Alpe d'Huez Ski Holidays France
Sat at 1,860m, Alpe d'Huez offers a fantastic variety and extent of skiing terrain for all standards. The ski area offers a thrilling mix of steep, challenging areas alongside extensive, gentle nursery slopes; making it an ideal destination not only for families but also for mixed ability groups.
The village itself sprawls over the open mountainside; surrounded by stunning scenery across the Southern Alps which is famed for its wonderful sunshine record. One of the liveliest resorts in the Alps; you will find yourself spoilt for choice between the pretty, more quiet and rustic village of Vaujany or the bustling centre of Avenue des Jeux.
Transfer time
- Chambery
- Grenoble
At a Glance
Resort Altitude: 1,860m
Resort Skiing: 3,330m
Total Ski Area: 250km
Lifts: 84
Green Runs: 49km
Blue Runs: 54km
Red Runs: 80km
Black Runs: 67km
Cross Country: 50km
Ski Areas
Alpe d’Huez is one of France’s larger ski resorts with 250km of skiable pistes encompassing other neighbouring resorts. The area is extremely varied with plenty of blues and greens, some more challenging reds and sensational blacks. Alpe d’Huez is also mainly a south facing resort, so you can expect many long, sunny days. You can ski up to around 3,330m, meaning the resort can offer a guarantee of fantastic snow conditions. Night skiing is also available for those who can’t wait for the lifts to re-open.
Accommodation
Skiing
Alpe d’Huez has some of the most extensive nursery slopes which make it very appealing to beginners, whilst intermediates will also enjoy skiing around the resort and into the other linked resorts of Vaujany and Oz-en-Oisans. Advanced skiers will feel well supplied by this ski area with famous runs like Le Tunnel and Sarenne, whilst freeride skiers will enjoy skiing from the Pit Blanc into powder bowls and couloirs.
Snowboarding
Beginner snowboarders will benefit from the multiple nursery slopes, although they should be aware of the large number of drag lifts which may prove challenging to boarders who are just starting out. For freeride snowboarders, Alpe d'Huez is an off-piste paradise. It is well worth a visit to the open powder field of Le Grand Sablat and Cheminées du Macles couloirs. There is also a giant terrain park which is suitable for park enthusiasts.
Weekends
Ski Schools
Alpe d'Huez offers tuition from the well-known ESF ski schools they offer excellent instructors who are fluent in English. Group or private lessons are available for skiers and boarders of all abilities, ranging from beginner to expert.
Crèches
Due to the family-friendly reputation of Alpe d'Huez, there are various options available for both ski and non-ski childcare. Both the ESF and the ESI run ski kindergartens in the resort which will look after little ones during the daytime. For the evenings, there are a range of private nanny companies in resort who can provide babysitting services.
Snow
Restaurants
Foodies will feel instantly at home in Alpe d'Huez. Good on-the-mountain restaurants include Chalet du Lac Besson with delicious meats, all grilled on an open fire and with great service. Le Perce Neige, below the Oz Poutran Gondola, is a restaurant that has a great atmosphere both inside and on the terrace. Down in resort we recommend Le Cremaillere; one of the best restaurants in a resort with a menu featuring superb meat and fish dishes. Another fantastic option is Au Montagnard who serve amazing Savoyard dishes.
Après Ski
Après ski lovers will be happy to know there's a La Folie Douce bar in Alpe d'Huez; renowned for its famous parties where you can enjoy plenty of beer and wine whilst dancing on the tables. Once you're done in the Folie, head down into the resort where you can find New Sphere bar and Freeride Café. Underground Bar is a Brit-run bar with a trendy London underground theme. It offers reasonably priced drinks, with live sport and music played most nights.
Non-Skiers
There's a range of great activities for non-skiers including the ice rink found on the Avenue des Jeux, or the 700m Alpine Coaster track located near the Marmottes lift. Try the resorts' leisure centre with its climbing wall, swimming pool and sauna or if you feel like a dive into some history and culture, there are a few great museums around the resort to discover.
