Ski Les 7 Laux in Isère with your kids this winter and you’ll probably agree with Andrew Dent, who thinks it’s a hidden gem that rivals quite a few of the French greats for family ski trips.
Feeling Les 7 Laux fun vibe © Michael Mollier
Ski Les 7 Laux once and you’ll want to keep it to yourself
Like most British skiers I have spent many a fabulous ski day at French greats like Méribel, Val Thorens, Val-d’Isère, Tignes, Courchevel and Les Arcs. So, when I was offered the chance to visit the region of Isère, and the resort of Les 7 Laux, my first question was: “Where is that?’
Well, the secret is about to be out. The region of Isère (nothing to do with Val d’Isère) is in fact home to eight top ski resorts, including Alpe D’Huez and Les 2 Alpes.
Luge for little kids © Michael Mollier
It couldn’t be easier to reach, and you don’t need to fly
The main airport for the region is Grenoble which is served by flights from several UK airports, although I’d also recommend travelling here by train.
The combination of Eurostar and TGV delivers you to Grenoble in about six hours from London and there are good transfer services to all Isère’s main resorts: Les 7 Laux is only a 45-minute journey from Grenoble.
Even experts love to ski Les 7 Laux © Urope 2
Beginners and experts both love to ski Les 7 Laux
Les 7 Laux was named after the collaboration of seven local communes in the 1960s and is arranged over three base stations: Prapoutel, Le Pleynet and Pipay.
The resort is purpose built, so not always easy on the eye – however, stunning views down the valley, and across to Chartreuse, more than make up for that. Plus, ski Les 7 Laux and you’ve found one of those rare resorts that genuinely caters for both beginners and experts.
There are excellent on-piste steep-and-deep bowls, as well as some backcountry terrain that’s as serious as anywhere in the Alps. And there’s also a snow park which caters to snowboarders and any cool teenagers in your group.
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L’itinéraire de l’écureuil © MichaelMollier
Follow the squirrels or hop on the Gypaète Chairlift
For beginners, the best way to ski Les 7 Laux to start with, is to follow L’itinéraire de l’écureuil or the squirrel’s itinerary.
This two hour route takes in all the resort’s three main areas via green, and occasional blue, runs. It is a great way to get a feel for the resort and soak up all the views.
Although, the resort features 120km of piste, split between beginner, intermediate and expert – so there’s something for everyone here.
The Gypaète Chairlift will take you to the highest point of Les 7 Laux, at 2,400m. From here you can access a wonderful bowl that has a relatively steep entry, but after that is a remarkable long black. The terrain is surrounded by mighty peaks on one side and astonishing views downhill on the other. We had perfect conditions, so our group looped back around no fewer than three times to make the most of the spectacularly long run.
Les 7 Laux Resort
Great value Les 7 Laux lets you do much more than just ski
It’s also worth mentioning the great value of les 7 Laux: a 6-day adult lift pass costs about half what you’d pay in Les Trois Vallées.
Also, eating on the mountain is very doable and I can highly recommend Le Farinaud.
Non-skiing activities for families include the Wiz Luge and Snake Gliss. Guided snowshoe hikes are also available, as well as the opportunity to accompany a groomer. This last one is a magical experience where you sit in the cab of one of the massive groomers that go out every evening to fix up the slopes. During the school holidays, you can even win a place on a groomer in the resort’s weekly ballot.
Les Grange Des 7 Laux © Actophoto
Self-catering is king at Les 7 Laux, perfect for families
Accommodation here is mainly in self-catering apartments and there are none of the English-style catered chalet options.
We stayed at Les Granges des 7 Laux, a piste-side collection of two and three bedroom apartments, all with generous living space and the Bedina Spa area downstairs which features a nice pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. The local supermarket is really excellent, so it’s easy enough to stock up and cook for yourselves. However, there’s also a collection of decent restaurants nearby, with the best (and closest) being, Le Kaktuss.
In short, Les 7 Laux is a ‘hidden gem’, especially for UK skiers. It’s excellent value and just about the only thing you won’t find here is nightlife. But the mountains are so good you’ll want an early start. And I promise, no matter what level of skiers you are, you’ll be delighted you decided to ski Les 7 Laux in Isère this winter.
How to ski Les 7 Laux this winter
How to get there
Direct UK flights to Grenoble from 1 hour, 40 minutes
Where to stay
Les Granges des 7 Laux, 2 bedroom family apartment (up to 5 guests) self-catering from £629pp for 7-nights, February half-term 2025. Price includes return Eurotunnel crossing for a standard car.
Good to know
Les 7 Laux 6-day adult lift pass from £158
Les 7 Laux 6-day child lift pass from £82
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