For a long time nicknamed ‘the sleeping beauty’, Les Deux Alpes has been able to wake up with a bang thanks to a bold strategy and innovative projects. In recent years, it has established itself as a model of balance between heritage and modernity, reaffirming its status as the flagship resort of the French Alps. This revival is based on a skilful blend of structuring investment, sustainable initiatives and collective mobilisation, restoring the appeal of this emblematic destination.
One of the key elements of this transformation is the Jandri cable car, which is due to open in December 2024. ‘When we launched this project, we knew it would mark a decisive turning point for the resort”, explains Stéphane SAUVEBOIS, mayor of Les Deux Alpes. Linking the village at an altitude of 1,600 metres to the glacier at 3,600 metres, this ultra-modern facility embodies the town’s desire to combine comfort, speed and sustainability.
Les Deux Alpes’ ambitions don’t stop there. Modernisation extends far beyond the ski infrastructure, as demonstrated by the plans to renovate the Avenue de la Muzelle, build a state-of-the-art medical centre and refurbish an Olympic ice rink. ‘We wanted to bring out the full potential of our resort, by making it a place to live for both tourists and our 2,000 permanent residents,“ he explains.
The Les Deus Alpes resort’s strategy, which combines dreams and pragmatism, has enabled this sleeping beauty to regain its vitality and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.
Les Deux Alpes, a transformation driven by a long-term vision
The Jandri 3S cable car, inaugurated on 17 January, is one of the flagship projects in this transformation. Replacing the old Jandri Express dating from 1985, this new equipment uses advanced tri-cable (3S) technology developed by POMA, offering greater stability even in strong winds, optimised energy efficiency and doubled transport capacity, reaching 3,000 people per hour. It reduces the climb from the station (1,650 m) to the glacier (3,200 m) to 17 minutes, compared with 40 minutes previously. ‘When we found out about similar facilities in Austria, we realised that this represented the future for our resort,” says the mayor.
The Belle Étoile Télémixte, inaugurated in winter 2024, has replaced the Œufs Blancs gondola lift. This new installation, which combines seats and gondolas, has improved transit for skiers and pedestrians to the Crêtes sector at 2100 metres.
Similarly, the Telemixte du Diable, combining 6-seater chairs and 6-seater gondolas, has replaced the old Diable detachable chairlift. This new installation gives skiers, pedestrians and mountain bikers access from the resort to the Crêtes sector, at an altitude of 2100 metres. In winter, the Télémixte du Diable provides skiers and pedestrians with easy access to the Crêtes sector, offering runs to suit all abilities. In summer, it becomes a privileged entry point for hikers and mountain bikers wishing to take advantage of the trails and Bike Park in Les Deux Alpes.
The transformation of Les Deux Alpes doesn’t stop there. The renovation of the Avenue de la Muzelle is a flagship project aimed at transforming this area into a green, pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare. ‘ We want to transform this thoroughfare into a symbol of our commitment to the environment, with trees, modern street furniture and energy-efficient lighting,’ he explains. The three-year project will help redefine the visual identity of Les Deux Alpes. This central thoroughfare will be planted with trees and fitted with low-energy lighting to make it both functional and pleasant.
‘We don’t want a high-altitude town, but a resort in harmony with its mountain environment’
insists the mayor. The aim of the project is to create a peaceful living environment and reinforce the authentic character of the resort.
At the same time, the resort is investing in community facilities such as a new medical centre and the renovation of the Olympic ice rink. These developments are aimed as much at building the loyalty of local residents as they are at boosting the resort’s tourism offering. ‘We’ve realised that a mountain resort must also be a pleasant place to live, to attract both holidaymakers and professionals,” stresses the mayor.
One of the flagship projects is the renovation of the Olympic ice rink, which is being restored to its former glory while being adapted to modern standards. “We were one of the few resorts in France to have an ice rink on this scale. Bringing it back into service is a powerful symbol for the resort,” says Stéphane SAUVEBOIS.
In the same vein, the construction of a spacious medical centre meets the growing needs of residents and visitors. “Ten years ago, we only had two doctors and no dentist. Today, thanks to our efforts, the resort has eight doctors and four dentists,” says the mayor, underlining the direct effect of these investments on the local quality of life.
Modernisation in response to climate challenges
Stéphane SAUVEBOIS explains Les Deux Alpes’ three-pronged strategy: Global Warming, Environmental Protection and Mobility. These pillars will enable the resort to limit its ecological footprint while preparing for the changes needed to ensure its future. “Reducing car traffic is a priority. Thanks to the introduction of paid parking, the creation of a 300-space car park at the entrance to the resort and the use of shuttle buses, we have reduced traffic by 50%”, says the mayor with satisfaction, underlining the immediate impact of these measures on air quality and traffic flow.
The diversification of the tourist offer is also a fundamental pillar in anticipating the effects of climate change. Sports facilities such as a modern swimming pool and an Olympic-size ice rink are part of this transition, enriching the appeal of Les 2 Alpes beyond snow-dependent activities.
‘We’re preparing our resort for the next 50 years’
, explains the mayor, highlighting a forward-looking strategic vision. These projects will not only meet the expectations of today’s holidaymakers, but also ensure economic resilience in the face of less snowy winters.
One of the greatest assets of the commune of Les Deux Alpes is its ability to unite the various players in the resort around a common vision. Developing and bringing to fruition ambitious projects requires exemplary synergy between elected representatives, delegates, institutional partners and local residents. ‘This strong bond enables us to meet the challenges of climate change and the economy with a head start,” says the mayor. This collaborative atmosphere has been essential to the completion of major projects such as the Jandri cable car, which has become a symbol of modernity for the resort.
To support these ambitions, Les Deux Alpes: from the awakening of a ‘sleeping beauty’ to the flagship resort of tomorrow. “We are fortunate to have the financial resources to support our dreams. Our success is based on genuine co-construction, with everyone involved playing a key role in the success of our projects”, explains the mayor, highlighting the importance of a solid budget in transforming ideas into concrete achievements.
Thanks to a clear vision and a collective effort, the resort of Les Deux Alpes has managed to emerge from its ‘sleeping beauty’ status to become a model of modernisation in the mountains. Under the impetus of Mayor Stéphane SAUVEBOIS and his teams, strategic investments such as the Jandri 3S cable car and the renovation of the Avenue de la Muzelle bear witness to the resort’s ambition. “The strength of Les Deux Alpes lies above all in its teamwork and collective energy. Whether it’s the elected representatives, SATA Group, the tourist office or our residents, we’ve all worked together to build a future in harmony with our environment,” concludes the mayor with pride.
