Make the most of early season skiing

Enjoy an early season ski break this year

Imprint: By Ian Huyton, Updated 12 June 2025

Here's some more great reasons to make that early ski season trip.

Traditionally the winter ski season begins the last weekend of November or the first weekend in December, and for those of you lucky enough to be there you can count yourselves among the first skiers of the winter.

The start of December can be a great time to ski, the temperatures are usually cold and the snow can be fantastic. The potential downsides are that the snow cover might be poor on the lower slopes and only the main lifts tend to be open.

A lot of your decisions will depend on snow conditions and lift opening. It's important to keep an eye on the forecast, but whether it's sunshine or snow if the temperatures are cold enough, for sure the resorts will have their best snowmaking efforts in operation on the lower slopes.

Whatever the weather, you'll find enough snow to give your legs a good warm up.

Budget Hotels in Les 2 Alpes

For those opening their doors to guests in early December, you may well be offered a lovely discount for being this year's guinea pigs as they try out their new chalet staff. Hotels and apartment rental companies can also be a little bit more flexible on duration of stay at this time of year.

Ibiza Hotel

Location
Les Deux Alpes

Just 300 metres from the slopes in Les 2 Alpes, Hotel Ibiza offers comfort, convenience and stunning Alpine views.
Les Melezes Hotel

Location
Les Deux Alpes

Enjoy a warm welcome and charming Alpine comfort at this hotel in Les Deux Alpes.
Le Sherpa Hotel

Location
Les Deux Alpes

This Dutch-run hotel offers warm hospitality and a good restaurant in the heart of the resort.
L'Adret Hotel

Location
Les Deux Alpes

Experience warm family hospitality at this tranquil Les Deux Alpes hotel, featuring cosy rooms, heated indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, fitness facilities and delicious winter dining.
Les Flocons Hotel

Location
Les Deux Alpes

Discover genuine Alpine charm at this family-run hotel offering cocooning rooms, homemade treats and a welcoming lounge in the heart of Les Deux Alpes.
Serre Palas Hotel

Location
Les Deux Alpes

Set in the centre of Les 2 Alpes, Hotel Serre Palas offers a warm and comfortable stay.

Ski Hire in Les 2 Alpes

At this time of year the ski hire shops have just gotten all their new skis and snowboards ready for this winter's customers. This a great opportunity to take some time to chat to the experts, they will unusually have some time, and try something new. And if you don't like it, take it back and swap for something else.

Chalvin Sports

Location
Les Deux Alpes

No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your first skiing day.
Sport Emotion Centre

Location
Les Deux Alpes

Florence welcomes you to her brand new store in the ski station of Deux Alpes. The store is situated on the main resort road, on the corner of one of the main squares next to the Creperie du Centre.
Les Clarines

Location
Les Deux Alpes

Want to rent skis or snowboards in Les 2 Alpes? Just visit the Skiset Les Clarines store!
Dode Sports

Location
Les Deux Alpes

This family owned ski and snowboard rental shop is located at the foot of the ski slopes, next to the tourist office and only 50 metres from the main lift 'Le Jandri Express'.
Hors Limites

Location
Les Deux Alpes

This ski and snowboard shop is well equipped to suit your requirements and ability.
FL Sport

Location
Les Deux Alpes

No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your 1st skiing day.

Ski Schools in Les 2 Alpes

Not all tour operators are up and running in resort until just before Christmas, so the resorts tend to be quieter, which means it'll just be you, some locals and day trippers. With this in mind the lift pass companies often do special rates for those coming to ski before Christmas, and you can get a private ski lesson booked in to make sure your skills on the slopes are in top condition before the season really gets going.

Private ski lessons

This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
Private ski lessons

This ski and snowboard school has gained a phenomenal reputation since it was established in Les Deux Alpes.
Group ski lessons

This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
Private ski lessons

Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
Private ski lessons

Learn to ski in English or French with a kind, caring and professional, female ski instructor.
Group ski lessons

This ski and snowboard school was first set up in Les Deux Alpes in 2013 and has gained a phenomenal reputation (just have a look at the reviews).

Nightlife in Les 2 Alpes

Early season temperatures tend to be colder, and the forecast is for snow. So, pop into a cosy mountain restaurant or bar and order a well-deserved mulled wine to warm up, or make your way down to one of the bars and hotels at the foot of the slopes.

At this time of year, resort staff outnumber holidaymakers in the bars. It's opening party season and there is something going on almost every night. News usually travels by word of mouth, so pop into a bar for après ski, get friendly with the staff and find out where the party is later on. With fewer people about than in peak season, you will find some busy bars, some quiet ones and some that are still closed.

See our Nightlife Guide

Smithy's Tavern

Location
Les Deux Alpes

Blending Alpine charm with a lively modern vibe, Smithy’s Tavern is a long-time favourite in Les Deux Alpes. Housed in a building that reflects traditional chalet style, the interior surprises with a spacious, contemporary design featuring a vibrant bar and an inviting upstairs restaurant.
The Red Frog Bar

Location
Les Deux Alpes

Tucked at the end of Avenue Muzelle near Place de Vensoc, The Red Frog is a lively pub that captures the true spirit of Les Deux Alpes nightlife. With its friendly, welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the slopes or enjoy a relaxed evening with friends.
Umbrella Bar

Location
Les Deux Alpes

Situated at the foot of the slopes, Umbrella Bar is a lively hotspot in the heart of Les Deux Alpes, welcoming visitors in both summer and winter. Famous for its festive and friendly atmosphere, it’s the ultimate destination for après-ski fun, offering something for all ages to enjoy.
Le Strike Bowling Alley

Location
Les Deux Alpes

For a fun and lively night out in Les Deux Alpes, Le Strike Bowling Alley is the perfect destination. Challenge your friends or family to a few games over a couple of beers, and enjoy some friendly competition in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Motown Café

Location
Les Deux Alpes

Motown café and bar is situated in the heart of Les Deux Alpes.
La Grotte Du Yeti Bar

Location
Les Deux Alpes

Step into La Grotte du Yeti, Les Deux Alpes’ iconic international music bar where the party never stops. Famous for its energetic atmosphere and top-notch DJ sets, the Grotte is where locals, visitors, and legendary Yetis alike come together for wild and unforgettable nights.

Things to do in Les 2 Alpes

In addition to skiing and opening parties, there's always plenty to do away from the slopes, such as ice skating, husky sledding or some early present shopping at the Christmas market.

See our Activity Guide

Behind the scenes at Jandri

Location
Les Deux Alpes

Step inside the heart of Les Deux Alpes’ newest lift and discover the engineering behind the Jandri three-S. Every Tuesday from late December, with extra sessions during the February holidays, you can join a guided visit to the intermediate station at two-thousand-six-hundred metres.
Venosc adventure park

Situated in a natural wooded environment, Adventure Park is a true leisure area used by a wide-ranging public. With monkey bridges, Tyroleans, Tarzan leaps, suspended ladders, trapezes and more.
Ice skating rink

Location
Les Deux Alpes

Right in the heart of Les Deux Alpes, the open-air ice rink offers one of those classic mountain moments you never really grow out of. You’ll find the entrance beside the Saga Centre amusement arcade on Rue des Sagnes, making it an easy stop whether you’re heading out for a stroll, meeting friends or keeping the kids entertained.
Ice cave

Location
Les Deux Alpes

Walk through a two-hundred-metre gallery to reach a magical network of rooms carved twenty metres below the surface of the snow, deep inside the glacier.
Funicular visit

Location
Les Deux Alpes

The Dôme Express funicular offers a unique way to reach 3,400 m, taking both skiers and pedestrians safely beneath the glacier. Starting from 3,100 m, this remarkable transport allows visitors to access the high-altitude environment of Les 2 Alpes with ease, making the glacier more accessible to everyone.
Palais des Sports

Location
Les Deux Alpes

Located in the heart of the resort, the Palais des Sports offers Les 2 Alpes a versatile space for sporting, cultural, and professional events. With 1,200m² of leisure and sports facilities, a large conference room, and an amphitheatre, the centre caters to a wide variety of activities throughout both summer and winter.