Preseason update on Les 2 Alpes Glacier 2018

Is the 2 Alpes Glacier ready to open in late October?

Imprint: By Alex Armand - TipTop Ski Coaching, Updated 7 March 2026

In early September 2018, the Lac du Puy Salié, at the bottom of the glacier ski run, emptied spontaneously. Whilst this could have been very dangerous and had disastrous eﬀects for the local villages, the water all ran away on the ‘Valleé de la Romanche’, on the La Grave side of the glacier, causing little problems.

The water came down to the road between La Grave and the Lac de Chambon with a force that can only be imagined. Tonnes of debris were brought down with the torrent as a total of 60,000m³ of water came down in one go.

The resort quickly employed glaciologists and geologists to understand what had happened. The incident was put down to global warming. People imaginations have been running wild with worries that we would not be able to ski on the glacier in the near future. These are all untrue and our glacier has since been declared safe to use which is, of course, a great relief to everyone.

This is very pertinent at the moment as the Tignes glacier has had to delay its opening due to lack of snow cover on the ice. Tignes planned to open on September 29th 2018, a date that has been delayed till further snowfall. Les Deux Alpes will not make a decision on the Toussaint opening (October 27th-28th) untill October 5th 2018, making it public on Monday, October 8th. This resolution will be taken on the basis of the weather forecast only and will not be aﬀected by the events of the Puy Salié Lake. Les Deux Alpes will, of course, ensure that other activities are available during the Toussaint holidays should the glacier not be able to open.

On Sunday night we were alerted of the cols closing. This included both the Galibier and the Lautaret cols due to predicted snowfall. You can imagine our excitement on Monday morning when we woke up to snow-covered mountains again. It snowed down to 2000m during the day and the resort even saw its ﬁrst few ﬂakes in the evening.

After a dramatic start to autumn for the Les Deux Alpes Glacier, it seems that things are returning to normal. Snow is falling at altitude, the colours of autumn are magniﬁcent and we are all turning our minds to winter. We look forward to seeing you on the pistes very soon and will keep you posted with regards to the Toussaint opening here in Les Deux Alpes and also other glacier resorts for autumn skiing.

Ski Hire in Les 2 Alpes

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'.
Slide Planet

Location
Les Deux Alpes

Want to rent skis or snowboards in Les 2 Alpes? Just visit the Skiset Slide Planet store!
SL Sports Telesiege

Location
Les Deux Alpes

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.
Ski Extreme

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.
Stellalpes

Location
Les Deux Alpes

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!
Schuss Sport

Location
Les Deux Alpes

At this boutique you can get your ski hire and outdoor equipment in time to catch the first lifts.

Ski Schools in Les 2 Alpes

Private ski lessons

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

Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
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.
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).

Airport Transfers in Les 2 Alpes

Private airport transfers

They provide the best price for airport transfers to destinations throughout the French Alps, year-round.
Shared airport transfers

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.
Private and shared airport transfers

This company offers private and shared transfers from Geneva Airport to Les 2 Alpes, nearby areas, and resorts across the Alps. With great value fares on all journeys, it’s an easy way to save money.
Private airport transfers

Alp Venture offers safe, reliable and professional private transfers to Les 2 Alpes at competitive prices.

Winter Things To Do in Les 2 Alpes

See our Activity Guide

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.
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.