Activities in Les 2 Alpes

Below are our three favourite activities in Les 2 Alpes but there are plenty more to choose from. 

Winter sports, skiing and snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding are probably the most popular activities in the La Grave. But we're not talking about lift-assisted, downhill skiing and snowboarding only – there's a whole host of activities that involve boards strapped onto your feet including ski touring and split boarding, cross-country skiing or télémarking. 

There's much more than just skiing and snowboarding in Les 2 Alpes in the winter. The mountains are the perfect setting to go snowshoeing and husky dog sledging, whilst the ice skating rinks in the centre will keep the whole family entertained.

Mountain biking

The trails and bike parks attract hundreds of enduro and downhill biking aficionados every summer. 

Walking, hiking and running

In the summer, the pistes turn into meadows and deep-forested trails to explore on foot. From easy valley strolls to gruelling trail running ascents, everyone can explore the Les 2 Alpes valley's beautiful sunny landscapes.

Check out the selection of things to do below for some holiday inspiration – you'll see that there are plenty of alternatives to skiing and snowboarding in Les 2 Alpes.

Skiing and snowboarding are what bring most people to Les 2 Alpes, and with good reason. Sitting at 1,650 metres with lifts reaching up to 3,600 metres on the glacier, the resort offers reliable snow cover and an impressively long season. There’s something for every level here, from gentle slopes for beginners to steeper runs and snowparks for those looking for more of a challenge. You’ll also find ski touring, cross-country skiing and even summer skiing on the glacier. Whether you’re here to cruise the pistes or try something new, there’s plenty to keep you sliding.

Les 2 Alpes is a great place for climbing, whether you're completely new to it or already have some experience. From natural rock routes in the wider Oisans region to artificial walls right in the resort, there’s plenty to try. Local guides and activity companies are available if you want to learn the ropes or take on a new challenge.

You can also try indoor climbing at the Palais des Sports or get a feel for mountaineering with a guided outing. For a more accessible climb, give Via Ferrata a go, using fixed cables and ladders to help you up the rock face. And in winter, the region’s frozen waterfalls offer the perfect playground for an unforgettable ice climbing adventure.

There’s more to Les Deux Alpes than skiing. If you fancy slowing things down a little, you’ll find a great mix of cultural spots and guided experiences to explore. Step into the magical ice caves carved beneath the glacier or test your nerve on the glass viewing platform high above the La Selle valley.

You can meet the animals and taste local cheeses at the Mollière farm or dive into the area’s heritage at one of the small museums. And if you’re up for venturing further, the Ecrins National Park is just on the doorstep, offering beautiful scenery and a chance to spot Alpine wildlife.

Even if not as famous as the neighbouring resort of Alpe d'Huez, the cycling routes in Les 2 Alpes are quite challenging. 

Some of the most famous cycling climbs in the area are the Col du Jandri (3,141m), the ascent from Les 2 Alpes to the Chambon lake as well as the road from Bourg d'Oisans to Les 2 Alpes. 

Riding in the Alps is much more demanding than your favourite local route back in the UK. The roads around Les 2 Alpes are the setting for some of the most gruelling sections of the Tour de France, but they can be tackled by enthusiasts as well as professionals. To gain the most from your riding in the area it goes without saying you need to have a reasonable level of fitness.

Flying high above Les 2 Alpes is an unforgettable way to take in the mountain scenery. Whether you're soaring silently under a paraglider, taking a scenic helicopter ride or floating in a hot-air balloon, the views over the Alps are absolutely breathtaking. You can try tandem paragliding from the mountain tops, with take-off zones accessed by ski lift, or book a panoramic helicopter flight over the Aravis range, Mont Blanc or even as far as Lake Geneva. For a more peaceful experience, hot-air balloon rides offer a unique way to drift above the peaks. There are also light aircraft and microlight flights available nearby if you're keen to take the controls yourself or simply enjoy the ride.

If you fancy a round of golf with a view, Les Deux Alpes has just the spot. Surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Ecrins massif, this scenic 9-hole mountain course is a great way to spend a sunny summer afternoon. It’s not especially long, but the fast sloping greens and high roughs make it a fun challenge. The course is open from mid-June to early September and buggies are available to hire if you’d rather not walk the fairways.

Les 2 Alpes has plenty of indoor activities for days off the slopes or when the weather’s not great. You can go for a swim, have a session in the gym or tackle the indoor climbing wall. If you’re in the mood for something more relaxed, browse the local shops or unwind at a spa. There’s also a bowling alley with a bar and a cinema, Le Slalom, which shows the latest films with some screenings in English.

Les Deux Alpes is one of the more recent ski resorts to develop its summer programme to include mountain biking. 

The bike park is one of the greatest in the Alps. With four sectors (Vallée Blanche, Jandri, Le Diable and Venosc), 100km of marked tracks, 26 descents, five cross country routes and 10 lifts that can transport bikes it's definitely worth checking out! 

There are various downhill tracks, enduro itineraries and touring courses, a paradise for mountain bikers!

If you fancy a break from skiing, Les Deux Alpes has plenty of snow and ice adventures to try. Go glacier walking with a local guide and take in the dramatic crevasses and high-altitude views, or head out on a husky ride along snowy forest trails. You can be in charge of your sled or sit back and let the guide take the reins. For something a bit more relaxed, there’s an open-air ice rink in the heart of the resort where you can skate or even try bumper cars on ice.

Families will love the free sledging zones around the resort, with areas set up for little ones and older kids too. Snowshoeing is a great option for non-skiers or those looking to explore quieter corners of the mountains, with equipment hire and guided walks available. And if you’re after a dose of speed and adventure, book a snowmobile tour to whizz through snowy fields and forest trails, especially magical in the evening when the slopes are quiet.

If it's calm and relaxation you're after then head to a luxury day spa or book in for massage therapies and beauty treatments. A day spa is also the perfect activity when the weather turns. You can keep warm and revive aching muscles in saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzis or take a refreshing dip in a swimming pool. 

Most hotels in Les 2 Alpes have a spa open to the public. There are also large wellness areas such as Espace 1800 where you will find indoor heated pools and jacuzzi or Aacqua Centre with a sauna, hammam, jacuzzi plus massages and beauty treatments.

Les Deux Alpes is a brilliant base for walking, hiking and trail running, whether you're after a gentle stroll or a full day out in the mountains. In summer, over 200km of marked paths wind through the alpine landscape with routes for all levels, from easy family walks to more challenging hikes. In winter, you can explore groomed trails on foot, with lifts giving access to higher ground and panoramic views.

If you’re into trail running, there are several marked routes around the resort, plus more across the wider Oisans area. You can even tackle a vertical kilometre if you're feeling ambitious. And for something a bit different, give 'ruisseling' a go – a guided hike along frozen streams with crampons on.

Les Deux Alpes is a great base for trying a range of watersports, especially if you're up for a bit of adventure. Just below the resort, the rivers of the Ecrins National Park offer everything from gentle paddling to full-on white water thrills. You can go canoeing or kayaking on rivers like the Vénéon or Romanche, join a guided white water rafting trip or try hydrospeeding – where you ride the rapids headfirst on a float.

If you're after something even more exhilarating, canyoning lets you scramble, slide and abseil your way down steep river gorges. It’s chilly but unforgettable, and ideal for anyone over the age of eight. Most activities are available from May through to September, with experienced guides and all the gear provided.