Why Les Deux Alpes is great for families in summer

Most people will know Les Deux Alpes for the fantastic skiing and snowboarding it offers in winter, but did you know that it's also the perfect place to bring kids of all ages for an active summer holiday?

Whatever pace you like to enjoy yourselves at, there are more than enough activities to keep children and grown-ups entertained for a whole summer here. 

Accommodation

In summer, you can find some great deals on places to stay. Self-catered apartments are often around half the winter rate and hotels have good summer rates too. If you go for a bed and breakfast option you can try some of the many family friendly restaurants in the town. Search accommodation. 

For the campers and caravanners amongst you, there are good campsites around the village of Venosc with easy access to Les Deux Alpes via gondola. Camper vans are also catered for with dedicated parking at the entrance to the main resort. Facilities include water, electric hook-up, toilets and waste discharge. Read our Camping Guide. 

Activities

There are so many to choose from it is hard to know where to start – snow sports, water sports, mountain sports, adventure sports, relaxing activities and sights to see. Here is a run-down of the different activity areas of the resort.

Around the village

In summer the beginner ski slopes are transformed into an array of activity zones to suit all ages and tastes. The summer luge lets you toboggan down an artificial bobsleigh track while “dévalkarts” are un-powered buggies for grassy slopes (both accessed by ski lift).

There is a brand new kid-friendly bike skills course and pump-track next to the skatepark plus trampolines, inflatables, tennis, football, golf, beach volleyball, archery, the “Avalanche Simulator” and more.

Also around the village are two swimming pools, an outdoor climbing wall (lessons available), sports centres, bowling, a cinema and an alpine museum. Many activities are free, some are included on a ski pass and some you need to pay extra for.

La Buissonnière, close to the resort entrance, is a scenic little lake with a beach and play area which makes a wonderful picnic site and outdoor swimming/paddling spot. Read more about Summer Activities. 

The Glacier

On Europe’s largest skiable glacier, skiing and snowboarding are possible all summer from early morning until lunchtime. Beginner and improver lessons are available for adults and children over four and there is a world class freestyle park for teenagers who want to jib.

Non skiers can also access the glacier via the Jandri Express gondola. For the best views take the Funicular (underground railway) to the viewpoint at 3400 metres. The sculpture filled ice caves are well worth a visit and the panoramic restaurant at 3200m is open for refreshments and lunch.

Do be aware that being at high altitude is physically tiring, especially for little ones. The effects of sunburn and dehydration are magnified and the temperature can change rapidly. Take plenty of sunscreen, water and spare clothes, and be prepared to pop into the restaurant for a hot chocolate if the children get tired or cold.

Mid-mountain

Between the glacier and the village the mountainsides are filled with hiking and mountain bike trails. The hill walking is very family friendly with well-signposted paths, breathtaking views and lift access. Several charming mountain restaurants cater to hikers and there are plenty of beautiful picnic spots.

Whilst the hiking is beginner friendly, the mountain bike trails are somewhat tougher. Even the green-graded trails here are a challenge for novices. With children it would be sensible to book a lesson with one of the mountain bike schools.

Surrounding villages

Venosc, just a short gondola ride away, is the place to go for watersports (for adults and older children). White water rafting, hydrospeed and hot-dogging are all available. There is also an extensive tree-top high ropes centre with courses for all ages from toddlers to adults. More sedately, there are quaint old streets to explore, craft shops, and a donkey farm.

At the other end of Les Deux Alpes are the pretty villages of Mont de Lans and Bons. Nestled in the woods above Bons is La Molière, where you will find horse riding, husky sledding (with wheels) cheese tasting at the community farm and a mountain restaurant.

Something for everybody

Les Deux Alpes might be best known for skiing and mountain biking in the summer, but whatever brings you here there are just so many options. You cannot help but have a bit-of-everything multi-activity holiday.

Where else can you go skiing in the morning, swing tarzan-like through the trees in the afternoon and finish up sunbathing by the lake while the children play on the beach?

Les 2 Alpes is open for summer until 27th August this year, so if you've not booked your summer holiday yet, think about coming here. You won't be disappointed!

Read more about Family Activities & all Summer Activities.

Follow more from Ian in his blog.