How to buy your 2 Alpes ski passes this season 2018/19

Pass options

Most holidaymakers will buy a six-day lift pass for the whole ski area but there are plenty of other options to consider. Those visiting for less than a week will find half-day, full-day and multi-day passes offer better value. Beginners trying out skiing for a few days or less can use the free lifts to start with and then get a cheaper pass covering just the beginner slopes.

Regular visitors should look at the longer-term ski pass options. A season pass might sound expensive but it costs less than four weeks of six-day passes. Buying it early enough brings the price down to less than three weeks of regular passes. The half-season pass can be bought from February 16th 2019 for a little more than the price of two separate weeks. You would only have to ski for two weeks and a weekend to get your money’s worth on this pass. The Liberty or Freedom pass can be bought for up to 20 non-consecutive days, so if you are visiting twice in a winter it is worth considering.

Finally, Les Deux Alpes is part of the ‘Ski à la Carte’ network. This system lets you buy a ski pass for a small one-off fee and use it at any of the participating resorts whenever you want. Each month you are billed for the previous month’s ski days at rates advertised on the website.

Discounts and special rates

There are lower prices for children under 12 and adults over 65. Those under five or over 72 can ski for free but do still need a ski pass. This can be obtained by showing proof of age at one of the main ticket offices.

A range of other discount options is also available. Families and groups of three or four can get a discount of 5-10% if they buy their passes together. Look for the ‘Tribe’ or ‘Crew’ passes to buy these. Large groups get one free pass for every 20 paid for. Pedestrians can buy a cheaper pass covering all the lifts which are accessible without skis. Cheaper ‘pre-season’ passes are available from the start of the season until December 22nd. Disabled skiers can get a 30% reduction and, if required, a helper or carer can ski for free. Seasonal workers can apply for a discounted season pass with proof of their employment. Students can get 10% off and qualified ski instructors around 45%. You may need to show French paperwork to qualify for these prices.

Ski schools and tour operators are often able to provide ski passes at a discount to customers who are buying lessons or accommodation. This will usually be offered at the time of booking the lessons or the holiday. These prices make it worthwhile for beginners to get a six-day pass, even though they might not use the paid ski lifts until the second or third day.

What is included

Standard ski passes cover all the lifts in Les Deux Alpes, including the Venosc gondola. Five-day and longer ski passes give you free access to the swimming pool and ice rink, although skate hire is extra. Night skiing is also available most evenings as long as the Lutins piste is open. Six-day and longer ski passes give you six days in Grande Galaxie resorts. You can spend up to two days in Alpe d’Huez and a day each in Serre Chevalier, Mongenevre, Puy St. Vincent and Sestrières. Season passes extend this to 20 days in Grand Galaxie resorts plus a day in Flaine.

Buy your ski pass online

To save time, you can buy your ski passes online in advance. You just need to insert your desired pass (pedestrian or Grand Domaine), the number of days you want to ski and your starting date, as well as the number of skiers and their ages. Any discounts you might be eligible for will be automatically deducted. You then choose if you want insurance, which we recommend you get.

If you already have an old Les Deux Alpes ski pass or a compatible one from another resort, you can reload this by typing its number into the website. If you need a new pass, you'll have to pay a €2 fee. You can either have it delivered for €4 (or €6 for a tracked letter, only available in France). Be aware that there is a 10-day delay for delivery outside France and seven days within France.

You can also pick it up when you arrive in resort at one of the ski pass offices or self-service terminals. Since the aim is to avoid waiting at the ticket desk, we suggest using one of the self-service ticket machines to collect your passes. These are located at the main square and Diable ticket offices.

Buy your ski pass in resort

In resort, the full range of tickets can be bought at the three main ticket offices. The biggest is in the main square at the foot of the Jandri Express lift. There is also a ticket office in the Information Point at the entrance to the town and a brand new one near the bottom of the Diable chairlift. Small ticket offices are located at the bottom of the Venosc, Petit Aiguille and Village lifts, but these may not be able to sell the less common types of ticket. An increasing number of ski hire shops are able to sell or renew ski passes too.

Using your ski pass

When skiing, keep your ski pass securely zipped in a left-hand pocket. The system will read the pass through your clothing so there is no need to take it out. Try to keep it away from your phone and contactless credit cards, and make sure there are no old ski passes from the last holiday hiding in your jacket.

Keep the receipt marked ‘Justificatif’ in a safe place separate from the pass. If you lose your pass or have any problem with it, this will allow you to get a new one for a nominal replacement charge. Without the receipt, you would have to pay the full price for a new ski pass. If you keep your old ski pass, you will be able to reuse it on your next visit and save yourself €2. You can also reuse it in other resorts that have compatible passes.

Read more from our reporter Ian on his website.