Isère is one of our favourite regions in the Alps...
It is made up of 23 individual ski resorts in total, all with their own unique charm, including; Les 2 Alpes and Alpe d'Huez as well as Vaujany, Chamrousse, Villard de Lans and Les 7 Laux (with our sister company Peak Retreats). This region has an abundance to offer everyone who visits, from the variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders to the fun to be had off the slopes. Isère really does have it all!
Read below to find out more about what's in store for a winter holiday in Isère this winter.
Stay in Alpe d'Huez with 250km of piste and top height of 3330m!
1. The variety of terrain
Across the Isère region you have a fantastic choice of piste! From beautiful tree-lined slopes, to the largest high-altitude mountain landscapes, or to Nordic/cross-country skiing areas, and even glacier skiing!
2. The range of activities
There is something for everyone - young to old! From a traditional sled ride, a visit to a sculpted ice cave, table top dancing at the world renowned La Folie Douce cabaret bar, or a serene snowshoeing outing taking in the mountain air. You most certainly will not be stuck for options!
3. Easy access
Isère is readily accessible from the UK, being a short drive from Grenoble Alpes Isère airport (some resorts a mere 40 minutes away). Meaning you can make the most of all your time in the mountains!
ALPE D’HUEZ sits at 1860m. The area’s highest point is the Pic Blanc at 3330m and there are five slopes with an altitude difference of 2000m or more. With the easiest slopes down near the resort, beginners are in the heart of the action straight away meaning that they make the most of their learning time. Experienced skiers can head up to the Pic Blanc and try the mythical La Sarenne slope, which, at 16km, is the longest black run in Europe. Alpe d’Huez is part of the Grand Domaine ski area with 250km of slopes. Linked to Alpe d’Huez, Vaujany offers a different style of resort base from which to access the Grand Domaine ski area and its 250km of slopes. The pretty village has a high-capacity cable car that takes skiers up to 2800m and the heart of the ski area in just 15 minutes..
We'd suggest staying in Le Cristal de l'Alpe. These 4-star Director's Choice apartments offer a comfortable self-catered stay in the heart of the resort just 50m from the nearest ski lifts and shops! Facilities include a large welcoming reception lounge area with an open fire and free access to ‘Le Centre Ô des Cimes Spa d’Altitude’ with indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room and fitness room.
LES 2 ALPES offers skiing between 1650m and 3568m, and is a good alternative to Alpe d’Huez with its altitude difference. The resort is famous for having one of the largest skiable glaciers in Europe. Some of the easiest slopes are located on the glacier so even beginners can experience glacier skiing! Also, Les 2 Alpes has created several trails where visitors can try ski touring. One purposely-designed route is reserved exclusively for ski tourers. The Parcours des Vallons is well marked and features an 800m altitude difference. Two others are located in the Vallée Blanche area.
We'd recommend staying at the 4-star Goleon Val Ecrin, in the quiet Petit Plan area of Les Deux Alpes, 50m from the green 'Petite Aiguille' slope leading to the Petite Aiguille and Côte chairlift. These spacious apartments offer good self-catered accommodation with additional facilities such as ski lockers with heated boot racks and free outdoor parking.
