With all the snow that has fallen these days, the desire for skiing is now inconsistent. This year he skied great throughout the season: the right opportunity to start discovering new areas, perhaps pushing even beyond the border. As I did a few days ago, pointing the skis towards France, destination Les Deux Alpes and its skiable domaine of records, beginning with the largest ski glacier in Europe. Getting there is easier than you can imagine, passing through the Monginevro, Briançon, Serre-Chevalier and then continuing along the road that climbs to the Col du Lautaret.
Two and a half hours from Turin and here we are immersed in the magnificent panoramas of the Oisans massif, surrounded by snowy peaks on which there are practically boundless ski carousels, with slopes for every taste and capacity. Upon arrival Les2Alpes welcomes us with its cosmopolitan allure. Do not expect the typical mountain village with the Heidi style chalets because you would be off the road.
This is a true ski capital, modern and functional, with large residential complexes to accommodate the thousands of skiers who come to continuous jet especially from Northern Europe to ski and have fun no-stop on the snow (and also after skiing, bien sur), being able to take advantage of an offer of activities, skis and not, which has few equals all over the Alps. Besides, aren't we here for this?
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The misunderstanding
Then go, ski to the foot, towards the Glacier, the most sought after destination since the opening of the plants. So take patience and queue. Also because to reach it is a true journey: first two trunks of cable car and finally the funiculaire, a sort of metroro of snows that I think is only here, that runs in the rock under the ice from 3200 m to 3421 m of the Dome de Puy Salié. Upon arrival, if you are lucky and it is a beautiful day, as happened to us, you will be breathless for the show (and also for the wind, which here does not joke) of snowy peaks to lose your eye. From here on the roughest days you can also see Mont Blanc, as you can see from the cover photo.
Well, now that you have the whole area practically at your feet, something like 220 kilometers of slopes, so much to understand, where to start? It obviously depends on your skills and passions, but the good thing is that, unlike other ski resorts, where difficulties increase as you rise in altitude, here instead the easiest slopes are up, on the glacier and along the highest sectors. While the most technical and difficult slopes, i.e. black and red, wind at the edge of the station. So even the less experienced have access to high altitudes and can safely ski on the glacier without patemi. And with regard to tranquility, those who prefer to take it easy, without necessarily throwing themselves at full speed on the slopes, can count on the zones "ski quiet, slow zone", present along all the main and well marked slopes. Areas where you ski at moderate speed, respecting other skiers.
Do you prefer freestyle, jumps and evolutions with snowboard? Then head to the La Toura sector, equipped with a scary snowpark, divided into areas of different difficulty. At the base is the Chalet La Toura, a great stop for a snack or pizza, baked every day from the wood oven, where we also stopped for a lunch with Gilles Vanheule, the director of the Les Deux Alpes Tourist Office.
Whether you’re skiing with children or you’re in the first place, you’ll find the 2 Alpes sector, the closest to the station, with a beautiful network of green slopes that can be reached directly from the residential complexes and also an equipped area for bobs and tobogs. Here is also the snow kindergarten, where you can leave the youngest children safely and enjoy the skiing holiday.
Chalet Mounier, 4 star charm 
Despite the hospitality offer of Les Deux Alpes is mainly composed of residences and apartments, there are small charming hotels for a stay of great comfort. The top is the Chalet Mounier, where we stayed, 4 stars of great atmosphere, so much wood and maximum attention to every detail. Lounges heated by the crackling fire of the fireplace, style furnishings, warm welcome and a faire savoir that makes the difference. 
Managed by five generations by the same family, it was originally a mountain refuge and farm, and then became the first hotel in the station at the beginning of the last century. The rooms, different from the other, are furnished in alpine style, overlooking the village or the woods of the Parc National des Ecrins. There are also some suites, particularly spacious, like 105, where I slept, which also has a private terrace overlooking the hotel’s inner garden.
Two restaurants, one of which, Le p’tit Polite, shines with a Michelin star. In the main one, the evening is proposed a fixed menu or à la carte, with dishes inspired by the local gastronomic tradition.
There is a spa with hamman, sauna, jacuzzi, swimming pool and treatments with Cinq Mondes Paris products: just what it takes to relax after a day on the skis.
Venosc, Alpine village of Anan
What if it's bad weather and you can't ski? No problem, between patinoire, swimming pool, shopping and tea rooms, Les Deux Alpes is certainly not missing the alternative activities for skiing. Or you can go to the discovery of the surroundings. For example, it takes 5 minutes of cable car to find another dimension. 
Welcome to Venosc, an authentic Alpine village of Anthan. No cars, but alleys and streets that wind between ancient wooden huts and stone transformed into Logis establishments, bed&breakfast and craft boutiques, where to buy leather accessories, small bijoux, soft scarves and caps, or the typical products of the valley, such as honey and cheese. For an original souvenir, jump from Les Trois Lutins, which sells delicious handmade home items. And before leaving, do not forget to hang your message to the tree of desires located at the entrance.
