Climbing in Les 2 Alpes
Discover the top Les 2 Alpes climbing
Les 2 Alpes is a brilliant base for climbing adventures, whether you're trying it for the first time or you're already confident on the rock.
There’s a mix of natural and artificial routes to explore, plus expert guides and adventure companies on hand to help you get started or take your skills further.
You can head to nearby climbing spots in the Oisans region, where you'll find everything from beginner-friendly routes to serious alpine ascents. For something different, try indoor climbing at the Palais des Sports or get a taste of mountaineering with a local guide. There are also Via Ferrata routes with ladders and fixed cables for a more secure way to scale the cliffs, and in winter, the region’s frozen waterfalls offer the chance to give ice climbing a go.
Canyoning
Not-so-gentle but extremely refreshing summer activity is one way to describe canyoning! Plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents, jumps and natural water slides – just make sure you choose a warm day! You will make your way along rivers and rapids, using the riverbed as a natural obstacle course. Not suitable for very young children, but anyone over the age of about 8 can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning.
Watersports in Les 2 Alpes
See all Watersports-
White Water and mountain activities
Located in Les Deux Alpes
From white water rafting and mini rafting to canyoning and via ferrata
Ice-climbing
Ice climbing is great if you're the sort of person that likes a bit of adrenaline and a challenge. Whether you're an experienced climber or a beginner you can have a go. There are 600 ice waterfalls you can climb in the Oisans region.
Indoor climbing
If you don't fancy climbing outdoors, or you're new to climbing and want to give it a go in an indoor centre, the Palais des Sports offers an indoor climbing wall. Climbing equipment is not provided.
Sports & Fitness in Les 2 Alpes
See all Sports Centres-
Palais des Sports
Located in Les Deux Alpes
The sports centre in Les 2 Alpes is open throughout summer and winter and offers 1200m2 of leisure and sports space, as well as a large conference room and amphitheatre.
Mountaineering
There are a few companies that can take you mountaineering in both summer and winter, from local guides to ski schools, private instructors and activity companies. The summits of the Ecrins National Park, especially the Barre des Ecrins (4,101m) and La Meije (3,984m) are the most popular peaks in the area.
Via Ferrata
If climbing up sheer rock on the end of a piece of rope sounds a bit scary, then Via Ferrata climbing offers an element of security that still allows beginners to enjoy the achievement of having scaled a mountain!
This form of climbing was invented by Italian soldiers in the Dolomites who used it to enable them to scale vertiginous faces easily and quickly. These days it is a popular sport that makes the thrill of mountain climbing more accessible to children, beginners and those who want a bit more security when they climb.
Following marked routes through the mountains you are helped along by steps, bridges and ladders whilst being roped up for extra safety. Suitable for adults and children over the age of 8, guides can be arranged on request. There are numerous maintained routes throughout the Oisans region on which to explore the mountains from another angle.
Recommended sites are the Gorges de la Durance near Vénosc and alongside the river in St. Christophe.
Guides & Tours in Les 2 Alpes
See all Guides & Tours-
Fun Stages
Located in Les Deux Alpes
Fun Stages is an adventure company that providies activities and courses for children.
-
Veneon Eaux Vives Watersports, Venosc
Located in Venosc
This watersports centre is located between Venosc and St Christophe, not far from the Ecrins National Park.
Caves & Rocks
Les 2 Alpes is a great place for rock climbing for both beginners and experienced climbers. Experienced climbers can tackle the mountainside rock and enjoy the fantastic views (just make sure you have all the right gear and safety equipment). For beginners, there are a number of adventure companies or mountain guides who can take you out on your first climb and show you the 'ropes'.
The Oisans region boasts great climbing for those who wish to see more of the area.
Le Vernis (750m) has 30 routes that are accessible all year round; Venosc (950m) has 51 routes and the climbing season runs from May to October; La Bérarde (1,500 to 2,000m) has a whopping 100 routes and is open throughout spring, summer and autumn; La Chalp (1,000m) has over 35 routes and is also open throughout spring, summer and autumn.
The Ecrins National Park offers a range of climbing routes amongst them the south face of La Barre des Ecrins, a massive 2,000m wall with moderate 5c climbing, La Meije, a huge south face with more than 20 pitches of bolted 6b routes, the granite slabs at Ailefroide. Maps and guides for the various routes can be bought from one of the park information centres.
There is also an artificial 30m outdoor wall at the entrance of the resort with more than 45 routes ranging from 4a to 7c. To climb the south face you need to book at the mountain guides office, the other two are free to use.
