Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes stands in a fortunate position, with an altitude of 1650m and the highest skiable point at 3600m, meaning the resort is kept well stocked with the white stuff, even in the worst of winters. Situated close to the village is a range of gentle nursery slopes and a choice of ski schools, ideal for beginners. Many of the lifts in this area are free, which is a big thumbs up for newbies.

Intermediate skiers are well catered for with plenty of long runs providing good practice terrain. Indeed Les Deux Alpes is home to the biggest on-piste vertical descent in the world, starting from the top of the glacier down to Mont-de-Lans. New for winter 2015/16 is the Jandri 1 piste which now allows you to ski back to resort on a blue run instead of making the tough choice between a narrow, busy green or a steep black. Jandri 1 is the final leg of the impressive Jandri piste which offers 2000m of vertical descent in one run, from the top of the glacier at 3600m back down to resort at 1600m.

For advanced skiers looking for a challenge, favourites include a run down the side of the Bellecombes Chair and a shorter section served by the Super Diable Chair. The off-piste options will not disappoint, including the Grand Couloir Chutes, Clot de Chalance and the La Grave. The three areas provide a good mix of experiences with Grand Couloir consisting of short and steep chutes, Clot de Chalance offering a range of routes down to Les Gours and La Grave being the perfect place to mix it up on an untamed ski area.

Snowboarders will not be disappointed with a freestyle section located in the Toura area. There is also a kids' park and a beginner area.

A total of 47 lifts, (including drag, chair, gondola and cable car), give access to the slopes. This includes 765 hectares of off-piste terrain and 25km of cross country ski trails. As would be expected in such a popular resort, the queue for the lifts can be very busy, so head out early whilst everyone else is stocking up on carbs for the day ahead! And another insider tip to beat the queues, head to the south of the village and use the Diable chair which is less prone to early morning queues.

So does the resort of Les Deux Alpes have a specific claim to fame? Perhaps so, unlike many ski resorts, skiing on piste is actually available in the area most of the year round. The area also claims to have the biggest skiable glacier in Europe, which also with many easy runs available and great views.

Les Deux Alpes is essentially a purpose built resort. However, Venosc brings the quaint factor with winding cobbled streets full of craft shops and restaurants. As you would expect from such a large resort, the central shopping area has plenty of outdoor sports shops. Shopaholics will also be glad to know there is still plenty of other shopping to be done with fashion, jewellery and gift stores all on hand.

As well as skiing Les Deux Alpes, away from the piste, the resort offers a host of other activities. If you happen to be taking advantage of the summer weather, you will find the Golf Club open during the season. Those concerned with keeping up appearances will be glad to know that there are beauticians and therapists on hand, ideal for massaging away aches and strains gained on the piste.

Other activities include snow-mobiling, ten pin bowling, ice skating and paragliding. Perhaps a more interesting way to pass the time is to hire a segway; brilliant on snow, it offers a more novel way to get around!

Les Deux Alpes holidays are well known for being lively. There are around 42 eateries and 30 bars, so finding somewhere to relax after a long day on the slopes is not difficult. If you are self-catering, Poirot Fabien and Crepes a Gogo are a good place to stop for breakfast, or grab something to go and beat the lift queue.

L'Elis's restaurant serves pizzas and simple pastas from as little as 8 euros, and families with children might appreciate the take-away service. For those looking to treat the taste buds, Le P'Tit Polyte is the place to head. Managed by Michelin starred chef Benoit Lornu, menus include treats such as crayfish and foie gras. There are also plenty of restaurants located mountain side, with open barbecue terraces offering a great place to kick back and relax, and enough hot chocolate to warm up chilly fingers.

Those looking to take full advantage of the impressive party scene will be happy to know that clubs stay open till around 4am! The Avalanche Club is something of an institution and the crowd get their groove on to a mixture of dance and house music. Pub Windsor is a good bar to head to for budget drinks, and there are over 100 beers to choose from, so your hand will never be without a mug. There are bars with outdoor terraces and DJs, with happy hours between 3-4pm to get the vibe going before the crowds head to Avalanche.

Les Deux Alpes has an extended ski season due to the altitude and glacier skiing. The resort is open from mid-June to August and for a week in October, coinciding with the French half term. The winter season kicks off from the end of November and stays open till late April.

There is a wide range of ski passes available depending on age, length of time and experience. A standard 6 day adult full area lift pass starts from is 237 Eur. Ski France guests are also able to take advantage of a 5% discount on the public lift pass price with their accommodation.

There are a wide range of shops offering ski equipment to hire or to buy. We advise booking well in advance of travel just to get your 30% discount as a Ski France client.

There are six major ski schools in the resort. Most of the schools offer English speaking lessons but Evolution 2 Ski School and European Ski and Snowboard School are both British orientated. Both schools have comprehensive websites and can be contacted by email or phone for enquiries.

There are a range of childcare options depending on age: Baby Club/Mini Club Le Panorama 18month to 12 years old Bonhomme de Neige Childcare Centre 6month to 2 years old Bonhomme de Neige Leisure Centre 6 years old to 12 years old

Indoor parking is the best option to prevent your car becoming covered in snow. Place de Venosc offers indoor parking and is situated at the top end of the resort. Prices cost approximately 35 euros. Unfortunately you cannot pre-book and the car park can get very busy in the winter months.