SUMMER IN LES DEUX ALPES
At the heart of the Oisans region the resort of Les Deux Alpes is a vast outdoor adventure playground for mountain lovers. It offers an amazing array of more than 80 activities, from quad biking to via ferrata, paragliding to sledging. Flanked by the Oisans massif to the west and the Ecrins national park to the east, Les Deux Alpes will lead you into a fascinating world of peaks and summits, rock and ice. The national park alone boasts the finest collection of glaciers in France. ...more
Whether you want to enjoy a lazy holiday on the water or spend the days in an adrenaline-filled haze, Les Deux Alpes really does have it all. Climbing, horse riding, canyoning, motocross, mountain biking, hiking, windsurfing, summer snowboarding…. the list is literally endless.
There are however a couple of must-dos in Les Deux Alpes if you find time for. Take the Croisière Blanche caterpillar snow-bus to Dôme de la Lauze at 3568m to admire the panoramic view out over Europe’s largest skiable glacier. Then explore the curious Ice Grotto with its sculptures 30 metres under ice that has stood there for a thousand years or more.
Skiers won’t want to miss the opportunity to ski on one of the highest ski areas in the world, and from 2800 to 3600 metres (11,800 ft) between 16 June and 01 September 2007, the largest skiable glacier in Europe is open in Les Deux Alpes for summer skiing and snowboarding – from the resort, you can be on the glacier in less than 30 minutes. Snowboarders will love the snowpark where they may well find yourself practising alongside professional riders in training. A summer activity pass allows access to skiing areas as well as free or reduced entrance to more than 25 attractions and activities. The pass is available from the tourist office. A Peak Retreats holiday to Les Deux Alpes was featured on BBC1 Departure Lounge on 2 September 2005. Click here for a summary
If you’re a biker, why not take your mountain bike up in the cable car of Les Deux Alpes to 2600m and then take an exhilarating descent by the Col des Gours for the ride of your life. See details on mountain biking in Les Deux Alpes - http://www.2alpes-vtt.com/. For a less bumpy downhill journey, go carting instead – you can always whiz back up the slopes on a trottiherbe, a sort of mini scooter that goes on grass. Or how about a spot of ice gliding at the open-air ice rink, it’s similar to bumper cars but three times the fun! Play a round of golf facing snow-covered mountain peaks or have a go at one of the 45 different ascents that Les Deux Alpes’ climbing wall offers. You can even bungee jump from one of the highest cable cars in Europe. Canoeing, rafting and hydrospeed (where you swim downriver in a wetsuit, steering yourself with a streamlined float) are just some of the other activities that are available at the resort.
The area’s highest summits can be reached from Bérard, a mecca for walkers and climbers in summer. And be sure to pay a visit to the museum of mountaineering memories in the commune of Saint-Christophe to find out more about the history of mountaineering on the Ecrins massif. Use the pedestrian pass on the tourist lifts to reach the scenic villages of Mont de Lans and Venosc. The Mont de Lans tourist office organises hikes with qualified guides and storytellers while in Venosc, a gateway to the rugged Oisans countryside, you can watch artisans weaving, wood carving and carrying out other traditional crafts. Don’t forget to sample the local honey when you’re there. Of course, you could always just sit back on the terrace of a mountainside restaurant and listen to the gentle sound of cowbells tinkling in the distance.
The pretty little village of Venosc is accessed from a main road turn-off and is linked to Les Deux Alpes by an 8-minute gondola. Its cobbled streets, old chalets, fountains, 14th century church and old-style architecture gives the village and its hamlets a traditional feel. Stroll along the village cobbled streets and discover vaulted ceilings, sundials and a lot of craft shops including silk paintings, jewellery, wood carving, wood painting, weaving…
Enjoy long treks, easy walks, mountaineering and rock climbing in the heart of the Ecrins National Park. A swimming pool, artificial skating rink, tennis courts, a 9-hole golf course, mini golf, 2 summer luge runs, a trampoline area, a climbing wall, 2 archery fields, a sports centre, and a riding centre. In our view Les 2 Alpes is one of the most active centre of the Alps with over 80 different activities to try.
A very child-friendly resort with clubs to entertain children from 6 months to 16 years old.
Places of interest in Les Deux Alpes
· Adventure Park: For adults and children, with monkey bridges, rope ladders, barrels and bungy jumping. In the Vallée du Vénéon – take the cable car from Venosc.
· Grotte de Glace: Several caves dug through 1000’s year old thick ice, are decorated with ice sculptures. High up at 3425m, they can be reached by the lift system and a funicular.
· Discover eternal snow and some of the most stunning views of the Alps from one of Europe’s highest Glacier. From the mountain restaurant at 3200m to the top of the funicular at 3425m you will be amazed by the surrounding summits –La Meije, La Barre des Ecrins and as far as far as Mont-Blanc. From there try the tracked mini bus excursion to the Dome de Lauze at 3568m. Known as Croisiere Blanche is offers a memorable experience in a high mountain environment.
· Those in search of pure Alpine tradition should head for Venosc and its cobbled streets, craft shops & local speciality shops. It is reached from Les 2 Alpes by 8mins gondola.
Children
· Crèche Du Clos des Fonds for children from 6 to 23 months
· Garderie & leisure centre Le Bonhomme de Neige for children 2 to 6 years
· Centre de Loisirs for children 6 to 16 years
· Summer ski schools
· Activity days arranged through the Tourist Office with professional instructors, from climbing to mountain biking, & tennis to golf.
Creche Les Deux Alpes 1800 for children from 6 to 23 months. Rest area, games and activity area, art and crafts.
08h30-17h30 daily. 1 day including a meal - €30
Tel: 0033 4 76 79 02 62 or 0033 4 76 79 20 25
Garderie Le Bonhomme de Neige for children 2 to 6 years. Located in the centre of the resort, equipped with slides, seesaws etc. Qualified staff. Open 08h00 to 18h00
Tel: 0033 4 76 79 06 77 or 0033 4 76 79 20 25
Centre de Loisirs for children 6 to 17 years (various outdoor activities from quad-biking to trampolining) Open Monday to Friday.
For 6-11years – 09h00-12.30 and 14.00-17.00 (meals available from midday to 14h00.
For 12-17 years – 14.30-17.30
Tel: 0033 4 76 79 06 77
Parc de jeux gonflable:Le P’tit Jumper- Leisure park tel: +336 87 19 67 58
On the bottom of the slopes, every day from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 7pm
Entrance 4.50 euro (one hour maxi)
Stages Pitchouns:, multi activities, for little ones from 4 to 7 years, supervised by qualified instructors and/ or mountain guides. Music workshop, ice-skating, walks with donkeys, climbing, mini tennis, and trampoline,
Fort Apache: archery and treasure hunts. Contact: 04 76 79 58 65 or 06 07 17 19 58 or visit:
www.fun-stages-ete.com.
Fun Stages, Multi activity, for juniors from 8 to 18 years, supervised uniquely by qualified instructors and /or mountain guides. Rafting, trampoline, golf, Adventure Park, climbing, tennis, DévalKart, water polo, mountain biking.
Possibility of canyoning for 13 - 18 year olds and possibility of morning ski lessons.
Contact: 04 76 79 58 65 or 06 07 17 19 58 or visit: http://www.fun-stages-ete.com
Amenities in Les Deux Alpes
Open air heated swimming-pool (with 3 baths, incl a paddling pool), Olympic sized ice-rink, two sports centres with indoor pool, squash court, gym…), 2 bowling alleys, library, 120 shops from newsagents to interior decoration.
Cash points, doctors, pharmacies, physiotherapists, several shops, bakeries… All the facilities and services that you would find in a large resort.
Eating Out and Entertainment in Les Deux Alpes
10 bars and piano bars, more than 60 restaurants from fast food to tea rooms including a range of world-wide cuisine (Chinese, Indian, Corsican Italian) as well as gourmet restaurants both in the resort and on the mountain, nightclubs, amusement arcades, cinema… Les Deux Alpes is a very lively resort.
Highlights of Summer Activities
Summer Ski
Open from: Saturday 16th June to Saturday 01st September 2007. From 7.45am to 1.30pm every day, depending on the period.
In less than 30 minutes you can be on one of Europe's largest glaciers (3200m-3600m). 200 skiable hectares on the glacier.
Click here for more details
Mountain biking – For several years the resort has put mountain biking into consideration when managing tracks and paths, organising competitions, and in the use of the winter ski lifts. It has developed to such an extent that today there are action-packed mountain bike events throughout the summer months.
Click here for more details
Mountaineering
On the prestigious peaks, such as la Barre des Ecrins, la Meije and le Pelvoux, steeped in history and at nearly 4000m in altitude. Contact Bureau des Guides des 2 Alpes. tel +334 76 11 36 29,
e-mail guides2alpes@yahoo.fr
Direct booking from 5pm to 7 pm.
Via Ferrata
At Venosc and Saint Christophe en Oisans. The course follows along and above the raging Veneon torents, offering both low and steep faces and stems from one of Isere’s wildest and imposing valleys.
The Snow Cruise
Explore the glacier up to ‘la dome de la Lauze’ (3600m) aboard a caterpillar tracked snow bus. Book at the central lift pass office.
The Ice Cave
At 3400m in altitude, the Les Deux Alpes Ice Cave is the longest and highest in the world. It was dug in the autumn of 1993 by 2 mountain guides, 30 metres under the surface of the glacier. It is home to a number of different sculptures such as a giant dinosaur cartoon characters and trades from times gone by. For more information and booking contact "snow cruise office" +334 76 79 75 03
Walking
Situated where the northern and southern Alps meet, in the heart of the Oisans and on the doorstep of the National Ecrins Park, Les Deux Alpes is an ideal starting point for some incredible hikes. From footpaths through mountain pastures to steep ridges, a secluded stream to a large lake, an urban resort to a forgotten hamlet, the region nurtures its differences. The tourist office has edited a guide of daylong hikes. Ask at the tourist office for a copy. If you wish to be accompanied, the Mountain guides office is always ready to help you. Open everyday from 5pm to 6.30pm.
Contact the Maison des 2 Alpes. Tel: +33 (0) 4 76 11 036 29
Guide publisher Cicerone is worth a look at for books on the Oisans region and Ecrins National Park visit:
Oisans Tour
Ecrins National Park
Paragliding
If you are an experienced paraglider, would like to perfect your skills, fly with an instructor or take you first flight, you will find the air conditions in Les Deux Alpes perfect.
‘Ecole de Parapente Air 2 Alpes’. tel +334 76 80 19 30. Flight for beginners from 60 euros
‘Ecole de Parapente Confident'ciel’. Contact Xavier Dauboin +336 80 55 29 49. Flights from 50 euros
Windsurfing
For an energetic breathe of fresh air try windsurfing or a catamaran on the Chambon Lake. Open throughout the summer from 10am to 8pm.
Skate park
Situated in the centre of the resort.
Water Sports
Canoeing, Kayaking, canyoning, rafting, swimming in ‘white water’… Contact Le Bureau des guides des deux Alpes tel: +334 76 79 21 21
Climbing
Attempt one of 45 climbs on the climbing wall (les Aiguilles de Champame: an artificial structure with 3 faces, 30m in height).
Bungee Jumping
Les Deux Alpes is the home to one of Europe’s biggest bungee jumps (140m), from a cable car 2100m in altitude!
‘Aventure Parc’
Situated in the forest near Venosc village, with several circuits of differing levels. With adventure, discovery, learning how to move between the trees it is an area that everyone from 8 years old can try out.
Relaxation
The resort offers a wide range of well-being and relaxation activities for to give you a chance to unwind. Activities include Jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna, health courses, slimming cures, massages, relaxation, gym, body building, fitness, cardio training, solarium, aquagym…
Quad - A safe circuit, adapated for children of all ages with vehicles of different capacity, several race tracks. Information and bookings at the childrens course, next to the football pitch and the Côte Brune hotel and near the Jandri Express. tel: +336 81 31 64 01, Email quad2alpes@wanadoo.fr
Other Activities
Beach volley, volleyball, football, tennis, squash courts, grass hockey, paint balling, quad-biking, 9-hole golf course, crazy golf, summer toboggan run, trampoline, horse riding, ice-skating, swimming, water chute, archery, treasure hunts, street hockey, skate-boarding, rollerblading, BMX, basketball, water sports, badminton, karaoke, a bouncy castle area, boat/pedalo rides, fishing…
Contacts for activities in Les Deux Alpes
European Ski School (Summer skiing)
Confident ‘Ciel 00 33 6 07 90 24 54 (Paragliding)
Bureau des Guides des 2 Alpes
00 33 4 76 79 21 21 (Climbing, Glacier hiking, Mountaineering)
Adventure Park 00 33 4 76 11 09 79
Or contact the Tourist Office
Les Deux Alpes Tourist Office
Tel +33 476 79 22 00
www.les2alpes.comSUMMER SEASON – Late June to Late August
The BBC’s Departure Lounge (Can we Link the words to Departure lounge to this link http://www.bbc.co.uk/holiday/tv_and_radio/departure_lounge/angellica_summer_ski.shtml) visited Les Deux Alpes in the August 05, praising in virtues as a summer destination, and highlighting a growing trend in the UK for more adventurous choices of summer holiday locations.
In the town of Les Deux Alpes, the winter’s snows begin to thaw from mid-April and the lower pistes are transformed into grassy meadows that bustle with activity. The variety of activities that spring to life include a 9 hole golf course (Par 31), mountain biking routes, BMX park and skating ramps, paragliding, Tennis, a summer luge, kids play area with trampolines, play crèche, archery, beach volleyball, mini quad bikes, marked hiking routes, and much more.
1700 metres above the resort is Europe’s biggest skiable glacier with extensive snow park, and home to some of Europe top boarders and skiers keeping their skills honed. The cable car to the top will take over the heads many downhill bikers taking advantage of the well marked routes down the mountain.
You will also see many cyclists fighting the way up the hairpin bends to Les Deux Alpes, following one of the Tour de France’s toughest route’s.
The other major draws are the traditional Alpine village of Venosc that is a 5 minute cable car or 1 hour hike, down into the beautiful Veneon Valley immediately South of Les Deux Alpes, which also contains the Adventure Park feature by the BBC. Down the valley to the North of the resort is Lac Chambon with its canoeing, and yachting.