Alpe d'Huez Ski Resort, France

Overview of Alpe D'Huez

Skiworld Team In-Resort- We have a Skiworld team based in this resort who are there from the moment you arrive until you depart to make sure that every aspect of your holiday runs smoothly. As well as having their contact details should you need them, they will be in contact with you during your stay to help with anything you may need and to make sure that you get the most from your ski holiday with us.

Sitting atop white clouds of snow at a respectable 1,860m lies the ski resort of Alpe d’Huez, also known as l’ile au soleil, or the island in the sun, the nickname the resort has been given thanks to the 300 sunny days it receives on average per year. But what about the snow? Well, worry not, as this beautiful site was specially chosen to host a purpose-built ski resort because it offers the ultimate winter sport combination of snowy nights and sunny days.

The 250km of pistes extend across a terrain that tops out at a mighty 3,330m on the Pic Blanc glacier, guaranteeing a snow-sure ski holiday, even if you may have to get up a little earlier for the spring skiing.

Alpe d’Huez ski resort is a fantastic all-rounder with something for everyone; there are runs both on and off the piste to suit every taste and ability level, making it perfect for family ski holidays and mixed ability ski groups.

Spread out over four separate quarters, Alpe d’Huez accommodation ranges from basic to luxurious but most offer good access to the pistes. This includes a range of accommodation types including chalets, hotels as well as ski apartments. There are also a host of options for non-skiers plus some sparkling choices for après-ski and late-night partying, and although slightly lacking in traditional Savoyard charm, you are more likely to meet French skiers here than in a lot of the bigger resorts more well-known to a British clientele.

Keep reading to learn more about this resort and why to go on an Alpe D'Huez ski holiday.

3 Things We Love About Alpe d’Huez

1. Snowboarder friendly – With two snow parks that offer an adrenaline filled day, boarders can try new tricks or even practice old tricks to their hearts content.
2. Night skiing – Alpe d’Huez is one of the few resorts which offers a different side to skiing. Using a red graded piste on the signal mountain offers a new experience waiting to be tried.
3. The longest black run in the world - With a distance of 17kms from top to bottom, The Sarenne has become a bucket list challenge for fearless intermediates and experienced skiers. 

Skiing and Boarding in Alpe D'Huez

Alpe d’Huez skiing boasts an amazing variety of slopes over its four sectors and with 250km of pistes, some outstanding off-piste runs, a glacier and two snow parks, not to mention the longest black run in the Alps. So there really is something for everyone.

Ski Alpe d’Huez and the higher you go, the steeper it gets! Skiers will find the perfect mix of wide gentle greens towards the bottom of the mountain, challenging blues and reds in the middle and steep and demanding blacks at the top, although most corners of the domain are accessible on gentler pistes. The high altitude does mean that most runs are above the tree line, but all those bluebird days mean you won’t miss them too much.

Advanced skiers may find the tough high runs closed when bad weather does arrive, but all will be forgiven when you get to carve up the Sarenne, the longest black piste in the Alps. Dropping the awesome 2210 vertical metres over 17km from the top of the Pic Blanc takes over an hour, it is one of the most advanced pisted runs in the world. But if it's speed that makes you freak, you may prefer to sample the sheer unpisted delights of the Tunnel – if you do, you know you are at the top of your game!

Sector-wise, beginners and families will enjoy Vaujany’s cruisy and picturesque northwest facing blue and red runs. Intermediates should brave the vertigo-inspiring down and up Auris chairlift to sample the north-facing reds on the Auris side, whilst experts should find the yellow brick road over to the village of Oz to shred some excellent off-piste and tree runs. Boarders and park rats can get their kicks in the resort’s two snow parks, on the challenging boarder cross or dropping in on the natural half-pipe, Le Couloir. Beginners will also want to make like the pros on the smaller kickers and rails in the beginner park just above the village.

Lift Passes in Alpe d'Huez

The Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine Ski (full area) lift pass gives you unlimited access to the 84 ski lifts and 250km of piste within the Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine Ski area.

Family lift passes are available in Alpe d’huez and you can book them online up to 10 days in advance of your first days' skiing.

Activities in Alpe D'Huez

One of the best things for those looking to ski Alpe d’Huez is the range of extra activities you can try. Here are some options:

• Night skiing- Experience the thrill of night skiing at the Signal piste from Christmas all the way to March
• Outdoor swimming- There is a heated outdoor swimming pool located on the main high street
• Ice Caves- Grotte De Glace is based at the second stage of the DMC gondola. Have a wander and take in all the fairytale-themed ice sculptures
• Ice Rink- In the town centre, may need to be booked
• Cinema- Perfect for a relaxed evening after a day on the slopes
• Climbing wall- Test your skills on the indoor climbing wall
• Helicopter rides- Take to the skies for a birds eye view of the resort

Après Ski in Alpe D'Huez

Anyone with an aversion to sleeping whilst on a skiing holiday will also not be disappointed with the choice of nightlife on offer near their Alpe d’Huez accommodation.

• Freeride- This bar has a slide down to the toilet! Enough said
• Smithy's- Where everyone ends up on a good night... dancing on the tables of course!
• La Folie Douce- The famous après venue that you just have to experience for yourself
• Sphere- Sphere bar has a chilled atmosphere both in the evening and at après. Offering live music or DJs most evenings
• Underground- Live music. Ask for a vodka slammer here! Found in the Old Town area

Places to eat in Alpe D'Huez

If you’re not enjoying the ease of an Alpe d’Huez chalet holiday or are looking for somewhere good to eat on the host’s nights off, Alpe d’Huez offers a range of 60 restaurants, including many that depart from the usual tartiflette and raclette.

• Au Montagnard- Bring your appetite to this one! Get your teeth suck into a good burger or some cheesy French classics
• Smithy's- A more relaxed and fun option, serving fajitas, burgers and pasta and also offering a wide vegetarian selection. Great for groups and families
• Le Passe Montagne- A diverse menu full of all the favourites, including raclette, fondue and steak
• Au Chamois d'Or- One of the best on offer in the area, with a homemade menu offering something for everyone full of local ingredients
• Crémaillère- A favourite classic French restaurant with a cosy vibe and the highly recommended 'Cote de Beouf' which is 1kg of prime beef cooked to perfection and served with garlic cheese jackets

Family Features Alpe D'Huez

• Kids' ski area- A great green ski area for kids and all beginners. Includes a mix of banked turns and mini jumps. Perfect for increasing confidence
• Ice caves- The Grotte de Glace ice caves contain loads of themed sculptures along the 12m cavern. A great activity for when the legs are tired
• Palais des Sports- An indoor centre full of activities for the family. This place has it all, from badminton to climbing to mini golf
• In Resort Creches - ESF chalet des Enfants from 2 1/2 years old with skiing or just nursery options. Lunch is also available for an extra cost.