- BLOG LOCATION2ALPES.COM
Hiking in Les 2 Alpes: Choosing a Trail for Your Level
Beginners, families or seasoned walkers: how to choose a route, check conditions and set off safely from Les 2 Alpes.
Universe
Location2alpes
Collection
Alpine
Reading
6 min
Share
What to read in this guide
Check out the key points from this article to plan your trip, explore the area, and organize your outing to Les 2 Alpes.
What you need to know
Hiking in Les 2 Alpes: how to choose a trail for your level, check the day’s conditions and prepare your outing safely.
Introduction
Around Les 2 Alpes, hiking possibilities are varied: valley walks, high-altitude lakes, big panoramas. But not all trails are equal: difficulty, duration, weather and access make the difference between a fine outing and a nasty surprise.
This guide gives a method for choosing according to your level, checking the day’s conditions and preparing the essentials. It points to our detailed guides for each outing. Openings, access and trail conditions change every year: check official sources before setting off.
For the summer season, see the summer in Les 2 Alpes page.
Chapter
01
Who are the trails around Les 2 Alpes for?
Beginners, families or seasoned walkers: how to choose a route, check conditions and set off safely from Les 2 Alpes.
Choosing by level and wishes
The choice starts with an honest assessment of your experience and fitness:
• Beginner or occasional walker: a short, well-marked, unexposed route with a chance to turn back. See our article on easy hikes for beginners.
• Intermediate: comfortable with outings of a few hours with some climbing, on stable paths.
• Seasoned walker: day outings at altitude, with serious preparation.
With children, favour a short loop clearly graded easy. Our guide to Écrins National Park with kids details the precautions.
Look at five things before choosing: distance, elevation gain, official grade, exposure (sun, drops) and the condition of the path. Add the group’s needs: breaks, water, toilets, possible carrying and a turn-back time.
A “family” label does not guarantee a pushchair will get through or that all children will be comfortable. Consult the route’s official sheet.
Which criteria for a suitable route?
Identifying your profile before setting off avoids most nasty surprises. On-site signs, route sheets and professionals’ advice let you check the real difficulty.
An “easy” trail does not rule out difficulties linked to altitude, weather or sun. Ask the tourist office or a professional before setting off.
On this page
Extend the experience
The Resort Guide
Plan your trip by exploring the must-see attractions in Les 2 Alpes: activities, scenery, practical tips, and top spots to help you make the most of your time at the resort.
Chapter
02
Comparing the emblematic outings
Beginners, families or seasoned walkers: how to choose a route, check conditions and set off safely from Les 2 Alpes.
A few outings to know
A few outings come up often in the Oisans:
• Lac du Lauvitel: a high-altitude lake in Écrins National Park, with a sustained climb. See our guide to Lac du Lauvitel.
• Lac de la Muzelle and its refuge: a more committing outing from the valley. See our guide to Lac de la Muzelle.
• Other lakes: see our selection of the most beautiful lakes around Les 2 Alpes.
• The big high plateaus: day outings, exposed to wind and weather, that call for real preparation.
• The glacier: accessible in summer depending on conditions and openings; altitude and sun call for suitable equipment and, if in doubt, a professional.
Each outing has its strengths and limits: compare the map, the profile and the recent weather.
Access to trails depends on the season, remaining snow and the opening of lifts. Valley routes are generally passable earlier than high-altitude ones, which often open later in summer.
For each route, check:
– distance and elevation gain (official sheet);
– walking time, given for an average walker: allow a margin;
– variants for cutting the outing short;
– temporary constraints: snow, herds and guard dogs, works.
Nothing replaces up-to-date local information. Also check the Les 2 Alpes weather page.
Season, access and conditions: what to check
Compare outings according to your level, the duration and the forecast weather. Always keep an easier fallback outing in case conditions change.
For the day’s information, see the official Les 2 Alpes website.
On this page
Extend the experience
3600 m
Elevation of the Les 2 Alpes Glacier
Going Out in Les 2 Alpes
“The best restaurant isn't always the one with the highest rating”
Stay
A Summer in the Great Outdoors
Discover the best summer activities in Les 2 Alpes: hiking, mountain biking, high-altitude lakes, panoramic views, and mountain adventures to make the most of your stay.
Chapter
03
Preparing your hike: equipment, weather and safety
Beginners, families or seasoned walkers: how to choose a route, check conditions and set off safely from Les 2 Alpes.
Equipment and organisation
Take good shoes, water, snacks, a warm layer, rain and sun protection, and a map or a downloaded route. A small first-aid kit completes the kit.
With children, add a baby carrier if needed, spare clothes and more breaks than planned.
Mountain weather changes quickly: check the weather and the webcams the evening before and in the morning, and set off early to avoid afternoon storms. Set a turn-back time.
Tell someone your route and note the emergency number 112. Mobile coverage can be patchy in the mountains.
Weather, timings and safety
For a more committing outing, call on a mountain guide: they pick the route to suit conditions and give you explanations of the environment.
Respect the environment: stay on the trails, take your litter with you, do not feed animals and follow the rules of protected areas.
On this page
Stay tuned on Location2alpes
A Live Preview
to get a sense of what to expect before coming to Les 2 Alpes
Updated data
24 hours a day, nonstop
8 Strategic Perspectives
about the resort, the glacier, and the peaks
Useful all year round
winter, summer, weather, events, ...
The Flavors of Les 2 Alpes
Cozy dining, mountain cuisine, terraces with panoramic views, and welcoming spots: explore our top recommendations for great dining in Les 2 Alpes.
Inspirations
“The best memories are rarely planned.”
— Local Guide
Chapter
04
Last tips before you set off
Beginners, families or seasoned walkers: how to choose a route, check conditions and set off safely from Les 2 Alpes.
Tips to avoid nasty surprises
Check the day before the trail conditions and the opening of the lifts if your outing depends on them. Set off with a time margin, especially with children, and give up if terrain, heat or storms make the goal less safe.
If the weather deteriorates, head down or choose a shorter outing. Turning back early is often the best decision of the day. Keep a valley alternative.
What to do if conditions change
On your return, a rest and a good meal are part of the outing: see our ideas for tables in the article on must-try restaurants or the restaurants page of the site.
To prepare your hiking stay, see our apartments for rent, or contact us with any question.
On this page
Location2Alpes Collection
Places we love to return to
Apartments selected for their location, comfort, and atmosphere, so you can enjoy Les 2 Alpes with complete freedom.
Plan Your Trip
to Les 2 Alpes
Discover our apartments, ideally located so you can make the most of your stay
Continue the adventure
Les plus beaux souvenirs commencent souvent après le dernier conseil
Conclusion
Choosing your hike in Les 2 Alpes well means starting from your level, checking the day’s conditions and keeping a safety margin. The detailed guides (Lauvitel, Muzelle, lakes, easy outings) help you take action.
Always check official sources for trail conditions and the weather, and accept cutting short if needed.
What's next? Choose your next step
Key Points
The right choice depends on the pace of your trip and what you're looking for.
Keep your options open for impromptu evenings out.
A well-located place to stay makes dining out and getting around easier.
Practical information
Season: Summer / Winter
Reading time: 6 min
Area: Les 2 Alpes
Altitude : 1,650 m
Audience: Families, Couples, Groups
Live webcams
LES 2 ALPES
The Glacier
3,400 m above sea level
8 HD webcams
Continuous Updates
Check the weather all year round
Check out the weather, snow conditions, and atmosphere at the resort in real time.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to the most common questions about our products. Julia ensures transparency, efficiency, and detailed information in everything we do.
Local Guide
Find the best moments from your article
The Location2alpes Blog
Discover tips, trends and ideas to help you prepare for your stay in the mountains, and discover fantastic places and addresses. Julia and the team regularly prepare new articles for you, so don't hesitate to visit our blog regularly.
Latest articles:
- Explore Les 2 Alpes
What would you like to explore ?
Get quick access to the resort's highlights, activities, top spots, and practical tips to help you plan your trip.