However, they are not prepared as well as dedicated cross-country tracks so are not suitable for novices. You can hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops and book a group or private lesson to learn the basics from most ski schools or private instructors. A number of adventure companies also offer cross-country skiing guiding, tours and lessons.
The best cross-country skiing in the area is a half-hour drive away, in the picturesque village of Villar d’Arene. Situated on the edge of the national park, with a variety of well-maintained tracks and views to die for. There is a 3km, 7km and 10km loop to explore you can get day tickets. Equipment hire and instruction are available in the village. There is also a ‘refuge’ by the car park and you can get a great lunch here by the wood-burning stove.
Heliskiing & heliboarding
Heli-skiing is not permitted in France but there are a couple of companies in Les 2 Alpes offering panoramic helicopter rides that include heliskiing. They pick you up in resort and take you over the border into Italy or Switzerland from where you will ski down accompanied by a mountain guide. It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience!
Ski joering
Ski joering hails from Scandinavia, indeed the word ski joering itself means ski driving in Norwegian. In France, the preferred style is to use a rider-less horse which is controlled by the skier. A rig with reigns is connected to the horse’s bridle and the skier is towed along behind the horse on skis, holding onto the rig. The skier steers with vocal commands and by pulling on lines connected to the horse's bit. It is a sport that is suitable for all ages and rides can be tailored to suit any standard of skier, from a gentle hack to a gallop through the snow.
Telemarking
Telemarking is a form of downhill skiing where you are only attached to the binding at the toe, so to turn, you have to lunge and bring your heel upwards. Talk to one of the ski schools or private instructors who can teach you how to telemark and take you out on excursions using this technique.
Speed riding
The idea behind speed riding is to combine the sensations of skiing and paragliding into one activity, and then descend off-piste sections of the mountain using a mini-wing to enable you to access areas that you might not normally go. Learning and having fun with speed riding comes very fast as long as you are a competent skier; you need to be able to ski red pistes with confidence in any type of snow. Speak to one of the companies offering this activity who can show you the ropes (literally).
Glacier walking
For a truly unique experience, clamp on your crampons and go hiking on Les Deux Alpes' Glacier 3200 or on one of the many glaciers in the Ecrins National Park. The breathtaking views and spectacular crevasses make this an incredible adventure and if you are quiet you can sometimes even hear the creaking noise of shifting ice! There are a number of glacial hikes, of varying difficulty, in this region of the Alps. We strongly advise hiring a qualified guide for any activities on a glacier; most mountain guiding companies and some of the adventure companies will run organised excursions to the most accessible.
Husky-dog rides
Be in charge of your own sled and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths in winter around the area of La Molière, Venosc and the Vénéon river. After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start, you set off following the guide’s team. If this all sounds a bit much you can opt for a less physical outing where you sit in the sled and the guide does all the hard work! It's a very popular winter activity, so booking at least 48 hours in advance is a must. They run from early December to the end of April (snow-permitting), last for around 2 hours and there are even children-dedicated rides.
Ice skating
Ice ksating is the perfect activity to do with the family or in a group of you fancy something a little bit different for après ski. There is an artificial 1800m2 ice rink located in the heart of the resort where you can enjoy ice skating every day except Thursdays throughout the winter season from 16:00 to 20:00. Free entry with a ski pass, you can rent skates there.
Bumper cars on ice
Fancy something a bit different to do with the kids? How about bumper cars on ice? The cars are powered by a battery and allow you to bump, slide and crash into the other cars on the rink. Open on Thursdays from 16:00 to 21:00 at the ice skating rink. Cars seat two people.
Sledging
In winter there are four areas or 'Espace Luge' where your children can enjoy sledging or tobogganing in Deux Alpes: Sledge Zone 1 is behind the Bonhomme de Neige day nursery for children aged 2 to 6; Sledge Zone 2 is below le Jandri 1 for children aged over 6; The snow play zone is on the Petite Aiguille run near la Côte chairlift; Sledge Zone 3 is behind the Diable chairlift. It's free to have a go, and parents must stay with their children and supervise them at all times. The different runs are mainly designed for children but adults can have a go on Tuesday and Thursday evenings when the slopes are flood-lit for night skiing.
Snowshoeing
Raquette à Neige or Snow-shoeing in and around Les 2 Alpes is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions or for non-skiers. Don't forget to wear comfortable and waterproof boots. Either set out on your own, or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and explore the hidden parts of the Oisans area. Snowshoes and ski poles are provided by most companies offering this as an experience, or you can hire snowshoes from most Sports Shops or Ski Hire Shops, grab a trail map from the Tourist Office and head off on your own adventure. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go.
Snowmobiling & skidooing
Those who enjoy speed will love riding a powerful snowmobile (like a motorbike with caterpillar tracks) around Les 2 Alpes. Discover the different dimensions of driving; carving turns, accelerating in a straight line, ascents and descents. There are specific circuits for snowmobiles in the highest parts of Les 2 Alpes. Snowmobiles are a great way to explore Les 2 Alpes especially as you get to ride them when the resort is at its quietest. Disappear into the woods and blast around empty snowfields on your scooter with your own guide. Remember to wrap up warmly especially if you go after dark, and bring goggles if there is powder. Booking is essential as it's a popular thing to do. You'll find the office on the snow front near the ice rink.
Spas
If it is calm and relaxation you are after then head to a luxury day spa or book in for massage therapies and beauty treatments. A day spa is also the perfect activity when the weather turns. You can keep warm and revive aching muscles in saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzis or take a refreshing dip in a swimming pool. Most hotels in Les 2 Alpes have a spa opened to the public. There are also large wellness areas such as Espace 1800 where you will find indoor heated pools and jacuzzi or Acqua Centre 2A with sauna, hammam, jacuzzi and offering massages and beauty treatments.
Tennis
Tennis is a great way to get the legs moving and to enjoy the sunny summertime weather. You can play a friendly game or have a lesson, whatever you choose to do it is a great way to have fun with friends and family. Open during the summer season there are 4 artificial tennis courts in Les 2 Alpes which you can book ar the tennis club or in the tourist office. At the Palais des Sports you can also practise tennis indoors.
Squash
At the Espace 1800 in the centre of Les 2 Alpes there are 2 squash courts available year-round. You can also rent squash equipment.
Summer luge
Sledging or luge takes place on the hillside close to the Alpette gondola. Take the lift up and sledge down to the bottom. There are two trails of different lengths and difficulty levels. The lift runs from 13:30 to 20:00, non-stop.
Paintballing
Challenge your friends to a game of paintball in Les Deux Alpes. You can take part in groups as a team or take on your rivals individually, For children, they organize a special game where their instructors hide in the woods and children are free to shoot at them at their will. No shots are ever fired at the kids. It’s great fun and children love it!
Tree-top adventure
Enjoy the thrills of adventure courses created in the forest at the Aventure Parc in Venosc, by the Vénéon river. The ropes, swings, tunnels, trees and activities will be a great day for children and adults alike, with an area for children 3 to 5 years old and tree-top adventures accessible to those over 1m55 (arms stretched). With all the protective gear provided and safety information given you can head out and enjoy the trees and wilderness. Qualified guides will be around the course throughout to make sure you are safe and having as much fun as possible.
Running
There are 3 signalled trail running routes starting at Les 2 Alpes and a longer route from Venosc to Les 2 Alpes. These range from 10 to 30 kilometres with up to 2300m of ascent. You can also try a vertical kilometre in Les 2 Alpes. The wider Oisans area is a paradise for trail runners offering 470 km of paths on 25 marked trails, ranging from 3 km to 51 km and with an elevation gain from 250 m to 3339 m. There are also 4 bases welcoming trail runners in Les 2 Alpes, Auris-en-Oisans, Vaujany and Villard-Reculas (this town also offers a Trail Station with 5 technical activity areas to prepare your run).
Walking & hiking
In the summer months Les 2 Alpes is a mecca for walking and hiking in the beautiful Alpine mountains. As the snow melts and the sun begins to shine the mountains make an excellent place to head out on a hike or walk. There are 200km of paths in the area and you can pick from a number of routes ranging in difficulty, from easy child-friendly walks to challenging day-long hikes. Check out our walking and hiking guide for more details on hiking in Les 2 Alpes.
Winter walking
Les 2 Alpes is a winter walker's paradise, with lifts giving access to the higher ground and a network of groomed trails in the winter, it's very easy to discover the resort on foot. You do not need any particular equipment, just a pair of sturdy boots and layers of warm clothing that you can take off or put on as necessary. A pair of walking poles will come in handy for extra balance on icy patches and for checking snow depth before you go striding forth. Top tip: buy ‘grippers’ for your walking boots to prevent slipping which you can buy from most local sports shops. In Les 2 Alpes you can also try 'Ruisseling', a hike along frozen rivers with crampons on.
Canoeing & kayaking
In the Ecrins National Park, there are several rivers you can descend on a kayak or canoe, including the Vénéon, the Rive, the Eau d'Olle or the Romanche, offering different levels for diverse experiences.
Canyoning
Not-so-gentle but extremely refreshing summer activity is one way to describe canyoning! Plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents, jumps and natural water slides – just make sure you choose a warm day! You will make your way along rivers and rapids, using the riverbed as a natural obstacle course. Not suitable for very young children, but anyone over the age of about 8 can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning.
Hydrospeeding
Hydrospeeding is one of the newer 'extreme' water sports to hit the market, it's a fun and exhilarating way to get yourselves down a river!. Using a large float, which bears resemblance to a bodyboard, be ready to cling on for dear life as you send yourself hurtling down the rapids! This activity is a little more demanding physically than rafting or canoe rafting but allows you to discover the unique sensation of surfing down whitewater rivers. It is also accessible to all, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves. In Les 2 Alpes, you can descend the Veneon river near Venosc on a board wearing a thick neoprene and fins.
White water rafting
If you haven't experienced white water rafting before then this is a definite 'must try' on your list of activities to do! There are a number of trained guides in resort who will let you experience some of the best white water rafting available in the Alps. From the middle of May until September, the Vénéon river flows furiously as they are fed from the meltwaters running off the glaciers high above the town. There are various options available from a three-hour adrenaline rush to a full days excursion - this activity is guaranteed not to disappoint.
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The Deux Alpes Outdoor Festival last weekend was a chance to watch and try out a wide selection of the summer sports available in the resort. Mountain biking, running, skiing, snowboarding and paragliding all featured with opportunities for beginners...
