RESORT REPORTS

LES DEUX ALPES Where is it? In the southern part of the Alps. Easily accessed from Geneva (2hrs), Chambery (3hrs) and Lyons (3hrs).

The Skiing:
Resort publicity claims 220 km of piste slopes (137miles) although this should be taken with a pinch of salt. You can ski down 4,000m from top to bottom, although there are pitfalls. Getting to the top of the Glacier de la Girose requires the use of a T-bar drag (2005); coming down there are bottlenecks, particularly in bad weather when some runs are closed. Plus points are the snow-sure nature higher up - ideal for end-of-season getaways - and a fast lift system. Despite reservations about the claimed piste distance, there is enough to keep most people happy. Youngsters will love the mini race runs and terrain parks higher up the hill

Apres Ski: .
You won't go hungry or thirsty, that's for sure. Try the Cloche, tucked away down a side street, for great tartiflette, or Crepes a Go Go for something different. Every taste - from Italian to Chinese and even Indian (hard to find in France) is catered for. For the really desperate, there is a solitary booozer near the Muuzelle Apartments, enticingly named the Red Frog, offering that staple of Brits abroad - the 'Full English Breakfast'. Le Windsor Pub opposite La Brunerie Hotel is worth dropping into for a reviver on the way back from the slopes.

The Resort:
Les Deux Alpes resembles a small Greek coastal resort with its appealing bars and brightly lit shops and cafes. There's tat to be had in some of the souvenir shops, including the worst fake Zippo lighters your correspondent has ever seen! The chocolaterie, with its chocolate waterfall in the shop window, will have children and ladies of a certain age drooling. Lots to see and do and worth an afternoon off the hill.

Who won't it suit?
The ski-in, ski-out brigade, unless you are staying in one of the few hotels, such as the Oree des Pistes that actually backs on to the mountain. Don't get hungry up on the hill though as eating stops are hard to find and busy when you do. Boarders won't like the numerous flat sections, in particular the dead flat green back to the Diablo lift station.

Who will it suit?
The culinary curious and visitors who want to do more than ski. Novices will feel comfortable as the numerous nursery slopes are within sight of the main street. A recommended resort for families with children who want to ski.

 

Plenty of snow when we went!

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