There is nothing quite like heading to the mountains and switching off entirely while fully immersing yourself in the natural surroundings and recuperating. Isère is the perfect mountain destination for this, filled with all the elements for a ski holiday that will leave you refreshed, inspired, and invigorated. With a wealth of natural assets, Isère has it all from forested valleys, glaciers, authentic resorts combined with a whole host of activities.
We have put together some of our favourite spots in Isère; great for a picnic, a totally Instagramable selfie, or for just admiring the beautiful views...
Les 2 Alpes really is picture-perfect. With one of the highest glaciers in the Alps and above average sunshine conditions, you certainly won't be disappointed. Les 2 Alpes is great for multi-generational ski holidays. There is something for everyone from slopes that fit all standards of skiing including an iconic off-piste area, La Grave, to great bars, clubs, restaurants, and activities.
To get that iconic shot to upload to Instagram or to put in your family album, we recommend heading to the Les 2 Alpes sign!
You need to be able to ski blues to get to this sign.
Reach the top of the Les 2 Alpes glacier and visit the Belvédère des Écrins walkway offering 360° views over the Écrins massif. At an altitude of 3,400 metres, with only a steel mesh separating you from empty space, it is quite an experience.
When you have reached the top of the funicular soak in all the beautiful mountain views on the terrace of the La Fée restaurant. With great service and tasty food such as omelettes, steaks, and the famous French tartiflette.
Chamrousse is a relatively small ski resort and at an altitude of 2250m and just 30km from Grenoble! Perfect for long weekends on the slopes. This beautiful little alpine area features varied levels of skiing set among attractive fir trees alongside a large and preserved Nordic plateau looking like a small Canada. Capture the 360° panorama with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
@Guillaume Deschanel
Did you know? Chamrousse has the most beautiful sunsets.
@Hill Girl Yoga
Invigorate your mind, body, and soul while soaking in the breathtaking scenery with yoga in the snow.
@Ann David
La Croix, one of the largest viewpoints in the Alps, is accessible by hiking or by the Gondola of La Croix from the station at Chamrousse 1650. All year-round, it is a great place to go to admire the sunsets, the starry nights, and the illuminated valley.
Learn how to observe the natural mountain environment with an eco-walk, offered by a team of passionate naturalist mountain guides. In a magical environment, discover the joys of snowshoeing, the wildlife, and the secrets of winter, with family, friends, or colleagues.
Villard de Lans and Corrençon existed long before the development of tourist resorts. Villard de Lans was one of the first ski resorts created in 1906, and still retains its heritage and friendly atmosphere today. New builds in Villard de Lans respect the tradition and identity of the region and reflect this in their developments. This lively village has the largest market centre and ski resort of the Vercors massif.
During the French school holidays, every Thursday in Villard de Lans and Wednesday in Corrençon, take part in a torchlit descent led by ESF instructors. When your winter stroll is over enjoy a free mulled wine and fireworks display!
This resort is perfect for those that love to explore. Follow a guide for a wondrous and educational voyage back in time in the caves! This is a truly unique experience for your mountain holiday. Ask the tourist office for winter opening details.
Be at one with nature while climbing frozen waterfalls with ice axes and crampons. This special activity is for climbers of all ages with a mountain guide.
Alpe d'Huez is a sunny resort with varied ski terrain for all levels, access to an impressive 250km of pistes and a lively atmosphere. Alpe d'Huez has been growing since the 1930s on a large sunny plateau above the tree line and has since developed into the fifth largest ski area in France. As Alpe d'Huez is a high-altitude resort, beginners feel in the heart of the action while mastering their skills!
Alpe d'Huez is built on a south-facing plateau, the glorious sunshine hits this part of the Alps 300 days of the year! Perfect for sunset and sunrise shots, just don't forget your suncream! As a result of this glorious weather, the views are spectacular, and you can see a fifth of France from the Pic Blanc.
Alpe d'Huez is a fun-filled resort with a large number of lively bars and clubs in town where you can party from early afternoon until early morning. One of the most popular haunts is Sphere Bar and the Freeride Café, with its slide down to the toilets!
Impress your followers and whip out the go pro to film your descent on the world's longest black run, the Sarenne black piste at Alpe d’Huez. The remarkable run is 16km long and only for the experienced!
Vaujany is a traditional alpine village yet part of the huge Alpe d'Huez ski area. Built on a sunny slope in anarea where a micro-climate ensures optimum sunshine conditions, you can ski in an area offering world-class skiing while the rays of sunshine warm your skin. Vaujany has something for everyone including a new sports centre with a 25m swimming pool, sauna, steam room, fitness hall, and indoor ice rink too.
Vaujany has managed to preserve its old-world charm while offering a variety of facilities. Stroll through its narrow streets and discover the fountain, a farm, or its authentic bell tower.
One for the animal lovers! Step into nature while walking in the company of a Siberian husky. With the help of the animal’s pulling power, you can cover longer distances while enjoying the pleasures of nature and the emotional relationship that develops between the dog and the man. Supervised by a musher.
Experience a chocolate factory in the Alps! Head to l'Eterlou, the new chocolate and biscuit factory in Vaujany, and taste the gourmet offerings.
Les 7 Laux is a small, typically French resort in a great location just 35 minutes from Grenoble Airport. The resort is made up of three lift-linked villages, has access to 120km of piste in the Belledonne mountains, and has one of the best-rated snowparks in France.
Pipay is located on the western slope of the 7 Laux, at an altitude of 1550m. This site enjoys a magnificent view of the valley and the setting sun. Take a picnic and meet friends at the top to admire the views!
Take a moment for yourself... Hatha-Yoga is the most practised yoga in the West but originates comes from India. Through the precise and rhythmic practice of postures, it allows mastery of the body and the senses.
If you are a lover of the great outdoors, take the opportunity to climb loops through the forests and soak in the beautiful views with Nordic skiing.
Auris en Oisans is located on the edge of the Ecrins National Park at 1600m. From Auris, there is a spectacular panoramic view of La Meije mountain range and the national Parc des Ecrins peaks. Another great value resort linked to the same impressive ski area as Alpe d'Huez.
Part of the massive and snow-sure Grand Domaine/Alpe d'Huez ski area, Auris-en-Oisans offers world-class skiing on 250km of pistes.
Switch off and enjoy the simple beauty of pale winter sunlight streaming through snow-laden branches on a winter walk through one of Europe’s highest spruce forests on a newly marked trail in this family-friendly resort. With or without snowshoes, walkers can take in the breathtaking views of the peaks.
The fun piste of Jacques Le Bucheron is based in Auris-en-Oisans and provides fun for all the family with brightly coloured moguls, banked turns, tunnels, slalom, pipe, canyon, figurines, and photo points.
Located between the Belledonne and Grandes Rousses mountain ranges, Oz en Oisans is set amidst fir trees just above the village of Oz. It's an easy 45 mins drive from Grenoble and perfect for families and those seeking a peaceful base. Take advantage of the sun for topping up on vitamin D as you ski runs varying from 1100m to 3330m in altitude!
Office de Tourisme Oz-en-Oisans
Just before the slopes close, head up to Dome des Rousses at 2800m to make a last descent at sunset! At the summit at 2800m, discover with a guide, the job of a ski patroller and share a snack before making a final descent of 1450m vertical to the Oz-en-Oisans resort. One for the bucket list.
L'Alpette winter trail is a walk offering 100% change of scenery, just a few minutes away from Oz! Accessible to all, this track is signposted and entirely secured. All along the circuit, enjoy the stunning panorama over Belledonne and Grandes Rousses mountain ranges.
At a height of 3330m, Pic Blanc is the highest peak in the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine area. Enjoy stunning panoramic views over 1/5 of the French territory from the viewing area. For those feeling particularly adventurous, Pic Blanc is the starting point of the two well-known black runs, La Sarenne and Le Tunnel.