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Opening parties, music festivals and on-slope events
December is when the lifts are opening and the Christmas holidays are on the horizon.
Early season skiing is a great way to beat the crowds, and December just before the Christmas holidays is one of the quietest times of the year. Off the slopes there will be plenty of entertainment in the form of opening parties, and of course celebrations will include a visit from a certain Père Noël. As you are no doubt aware, most things in December revolve around the last two weeks of the month, schools break up and travellers from near and far descend to enjoy the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout December.
One downside of December skiing is that snow conditions can sometimes be poor, however the temperatures regularly drop below zero, averaging a high of 2°C and a low of -5°C, so the snow we do get should stick around. The glacier skiing at over 3,000 metres guarantees good snow but can be extremely cold, so be sure to pack lots of thermals and warm layers.
December days are short and night falls quickly after the lifts close, but there's plenty of evening entertainment to enjoy whilst you warm up with a glass of vin chaud.
Christmas and New Year is a popular time for families so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the holidays begin. Here are our insider's top tips for the school holidays:
Les Deux Alpes comes alive in early December as bars and venues reopen for winter, giving new staff a chance to settle in and compete to host the best parties. Word-of-mouth is the easiest way to find the hottest spots, just ask a friendly bar worker. If you enjoy hours on the slopes then hours of celebrating, you’ll find plenty of après-ski sessions, plus late-night bars and clubs hosting special events throughout the week.
Always a big night, Les Deux Alpes is full of revellers, the restaurants will be busy, so it would be prudent to make a reservation to ensure you can get a table, and many of the bars and clubs are ticket-only, so if there's somewhere you plan to see in the New Year, make sure you've planned ahead.
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.
Le QG is a lively bar and restaurant known for its brunch menu, cocktails and laid-back vibe. Tuck into pancakes, pizzas, burgers or tapas while soaking up the buzzy atmosphere. A firm favourite with locals and holiday makers for relaxed meals, après drinks and late-night music.
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.
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.
Right in the heart of Les Deux Alpes, Tribeca bar and restaurant is the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes. With its warm, relaxed atmosphere and friendly service, it’s a favourite among locals and visitors alike - whether you’re stopping by for an après-ski drink or settling in for a cosy evening meal.
This little restaurant serves traditional Savoyard style food, salads and grilled meat, all made with fresh ingredients. The bar serves drinks until midnight.
Les Deux Alpes offers a wide range of on- and off-snow activities, from horse-drawn sleigh rides and snowmobiling to swimming pools, gyms, spas, and an ice rink. Two lifts down, you can explore local heritage through artisanal shops and a history museum. On the slopes, weekly events include learning about the glacier funicular, opening pistes with ski patrol, and riding in a piste basher. Enjoy a world-class freestyle park, avalanche transceiver practice areas, an ice cave, and excellent mountain restaurants.
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.
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.
Take a look at our events calendar for all the festive celebrations, whether it's shaking your think at a music festival, getting a selfie with Santa as he makes his way round the resort, or heading up the mountain.
For two weeks at the start of December, you are likely to see some of the most valuable and talented dogs around on the slopes of Les Deux Alpes.
Unique freestyle session at the snowpark on the Toura plateau.
The Rise Festival is in Les Deux Alpes for a week long party, both on and off the mountain.
Take the first lift up with the pisteurs and get the first tracks of the day.
Avenue de la Muzelle, the main street in Les Deux Alpes, transforms into a magical festive arena where you can take a stroll, sip a vin chaud and lose yourself in the festive spirit.
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.
Whether you want to get the first tracks of the new winter or enjoy some parties and live DJ sets, December is a great time to ski in Les Deux Alpes. Book your holiday now and enjoy the snowy Alps.
Find out all about what is happening in Les Deux Alpes and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see, and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsIn winter the resort is host to a number of international festivals and skiing events. The Rise Festival just before Christmas features big name bands and DJs, while other big winter events include the Mad Snow Race in January. In the summer, snow camps and freestyle ski competitions take place on the glacier, while the legendary mountain bike race, the Mountain of Hell, takes place at the end of June.
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