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Arrival in the Alps & Base Camp Lodge

We flew into Chambéry Airport, a small airstrip tucked into the mountains, complete with a surprisingly punchy landing that definitely woke everyone up. From there it was a scenic 2.5‑hour transfer up to Les Deux Alpes, with those classic “pinch yourself” views all the way.

Our base was Base Camp Lodge Les Deux Alpes, right in the heart of the resort:

• Stylish and comfy rooms: doubles, twins, family rooms, suites and shared dorms, so it works brilliantly for couples, families and ski groups.
• Prime location: just a short walk to the Diable chairlift, shops and bars.
• On-site restaurant and bar: with a sunny terrace that is perfect for that first (or last) vin chaud of the day.
• Extras that make a difference: sauna, fitness room, ski room, and free Wi‑Fi.

Once we’d checked in, our brilliant Inghams resort rep, Kevin, walked us over to the ski hire shop (an easy stroll) to get kitted out for the next day on the slopes. That evening we met up with the rest of the group, who had flown in from Gatwick, for drinks and dinner: the ideal warm‑up to our Les Deux Alpes ski adventure.

Day 1: Les Deux Alpes Skiing & Glacier Views

Day one started exactly how every ski holiday in France should: with a serious breakfast. Think plates of meats and cheeses, pastries, scrambled egg, bacon and boiled eggs. All self‑service, fresh, and nicely presented, so you can fuel up properly before hitting the mountain.

We hopped on the local bus to the Jandri Express gondola to meet our instructors, Mark and James. They split us into two groups by ability and led us up to the glacier above Les Deux Alpes, which is an absolute highlight:

• Wide, confidence‑boosting runs for intermediates.
• High‑altitude snow and big mountain views.
• A real sense of adventure without feeling intimidating.

Lunch was at Pano Bar, a lively mountain spot that is perfect for a mid‑morning coffee, lunch stop or full‑blown après session later in the day. After refuelling, it was back out for more skiing before cruising back down to the village for a relaxed evening.

Keywords for socials:
Les Deux Alpes ski, glacier skiing, ski holiday France, ski trip with Inghams, Pano Bar, Jandri gondola

Day 2: Alpe d’Huez & La Sarenne, Europe’s Longest Black Run

Day two, and time for a change of scenery. A short minibus transfer took us over to Alpe d’Huez, one of France’s most famous ski resorts and a fantastic option for mixed‑ability groups.

Our instructor, Julienne, was one of those instantly likeable, charismatic guides who somehow manages to push you and reassure you at the same time. We headed up to tackle La Sarenne, Europe’s longest black run:

• A true bucket‑list tick for confident skiers.
• Long, varied and thrilling without being terrifying if you are comfortable on reds and easy blacks.
• Extra special for me as it had been five years since my last visit.

After that adrenaline hit, we stopped for lunch at Cabina Restaurant, then spent the afternoon hotel‑inspecting and exploring Alpe d’Huez.

Hotel highlights in Alpe d’Huez

• Hôtel Le Pic Blanc (4★, Les Bergers area)
  A classic, cosy alpine hotel with:
• Comfortable rooms, many with mountain views.
• A lovely indoor pool and spa, ideal for sore legs.
• An on‑site restaurant focusing on local specialities.
  Perfect for couples or friends wanting a relaxing, wellness‑focused ski break.
• MMV Village Club Les Bergers
  A family‑friendly club hotel with:
• Spacious rooms and a relaxed, sociable feel.
• Full‑board dining and plenty of activities.
• Easy access to the slopes in the Les Bergers area.
  A fantastic choice for families who want convenience, fun and minimal faff.

We also took a wander through the old town area to see some of Inghams’ chalets, including the lovely Chalet La Brèche and Chalet Secrets de Neige - both exclusive chalets for Inghams. 
You can read my blog about my stay in Chalet Secrets de Neige in Alpe D'Huez here   'Catered Ski Chalet in ADH'

• Ski‑in/ski‑out location.
• Eight bedrooms, all ensuite.
• Hot tub and sauna for that “we’re really on holiday” moment.
• A sociable, Scandinavian‑inspired interior that would suit groups of friends or extended families.

The drive back to Les Deux Alpes showed the full drama of the mountains: 21 hairpin bends of it. Worth noting for anyone who is prone to car sickness, but the views are spectacular. Dinner at the lodge was a hearty 3‑course affair, with dishes like tartiflette, sirloin steak and chocolate mousse: proper comfort food for hungry skiers.

Keywords for socials:
Alpe d’Huez ski, La Sarenne black run, family ski holiday, ski chalet France, ski wellness hotel, MMV Les Bergers

Day 3: First Tracks & Fresh Corduroy

Day three was all about First Tracks in Les Deux Alpes, and it was a real trip highlight.

We met the pisteurs before the lifts opened and headed up for a behind‑the‑scenes look at how the mountain is made safe each morning:

• Being first on the freshly groomed pistes, with not a single track in sight.
• Helping check poles, reposition barriers and understand the work that goes into opening the ski area.
• Watching the sunrise wash over the mountains while the rest of the resort was still asleep.

After our early‑bird ski, we were treated to breakfast at a mountain restaurant, which somehow tastes even better when you have a whole morning’s skiing already under your belt.

The afternoon was more relaxed: a wander around town, a bit of après‑ski with live music, and a final evening meal back at Base Camp Lodge. It summed up the balance that Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d’Huez offer so well: big‑mountain skiing with a sociable, welcoming atmosphere.

Keywords for socials:
First Tracks Les Deux Alpes, sunrise skiing, alpine breakfast, après ski France, ski weekend

Final Morning: Resort Exploring & Family‑Friendly Options

On our last morning we took time to explore Les Deux Alpes further and check out more of the Inghams accommodation options, which range from simple 2★ hotels to all‑inclusive, family‑friendly clubs.

One standout for families was Belambra Clubs Les Crêtes:

• Ski‑in/ski‑out convenience.
• All‑inclusive board, so you can budget easily.
• Pools and wellness facilities for off‑slope relaxation.
• Lively evening entertainment that keeps kids and teens happy.

Throughout the trip, our rep Kevin was brilliant: genuinely friendly, incredibly knowledgeable and always on hand. That level of hosted support is a real plus for anyone a little nervous about their first ski holiday, or for those who simply want their ski trip to feel seamless and stress‑free.

Why I’d Recommend Les Deux Alpes & Alpe d’Huez with Inghams

This Inghams ski familiarisation trip really showcased how well Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d’Huez work for different types of skiers:

• Families: plenty of family‑friendly hotels and clubs, easy access to the slopes, and lively but approachable après.
• Couples: spa hotels, romantic mountain restaurants and quiet corners of the ski area to explore.
• Groups of friends: glacier skiing, La Sarenne, buzzing bars and lots of accommodation that works brilliantly for groups.

If you are looking for a short ski break, a longer ski holiday in the French Alps, or want to combine two contrasting resorts in one trip, Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d’Huez are a fantastic combo.

If this has sparked ideas for your own ski escape, I would love to help design the perfect trip around your ski level, style and budget.

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