The family-friendly, undiscovered resort of Les 7 Laux in the Isère region offers fantastic views of the Grenoble basin and Grésivaudan valley from its location in the Belledonne mountain range. You may (unfortunately) not be familiar with this underrated, purpose-built resort but it’s a continuously popular destination for French skiers.
Les 7 Laux Resort and Villages
Les 7 Laux was created back in 1962, undergoing many developments and overcoming several challenges to become the resort it is today, now being ranked one of the top 3 modern ski lift parks in France. The resort is made up of 3 villages that are lift-linked for easy access: Prapoutel, Pipay and Le Pleynet.
On the western slope of Les 7 Laux, Prapoutel is the home of many shops, amenities and accommodation, whilst also offering several activities such as snowshoeing, air boarding and snakegliss as well as being the starting point for both downhill and cross country skiing.
Pipay is also on the west side of the resort and has an altitude of 1550m, making it the highest of the villages. Thanks to the amazing views of the valley and convenient location in the heart of the ski area, the village is a favourite for locals.
Finally, Le Pleynet is a beautiful natural site that is the most quiet of the three villages and can grant you some excellent views.
Even though Les 7 Laux is less popular with British skiers, the resort is easily accessible with a drive of approximately 9 hours from the Calais Eurotunnel or a 35 minute transfer from Grenoble airport. The Grenoble train station is also just 25 minutes away, meaning you have plenty of easy ways to get to the resort.
Skiing in Les 7 Laux
With 120km of piste and 51 slopes to choose from, Les 7 Laux gives skiers of all levels something to tackle, but it stands out the most as a perfect playground for intermediate skiers with a great number of red and black slopes. At the highest point you can ski at an altitude of 2,400m. For Nordic ski enthusiasts, there is 16km of track from Prapoutel at an altitude of 1,800m. There’s also the Oakley 7 Laux Park, a freestyle park from the Oakley brand. Its split into 4 zones with different difficulty levels meaning skiers and snowboarders of all levels can enjoy the park.
For Families
Les 7 Laux is known by locals as a great spot to take the family, thanks to its variety of activities, fun zones and runs for children. There’s plenty for all ages to enjoy.
A perfect test of teamwork for a group of family or friends, the snakegliss consists of 8 sledges being joined together and going down the Prapoutel or Pleynet slopes together, requiring all sat within them to work together to stay upright.
A standout activity is the Wiz luge mountain coaster, a speedy rail-mounted sled that takes you through the forest to give you a thrilling way to surround yourself in nature. Available for children aged 3 and over, the Wiz luge features an adjustable speed thanks to its brakes making this a perfect attraction for people of all ages, no matter their confidence.
For kids looking to get into skiing, The Squirrel’s Route will allow them to ski across all 3 villages starting in Prapoutel on a 2 hour route to Le Pleynet that gives you beautiful views of the valley. It’s a perfect route for beginners made up of green slopes featuring tunnels and obstacles to create a suitable challenge.
Another beginner’s run is the Taupe course, a downhill skiing course accessible from Prapoutel that features arches and obstacles so less experienced skiers can improve their skills, whilst wind chimes and the mascot make this a memorable experience for kids.
Other activities
Outside of skiing, there is still plenty to do in Les 7 Laux meaning that even non-skiers can have a memorable time with an assortment of fun sports and activities.
Be guided by an instructor on an exciting paragliding flight over the ski area and see the resort in a thrilling new way, meet sled dogs at the sled dog farms in La Ferrière and gain some experience as a musher on a dog sled ride, or learn what it’s like to bash pistes and see behind-the-scenes of how a snow groomer prepares the slopes for skiers the next day. You can even be chosen to ride the snow groomer, with a random draw of those who fill out a participation form during school holidays.
Once skiers are done for the day after the lifts have closed, you can continue to enjoy the slopes in a whole new way with airboarding. Lie down on an inflatable sledge and experience a high speed descent from the top of the slopes.
