Replying to Skiing Grenoble/France

I'm headed out there next year, I've got to start planning already and have some questions for those who've been...

I'm from the east coast and touring is something that really interests me. My plan was to head over with skis mounted with Dukes, take an avy course, join a ski club and get my feet wet in the slackcountry. My main concern is the cost of all this, especially when you factor in avy and other touring gear.

So do the resorts around Grenoble have enough inbounds/lift-access "fun" skiing (trees, powder, steeps)? If yes then I could probably bypass touring altogether (even though I would like to have the experience), mount with alpine bindings and maybe even bring a second pair of skis or a board.

Hopefully you guys can help and I'll be bumping this as I need more info.