A Last Blast in Les2Alpes

23rd April 2022 | Jane Peel, Les2Alpes, France

Winter in Les2Alpes starts early and ends late.

Its final day of the 2021-22 winter season will be 1st May.

Then it’s only a matter of weeks before it starts up again for glacier skiing and summer activities – re-opening on 28th May.

The skiing here goes up to 3,600 metres.

That’s higher than any of the other famous high altitude resorts in France, such as Tignes and Val Thorens.

So with little more than a week of ‘winter’ left and the temperature at 1,650m in resort several degrees above freezing at 9.30am, I head up the mountain.

Resort level, Les2Alpes, France – photo © PlanetSKI

And up.

All the way to the top.

Well, to 3,400m to be precise as the top drag lift is not open.

Looking up to the glacier at Les2Alpes, France – photo © PlanetSKI

There’s the mandatory stop for a photo opportunity at the Belvédère des Ecrins viewpoint.

Belvédère des Ecrins viewpoint, Les2Alpes, France – photo © PlanetSKI

Then it’s time to see how the snow is holding up.

It’s a little hard underfoot for the first couple of runs but it soon turns into that lovely grippy, cold snow we all love.

The weather is a mix of a few sunny spells and high cloud and the top runs remain in good shape.

Even below the glacier area it’s pleasant spring snow and not too slushy.

Les2Alpes, France – photo © PlanetSKI

We think about skiing top-to-bottom.

I’m told it’s around 11km long.

Even intermediate skiers can take on the challenge as it can be done wholly on blue runs.

But the snow is just too good above 2,000m so we decide to avoid heading back to the resort.

Decisions, decisions. Which way to go? – photo © PlanetSKI

Even though almost everyone here has probably come up high for the best snow, the pistes are quiet now the Easter holidays are over.

Jane enjoying the quiet pistes – photo © PlanetSKI

At 2pm,  it’s time for something different on skis.

Tandem paragliding is a new experience for me.

Harnessing up for tandem paragliding – photo © PlanetSKI

It’s a little disconcerting pointing my skis straight down a black run – especially one called The Devil.

But they’re not on the ground for long.

If you haven’t done it, I recommend it.

It feels as if you are travelling really slowly.

But we’re actually moving at 35kmh.

That’s me up there – photo © PlanetSKI

Perhaps that’s why I feel a little nauseous as we get to the end of the 10 minute flight.

The queasiness doesn’t last long.

Soon I’m polishing off a delicious late lunch of ravioli with local cheese and mushrooms.

While wearing a rather natty sun hat provided by the restaurant.

Not my usual attire on a ski trip, it must be said.

Late lunch – photo © PlanetSKI

Long, late lunches are what spring skiing is all about.

A little light dessert – photo © PlanetSKI

It’s gone 4pm by the time we leave the restaurant and, with a food coma about to set in, I decide it’s wise not to risk the slush and I take the chairlift down.

It’s worth it for the view.

Taking the lazy route down – photo © PlanetSKI

They’ve kept a blue run open to resort level for those who choose to use it but there’s no snow either side of it.

The blue run to resort- photo © PlanetSKI

Around 60% of the resort’s 96 pistes remain open at this time of year so there’s still plenty of skiing to be had.

I have to say it’s far better than I anticipated for late April.

My first day draws to a close with a visit to the outdoor whirlpool at my hotel, the Chamois Lodge….

Outdoor whirlpool at the Chamois Lodge – photo © PlanetSKI

… followed by cocktails and tapas at Chez Nous 2.

Cocktails & tapas at Chez Nous 2, Les2Alpes, France – photo © PlanetSKI

All in all, it’s been a great day in the mountains.

Check back here on PlanetSKI to see what day two has in store.

A good day in Les2Alpes – photo © PlanetSKI

For more information, visit the Les2Alpes website.

This article was originally published by Planetski.eu. Read the original article here.