It's been a bit late in coming but the snow has finally arrived with a vengeance, dumping well over half a metre since the weekend and with pretty much constant snowfall predicted until well into next week.
2 Alpes Snow Report: 6th January 2016
Half a metre over the weekend.
The weekend's weather was largely grey and horrible, and high wind closed most of the upper slopes on Wednesday, but an unforeseen bluebird day on Tuesday brought people out in droves, making 2 Alpes look more like half term than a quiet week in January. And who could blame them - finally it looked like a ski resort, with snow even on the Bas des Pistes, which had been frankly a bit tragic looking three days previous. The Diable and Super D chairs were both running, and Cretes was negotiable on skis rather than in walking boots!
Runs from the top of the glacier down as far as midstation at 2600m are all in good condition, with plenty of loose powder around, although some of them (mainly in the Toura sector) are still narrower than usual and not following their normal path as the dameurs make the most of the snow that's there.
Further down the hill, things remain a little bit sketchy in places, though you can ski all the way to resort thanks to the much-publicised new blue run, which snakes its way down the front face between the Valentin and Diable2.
The blue run from Toura down to the Bellecombe chair was open for the first time this season, but is sprouting a few pebbles – better to keep to the track on the right hand side or cut through to Bellecome with the Sautet chair on your right and then drop into the run back towards Cretes from there.
The track from Bellecombe back to Cretes was in good condition apart from the odd icy patch on the bend, and while the black runs from there to resort remain closed, the new blue has been skiable for the past couple of weeks thanks to some kind of miracle involving snow cannon and a lot of hard work by the dameurs.
As you'd expect, there's not a lot in the way off off-piste skiing available at the moment, and you're quite likely to find that those tempting bits of powder here and there are still full of rocks. Optimists have been giving it a go nonetheless, and even getting away with it in places where the snow accumulates, but far too many of the tracks have clearly taken people over mud and stones, so unless you've got cash to burn on equipment repairs (or old rockhoppers you don’t care about) I'd steer clear for a while yet.
For the moment, Fee, Vallee Blanche and Thuit remain closed. These areas all had literally no snow on the ground at all until last weekend, so it's going to take a little while to build up a base there. As of Thursday a couple of the runs on Vallee Blanche were open, but I’d be inclined for the moment to stick to the glacier side and stay high, where the piste skiing is now in great shape.
The current forecast is for nearly two metres between now and the middle of next week, plus a major drop in temperature from the weekend onwards. With any luck this should be enough to open the rest of resort and even give us a bit of piste-side powder to mess with.
Airport Transfers in Les 2 Alpes
Transfers for Les 2 Alpes
See all Transfers for Les 2 Alpes-
Visit website 
Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Les 2 Alpes from €630 per minivan one-way (weekend rate)
Based in nearby Chambéry, this French-run and registered transport business provides transfers to ski resorts across the French Alps, with years of experience and local knowledge of the roads and conditions. The team speak English fluently (as well as French, naturally), making it straightforward for international and English-speaking visitors to organise their journey and discuss any specific requirements.
-
Visit website 
Shared Airport Transfers
Low-cost and professional shuttle bus transfer service to Les Deux Alpes
Booking with them means your holiday won’t involve the stress of public transport, the cost of private transfers, or the hassle of fitting snow chains on a hire car.
-
Visit website
Shared Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Les 2 Alpes from €155 per person one-way (weekend rate)
Based in nearby Chambéry, this French-run and registered transport business provides transfers to ski resorts across the French Alps, with years of experience and local knowledge of the roads and conditions. The team speak English fluently (as well as French, naturally), making it straightforward for international and English-speaking visitors to organise their journey and discuss any specific requirements.
-
Visit website 
Private Airport Transfers
Geneva to Les Deux Alpes from CHF 625 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
Enjoy exclusive vehicles, direct door-to-door travel and flexible collection times from four major airports. With experienced alpine drivers, premium Mercedes options and vehicles for groups of all sizes, private transfers make reaching Les Deux Alpes comfortable and convenient.
-
Enquire 
Private Airport Transfers
Affordable and reliable private airport transfers to and from Les Deux Alpes
Alp Venture offers safe, reliable and professional private transfers to Les 2 Alpes at competitive prices.
Ski Hire in Les 2 Alpes
Ski Hire in Les 2 Alpes
See all Ski Hire in Les 2 Alpes-
Visit website
Vallée Blanche
Located close to the Place Mont de Lans and the Vallee Blanche lift
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Les 2 Alpes? Just visit the Skiset Vallée Blanche store!
-
Visit website 
Jacques Sports
One stop shop for all your ski and snowboard equipment hire in Les 2 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.
-
Visit website 
SL Sports Telesiege
Located in the hamlet at 2 Alpes 1800, within easy access of the Village chair lift
You will be greeted by a warm welcome in store where they ensure you have a great skiing holiday. A team of technical staff boast know-how, warmth and professionalism.
-
Visit website
Stellalpes
Ski hire located conveniently close to the Tourist Office and Jandri lift
Ski and snowboard Hire centrally located in the very hear of the village. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
-
Visit website 
Brun Sport
Ski hire shop located close to the Tourist Office in Les Deux Alpes
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Les 2 Alpes? Just visit the Skiset Brun Sport store!
-
Visit website
Hors Limites
Save 10% extra: use promo code STWSKI when booking ski hire online
This ski and snowboard shop is well equipped to suit your requirements and ability.
Ski Schools in Les 2 Alpes
Ski School Lessons in Les 2 Alpes
See all Ski School Lessons in Les 2 Alpes-
Visit website 
Group ski lessons
Group ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities
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.
-
Visit website 
Private ski lessons
Quality tuition with English speaking instructors since 2013
This ski and snowboard school has gained a phenomenal reputation since it was established in Les Deux Alpes.
-
Visit website 
Private ski lessons
British school offering a wide range of private lesson options tailored to all ages and abilities
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.
-
Visit website 
Private ski lessons
Private skiing and snowboarding lessons with highly rated instructors
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.
-
Visit website 
Private Ski Lessons
British ski instruction at its very best with over 15 years snowsports experience
Enjoy personalised ski coaching in Les Deux Alpes with a friendly, professional British ski instructor offering over fifteen years of snowsports teaching experience. Lessons are available in English or French for skiers of all abilities, from first-timers to experienced skiers looking to refine their technique. With individual tuition tailored to your goals, a caring approach to teaching and the option of video feedback, you can build confidence, develop your skills and get more out of your time on the mountain.
-
Visit website 
Group ski lessons
Quality tuition in small classes with English speaking instructors
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).
Winter Things To Do in Les 2 Alpes
Wintersport Things To Do in Les 2 Alpes
See all Wintersport Things To Do in Les 2 Alpes-
Visit website
Ice skating rink
Outdoor ice rink, open throughout the winter
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.
-
Visit website
Ice cave
3200m above sea level at the top of the Jandry Express
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.
