There's a lot more going on in les 2 Alpes than at most other purpose built ski centres. Perhaps most unusual is the opportunity to take the still new Venosc gondola up to the old village of Venosc on the edge of the Ecrins National Park. Here you can walk through a hamlet that is in many ways the antithesis of the big modern French ski areas, with craftsmen working at traditional trades. Mountaineers are drawn to les 2 Alpes as much as skiers, the resort's 30 metre high artificial wall is one of the highest anywhere and the mountaineering school offers the real thing for anyone from beginners to experts planning a long excursion. Climbing frozen waterfalls is also offered, a long with snow shoe walks. Paragliding is another strength, thanks to excellent local conditions - the two local schools help you make the best of the thermals.
Mountain walkers can reach the highest peaks quickly thanks to the ultra modern gondola - funicular combination. Here there are spectacular views from Mont Blanc to Mont Ventoux as well as an ice grotto dug in to the glacier by two mountain guides who worked on it continuously for three months - one of the most popular carvings within is a 6 metre high ice dinosaur.
Less unusual but welcome facilities in the resort itself include two heated pools and an ice rink - with free access to holders of lift passes valid six days or longer. There are two six-lane bowling alleys and a cinema as well as the library and snowmobiling excursions. The health clubs (le Club Forme and Le Tanking Center) offer more swimming, squash, aerobics, weights and steam baths.
Finally (?) there are the torchlit descents by the ski school, night skiing three times a week and the possibility of taking the local bus on a trip over to Grenoble.
