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Alpe d'Huez Ski Resort
With a transfer time of around 2 hours, Alpe d'Huez is very accessible from Grenoble or Chambery airport. Established in 1936, it was the first resort in France to be installed with a fully operational ski lift. The resort lies in the Grandes Rousses Massif domain. It is partnered by the smaller mountain villages of Auris-en-Oisans, Villard Reculas, Oz-en-Oisans, Vaujany and La Garde, all of which are connected by a free transport system.
The slopes are mainly south facing and as a result the area, known as "L'ile de Soleil" (Island of the Sun), experiences plenty of sunshine - averaging 300 days a year.
The resort itself is fairly spread out, divided into 3 sections. Quartier des Jeux is the main central area, with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars, and an ice-rink and swimming pool. Quartier des Vieil Alpe is the oldest part of the resort and is mostly a residential zone, retaining many original buildings. Some traditional family-run restaurants in this section can be found by taking a wander around the back streets. The final section, Quartier des Bergers, is the newest part of town, containing many self-catered apartments and some good places to eat, drink, and shop.
There is a really efficient lift system in Alpe d'Huez, accessible from 7 different locations throughout the town. So wherever you are, you won't be too far from a ski lift. In terms of lift passes, if you're here just for the skiing, then the Grand Domaine Ski Pass is the one to get. It gives you access to ski in the neighbouring resorts of Les Deux Alpes and Serre Chevalier and full access to the 250km of pistes. There are also a variety of walkers passes, and shorter-term passes for non-skiers and occasional skiers.
Stats & FAQ
Location: France, Alps.
Established: 1936
Open: December – April
Downhill: 250km
View our detailed Alpe d'Huez snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Alpe d'Huez snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Grenoble (GNB) | 158km 1h50m |
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| Top Altitude: | 3330m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 1130m |
| Resort Altitude: | 1860m |
| Longest run: | 16km |
| Slope Orientation: | NSEW |
| Vertical Drop: | 2200m |
| Skiable Vertical: | 2200m |
| Night Skiing: | Yes |
| Glacier: | Yes |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 250km |
| Beginner slopes: | 21% |
| Intermediate: | 53% |
| Advanced slopes: | 26% |
| Lift Pass Price: | €278 (adult 6 day) |
| Nearby resorts: Les Deux Alpes, Serre Chevalier | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d’Huez has had sun and snow galore since 1936, and with the culmination of around 20 Million Euros of improvements due to come to fruition for 2021, there is a huge ski area to be explored.
With a whopping 52km of greens, this is an excellent place for beginners. The easiest skiing is above the village and Les Bergers. There are plenty of wide-open runs underneath the DMC gondola, many being ‘beginners only’ so you can learn without too much traffic.
If you’re feeling confident, try some of the blue runs coming down from the main mountain and the signal sector back into Alpe d’Huez. There is an impressive selection of runs for intermediates with over half the ski area ranked either blue or red. Try out the Canyon run if you’re looking for a bit of a challenge. The main Couloir blue run that comes down from the top of the gondola’s a brilliant one for early intermediates.
Advanced skiers will have an absolute ball. The black Tunnel run that streams down from the Pic Blanc summit is super steep, while the Sarenne from the same peak mightn’t be as pitchy but is the longest of its kind in the Alps at 13km. In good snow conditions, the steep La Fuma down to Le Chatelard Maronne is superb, and the Col de Cluy from Signal de l’Homme is long and takes you away from all the lifts. Off the piste, there are endless possibilities – it’s definitely worth hiring a guide if you really want to get the best out of the terrain.
Alpe D’huez is outstanding for snowboarders, with plenty of on and off-piste terrain. There are a few flat spots to negotiate but nothing that the experienced rider can’t handle. The huge park at the top section of the Grandes Rousses gondola was expanded even further for 2017/18 season with 2 brand new lines added and sure to keep even the most dedicated park rats fully satisfied. Beginners should check out the easier park above Vaujany.
Alpe d'Huez Apres Ski
If you like live music, try the Underground in Vieil Alpe. It combines a pleasant atmosphere with bands playing most nights. Smithy’s has drinks promotions and healthy portions of Tex-Mex food to match. If you can’t bear to miss an important game whilst in France, O’Sharkey’s is the best spot to watch live sports. L’igloo is the place to go if you want to party late into the night.
Alpe d’Huez has all of the usual culinary delights you’d expect in the mountains. To sample some traditional French food, head to La Cremaillere or for Tex-Mex, Smithy’s Tavern has a great selection of ribs, chicken wings and burgers. Pinocchio is a popular pizzeria, located opposite the ice rink. Chalet du Lac Besson is a great little place up the mountain, which is much quieter than the usual mountain restaurants at lunchtime.
Off the slopes, there is a real mix of high octane activities and relaxing things to do. Alpe d’Huez has its own museum, and the heated outdoor swimming pool is usually free to use with your lift pass. For thrill-seekers, there are the usual offerings of snowmobiling and paragliding as well as an ice driving school to check out. There is also 250km of well-marked walker’s trails for non-skiers. For some of the most stunning views, take a helicopter across to Les Deux Alpes for an exciting day trip.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Alpe d'Huez
Best time to visit & ski Alpe d'Huez
The season usually runs from mid-December to the end of April and with glacier and height of the resort, stretching up to 3,300m, this is one of the most snow-sure resorts in the Alps. This is also complimented by extensive snowmaking on the main runs above Alpe d’Huez, Vaujany and Oz, with an additional 68 high-end snow cannons added as part of the most recent tranche of improvements. The Ski area has slopes that face S SW NW, making sure that you won’t freeze early in the season! January and February often have the best snow and because of the majority of the slopes in Alpe d’Huez are south facing, there are plenty of sunny slopes to ski on.
The flipside of having sunny slopes is that in springtime the lower slopes can get a little slushy, especially towards the end of the day, but as long as you get up nice and early, you will still find great snow to ski on higher up. If you are coming during the peak times of Christmas, New Year, Half-Term and Easter, you can expect some queues in the morning but thanks to an excellent fast lifts system, once you get a little higher up the queues aren’t a problem.
Peak Dates
You’ll enjoy a special buzz at Christmas in Alpe d’Huez. The town is beautifully lit to make it feel like a real winter wonderland. Look out for special festive menus in the local restaurants and the wintery Christmas markets. Alpe d'Huez Christmas ski holidays ‣
At New Year, Alpe d’Huez has plenty to offer for families and party goers alike. The spectacular torchlit descent and firework display are something to behold. There are fancy dress parties at a range of popular venues so pack your best outfit and toast the New Year in style! Alpe d'Huez New Year ski holidays ‣
Half-term in Alpe d’Huez is a brilliant time for families with loads of activities like swimming and the ice caves to take advantage of. Snow conditions are usually top notch at this time of year and the modern lift system in resort will ensure that you don’t spend all your time queuing! Alpe d'Huez Half Term ski holidays ‣
Dubbed “the island of the sun”, Easter in Alpe d’Huez is fantastic for a sunny holiday. There are loads of things to do like the Easter egg hunt around the resort. Ski till the snow gets soft and then take advantage of the brilliant après ski on offer. Alpe d'Huez Easter ski holidays ‣
Families in Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d’Huez is a brilliant resort for families, with loads to do like swimming, visiting the ice caves and taking a whirl on the ice rink. The variety of ski schools in resort will make sure that they get excellent tuition, while you are tackling some of the runs up the mountain. The 52km of green runs in resort and designated beginner area, make this a superb place to learn how to ski. There are some fantastic childcare facilities in resort and many of our hotels also come with onsite childcare services.
Make sure you book a hotel near the piste, to avoid carrying more than your own set of skis! Hotel Les Bergers is a good option for families location-wise. If you are sure of your numbers and are travelling with another family, then a catered chalet can be the perfect place to stay. All your meals are taken care of, leaving you with one less thing to worry about! For families with older children who are already competent skiers, check out our range of apartments that can get you up the mountain skiing, without breaking the bank.
GroupsGroup Holidays Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d’Huez is an excellent resort for groups as it has stunning terrain parks, off-piste opportunities and superb learner areas which will suit all different abilities. Non-Skiers will also have plenty to keep themselves entertained with activities such as swimming, ice-skating, ice-driving and many more on offer. A free bus service links the town, so you will never be too far from the action wherever you are in resort.
Choose the amazing value L'Ours Blanc apartments f you are looking for somewhere close to town to party the night away without the long trudge home. For a holiday that involves you doing as little possible, have a look at our catered ski chalets, where you can enjoy hot tubs and spa facilities, as well as a cooked breakfast, afternoon tea and a 3-course meal every night. Book as a small group if you fancy the idea of sharing with some new friends, or to guarantee a personalised experience, book a chalet that suits your group number.
Which are the best ski holidays in Alpe d'Huez?
| Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| L'Eclose Apart-Hotel | 7 | £ 747 |
| Club Med L'Alpe d'Huez | 3 | £ 766 |
| Chalet Annecy | 7 | £ 786 |
| Chalet Leman | 7 | £ 786 |
| Chalet Salagou | 7 | £ 786 |
| Chalet Gaube | 7 | £ 786 |
| Chalet Bourget | 7 | £ 786 |
| Chalet Pere Josef 1 | 7 | £ 786 |
| Chalet Pere Josef 2 | 7 | £ 786 |
| Hotel Les Bergers | 7 | £ 829 |
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