Les Deux Alpes, meaning "the two Alps," originated from the merging of two alpine pastures, Venosc and Mont-de-Lans, leading to its official creation as a ski resort in 1946.

Geographically, Les Deux Alpes sits on a high plateau at an altitude of 1,650 meters, uniquely positioned between the northern and southern French Alps, offering panoramic views and diverse skiing terrain.

The resort's demographic makeup is primarily seasonal, with a small permanent population supplemented by a large influx of tourists and seasonal workers during the ski season and summer months.

Les Deux Alpes' economy is heavily reliant on tourism, specifically winter sports and summer outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and hiking.

Historically, the area was primarily agricultural, with farming and livestock breeding forming the economic backbone before the development of the ski resort.

One of the key landmarks is the Jandri Express gondola, which transports skiers and snowboarders to the highest point of the glacier at 3,200 meters, offering access to year-round skiing.

Les Deux Alpes boasts one of Europe's largest skiable glaciers, enabling skiing and snowboarding even during the summer months, contributing significantly to its tourism appeal.

Culturally, the region maintains strong alpine traditions, evident in its architecture, local cuisine featuring dishes like tartiflette and raclette, and community festivals.

While not a UNESCO World Heritage site itself, Les Deux Alpes' proximity to the Écrins National Park, a vast protected area, contributes to its natural and environmental significance.

Population growth in Les Deux Alpes has been driven by the expansion of tourism infrastructure, with new accommodations and facilities built to cater to increasing visitor numbers.

The development of Les Deux Alpes as a ski resort involved significant engineering feats, including the construction of lifts and tunnels to connect the two original villages.

Les Deux Alpes doesn't directly play a major role in national history or politics but contributes economically to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and France's tourism sector.

The resort has invested heavily in snowmaking technology to ensure reliable snow cover throughout the ski season, mitigating the impacts of climate change.

A significant annual event is the Rise Festival, a music and snow sports festival that attracts thousands of young people to Les Deux Alpes each December.

Local traditions are preserved through events like village fêtes, showcasing regional crafts, music, and culinary specialties, providing a glimpse into the area's heritage.