Gateway: Lyon
The village of Les 2 Alpes nestles up to the ski slopes; the older more traditional part to the south, the newer development to the north. The lion’s share of the skiing stretches east of the base, including Glacier du Mont de Lans and Glacier de la Girose, which offer 400 acres of summer skiing (and 2,640 feet of vertical!). Below the glaciers hang the rugged off-piste runs of La Grave, known as the Alps’ most thrilling - if you are an accomplished back country skier, hire a guide to take you there. West of the village is another, smaller ski sector with interesting fare for less advanced skiers.

If you can tear yourself away from the skiing, two sights should not be missed: the ice grotto, a tunnel almost 400 feet long with fantastic ice statues carved out of the glacier; and the village of Venosc with its ancient chalets, churches, fountains, sun dials and local crafts, including wood carving and painting, pottery, and weaving. All four of the resort’s night clubs offer free taxi service from restaurants and back home again. For a quieter evening, try one of the many piano bars or pubs.