Snowsure: 4.6
- Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing
- Is often closed due to a lack of snow
- Occasionally suffers from a lack of snow
- Rarely suffers from a lack of snow
- Les Deux Alpes is snowsure even in the poorest seasons
Visitor reviews for Les Deux Alpes Ski Resort
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(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
Latest
March 28, 2011
Barnaby Lassen from
United Kingdom
Barnaby Lassen from
United Kingdom
I was in Les Deux Alps w/c 21st March and couldn’t have had a better trip. The snow was fantastic, the park was in great condition and it was sunny all week. We had some snowboard freestyle lessons which really helped us to jib and progress in the park. Well worth booking a private lesson if there are a few of you around at the same standard. As it’s late on in the season you may find you keep doing the same runs as the snow is way better up top. Other things that may get on your goat are the 6 euro beers (fairly standard in France) and amount of dog poo on the streets. Other than that I’d thoroughly recommend the place. Unbelievable portion sizes in some of the restaurants on the slopes. Avoid Chalet Alice as well as it was really run down. I won’t go into detail as I’m reviewing the resort not the chalet.
I’d certainly go back.
Enjoy.
March 18, 2011
Rob from
United Kingdom
Rob from
United Kingdom
Returned from Les Deux Alpes on 12 March after a great week's skiing :-)
We were a bit worried about the lack of snow at resort level when we arrived, and indeed the pistes at resort level were icy in the morning and slushy by the afternoon. However, this wasn't a problem as once we got above the resort (via the Jandri lifts in our case) the skiing was fantastic and the pistes were not adversely affected by the warm conditions affecting resort level ski areas. The variety of runs is good given that the overall pisted area is relatively small compared to some ski areas. My wife learned to ski last year in Avoriaz and so this was only her second season. Being a mixed ability couple L2A was fantastic as were able to ski together on the plentiful blue runs throughout the area (which we couldn't do last year), even at the top run on the glacier at 3650m where you can really appreciate the stunning surrounding scenery. Our friends learned to ski at the resort level pistes this year but by the end of the week were also able ski on the uppermost few blue runs, although some of the other blues (e.g. Jandri / Fee) would probably have been too much for them.
The lift system was mixed. There are some very modern and efficient lifts, as well as some particularly antiquated ones, but overall they served the area reasonably well and access to all the zones was easy and logical. Some lifts and pistes were very busy, particularly so because some of the French schools were still on holiday and the Belgians were on half-term too, but it was bearable and you can get away from the majority of the crowds until it's time to return back towards the resort access points. The green run back to the L2A was closed while we were there, presumably due to the poor conditions lower down, but one of the black runs was open. I didn't attempt this as I chose to stay with the Mrs! Getting the 'white egg' back down to the town was actually fine (this was something I was feeling a bit negative about prior to the holiday).
We found the locals to be very friendly and helpful, with many speaking good English (but it's still polite to make an effort to speak some French, even if it's only Parlez vous Anglais?).
We were initially slightly disappointed with the town itself, it's not the prettiest resort on the block, but we actually grew to like it. Although we didn't go out much (to save cash!!), there is a good variety of pubs, bars and restaurants etc to explore. The supermarket was reasonably priced and we managed a very economical week on a tight budget, including drinking beer and / or wine every night!
In terms of the weather, we had a fantastic week in the sun from arrival day (Sat 5th March) to the Friday - so a lovely bit of well needed sun and warmth as well as great snow - perfect skiing conditions! We also managed to ski until 3pm on the day we left (Sat 12th) as we booked late flight and with the relatively short transfer. It was cloudy in the morning and by the time we got to the glacier the weather had really closed in with low cloud, snow and high winds. Some of the lifts were closed due to the wind and visibility was difficult, but the fresh snow was great! Lower down around Les Cretes area, for example, was fine.
Overall, I can recommend L2A for anyone, particularly if you're with a mixed ability group. It's relatively cheap and cheerful, unpretentious, there's a short transfer from airport and, most importantly, the skiing was good. I ended up with a slight feeling of affection for L2A.
March 14, 2011
Angie from
United Kingdom
Angie from
United Kingdom
Just returned from resort after a very warm sunny week. We were very impressed with the condition of the pistes. They seemed to work all night to keep the ever disappearing snow on the pistes. There were a lot of very burnt faces around. Above the 'white egg' gondola the pistes stayed quite firm and only got slushy on our last day - 11th march. It was almost too hot to stay in the sun. The chairs and lifts are quite antiquated and are in desperate need of updating. Luckily, we were the end of Belle Etoile chair which you could ride both ways and never had to wait. Our stay was marred by our very scruffy self-catering apartment which we are currently seeking compensation for. Otherwise, the people, restaurants and atmosphere were great. The best was an evening in Le Range where we were in a 'snug' they called the wine cellar and had an amazing taster menu with 3 different amazing wines as suggested by Sebastian the manager. We felt like VIPs.
Amazing chill out music everywhere in resort, getting more upbeat as the afternoon, evening wore on. Makes a change from apres ski euro trash usually played in Austria. (Half the fun though!)
March 06, 2011
Danny White from
United Kingdom
Danny White from
United Kingdom
Aalborg Sports Hire - Les Deux Alpes
I have just got back from the amazing resort of Les Deux Alpes. The only thing to spoil the holiday was the treatment received from Aalborg sports hire centre. Beware of this company, they were recommended by the operator Neilson on the transfer into LDA. Whilst I lost a helmet they hired to me during the holiday, I then looked to replace this for them and found exactly the same model on sale in 3 of the nearby sports stores for 49 Euros. I offered to buy them a new helmet, but this was not acceptable, instead Carlos at Aalborg (the jolly company manager) wanted me to pay 120 Euros. Absolutely no reason could be found with this company and as they held my passport they obviously felt that I needed a damn good robbing. The tourist information and Gendarmerie advised that this was malpractice but were unable to intervene.
Also comparing the prices we paid at Aalborg with other visitors I would advise that if you are visiting Les Deux Alpes you avoid this band of thieves like the plague.
January 06, 2011
H from
United Kingdom
H from
United Kingdom
I have just returned from my 2nd ski holiday in Les Deux Alpes. I fail to understand any previous criticism about not being able to ski back to resort. If you can't ski the black back down (as I can't, then take the gondola - what's the problem). I agree it's an excellent resort for all levels of skiers and well worth beginners being able to get up the mountain and ski from day 1. have never experienced any bad manners from lift operators, however, they could do with a kick in the morning to get the drags and gondola's operating on time as those that need to get up the mountain for ski school are often left waiting in long queues. there was also a heavy fall of snow during our week and they were a little slow to piste the slopes which made for a couple of days difficult skiing, i find the resort has plenty to offer in respect of bars and restaurants which having been to a few other more "exclusive" quiet resorts makes a pleasant change to find life after apres ski!! in respect of restaurants it's sad to report my worst French restaurant experience at L'table with extremely rude and aggressive owners over an 8 euro mistake with the bill. They could do with a few Gordon Ramsey tips about customer care. However, I cannot compliment La Spaghetteria enough with their daily plat de jour offers and friendly service. and finally a compliment abpout the Eurpoean ski school which i would highly recommend if you need ski school. Ever friendly instructors and excellent tuition. Our hotel Serre Palas in a very convenient location, excellent 2*, would recommend to those wanting clean friendly hotel if you are seeking a more independent week.
December 18, 2010
inge
inge
We already visited Les2alpes (Les Deux Alpes) several years for our ski-holidays. It's an ideal resort: there is a gletsjer so you can ski until 3200 km! You are always sure to have good snow conditions and there are a lot of different types of slopes (easy, moderate and difficult). Les2Alpes is an ideal family resort: kids learn to ski on easy slopes, even very high on the mountain. Tip: check where your appartement is situated on the townmap: Les2alpes is a narrow but large ski resort and you want to be close to the Jandry Express and good news: Les2Alpes is building a new 'bleu' slope to make the return to the town, it will be located next to the residence 'Cote Brune'.
December 09, 2010
Patrick from
Poland
Patrick from
Poland
The snow park crew wrote (both on their website and on Facebook) the 3200 park is open... Who are they kidding? I spent last week in Les Deux Alpes and by all means the upper park was not open. The situation was as follows:
The weather was mixed - 3 sunny days and 3 cloudy days - but basically for all days except one it would be possible to hit rails.
The park lift was operating only for one day out of six and I could probably finish my report here, because I don't know how you can call a snow park without a lift "open".
Now, what was in the park:
-> one 16m kicker - this was probably the only thing actually working (not for snowboarders though because of speed issues)
-> line of 5m kickers - which I wouldn't say were shaped, they just were there
-> line of five rails - which could be potentially pretty awesome if only it would have been possible to get enough speed
When I asked one of the shapers if they were going to open the 8-10m kickers, he told me that they weren't because "there's too much snow" (sic!) - I have witnesses ;-) !!
To wrap up, I understand it was the season opening and the shapers were already working on the bottom park, but really they shouldn't lie to people by putting the info that the park was open. The other thing is that it would take so little work to actually open the park. It was enough just to open the lift and set up the rails better.
September 02, 2010
Mel from
United Kingdom
Mel from
United Kingdom
Summer riding in L2A (Les Deux Alpes) is great! Glacier opens from 7 or possibly 8 - about 1pm, snow park open slightly later. After ski/snowboard activities are plentiful! If you are against large families with massive amounts of children, this is not the place to be.
This summer was the first summer we encountered problems, with a few Catholic Austrians and the massive turn out this year of Jewish families, which lead in to a few arguments, due to the some Jewish men being rude about Christianity in the J-express gondola!
L2A is really friendly, and as mentioned bonjour and salut gets you very far, and if you speak good enough French, you may even get discounted bikes/boards etc! it worked for me!
Winter skiing in L2A is great too! Snow-sure, and suitable for all types of skiers and riders. Improves are currently being made to open a massive freeride section (La Fee sector) new lifts being installed this summer ready for winter season to come!
July 16, 2010
Snow Goose from
United Kingdom
Snow Goose from
United Kingdom
I have just read through the string of reviews and although there are some valid points being made, if you are looking to go skiing early or late in the season, Les Deux Alpes is one of the few decent resorts with guaranteed snow.
Sure the runs into the village are mostly black or a knee aching green but there is plenty of skiing above these runs to keep most people happy. Skiing back to the resort is not a necessary requirement and in Les Deux Alpes I would advise those who have concerns about skiing blacks to get the gondola. I have seen people freeze on Valentine or slide down on their backsides or, even worse, fall and slide down most of the piste out of control. Know your limitations.
As for the comment that this is only a resort for beginners and low intermediates, I could not disagree more. I have been skiing for over 20 years, twice a year and still find enough to keep me happy. My son learnt to ski here and my daughter is going to learn to ski here this Christmas so I think that this resort can cater for all tastes.
The biggest problem that I have found at Les Deux Alpes is the queue for the gondola first thing in the morning as all of the people need to go up the mountain for ski lessons apart from the very beginners. My advice: go to the "Red Bubble" and make your way to the top from there. This may take longer but at least there is a bit of skiing in between.
This is not the prettiest resort by any means but equally it is not as ugly as some.
I have read a lot about rude and unhelpful staff but on the times that I have been to Les Deux Alpes, most of the people have been friendly and helpful. A "Bonjour" goes a long way!
Overall, just accept that no ski resort is perfect and ski to your strengths and within yourself. This really is a very good resort with fairly well cared for pistes, quite a few km of piste to play on, guaranteed snow and is reasonably priced compared to the more fashionable French resorts. I would recommend it.
March 02, 2010
Will Corder - Ecrins Lodge from
United Kingdom
Will Corder - Ecrins Lodge from
United Kingdom
I own a catered chalet in the region of Les Deux Alpes so get a lot of feed back from my clients. I agree that there is an issue with a lack of easy return runs to the resort. However, having lived for 6 years in Chamonix where you generally have to catch a bus to the bottom of the slopes, before waiting for half an hour to get on a cable car to take you up to the skiing and sometimes have to wait again to return by gondola to the valley, I think a 5 minute gondola back to the resort for those unhappy to ski out is hardly an inconvenience. That said I have chatted to staff at Les Deux Alpes who say that they are looking at plans to create a blue run from La Cretes area directly under the Jiandri Express gondola back to the center of the resort. The resort has recently gone through a change of owners, so fingers crossed they will look at the attitude of their staff. I know Chamonix had a similar reputation for rude staff and this did have an effect on business. They now send their staff on a North American style induction course in customer care and things have changed considerably. Les Deux Alpes, take note.
Nearest