Les 2 Alpes Unveils Summer 2026 Program with Focus on Mountain Biking and Trail Running

High above the Oisans valley, Les 2 Alpes is gearing up for a summer that promises adrenaline, altitude, and authentic alpine charm. From mid‑June to the end of August, the resort will welcome around 80,000 visitors, offering a packed calendar of outdoor pursuits, family fun, and mountain culture.

Les 2 Alpes has announced its summer season program for 2026, running from June 13 to August 30, positioning itself as a premier destination for mountain sports enthusiasts seeking high-altitude adventure in the French Alps.

“Here, everything is included except boredom,” says Fabrice Perez, director of the Tourist Office — and it's not exaggerating. With 40 activities, 70 restaurants, and 30 bars, Les 2 Alpes transforms into a vibrant mountain hub where adventure and relaxation coexist.

The resort’s accessibility adds to its appeal: visitors can reach it via train to Grenoble and a short bus ride into the mountains, or fly into Lyon, the nearest summer airport.

Mountain Biking Takes Center Stage

Les 2 Alpes has long been a mecca for downhill mountain biking, and 2026 will be no exception. The bike park spans 140 km of marked trails, developed in collaboration with bike patrollers, trail shapers, and professional riders including French champions Isabeau Courdurier, Hugo Frixtalon, and Adrien Loron, who train at the resort for World Cup competitions.

From the legendary Venosc trail to the elite Black Garden, riders can test their limits on terrain that hosts major competitions like the Mountain of Hell (18–21 June) and the Downhill French Cup (26–28 June).

For newcomers, schools such as Gravity Bike, MCF Bike Infinity, and Chez Bob provide expert instruction, while the Easy Park and Vallée Blanche areas offer safe spaces to learn.

The bike park features 30 trails across all difficulty levels, from beginner-friendly green runs to elite black trails, served by six lifts. Facilities include 20 downhill runs, three enduro itineraries, six e-bike routes, and a unique snow run called "Highway to Heaven" between 3,200 and 2,600 meters elevation.

Eight bike patrollers and six trail shapers work year-round to maintain optimal conditions across the network.

The resort will host several major mountain biking events this summer:

• June 18-21: The 26th Mountain of Hell, a legendary downhill race where 1,000 experienced riders start at 3,400 meters—the highest start line for any mountain bike competition—and descend 2,500 vertical meters.

• June 26-28: Downhill French Cup

• July 11-12: 4th Girls Shredding Days, a women-only event organized by MTB ambassador Isabeau Courdurier

• July 25-26: 3rd Urban DH, featuring mountain bike champion Adrien Loron in an individual race against the clock on a technical urban course with 30 professional riders

Trail Running Gains Momentum

Les 2 Alpes is also emerging as a trail running powerhouse, home to elite athletes Mathieu Blanchard and Yannick Noël. The resort’s varied terrain — from alpine lakes to waterfalls — offers routes ranging from 2 km to 25 km, all starting and finishing in the village.

This summer’s highlights include the Festival du Trail au Féminin (3–5 July), a women‑only event combining races, wellness workshops, and an exhibitor village; and the Tour des 6 Vallées (16–22 August), a six‑stage race covering 170 km with a staggering 10,000 m of elevation gain.

The discipline has grown significantly thanks to "Les 2 Alpes Trail" association, founded in 2021, which now has over 200 members and organizes trail marking and events.

The resort offers trails ranging from 2 to 25 kilometers with varied terrain, mountain lakes, waterfalls, and views of Écrins National Park. Routes are categorized from easy (five trails including the 2.4km Cascade de la Muzelle) to very difficult (three trails including the 25.4km Diable noir).

Major trail running events include:

• July 3-5: Le Festival du trail au féminin, a new women-only event featuring trail competitions for all levels, conferences, and an exhibitor village

• July 20-25: Défi de la Muzelle, a four-day trail race with 50km or 100km options

• August 2-7: Parcours de la Muzelle, where participants run as many kilometers as possible on a circuit within 130 hours maximum

• August 16-22: Tour des 6 Vallées, a new trail race with six stages covering 170km and 10,000 meters of elevation gain

Family Activities and Accessibility

Beyond biking and running, Les 2 Alpes is an outdoor playground for all ages. Families can tackle the Via Ferrata des Lutins, glide over the valley on a paragliding flight, or join the Raid en Famille, a 7 km orienteering challenge with quizzes and escape‑game elements.

Water lovers can paddle or pedal on Chambon Lake, or go white‑water rafting on the turquoise Vénéon River. For younger riders, the Mountain of Hell Kids (20 June) and Downhill Kids Cup (22–23 August) offer a taste of competition.

Beyond its flagship sports, Les 2 Alpes offers 40 activities including paragliding, via ferrata climbing routes, white-water rafting on the Vénéon River, and paddle boarding on nearby Chambon Lake.

Family-friendly facilities include parkour courses, multisport terrain, pétanque and padel courts, mini-golf, two toboggan runs, trampolines, tennis courts, and a slopestyle skate park. The resort also offers glacier ice walking at 3,200 meters and a summer camp program for children aged 4-16.

Food, Fun, and Alpine Flavor

Summer dining in Les 2 Alpes is as diverse as its terrain. From mountain classics to Italian specialties and vegetarian menus, the resort’s 70 restaurants cater to every palate. Local favorites include Chez Francesco for pizza, The Spot for burgers, and Chez Nous 2 for tapas. For sweet treats, Crêpes à Gogo and Bistro Les Lutins are must‑visits.

A Resort That Never Stops Evolving

With its mix of high‑altitude adventure and family‑friendly atmosphere, Les 2 Alpes continues to redefine what a summer mountain holiday can be. Whether you’re chasing speed down the Venosc trail, running through alpine meadows, or simply savoring a sunset over the Écrins peaks, one thing’s certain — boredom doesn’t stand a chance here.

Les 2 Alpes is accessible by train via Eurostar to Paris or Lille, then TGV to Grenoble, followed by bus service to the resort (€7.70 one way). Lyon airport serves as the closest airport for summer travelers.

Lift prices for summer 2026 are €32 for adults and €25 for children, covering both pedestrian access to 3,400 meters and mountain bike trail access.

Summer season: 13 June – 30 August 2026

More info: www.les2alpes.com