The Isère department in the French Alps is a true winter sports paradise, where a variety of ski resorts meet spectacular mountain scenery, lively après-ski and guaranteed snow for months on end. But it’s not just the slopes that impress; there’s plenty on offer off-piste too: from relaxed cross-country skiing and thrilling tobogganing to wellness facilities in charming ski villages. SnowTrex knows exactly what the 10 good reasons for skiing in the Isère department are and presents them here.
1. High-altitude skiing on the glacier in Les 2 Alpes
Les 2 Alpes is the highest ski resort in the entire Isère region and boasts pristine glacier snow at altitudes of up to 3,600 m. There are 44 modern lifts and cable cars here, providing skiers and snowboarders with 200 km of perfectly groomed slopes and 20 km of fantastic off-piste routes. The technical highlight is the new 3S gondola lift “Jandri Express”, which opened in 2024 and transports up to 3,000 people per hour from the valley station in the ski resort (1,696 m) to the mountain station at 3,200 m in just 17 minutes.
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In theory, winter sports enthusiasts can cover 2,300 metres in altitude on the slopes of the Les 2 Alpes ski area, from the highest point to the lowest. Overall, the ski resort offers plenty of variety, so families with children will feel right at home on the ‘La Toura’ practice area right next to the glacier, whilst skiing pros can let off steam in Les 2 Alpes at one of France’s largest snow parks and even ski under floodlights in the evening.
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2. PowderWeek: a spectacular start to the season with SnowTrex
Every December, SnowTrex – one of Europe’s largest ski tour operators – invites you to PowderWeek in Les 2 Alpes, where the season opener is a week dedicated entirely to skiing. Participants can enjoy the wonderfully empty slopes outside the school holidays, all the way up to the 3,600-metre-high glacier.
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Here, the focus is on exploring the runs before the colourful supporting programme takes centre stage: from the wild opening party, through après-ski with live music, snow volleyball, the popular Bad Taste party and the traditional raclette dinner to round things off, Les 2 Alpes simply has it all. This makes SnowTrex’s PowderWeek perfect for anyone looking to combine a skiing holiday with partying and a great time in the snow.
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3. Experience sporting tradition and endless skiing fun in Alpe d’Huez
In winter,Alpe d’Huez is not only regarded as the “snow island in the south” of France, but with 250 kilometres of slopes, it is also the largest ski resort in the Isère department. On the one hand, the resort is likely familiar to most people from the summer, with its 21 seemingly endless hairpin bends, as one of the most legendary climbs of the Tour de France. However, during the cold season, a high-alpine ski destination also lies dormant here at altitudes ranging from 1,250 m to 3,330 m. This mega-ski resort seamlessly combines the slopes of Alpe d’Huez, Auris-en-Oisans, Villard-Reculas, Oz-en-Oisans and Vaujany.
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The slopes are easily accessible to skiers and snowboarders via 67 lifts, which take them to the starting points of over 135 runs of varying difficulty levels. These include “La Sarenne”, Europe’s longest black run at 16 km, descending from the 3,330 m high Pic Blanc, a floodlit night run, and “Le Tunnel”, a run through a 200 m long cave. And families who, like beginner skiers, prefer a more relaxed experience will feel right at home in the “Snow Garden”, where children can safely and playfully make their first turns in the snow. Away from the slopes, the Alpe d’Huez ski area also offers two toboggan runs and 50 km of cross-country trails of all difficulty levels for a leisurely cross-country ski outing.
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4. Autrans: a Nordic paradise for cross-country skiers
While Les 2 Alpes and Alpe d’Huez are the centres for alpine skiing in Isère, the Autrans-Méaudre ski area (with 120 km of slopes) is the Nordic heart of the department. After all, it’s all about cross-country skiing there. In fact, 200 km of cross-country trails wind their way through the mountain landscape. At altitudes between 1,050 m and 1,710 m, Autrans-Méaudre offers classic and skating trails. Highlights include the “Panoramique” high-altitude trail, which stretches for 25 km from Gève to the Crêtes de Plénouze in La Molière and boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
The Nordic centre of Autrans, where the skiing and biathlon competitions of the 1968 Winter Olympics took place, is known as “Petite Scandinavie”. Little Scandinavia is situated on the Gève Plateau, where the trails wind across wide open plains and through wooded areas; thanks to their varying levels of difficulty, they are ideal for beginners, families and ambitious cross-country skiers alike. On the “Plateau de Gève”, you can also explore the trails through the “Stade David Moretti” biathlon stadium. In addition to the cross-country trails, Autrans also offers numerous winter hiking and snowshoe routes, as well as horse-drawn sleigh rides and dog sledding.
5. Family-friendly skiing as a tradition
Family-friendly skiing is a tradition in French ski resorts. Consequently, the ski resorts in the Isère department are keen not to be left behind. As a result, several ski resorts here are officially certified with the “Famille Plus” seal, which serves as a mark of quality for winter offerings that are particularly child- and family-friendly. Excellent children’s ski schools, snow-covered play areas and free practice slopes are standard here. But Les 2 Alpes goes one step further, as there is a crèche for the very youngest from the age of 6 months, as well as a ski kindergarten and extended childcare for children up to the age of 12.
And in Alpe d’Huez, too, families will find everything they need for a great day’s skiing on the slopes. Highlights for a skiing holiday with children here include play areas such as “Marcel’s Farm” with obstacles, tunnels and bridges at the Signal chairlift, the other two play areas “Sher Roger” and “Jacqu Lubusho”, and the beginners’ snow park beneath the Leisure chairlift.
6. Guaranteed snow from autumn through to spring
The high altitude and the glacier in Les 2 Alpes ensure guaranteed snow in the Isère department during winter. At altitudes of up to 3,600 metres, the snow quality here remains good from autumn through to spring, even in changeable weather. Further down in the valley, 300 snow cannons ensure reliable artificial snow cover across a total of 15 per cent of the slopes in Les 2 Alpes.
At 3,330 m, the Alpe d’Huez ski resort may not be quite as high, but skiers and snowboarders can still look forward to reliable snow conditions here for months on end. The largest ski resort in Isère is primarily known for its natural snow and consistently ranks at the top of France’s snow statistics every year. And to ensure this remains the case at lower altitudes too, the operators of the ski resort in this legendary Tour de France venue have installed a total of 1,053 state-of-the-art snow cannons, enabling 35 per cent of the slopes to be covered in artificial snow. This means that even the valley run can remain open practically throughout the entire ski season thanks to artificial snow.
7. Winter variety off-piste too
Of course, skiing takes top spot in the Isère department during the winter. But that doesn’t mean it gets boring off-piste: quite the opposite! After all, the region offers countless other outdoor winter activities. Dog sled rides through snow-covered forests in Villard-de-Lans are particularly popular, whilst in the Vercors you can go snowshoeing, both during the day and at night by torchlight. Things get really active in Corrençon, where visitors can try their hand at biathlon and take beginner’s courses in this popular winter sport. It gets properly cold out in the open air during ice diving or ice swimming in the frozen lakes of Chamrousse.
On the other hand, the illuminated evening light trail “Vercors en Lumière” is a romantic experience, enchanting visitors with an atmospheric combination of stories, light and nature. A culinary outdoor experience combined with a bit of sport is also on offer here with the “Fondue in the Forest”, which is preceded by a short snowshoe hike. And in Vercors, for those who fancy staying a few days longer, overnight stays in mountain huts are also available, with a daily programme featuring dog sled rides, cross-country skiing and igloo building.
8. High-tech lift systems and record-breaking cable cars
For a long time, the lift systems in French ski resorts were considered outdated, but now, much like in Austria or Switzerland, the focus here is on high-tech cable cars. And it is precisely this level of comfort that winter holidaymakers can enjoy today in the Isère department. The best example of this is the “Jandri-Express” in Les 2 Alpes. Since 1985, the old lift had been operating for almost 40 years, taking passengers up to the ski resort. The journey used to take 40 minutes, but that has been a thing of the past since 2024. That’s because the 32-seater gondolas of the new cable car now cover the 6.3 km route in just 17 minutes! Along the way, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the view of the Écrins National Park and the surrounding Alpine peaks.
Alpe d’Huez also boasts modern chairlifts with heated seats and high-speed cable cars. The ski resort now features the new 10-seater “Poutran” 1 and 2 gondolas, which have replaced their predecessors from 1987. The new cabins travel at speeds of up to 6 m per second, which means a journey time of just three minutes and 20 seconds over a distance of 1.1 km. There is also a lift here to the Pic Blanc (3,330 m), from where, in perfect winter weather, the view can stretch all the way to the Mediterranean.
9. The breathtaking mountain scenery in Isère
Away from the slopes in the ski resorts of the Isère department, visitors should definitely keep an eye out for the region’s magical mountain landscape. This ranges from dense fir forests and picturesque valleys to snow- and ice-covered peaks at an altitude of almost 4,000 m!
The natural scenery in Oisans, Belledonne and Vercors is literally breathtaking. In the ski resorts, some of the highest points feature architecturally unique viewing platforms, such as the “Belvédère des Écrins” at 3,400 m in Les 2 Alpes or at the Col de la Sarenne in Alpe d’Huez. Here, you can take in the Alpine panorama in complete relaxation before heading back down the slopes.
10. Relaxation, culture and stylish après-ski
After a day’s skiing, the Isère department is the perfect place to toast a long day on the slopes, and this is naturally best done with après-ski in the major ski resorts such as Les 2 Alpes or Alpe d’Huez, where bars, restaurants and clubs await with refreshing drinks. Things are a bit more laid-back, however, at the wellness centres in Uriage-les-Bains and Allevard-les-Bains. Both places have their own thermal baths, where you can unwind with classic treatments, hydromassages and mud treatments.
In terms of culture, the department’s capital, Grenoble, is a particular highlight, boasting museums such as the Musée de Grenoble and other historical sites. In the Chartreuse region, the landscape is also impressive, combined with cultural insights into the Carthusian monasteries and liqueur production. Not to mention the culinary highlights of the regional cuisine, such as raclette, fondue or tartiflette, all of which are served in the excellent restaurants in the ski resorts.
→ Plan your Alpine getaway and find the best deals for the Isère department at SnowTrex
FAQ on skiing in the Isère department
How many kilometres of slopes are there in the Isère department?
The Isère department offers a wide variety of ski resorts with over 1,200 kilometres of slopes. The best known of these is the Alpe d’Huez ski resort with 250 kilometres of slopes, served by 83 modern lifts. In the Les 2 Alpes ski resort, a further 220 kilometres of slopes await at altitudes of up to 3,600 metres on the glacier, featuring challenging off-piste routes.
Is the Isère department a good winter destination for families?
Yes, Les 2 Alpes and Alpe d’Huez have been awarded the “Famille Plus” quality label and offer safe practice slopes, children’s ski schools and play areas. In Les 2 Alpes, there are crèches and ski nurseries for children from six months old, as well as childcare for children up to the age of twelve. Alpe d’Huez boasts play areas such as “Marcel’s Farm” and beginner snow parks. This allows children to learn to ski in a playful way whilst their parents relax and enjoy the slopes.
What cross-country skiing and winter hiking opportunities are there in the Isère department?
The Autrans Méaudre en Vercors ski area (120 km of slopes) is considered a Nordic paradise: 160 km of trails at altitudes between 1,050 and 1,710 m offer classic and skating routes. Highlights include the 25-kilometre-long Panoramique high-altitude trail and the “Stade David Moretti” biathlon stadium. In addition to cross-country skiing, the area between the two villages of Autrans and Méaudre also offers numerous opportunities for winter hiking and snowshoe trails, horse-drawn sleigh rides and guided tours through snow-covered forests.
What is the situation regarding snow reliability and the length of the season in the Isère department?
The high altitudes of Les 2 Alpes, reaching up to 3,600 m, and Alpe d’Huez, reaching up to 3,330 m, guarantee reliable snow conditions from autumn to spring. In Les 2 Alpes, 300 snow cannons cover 15 per cent of the slopes, whilst in Alpe d’Huez, 35 per cent of the slopes are equipped with 1,053 snow-making systems. This means that even the valley runs remain skiable well into spring. This means winter sports enthusiasts can start the season early here, enjoy the runs for longer and experience both powder snow in December and spring skiing in April.
What is SnowTrex’s PowderWeek?
PowderWeek is an annual event organised by SnowTrex in Les 2 Alpes in December. It marks the start of the season and offers a week of skiing on empty slopes right up to the glacier. There is also a varied supporting programme featuring an opening party, après-ski with live music, snow volleyball, a Bad Taste party and a traditional raclette evening. PowderWeek combines a skiing holiday with a party and is aimed at winter sports enthusiasts who want to experience sport, fun and socialising in one of France’s most spectacular ski regions.
