Alpe d'Huez Ski Resort, France

Overview of Alpe d'Huez

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. 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 - Available on Tuesday and Thursday in the holiday period on Signal piste until 7.30-8pm.
• Ice Caves - Grotte De Glace is based at the second stage of the DMC gondola. It's an interesting place to wander around as a break in the day, whilst taking in all the fairytale-themed ice sculptures.
• Outdoor swimming - There is a heated outdoor swimming pool located on the main high street. Men will need to wear tight swim shorts – they make you show them before you are allowed in. These can be bought from a vending machine at the pool for approximately €10.
• Ice Rink - In town centre, may need to be booked.
• Gym - In Palais des Sports.
• Skidoo - Outside Les Bergers centre for apres ski.
• Speed mountain - In Les Bergers area by the pistes and close to Eterlous chalets, open after the lifts shut.
• Palais des sports - Crazy golf, table tennis, racket sports.
• Ice driving - By the football pitches close to Palais des Sports.
• Husky rides - Reservation required at least one week in advance (out of French holidays) and at least 15 days in advance during French holidays.
• Sledge - Alpe d'Huez has its own sledging designated area. It opens daily and is located under the Grandes Rousses/DMC gondola lift.

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.

• Igloo - THE place to go to once all the bars have closed!  Area: Old town area.
• Lounge 21 - The most sophisticated of Alpe d'Huez bars with a huge variety of amazing cocktails on offer. Area: Old town area.
• O'Bar - Tonnes of happy hour deals, with the best burgers in town and a wide selection of tapas, perfect after a hard days skiing and only a few doors down from the old town chalets.  Area: Old town area.
• Smithy's - Where everyone ends up on a good night... dancing on the tables of course! Area: Old town area.
• Underground - Live music from the Undies band on Sunday and Thursday and a completely relaxed vibe. Ask for a vodka slammer here! Area: Old town area
• Freeride - This bar has a slide down to the toilet! Enough said. It also has stock exchange pricing from 9pm where drinks prices increase or decrease every 100 seconds. Area: Avenue des Jeux
• L'Etalon - Alpe d'Huez's legendary rhumerie with a whole bar dedicated to a wide variety of flavoured rums - create a new mix and Nathan will feature it in the rum bar menu! Area: Avenue des Jeux
• O’Sharkeys - The Irish pub and sports bar, the best place for live sports and also the pub quiz on Thursday at 9:30pm.  Area: Avenue des Jeux
• Sphere – Sphere bar has a chilled atmosphere both in the evening and at après ski from 4pm. Offering live music or DJs most evenings and also the infamous Karaoke on Thursday night. Sphere has plenty of happy hour offers, the best being two for one cocktails between 10 and 11pm.  Area: Avenue des Jeux

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.

• Crémaillère - Our 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. The raclette, fondues and pizzas are also great. Area: Old town area.
• Genepi - Genepi is the oldest restaurant in resort and has a reputation for a reason. Traditionally French with a great selection of wines, raclette, fondues and a hot stone on which you can cook your own meats. Don't forget your shot of Genepi as a digestif at the end! refurbished and re-opened in 2019 under new management - Area: Old town area.
• Lounge 21 - A more contemporary atmosphere with a great selection of classic French dishes as well as being a steak house. The heated plate with a choice of meats to cook, fondue and salad, bread and potato sides is our favourite dish. Area: Old town area.
• O’Bar - A cosy bar/restaurant with a log fire downstairs offering great burgers and a wide variety of tapas. Area: Old town area.
• 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. Area: Old town area.
• Altiport - Based at the top of resort, overlooking the valley with beautiful views and high quality meals. Very close to Chalet Louisa. Area: Les Bergers area.
• Le Tremplin - Based in the Les Berger area of town and catering for all the family with French classics, great meat dishes, pasta and pizzas. Area: Avenue des jeux.
• Captain Sandwich - A great place for a burger.

Family Features

• 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.
• Other family tips - Best family friendly – Tremplin restaurant because its close to most of chalets in Berger’s area. Or Smithys in town have colouring books etc for kids and a lot of kids choice