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Discovering La Sarenne, the longest ski slope in Europe

Published: Feb 4, 2025

Content

1 La Sarenne, A Spectacular Ride

2 Features of La Sarenne

3 History of La Sarenne

4 An Engineering Challenge

5 Alpe d'Huez Ski Discounts

To get to know the longest piste in Europe, we have to go to the French resort of Alpe d'Huez. Here, we come across one of the jewels of the Alps: the piste of La Sarenne. La Sarenne is 16 kilometres long and is considered by many to be the longest in the world. Controversy is served, as others argue that this title should belong to the piste Valtournenche in Cervinia and Vallée Blanche in Chamonix.

While much of the run is suitable for intermediate skiers, it is officially classed as a black run for two reasons: First, there is a really steep section at the top, but mostly because once you hit the slope, there is no other way back than on your skis.

La Sarenne, A Spectacular Ride

La Sarenne is undoubtedly a unique route that you can find in the resort of Alpe d'Huez, in France. Its length is impressive, but what really makes it special is its descent. Along its 16 kilometres, you will enjoy panoramic views of the alpine peaks, with the possibility of contemplating the majestic Pic Blanc at the top of the ski area. The route crosses glaciers, gorges and snowy slopes, offering skiers and snowboarders an incredibly varied landscape.

Thanks to its steep vertical drop (1,930 metres) and the combination of challenging sections and more relaxed areas, each kilometer offers a different experience. From the imposing start, high up in the mountains, to the lower wooded areas, the contrasts in the landscape immerse you in a genuine alpine atmosphere. In addition, light conditions and snow quality vary as you descend, making the tour even more dynamic and enriching.

Features of La Sarenne

The La Sarenne trail has an elevation gain of 1,930 metres and is divided into two very different sections:

The first 10 kilometres: This is a full-fledged black run: steep and challenging, running alongside the Sarenne glacier. Here you will find sections full of tubs (small mounds of snow formed by skiers), perfect for those seeking strong emotions.
The last 6 kilometres: They turn into a green run, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the scenery. If you are a snowboarder, be prepared to paddle, as the terrain becomes quite flat. This section crosses a gorge with a breathtaking natural environment.

La Sarenne is also a paradise for freeride lovers. The surroundings of the track are full of possibilities to discover the environment. But beware of avalanches! It is essential to check the weather conditions before venturing off-piste.

History of La Sarenne

The history of La Sarenne dates back to 1962, when the Pic Blanc cable car was inaugurated, taking skiers to the 3,300-meter elevation. With a quick ascent, you could stand at the top of the Pic Blanc and enjoy breathtaking views of iconic mountains such as Mont Blanc and the Grande Casse.

In 1964, the famous Tunnel des Grandes Rousses, a 200-meter pass carved into the rock, was built. Finally, in 1976, La Sarenne slope was inaugurated. Its promoter, Georges Rajon, wanted to offer skiers a unique experience: a descent of more than an hour without the use of ski lifts.

For more than 30 years, skiers and snowboarders from all over the world have been flocking to the resort to ski down its famous slope. Regardless of the controversy over whether it is the longest in the world, La Sarenne is an unforgettable experience.

An Engineering Challenge

To begin with, we have to talk about a construction that defied the rules of engineering: the tunnel connecting the two sides of the mountain. This pass crosses the Grandes Rousses mountain range, offering breathtaking views before reaching the Tunnel black run, one of the steepest in the French Alps. The tunnel, some 200 metres long, was built in 1964 and was a technical challenge for the time, as it was dug directly into the rock at an altitude of nearly 3,000 metres.

There are two ways of getting to La Sarenne, one via LeTunnel (for die-hard skiers) and one by cable car (the easier, but most common one):

Once you are at the upper area of the ski resort, specifically at Pic Blanc area. Follow the signs to Le Tunnel. There you will find the entrance to the gallery carved into the rock, which leads directly to the black run.

You will have to cope with the black that precedes the Tunnel, but it's not as daunting as its grading suggests. The Sarenne then continues for about 16km and alternates between blue and affable red until it enters the Sarenne gorge when it rather fizzles out into a 5km flat path.

It is important to check the snow conditions and the difficulty of the section before venturing, as the exit of Le Tunnel is famous for its steep slope and the accumulation of moguls or "bathtubs". This area is recommended for advanced skiers due to its steepness and variable snow conditions.

The other way of reaching La Sarenne is by taking the Marmotte III lift, you can access several high-altitude red and blue runs that connect at the bottom with the Sarenne run—allowing you to bypass its black-rated section. As previously mentioned, there is no way back to Alpe d’Huez from the Marmotte III lift except via the Sarenne. So, once you've conquered those thrilling descents, what other slopes are waiting for you?

Alpe d'Huez Ski Discounts

Did you know that at Esquiades.com we have special prices in Alpe d'Huez? Discover our Pow Weeks, dates selected by our team of experts to offer you the best skiing conditions with less crowds and discounts up to 35% in the French Alps.

Discover the Pow Weeks in Alpe d'Huez