Alpe D'Huez, France

Alpe d'Huez ski resort

A skiers secret paradise waiting to be discovered

Alpe d’Huez has been a well-kept secret by the French for years. High up in the mountains in a sunny bowl opposite Les Deux Alpes, it commands spectacular views of the valley below and has become renowned for its sunshine record. Much of the resort is modern, purpose-built and spread out over the hillside, all connected by an extensive lift system.

Alpe d’Huez is a fantastic all-round resort. The mountains surrounding Alpe D’Huez are extensive, and suit all standards of rider. They also benefit from great snow conditions and off-piste. However, Alpe D’Huez also gets a lot of sun, which can take its toll on the piste, but is great when there is a big snowfall and bluebird skies follow the next day. The town of Alpe D’Huez provides a friendly and fun atmosphere, but it is slightly lacking in traditional French charm. Alpe d’Huez is less well known than many of the big French resorts, but it’s starting to give them a run for their money, and the following of Brits who return year after year is steadily rising. It also helps that Alpe d’Huez is only an hour from Grenoble airport. The skiing in Alpe D’Huez has something for everyone and it is therefore a great place to take a mixed ability group. There are a number of good ski schools and beginners’ slopes, and a total of 245km of ski slopes to keep the intermediate cruiser happy. Don’t just stick to the easily accessible slopes, if you venture towards the far corners of the Alpe D’Huez ski area you will escape the crowds and find some beautiful runs. Alpe D’Huez also has 2 superb parks with a range of kickers and rails to keep freestylers happy and plenty of off-piste adventures for the experienced skier or snowboarder. The high altitude of the mountains, reaching 3330m, pretty much guarantees snow cover in Alpe D’Huez, even though the sun can affect the condition of the slopes.

The town has plenty of activities on offer other than skiing and snowboarding, including driving on ice, ice skating, swimming in the indoor heated swimming pool, night skiing, tobogganing, paragliding, tennis, and yoga. There are also a number of great restaurants serving all sorts of cuisines from snack bars to traditional Savoyard food to pizzas and Tex Mex.

There are some great events in Alpe D’Huez, from Ice racing to 4 wheel drive testing to a comedy film festival. If your holiday falls on one of these events, it would definitely be worth checking it out.

skiing and snowboarding in Alpe d'huez

Beneath the Pic Blanc at 3330 metres lies this lift system which helps to cover 250 kilometres of piste on one ski pass. It is ideal for families and groups of different abilities. For beginners there are easy-to-reach nursery slopes in the centre of the resort. For the early intermediates there are outstanding blues and greens, including tree-lined runs in the Auris and Vaujany areas. Advanced skiers and boarders can enjoy the 16km Sarenne, the longest black run in Europe, the Canyon and some excellent off-piste. If you can contemplate the drop from Le Tunnel you know you’ve cracked the sport! Alpe d’Huez has gained a great reputation amongst snowboarders and includes a permanent natural half-pipe known as Le Couloir.

Apres ski in Alpe d'huez

Alpe d’Huez has a lively nightlife with plenty of bars, live music and good discos. A couple of the more popular bars are the Pacific Bar and the British-run Underground Bar for live music. Relax after a good day’s skiing either in the heated outdoor swimming pool, ice skating or by taking advantage of the modern sports centre (indoor pool, indoor tennis, climbing wall, squash and multi-gym). There are good French restaurants, pizzerias, crêperies and gourmet establishments to choose from.