Alpe d'Huez

Located amidst the majestic peaks of the French Alps, Alpe d'Huez Ski Resort is a beacon of winter wonder, offering an unparalleled skiing experience in the heart of the mountains. Set between 3,330 and 1,250 metres in the Massif de la Grande Rousse, with the spectacular Pic Blanc towering above, this magnificent resort boasts an enviable location that guarantees quality natural snow throughout the long ski season. With a climate that boasts many sunny days, Alpe d'Huez offers the perfect combination of snow and sunshine for an unforgettable skiing experience.

All you need to know about the Alpe d'Huez ski area

Alpe d'Huez caters to all levels of skier and offers a diverse range of slopes:

✓ Green slopes: Ideal for beginners, offering gentle and safe slopes to learn the basics.
✓ Blue slopes: Perfect for intermediate skiers who want to improve their skills on more challenging terrain.
✓ Red slopes: Ideal for advanced skiers who want to test their skills on steeper slopes.
✓ Black slopes: For experts seeking the thrill of some of the most challenging runs, including the legendary Sarenne, one of the longest black runs in the world.

› For beginner skiers

Alpe d'Huez is an excellent choice for beginners, with plenty of gentle slopes and dedicated beginner areas. The lower parts of the resort, especially around the village, are perfect for those just starting out. The resort offers free lifts for beginners, making it easy and affordable to get started.

› For intermediate skiers
Intermediate skiers will find plenty of excitement at Alpe d'Huez. The resort offers a wide variety of blue and red runs that provide a good mix of challenge and fun. The areas around Signal de l'Homme and Les Bergers are particularly popular with intermediate skiers, offering long, enjoyable runs with stunning alpine scenery.

› For advanced skiers
Advanced skiers can tackle the resort's challenging black runs, particularly those that descend from the Pic Blanc. The 16-kilometre Sarenne run is a must for any expert skier, offering an exhilarating descent with breathtaking views. The Tunnel run is another favorite, known for its steep and challenging terrain.

Freeride and Snowparks in Alpe d'Huez

Alpe d'Huez offers fantastic freeride opportunities, with extensive off-piste terrain that allows skiers to explore untouched powder. The high altitude and varied terrain make it a paradise for freeriders looking for adventure off the groomed slopes.

Best places for lunch in Alpe d'Huez

Some of the best places to stop for lunch are:

✓ Le Signal 2108: Located at 2,108 metres, this restaurant offers panoramic views and delicious alpine cuisine.
✓ La Folie Douce: Known for its lively après-ski atmosphere, combining gourmet cuisine with live music and entertainment.
✓ La Fruitière: Located at the top of the Marmottes 1 chairlift, serving traditional Savoyard dishes in a cosy setting.

Ski schools and kindergartens

› Ski schools
For those wishing to improve their skills, Alpe d'Huez has several ski schools offering lessons for all levels. Whether you prefer group or private lessons, experienced instructors are on hand to help you improve your technique and make the most of your time on the slopes.

› Kindergartens and Kids Clubs
Families will find excellent child care facilities and snow gardens for the little ones. The resort offers special children's ski lessons to ensure they have a safe and fun experience while learning to ski. Crèches and children's clubs offer a range of activities so parents can enjoy the slopes without worrying.

Après Ski Activities

Entertainment and Activities 
Alpe d'Huez is a hub for winter sports and activities, offering a wide range of options for snow lovers. From heliskiing and snowmobiling to ice driving and paragliding, the resort offers endless opportunities for adventure and adrenaline-pumping fun.

Resort Nightlife
The resort's nightlife is vibrant and varied, with numerous bars, pubs and nightclubs to choose from. 

✓ Smithy's Tavern: Known for its lively atmosphere and great drinks.
✓ Igloo Club: A favourite for those looking to dance the night away.
✓ Le Sporting: A cosy bar with a great selection of cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere.

Best time to ski in Alpe d'Huez 

Alpe d'Huez enjoys a long ski season, typically from early December to late April. The best time to visit depends on your preferences:

✓ Early season (December - January): Ideal for those looking for fresh snow and quieter slopes.
✓ Middle Season (February - March): Offers the best snow conditions and a lively atmosphere, perfect for families and social skiers.
✓ Late Season (April): Enjoy longer days and sunny weather, with excellent snow conditions on the higher slopes.

How to get there

› By car
Alpe d'Huez is easily accessible by car, with well maintained roads leading to the resort. It's a straightforward 1.5 hour drive from Grenoble. Parking is available at the resort, including indoor and outdoor options.

› By plane
The closest airports to Alpe d'Huez are Grenoble, Lyon and Geneva. All three offer shuttle services to the resort, making it convenient for international travelers.

› By train
For those who prefer to travel by train, Grenoble is the nearest major station, with regular bus and taxi service to Alpe d'Huez. The train journey from Paris to Grenoble takes approximately three hours, making it a convenient option.

Book your Alpe d'Huez Ski Holiday with Esquiades.com

At Esquiades.com we believe that experiencing these aspects first hand is essential to understanding why skiing in Alpe d'Huez is an experience you can't miss out on. Explore our Alpe d'Huez ski deals with Esquiades.com and embark on an unforgettable weekend of skiing in this stunning destination. Our packages include accommodation and lift passes, and you can easily add ski equipment or car hire for a seamless holiday. Book now and enjoy an unforgettable ski holiday in one of France's top resorts.

Alpe d'Huez caters to all levels of skier and offers a diverse range of slopes:

✓ Green slopes: Ideal for beginners, offering gentle and safe slopes to learn the basics.
✓ Blue slopes: Perfect for intermediate skiers who want to improve their skills on more challenging terrain.
✓ Red slopes: Ideal for advanced skiers who want to test their skills on steeper slopes.
✓ Black slopes: For experts seeking the thrill of some of the most challenging runs, including the legendary Sarenne, one of the longest black runs in the world.

› For beginner skiers

Alpe d'Huez is an excellent choice for beginners, with plenty of gentle slopes and dedicated beginner areas. The lower parts of the resort, especially around the village, are perfect for those just starting out. The resort offers free lifts for beginners, making it easy and affordable to get started.

› For intermediate skiers
Intermediate skiers will find plenty of excitement at Alpe d'Huez. The resort offers a wide variety of blue and red runs that provide a good mix of challenge and fun. The areas around Signal de l'Homme and Les Bergers are particularly popular with intermediate skiers, offering long, enjoyable runs with stunning alpine scenery.

› For advanced skiers
Advanced skiers can tackle the resort's challenging black runs, particularly those that descend from the Pic Blanc. The 16-kilometre Sarenne run is a must for any expert skier, offering an exhilarating descent with breathtaking views. The Tunnel run is another favorite, known for its steep and challenging terrain.

Freeride

Location and Terrain:

The resort offers a vast area of 250 km² for freeriding, with varied terrain suitable for all skill levels.
Notable freeride areas include the Pic Blanc sector (3,330 meters) providing long descents and diverse conditions.

Noteworthy Freeride Routes:

› Sarenne: The longest black run in the world, stretching 16 km from Pic Blanc to Alpe d'Huez village, offering a mix of steep and challenging sections.
› Tunnel: A high-difficulty run through a tunnel, leading to a steep and narrow descent, ideal for experienced skiers.
› La Fare: Accessible from the Vaujany area, featuring a mix of powder fields and tree-lined sections.

Accessibility:

Freeride zones are well-connected by lifts, including the Pic Blanc cable car and various high-speed chairlifts.
Easy access to the Vaujany and Auris sectors for additional off-piste options.

Snowparks

Main Snowparks:

› Snowpark Alpe d'Huez: Located in the Montfrais area, it features a variety of modules and jumps for all levels, from beginners to experts.
› Beginner Zone: Small jumps, boxes, and rails to help newcomers build confidence.
› Intermediate Zone: Medium-sized jumps, rails, and boxes to develop skills further.
› Expert Zone: Large jumps, challenging rails, and creative features for advanced freestylers.
› Enversin Park: A smaller snowpark ideal for intermediate riders, featuring a mix of jumps and jib features.

Features and Layout:

› Jumps: Vary in size and difficulty, ranging from small kickers to large table-tops.
› Rails and Boxes: Diverse selection including straight rails, kinked rails, flat boxes, and rainbow boxes.
› Halfpipe: Often available depending on snow conditions, offering an excellent venue for practicing tricks.

Alpe d'Huez is renowned for its excellent ski schools, which cater to children of all ages and skill levels. The ESF (École du Ski Français) offers group and private lessons designed to make learning enjoyable and effective. The Piou Piou Club, designed for children aged 3 to 5, provides a safe and playful environment where young kids can learn the basics of skiing through fun activities. Experienced instructors ensure that young skiers feel comfortable and confident as they begin their skiing journey.

For older children, the ESF offers tailored lessons that match their skill levels. Whether your child is a complete beginner or looking to improve their technique, the instructors at Alpe d'Huez provide engaging and effective lessons. Group lessons offer a social environment where kids can make friends while learning, while private lessons provide personalized attention for quicker progression.

The nursery facilities at Alpe d'Huez are excellent, providing parents with peace of mind while they enjoy the slopes. The resort’s daycare centres, such as Les Intrépides, cater to children from 6 months to 6 years old. These nurseries are staffed by qualified caregivers and offer a variety of indoor and outdoor activities to keep young ones entertained and happy.

Alpe d'Huez also features dedicated beginner areas, such as the "Les Jeux" area, which includes gentle slopes and magic carpets. These zones allow children to practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment. The gentle gradients are perfect for young skiers to build their confidence without the intimidation of steeper terrain.