A ski run in the Les Deux Alpes ski area leads from the glacier at 3,600 m down to the village of Mont de Lans at 1,300 m, without using the mountain lifts at all. There are also themed trails, viewpoints and a museum exploring the history of the area. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between these different highlights: some activities are at high altitude or seasonal, while others explore the history of Mont de Lans.
Skiing and Glacier at High Altitude
The ski area covers 410 hectares of marked pistes. The described run from the glacier to Mont de Lans connects two elevations, but does not involve using the mountain lifts. Lift and piste availability may vary, so check conditions for your planned dates. The 2 Alpes Snowpark is located at 2,600 m in the ski area.
Another high-altitude destination is the Grotte de Glace at 3,400 m. The 200 m-long tunnel features sculptures beneath 30 m of old ice. The attraction is open seasonally. If you want to include it in your stay, check its opening dates in advance for your travel period. The seasonal ice cave, the snowpark and the glacier run therefore differ in both location and type of experience.
Themed Trails: From Mountain Animals to Crystals
La Balade des Explorateurs is an easy, 1.8 km family loop themed around mountain animals. The marked trail has information boards with questions on the subject. This combines a walk with bite-sized learning along the way. If you are looking for a guided tour rather than a loop walk, Rando'Nature et Patrimoine offers a seasonal hike on the Mont-de-Lans slope. It focuses on local flora and fauna as well as the history of the village. Check dates and registration requirements before planning.
The two Oxygen Experience activities also offer different highlights. Balcons des Cimes is a loop route at 3,100 to 3,200 m, linked to Destination 3400 by the funicular. Its viewpoints include the mountain ranges of Oisans, including Grandes Rousses, Belledonne, Taillefer and Écrins. Défi des Fayots, by contrast, is at 2,100 m in the Vallée Blanche area and is a family-friendly adventure trail with wooden play equipment.
The Randonnée Balade du Cristallier focuses on quartz crystals. This themed family hike goes around Lac du Plan, which lies at 2,300 m. Information boards about local flora and fauna and the ski area add to the theme. Compared with the Balade des Explorateurs, the main difference is the subject matter: mountain animals on one, crystals and information about the area around the lake on the other.
Viewpoints and Nature
The passerelle du Belvédère des Écrins offers views of the Écrins massif, the Aiguilles d'Arves and Mont Blanc. Access depends on operating conditions. Another viewpoint is the Croix du Sert, whose 360-degree panorama extends across the Romanche Valley, Lac du Chambon and the surrounding mountains. Les Deux Alpes also has a natural heritage that includes several dozen protected plant and animal species.
Mont de Lans: History and Local Life
Les Deux Alpes began as a shared mountain pasture between Mont-de-Lans and Venosc. The first hotels and chalets for winter sports were built in the 1930s. The Chasal Lento Museum in the heart of Mont de Lans covers Roman history, peddlers, the construction of the Chambon dam and the pioneering years of Les Deux Alpes. Through these themes, it also offers a glimpse into the lives of local people. Facilities include a café area where visitors can sample sweets, a terrace, a library, and games and activities for children. Visitor services may change, so check what is currently available before your visit.
The Porte romaine de Bons is a visible ancient relic that complements this historical focus. It is about a 30-minute walk from the village of Mont de Lans. Mont de Lans can be reached from Les Deux Alpes by chairlift or free shuttle; transport arrangements may vary by season. If you plan to visit Mont de Lans, check the connection for your travel dates.
For the broader travel overview: Mont-De-Lans.
