Les 2 Alpes: A Powder Paradise for All Budgets
Les 2 Alpes delivers exceptional value compared to other French resorts, with affordable lift passes and reasonably priced accommodation options ranging from self-catering apartments to luxury hotels. The resort benefits from a high-altitude glacier ensuring reliable snow conditions throughout the extended season. Even during challenging winters, the higher slopes remain skiable when other resorts struggle, making it a dependable choice for early and late-season trips.
Diverse Terrain and Modern Lift Infrastructure in Les 2 Alpes
The mountain offers an impressive variety of terrain across its expansive ski area. Beginners enjoy gentle nursery slopes near the village, while intermediates can cruise the wide blues and reds that form the resort's backbone. Advanced skiers will find challenging blacks, accessible off-piste, and the famous Vallée Blanche itinerary. The lift system has seen significant investment, with high-speed chairs and gondolas efficiently moving skiers up the mountain, though some older lifts remain in quieter sectors.
Vibrant Après-Ski Scene Attracts a Diverse Crowd
Les 2 Alpes has earned its reputation for lively après-ski, with slope-side bars like Pano Bar pumping music as skiers descend in the late afternoon. The village continues the party atmosphere with numerous bars and clubs staying open until the early hours. While not as raucous as St Anton or Ischgl, it strikes a perfect balance between energetic nightlife and relaxed mountain charm.
Perfect for Mixed-Ability Groups and Value-Conscious Powder Hunters
The resort attracts a broad spectrum of skiers, from university groups drawn by the affordable prices and nightlife to families appreciating the quality ski schools and range of non-skiing activities. You'll find British, Dutch and French visitors creating an international atmosphere throughout the season. The extensive beginner areas and challenging advanced terrain make it particularly well-suited to mixed-ability groups, while powder enthusiasts come for the accessible off-piste opportunities and glacier skiing. It's not as posh as Courchevel or as hardcore as Chamonix, giving Les 2 Alpes a welcoming, unpretentious character that keeps visitors returning year after year.
What do real skiers and snowboarders say about Les 2 Alpes
According to Snomad users, the top 5 favourite things about Les Deux Alpes are:
- High-altitude slopes with reliable snow conditions, particularly the glacier area which offers skiing even later in the season
- The lively après-ski scene and nightlife, with venues like Umbrella Bar, Pano Bar and Avalanche getting specific mentions
- The excellent lift system, particularly the new Jandri gondola which has significantly improved access
- A good variety of runs for all abilities, with beginners able to access the higher parts of the mountain
- Great value for money compared to other Alpine resorts, with affordable food options in town
Our users particularly appreciate that the resort combines reliable snow conditions with vibrant nightlife, making it a well-rounded destination for groups with varied skiing abilities.
What did our reviews mention as criticisms of Les 2 Alpes
Based on the reviews from Snomad users, the least favourite things mentioned are:
- Flat runs that are tricky for snowboarders
- Limited run openings, particularly early season
- Busy queues, especially at Jandri lift in the mornings
- Getting tracked out early in the day
- The time it takes to reach the glacier/top of the mountain
Several users mentioned these issues alongside their otherwise positive experiences, with the flat sections being particularly challenging for those on boards rather than skis.

Reviews
Is Les 2 Alpes snow sure?
Les 2 Alpes enjoys excellent snow reliability thanks to its high altitude, with skiing available at up to 3,600m on the Mont de Lans glacier. This elevation, combined with extensive snowmaking facilities covering 200 hectares, ensures good conditions throughout the winter season from December to late April. Even during challenging snow years, the resort's high alpine terrain typically maintains quality skiing conditions when lower resorts might struggle.
Who are the typical visitors in Les 2 Alpes?
Les 2 Alpes attracts a diverse crowd of skiing enthusiasts. Families appreciate the excellent ski schools and gentle nursery slopes, while advanced skiers come for the steep descents and glacier access. It's especially popular with freestyle skiers and snowboarders drawn to the world-class terrain park. University groups and young adults flock here for the lively après-ski scene. The resort also welcomes summer glacier skiers and mountain bikers looking to enjoy the varied Alpine terrain outside of winter.
How long do people spend there?
Skiers typically flock to Les 2 Alpes from late December through February, with peak crowds during school holidays and weekends.
The quietest periods are typically early December, mid-January after the Christmas rush, and late March when the winter crowds thin but conditions remain excellent.
The best snow conditions usually occur from mid-January to early March, when the resort benefits from reliable snowfall and cold temperatures that preserve both the glacier and lower slopes.
Whats the typical cost of a ski trip to Les 2 Alpes
A typical week-long ski break in Les 2 Alpes costs approximately £800-£1,200 per person including accommodation, lift pass, equipment hire and flights. This positions it as a mid-range option in the French Alps, generally more affordable than premium resorts like Val d'Isère or Courchevel, but slightly pricier than budget destinations such as Les Arcs or La Plagne. The value is excellent considering its extensive terrain and reliable snow conditions.
Is Les 2 Alpes good for beginners?
Les 2 Alpes is excellent for beginners. The resort boasts gentle, wide nursery slopes at the top of the mountain, which is unusual and beneficial as the snow quality tends to be better at altitude. They offer reasonably priced ski schools with English-speaking instructors, and there's a good progression of green and blue runs to help novices develop their skills. The resort also provides dedicated slow zones, making it a welcoming environment for those new to skiing.
What mountain range is Les 2 Alpes part of?
Les 2 Alpes sits within the stunning Écrins Massif, part of the majestic French Alps. This impressive mountain range stretches across southeastern France, creating a dramatic backdrop for one of Europe's most iconic ski destinations. The resort benefits from the high-altitude glacial terrain that the Écrins offers, providing exceptional snow conditions and breathtaking alpine vistas throughout the season.
Where should I stay in Les 2 Alpes
For the best overall hotel in Les 2 Alpes, Chalet Mounier stands out with its perfect blend of traditional Alpine charm and luxury. This 4-star establishment offers exceptional dining at their restaurant P'tit Polyte, a stunning spa, and is located just a short walk from the main lifts.
The most family-friendly option is Hôtel Ibiza, which provides spacious family rooms, a children's playroom, and a heated outdoor pool. Their dedicated kids' club and proximity to the beginners' slopes make it perfect for families.