Alpe d'Huez

• Mostly high-altitude terrain above the treeline with long descents and reliable conditions

• A large area with smaller lift-linked resorts such as Vaujany for a different experience

• Good for all levels from beginners to advanced, great choice for mixed-ability groups

The immediate area around Alpe d’Huez is a wide sunny bowl which naturally divides into sectors that suit different levels of skier.

The resort’s glacier reaches an altitude of 3300m. From the top, there are truly spectacular views across to Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles d’Arves and La Meije. The Marmotte III funitel takes you to 3060m, while the Pic Blanc cable car takes you all the way to the top at 3300m. These impressive heights mean that the ski area boasts runs with drops in altitude of up to 2,000m without having to take a lift!

Beginners

Alpe d’Huez is a brilliant place to learn. There’s a wide network of green runs and gentle nursery slopes just above the resort, and two beginners' areas with a few short free lifts in the resort itself, making those first turns feel manageable and enjoyable.

As one of our team shared, the “great network of connected green runs” means you can start exploring early, rather than staying confined to one slope. It’s a reassuring way to build confidence while still feeling part of the wider ski area.

Progression is natural, with gentle terrain leading into longer, slightly steeper runs as your confidence grows.

Intermediates

Intermediates will find plenty to love here. There are easy blues alongside the expanse of green slopes above the village. On the west side of the bowl where the resort sits, around Signal 2115, you’ll find a good variety of blues and red pistes, for steeper blues and reds the skiing on the north side goes above 2,100m. Stretched across the 250km of the Alpe d'Huez ski area are a good choice of blues and red runs, making it easy to cover distance and discover new areas each day.

Routes towards Vaujany and Oz 3300 bring quieter, tree-lined slopes into the mix, while the main bowl offers sunny, open cruising. Long descents like Dome des Rousses down to Oz give a real sense of journey.

It’s a ski area that encourages exploration without pressure.

Advanced

For advanced skiers, the highlight is the scale. From Pic Blanc at 3330m, you can access challenging blacks and extensive off-piste terrain.

The Sarenne is the standout. At 16km, it’s the longest black run in the Alps. Created in 1976, it’s more of an endurance experience than a technical test. Once past the steeper start, it becomes a long, evolving descent down to the Gorges de Sarenne at 1510m. For a truly memorable evening, the resort offers a special Sarenne sunset experience. Accompanied by the ski patrol, you’ll take the last cable car up, watch the sunset at the top, then ski down with headtorches before enjoying dinner at a restaurant and heading back to resort.

The appropriately named Tunnel piste passes through a tunnel before dropping away steeply and is another of the resort’s famous challenging runs.

Off-piste from the top of the Grand Domaine gondola adds variety for those looking to push themselves further. We advise that a guide is essential when venturing off piste.

Mountain Fun Zones

There’s plenty of playful terrain too with different snow parks across the ski area including a kids’ park. Intermediate and experts have access to one of the largest snow parks in the French Alps, covering an impressive 21 hectares. It's conveniently close to the resort, between the Lac Bleu drag lift and the Pic Blanc cable car (also known as the DMC) and has a half-pipe, jumps and rollers.

Themed runs like Marcel’s Farm bring a sense of fun with banked turns, tunnels and interactive features.

These areas are great for a different experience and help building confidence in a fun way, especially for families or anyone looking to mix things up during the day.

Nordic Skiing

Cross-country skiers have 49km of trails to explore with a concentration of these around Auris en Oisans. These quieter routes offer a different perspective on the mountains, passing through scenic areas and mountain lakes, away from the main pistes.

• Great for non-skiers and families looking for variety

• Mix of relaxed experiences and more adventurous options

• Easy access to leisure facilities and mountain activities

Family-friendly options

There’s plenty to keep everyone entertained beyond the slopes. Sledging areas, ice skating on an open-air rink and indoor leisure facilities make it easy to fill non-ski days or afternoons. There’s also the chance to try dog sledding, a bucket list experience for many families.

For a magical experience for skiers and non-skiers, head to the ice grotto at the mid-station of the Pic Blanc cable car (2,700m). Each year a team of sculptors create amazing snow and ice sculptures with a dedicated theme that changes each season.

The resort’s sports centre offers swimming pools and activities for children, while simple pleasures like wandering the village or enjoying a sunny terrace add to the experience.

Memorable mountain moments

Some of the best moments here are the simplest. Sitting down for a long lunch on a sunny terrace, taking in the views from Pic Blanc, or watching the light change across the mountains at the end of the day.

Experiences like ‘first tracks’ on the Sarenne or one of the resort’s evening sunset skiing experiences let you see the mountain in a quieter, more exclusive way.

Try something different

If you’re after something more active, there’s a wide choice of experiences including sledging, mountain karts and a mountain coaster (a sledge on rails, where you’re in charge of the brakes!).

To get your heart racing, you can try out a jump onto a big air bag. On skis, launch yourself from the ramp into the air, enjoy the air or try a trick and land safely on the giant inflatable cushion.

Also on offer is a chance to drive a snowmobile or try ice driving or paragliding. For a slower pace, explore marked trails on snowshoes, independently or on a guided outing.

There’s enough variety to keep every day feeling different, whether you want to stay active or just enjoy the surroundings.

• Wide choice of dining options across the resort and slopes

• Lively après-ski with both relaxed and energetic venues

• Good range of shops and essential services throughout

Sunny lunches and mountain dining

One of the highlights of Alpe d’Huez is its mountain restaurants. As one client put it, “one of our favourite things to do was to take a long lunch sitting on one of the many sunny terraces”. It’s these simple moments that often stand out most.

In the village, you’ll find a wide range of restaurants, from traditional Savoyard dishes like tartiflette and raclette to more casual options.

Après-ski for every mood

Après-ski here is varied and welcoming. You can keep things relaxed with a drink and views over the slopes, or head somewhere more lively as the evening picks up.

There’s a sociable feel throughout the resort, making it easy to find your own pace.

Shops and essentials

Alpe d’Huez is well equipped with small supermarkets, bakeries and sports shops, so everything you need is within easy reach.

Whether you’re self-catering or just picking up a few extras, it’s a practical and convenient place to stay.