Les 2 Alpes, France: From Schools To Slopes

By Author: Boštjan Hozjan
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Les 2 Alpes translates in English as The Two Alps; however, the "2" here refers to the two smaller towns to the north and south, Mont De Lans and Venosc. Les 2 Alpes is popular for two reasons: 1) It is lucky enough to have Europe's largest glacier, Mont-de-Lans. It is ski-friendly because it provides open spaces for skiers. 2) Les 2 Alpes comes second to Chamonix as France's oldest ski resorts. Just because it comes as a close second, however, shouldn't take away from its grandeur.

An underground funicular railway titled The Dome Express opened in the late 1990s. It operates in the winter and summer transporting tourists up to almost 3500 meters. On top, sightseers can click their cameras at panoramic vistas. On clear days-generally mornings are unclouded-Mont Blanc can be seen over 100 km away. In the winter, however, the top can close due to unpredictable winds, snow, blizzards or avalanches. If there's a line to the top, you can bet the view will be pretty amazing. Jump in queue and in less than an hour you'll see what all the talk is about.

The 2009 winter ski season will most likely be the same as the 2008. ...
... The skiing started on January 12th and ended on April the 27th. This makes it possible for skiers and borders alike to enjoy the sierra. For both skiers and boarders, there are south-facing slopes ensuring fresh powder and enjoyable weather during all the skiable months.

Les 2 Alpes has accepted snow boarders without prejudice for many years. That's why you'll find reserved spaces, terrain, a boarder cross, half pipe, park and plenty of snow cannons. The boarder cross course, however, is not groomed throughout the day. This lack of maintenance gives way to several daily changes in the land. Plus, you'll be able to jib on the half-pipe, ride the Slide Zone, and thunder down a 185-meter drop with canyons, waterfalls and ledges.

Recently, the Les 2 Alpes ski pass gives you full access to La Grave on any day of the week. Specifically, if you buy a six-day ski pass, you'll have thousands of hectares of off-piste pitches. To get here, you'll have to take the uppermost lift at the Dome de la Lauze. Only try this if you are an expert or, at minimum, with a local guide.

Les 2 Alpes resort starts at 1650 meters. The highest lift takes you to 3568 meters with the longest run lasting an impressive 12 km. Depending on the day, there are 200-220 km of pistes and around 70 different runs. You can literally break up a seven-day week and ride 10 different pistes each day. And, with an uphill capacity of over 65,000 skiers and boarders per hour, Les 2 Alpes gets busy during the high season. This becomes possible with the near 60 total lifts. Be sure to book your Les 2 Alpes hotel way in advance.

The 70 different runs at Les 2 Alpes are surprisingly diverse. At last report, there were 17 beginner, 31 intermediate and 22 advanced runs with 78 snow cannons (over 200 total). This enables you to take the kids out for the morning. Then, ride with friends on the intermediate course after lunch. And later, test your skills on an advanced run or two before dinner. Your day will be long, but almost nowhere else in France will you find as equally a distinct ski resort.

If you're into an apres ski venue to die for, you'll find it at Les 2 Alpes. There are plenty of mountain restaurants and more in town. For those with no time for a meal, you'll find plenty of snacks at the creperie, pizzeria, cafes, bars, gastronimique and raclette (melted cheese plate). If you'll need a shop or two, you'll find a couple hundred to choose from throughout the area. If you want to tire yourself out more, then try the outdoor or indoor swimming pools, outdoor ice rink, hammam, paragliding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, climbing (both ice and wall), squash, tubing, night skiing, tobogganing and plenty more.