 - Local web sites / info. www.les2alpes.com / www.2alpes.com / Webcam of the glacier / Weather
 - The snow park at Les 2 Alpes. www.2alpes-snowpark.com
 - Ecole des Ski Les 2 Alpes. www.esf2alpes.com
 - Mondial du VTT (mountain bike event). Next event - June 19th, 20th, 21st & 22nd 2008. www.mondialduvtt.com
 - Oisans Tourism. www.tourisme-oisans.com
 - Meteo France, French Weather Service. www.meteofrance.com (Les Deux Alpes weather)
 - Another take on weather forecasting. www.meteonews.fr / Les Deux alpes
 - Snow forecast, generally comprehensive. www.snow-forecast.com
French Ski Federation. www.ffs.fr www.airfraid.com - If you have a fear of flying why not visit this site, which provides loads of useful tips? www.babygoes2.com - Baby. www.skiset.com - Skiset - pre book ski hire, 210 shops.  - Natives, ski jobs. www.natives.co.uk
 - Kareeve, ski jobs. www.kareeve.com
www.anyworkanywhere.com - Jobs www.snoweye.com - Web cam. www.roofbox.co.uk - Roof boxes. www.roofracks.co.uk - Roof boxes. www.snowchains.co.uk - Snow chains (you can also buy them in most French and Swiss supermarkets) www.roofbox.co.uk/snowhome - Snow chains.  - J2ski, lots of useful information. www.j2ski.com
 - Piste Hors, up to date news. www.pistehors.com
 - Skipass, worth a look at. www.skipass.com
 - Snowheads, an excellent message board full of up to date information for skiers. www.snowheads.com
 - Totalski, a very useful and comprehensive site. www.totalski.com
 - Ski Details. An essential site if you are about to buy skis. www.skidetails.com
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The Mondial du Snow board is the first ski event of the season and runs from Friday October 31st to Sunday 2nd November 2008. It is usually held during the week of All Saints Day (Toussaint), which generally is the last week of October each year. |
The Mondial du Ski runs on October 25th and 26th 2008 Report back on 2007 Mondial du Ski Glacier skiing is relatively gentle, although Deux Alpes does have some long and steepish slopes, so you can at least get up some speed. To register for the Mondial you must bring your Passport and carry it with you, as you may be asked for it when you get to the test area at 3,200 metres. It is possible to go up with boots and poles only (don't forget the poles!) as there are plenty of skis to try out. You generally get an hour with each set of skis. You have to bring the items back by 3.00pm though. This really is a very good time to get into shape for the coming season. However the main purpose of the Mondial is to allow skiers to try out the new seasons skis and snow board equipment. If you are thinking of buying your own skis, this is the ideal opportunity to test them before you buy. Photos |
The ski resort of Les Deux AlpesLes Deux Alpes opens for the All Saints holiday in the last week of October each year. The Mondial du Snow board and Ski events are held during this week, where snow boarders and skiers have the chance to try the seasons latest ski boards, skis and ski wear. Competitions are also held. Snow has usually arrived on the glacier by this time of the year, and in some years (2003) it is possible to ski back down to the resort as well. The resort also opens early by French standards, from Saturday 29th November 2008 to 25th April 2009. Summer skiing on Europe largest skiable glacier begins in June for two months (www.2alpes-summer.com). More about Les Deux Alpes Les Deux Alpes hold many events throughout the year. These are planned for this ski season; Mondial du Snowboard Mondial du Ski Powderweek - December each year Snowzone Junior Foliz ANIMATION |
Rent an apartment / reserve a loan card and passThe Mondial is popular and it is advisable to find a place early. The local web site (www.les2alpes.com) has a bookings service which is easy to use. You can also telephone on 0033 476 79 75 17. You can also reserve your loan (test) card and pass over the internet. www.mondialdusnow.com and www.mondialduski.com (one needed for each event). |
Report back from the Mondial du Ski 2007 - GalleryAnother busy Mondial du Ski. The weather was excellent and there was a good choice of skis and ski wear to test. Once again there were many events in the resort in the evening for visitors. The snowpark had been well prepared and extended once again. The disco's and bars were full to brimming with enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders having a good time - an excellent start to the season. |
Report back from the Mondial du Ski 2006 - GalleryThere were excellent conditions this year at altitude. Athough there was not much snow, there had clearly been a light dusting before we arrived. 12,000 people enjoyed the two Mondial's. The pistes were in good condition though and there were plenty of empty pistes to try your test skis out. I have got into the habit of going to the top and skiing round the outside of the ski area. This gives an opportunity to get some speed, and practice in relative comfort. The views towards Alpes d'Huez are wonderful. Lower down near the bottom T bar, the glacier was showing. Skiing on ice is not always fun, but it provided an excellent opportunity to test the various skis and how they responded on ice. Its worthwhile trying on the various jackets and goggles available. I discovered a great pair of goggles that suit those of us who need to wear glasses. The only downside is that the items are for testing only. Remember to make a note of the things you like and shop around when you get home. Try and do so in France, as skiwear is generally more expensive in the U.K. In the evening there are a wide range of events, disco's and shows. Plenty of free stuff is on offer as well. The last day winds down after lunch, so make sure you arrive early on the Monday. All in all 2006 proved a good year as the weather was so good. Organisationally, things were much better this year as well. This event is gaining in popularity and was very busy in 2006. If you are thinking of coming, we suggest you make the decision early and book somewhere to stay. |
Report back on the Mondial du Ski 2005The local Bureau de Tourisme says that 24% of non French visitors to Les Deux Alpes (49% of the total) were English in 2004. Many come in the summer, but few seem to manage the Mondial du Ski and Snow board held in the last week of October every year. 2005 saw some snow fall at altitude the week before the event, but not enough to see the pistes below 3,200 metres open. However conditions on the piste were excellent. The gentle slopes and wide spaces on many parts of the glacier are ideal for learners or skiers seeking to improve their skills. 
Most big companies are represented and you can try out the season's new ski's. I tried the Dynamic VR27GS with Neox 4.12 binding (609 euro in France), and the Dynamic ZR57 (559 euro) skis. Both skis received very average scores from the "Ski Labo 2005" tests by Matos Ski. However I found both very easy to use and fun to ski with, and ones I would consider buying. The skis I liked most in 2005 - DynamicZR57 
I did not rate the Salomon skis I tried as well. The Scrambler 3 skis (260 euro), with C609 bindings were disappointing in use, although the Scrambler 6 skis (380 euro) with the S711 bindings, were very good at speed on steeper slopes. On the flat they felt a bit odd. However the Dynamic skis are much more expensive. The difference was worth it to me though. Staff are helpful - I asked for an easy pair of skis to try out first, and then moved on to a more difficult pair afterwards. The joy of an event like the Mondial du Ski is that you can test them all. Whilst the range is limited, this years range is sure to be there. According to the organisers, the trend this year in women's wear is for ski wear better suited to women, with skis adapted to their needs, and concerns. Look out for colourful and floral designs this year basically. Women account for 45% of the ski market. Jacket design is getting better as more and more designers look at the ski wear market.- The results are increasingly evident this year. The trend in men's ski wear is always evolving, but there is more emphasis on fashion nowadays. With over 454,000 skis sold last year, this is a big market. Snowboards now represent 30% of the market, and a proportion of the market that has doubled in the last 10 years. Skis constantly evolve, to ensure maximum performance. Ski wear is becoming more masculine, constrained only by the need for clothing to be practical in use. |
Les Deux Alpes is awash with a wide variety of hotels and apartments from the bland to the luxurious. The www.2alpes.com is a good place to find out more regarding hotels and places to stay. I stayed in the Hotel Muzelle Sylvana ***, close to the centre and with a good selection of shops and restaurants nearby. 120 Avenue de la Muzelle. 38860. Les Deux Alpes. Tel: 0033 476 790 279. Fax: 0033 476 790 281. www.skisystem.net Run by the Sky System, an Italian company, I found it clean and well organised. Be sure to ask for a room facing the Muzelle whenever staying in Deux Alpes - the view is superb. I didn't get round to eating in the restaurant, or to use the steam room, gym or UVA beds. Unusually for Deux Alpes, this hotel is open all year round. The Hotel Le Chamois **, is also worth a stay. 110, Avenue de la Muzelle. Tel: 0033 476 80 51 31. |
Restaurants in Les Deux AlpesClose to the Italian border and with a large Italian contingent always in evidence, there are many restaurants offering superb, good value food. A good example is "La Spaghetteria" in the main part of the town. I had the 14.50 euro set menu. The starter was a "help yourself from the buffet" effort. A good selection to choose from and all appetising. A small carafe of wine was included in the price and was more than adequate. I had tagliatelle with pesto sauce for the main course, but I could not finish it as there was just too much. All in all very good value and recommended. "La Spaghetteria", 109 Avenue de la Muzelle. I also ate at a Creperie, "Crêpe à GOGO". I had the tartiflette which was excellent with a large Leffe beer. My meal cost just 12 euro (about £8.30). Crêpe à GOGO, 118 Avenue de la Muzelle. www.lescrepesagogo.com A good value, upmarket restaurant is the "Blue Salmon" at 98 Avenue de la Muzelle. Tel: 0033 476 79 29 56. Tastefully decorated, the food and wine list was better than most, and not expensive. The baked Salmon and Mozerella we enjoyed as part of the 28 euro menu was superb. At 3200 metres the only restaurant open was "Les Glaciers". And it was packed for good reason. All the meals I had were delicious, although prices are more expensive at altitude. Astonishing panorama from the restaurant. Les Glaciers, 3200. |
Ski hireWe found the service and advice at Carrel Sports worth a recommendation. Carrel Sports, 103, Avenue de la Muzelle. Tel/Fax: 0033 476 11 38 46. www.carrelsports.com According to them, its also no more expensive buying skis and ski wear at ski resorts, as shops sell at the manufacturers recommended price. Sales can only be held at Government approved times in France. Race gear is a particular good buy in France, as U.K. shops are scared of being left with unsold stock. Interestingly Carrel Sports also has an e-bay shop, where they sell last years stock off cheaply and they can deliver to U.K. addresses. Ski Extreme is also recommended. They have some good skis here which will suit the more frequent skier. 102 Avenue de la Muzelle. 38860. Les Deux Alpes. Tel: 0033 476 79 09 48. www.skiextreme.fr |
Mondial du Snow board and Ski There is a selection of photos is on a separate page - Photos 
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Books about skiing in France |
Other ski events in France 12th Ski & Boarderweek, Val Thorens (Rhones-Alpes) (13th to 20th December 2009). European snow sport and music festival with ski and snowboard freestyle competitions, demonstrations, free tests and varied entertainment including live concerts. www.ski-boarderweek.de / www.valthorens.com Meribel, Altitude Festival. Comedy talent performances. 28th March 2009 till early April. www.altitudefestival.com |
Companies & products at the Mondial 2007 |
- Head. Skis. 
- Rossingnol - A popular brand with a wide range of skis. 
- Volkl. German company producing skis.