The Ultimate Beginner Skier’s Guide To Alpe d’Huez
You could be forgiven for not considering Alpe d’Huez for a beginner ski holiday. It’s got the legendary Sarenne black run and yes, some famously challenging off-piste. But tucked away in this high-altitude playground is one of France’s best-kept secrets for beginners. After watching countless first-timers transform into decent skiers here, I’m convinced it’s one of the best resorts for beginners learning to ski in France. Here I’ll explain why you should pick Europe’s sunniest ski resort to learn to ski in.
The magic starts with those 300 days of sunshine. As a novice, being able to see where you’re going makes all the difference. No squinting through flat light or sleet here – just clear, bright days that show every bump and turn. Add in 41 green runs (that’s more than most resorts have blues), four completely free lifts, and beginner passes at just €29 a day, and you’ve got an affordable place to learn to ski too.
Why Alpe d’Huez Works So Well for Beginners
At 1,860m you have two massive central learning areas, with Les Bergers spread out in the heart of the resort, and the DMC zone in a quieter sector. Between them there is more beginner-friendly terrain than you need in your first week.
The free lifts are no gimmick – Petit Rif Nel, both Ecoles drags and the Grenouilles rope tow save our families hundreds in the first couple of days. When you’re ready to ski further, the €29 beginner lift-pass opens up all lifts except Alpauris and Marmottes 1 (you don’t need these in your first few weeks).
The Learning Zones Make a BIG Difference
Les Bergers is Where Most Beginners Start Their Journey
Les Bergers is a huge bowl of gentle slopes, completely separate from the main ski traffic, with 12 green runs and 7 easy blues when you’re ready. The Romains six-person chairlift is a much easier way to start than a drag lift, and I particularly love how Les Bergers is designed. The slopes all funnel debutantes back to the base, so getting lost is unlikely. Despite being a bit older, my kids loved the sheep-themed boardercross run called Chez Roger which has gentle bumps and makes learning fun.
The ESF ski school has their main children’s village here, and the Marmotte bubble lift connects directly to the higher slopes.
DMC is An Alternative That’s Often a Bit Quieter
The DMC area has seven long, wide green runs served by the DMC gondola and the Jeux high-speed chair. The Kids Park des Sagnes sits at the bottom, where kids can try their first mini-jumps. I also recommend DMC to adult beginners who want a bit more space to learn in.
The Alpe d’huez Hidden Gems
Villard Reculas is accessible via a quick gondola ride, and has its own little beginner area with a magic carpet and the “Escargot” (snail) mini-lift.
For the Auris sector you need to brave the “scare chair” (the Alpauris lift that looks scary but is not), but has six green runs winding through the trees. The Jacques le Bûcheron trail is themed around a woodcutter with carved wooden animals hidden in the forest. On a powder day, when everyone else is looking for fresh tracks up high, Auris can be completely untouched and silent.
Ski Schools in Alpe d’Huez
The ESF (École du Ski Français) is biggest with 300+ instructors, and most speak excellent English. They’ve been teaching here since 1936 (collectively) so they know every inch of the mountain. Check out “ride-alongs with Cookie” on Youtube for really nice content from a Brit who is also ESF instructor.
British coach Stuart Adamson’s Masterclass school is exceptional. Stuart’s been here 20 years and trains other instructors for BASI. Easiski has similar British instruction with really flexible booking.
Group lessons start from €35 a day, but my money-saving tip is book the afternoon sessions, which are €5-10 cheaper.
For kids, the ESF’s Piou-Piou Club takes them from age 2.5. They’ve got a really detailed progression system with different coloured bibs, medal ceremonies and little races at the end of the week.
Your First (Realistic) Week Learning to Ski in Alpe d’Huez
Week One is About Finding Your Feet
Day 1-2 you’ll probably spend on the free lifts after initially doing the sidestep up the slope, snowplough down. By day two, you’ll be managing the Petit Rif Nel rope tow (mostly) without falling off.
Day 3-4 is time to buy the beginner’s lift pass. The wide greens of Les Bergers, where Piste des Poussins (the chicks’ run) is usually where novices have their “I’m actually skiing!” moment. You’ll still be snowploughing, but covering a lot more distance.
Day 5-6 is usually when leaners venture onto the first easy blue runs like Chevreuils or Champoutery.
Week Two Is For Building Confidence
By week two (whether that’s the same holiday or your next trip), the whole mountain starts opening up to beginnerrs. Opened in 2019, Marcel’s Farm is 2km of fun for kids with sound effects and cartoon animals.
The tree-lined runs at Auris become manageable, and even the blue run down to Huez village.
Some learners even start eyeing up the Sarenne by the end of week two. It’s marked as a black run but is honestly easier than many reds – it’s just very, very long at 16km. We can arrange the famous “Moonlight Sarenne” for our guests, which is a guided ski down after sunset with ski patrol, after some gentle après ski in a lodge near the top.
Where to Stay for Maximum Slope Time
Location matters more for beginners than any other level of skier, because you don’t want to be trekking across resort in ski boots every morning. Les Bergers district puts you literally on the doorstep of the main learning area and we have terrific accommodation from luxury to budget.
The Daria-I Nor is five stars, ski-in/ski-out, with large family suites and kids’ club. At the other end of the scale, Pierre & Vacances Les Bergers offers great value. It’s “4-star” (French apartment star ratings are generous) but you’re 100m from the lifts and it’s got Family Plus certification, meaning guaranteed cots, highchairs, and family friendly atmos.
L’Ours Blanc is amazing value and our most popular for beginners is Club Med Alpe d’Huez. The all-inclusive board basis and free lift-pass means you have no faff and can focus on learning to ski and holidaying. Huez village looks charming, but you need to ski a blue run to get back there, so it’s less ideal for day one and two.
Practicalities That Make Your First Ski Trip a Success
Do You Need a Lift Pass for Beginner Skiers in Alpe d’huez?
Start with the free lifts (for at least two days) then, once you’re ready, buy the €29 beginner pass (you can only buy it in resort). Family passes are best value with four people, and kids under five ski free.
How to Choose Ski/Board and Boot Hire
Book equipment rental before you go (we often have BOGOF or discounts when you book your holiday). Basic beginner skis and boots are what to choose, because performance skis are not good to learn on. Our friendly team will ensure you pick short, soft, forgiving planks and I would say you must get a helmet.
What is a Realistic Budget for Beginner Ski Trip to Alpe d’Huez?
A budget week will cost between £700-£1,500 per person all in depending on time of year (self-catering apartment, beginner passes, standard equipment). Mid-range in a posher hotel, with a few meals out, maybe some spa time might be £1,400-£2,500. You can get affordable luxury from £2,200-£3,600 in more a salubrious digs (we also do a helicopter transfer to ski in Les 2 Alpes for a day which is really fun).
Things to Do Beyond The Slopes
The Palais des Sports is a big swimming complex with slides, climbing wall, and mini golf.
I would strongly recommend keeping the après ski mellow when you’re learning. The Sporting does family-friendly early sessions with games and activities 5-7pm whereas La Folie Douce is intense, does not allow kids after 2pm and does not have a beginner-friendly ski down after it closes. The Sphere Bar does excellent chocolat chaud and has a sun terrace to watch the sunset.
Non-skiers aren’t forgotten and the pedestrian pass (€29/day) gets you up the mountain for lunch with the skiers. The ice caves at 2,700m are accessible to anyone, and there’s fat biking, snowshoeing, and a Thursday night market in the old town.
Why Start Your Alpine Adventure Here in Alpe d’Huez
I think Alpe d’Huez creates confident skiers through having really nice spaces to learn, and more sunny days than anywhere else in the Alps (a statistical fact). Whether you’re bringing tiny ones for their first taste of snow or taking the plunge yourself, I can’t recommend this place enough.
To book your perfect first ski trip, call our friendly experts on 020 7770 6888 for advice, read more about Alpe d’Huez ski holidays or browse the best package deals.
