Alpe d'Huez

Alpe d'Huez ski area

Located on a fully south-facing plateau, Alpe d’Huez offers glorious sunshine all day long – up to 7½ hours per day in December and 11 per day during April! This impressive lift-linked ski area is formed of 5 ski resorts:

• Alpe d'Huez
• Auris-en-Oisans
• La Garde en Oisans
• Oz 3300
• Villard-Reculas
• Vaujany
• Le Freney d’Oisans

The high altitude of Alpe d’Huez, which reaches 3300m combined with the high-tech snowmaking equipment, guarantees snow cover from December to April. As it sits at 1800m, most slopes are open in terms of terrain and a few slopes are tree-lined towards Oz 3300 and Vaujany

There are few places to rival Alpe d'Huez for the extent and variety of ski terrain. The main bowl of Alpe d’Huez is conveniently naturally divided into zones suiting the different levels and abilities of skiers and snowboarders. It is suited to all levels from complete beginners to the elite.

The glacier in Alpe d’Huez reaches an altitude of 3300m. There are two access routes: via the Marmotte III funitel which will take you to 3060m or the Pic Blanc cable car which will take you to the very top at 3300m. From either of these two summits you will have truly breathtaking views across to Mont Blanc, Aiguilles d’Arves and La Meije. From here you can experience the legendary 16km long Sarenne black slope – arguably the world’s longest pisted ski run! Created in 1976, this run is the eldest of the fantastic runs connecting Pic Blanc at 3300m to the Sarenne gorges at 1510m. Fare and Château Noir (14km) also offer great length and amazing views.

The slopes of Alpe d’Huez can boast one of the world’s biggest vertical drop figures: in excess of 2200m! There are four descents, all between 12km and 16km long, allowing you to ski down a 2000m altitude drop without taking one single chairlift!

Alpe d'Huez skiing info

Beginners
Beginners are very well catered for in Alpe d'Huez with a vast array of gentle nursery slopes just above the resort. The large network of green runs above the Alpe d'Huez village is as good a nursery area as you will find anywhere, probably one of the biggest in the French Alps. 

There are 2 well-equipped beginner areas in Alpe d’Huez, one next to the Bergers shopping centre and one at the departure point of the Rond-Point des Pistes. There are 3 free lifts in these areas and there is also a 1-day beginner's pass for further lifts you can purchase in resort.

Free lifts:

• The Rif Nel area with the Petit Rif Nel travelator,
• The Jeux area with the Grenouilles (frog) travelator and the Ecole 1 drag lift

Intermediates
Alpe d’Huez is a great starting base for intermediates to explore the whole of the Grand Domaine Massif. There are easy blues besides the expanse of greens above the village.

The west side of the bowl is home to the Signal 2115 station which offers a great mixture of blue and straight red runs. The purple Marcel from Signal is of blue gradient.

The North side goes above 2100m and is slightly steeper, again offering a good mixture of blue and red runs. The Grand Domaine gondola takes confident intermediates looking for more of a challenge to Pic Blanc on the south side at 3320m.

Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
On the south side of the bowl, the Grand Domaine gondola takes experts to Pic Blanc at 3320m. The slopes in this sector are predominately black. The infamous and appropriately named Tunnel slope passes through a tunnel before dropping away steeply.

But the main attraction for experts here is the legendary Sarenne black run. This 16km run is one of the world’s longest pisted runs and takes you from Pic Blanc at 3300m right down to the Sarenne gorges at 1510m. It is also possible to book a special nighttime excursion on this run every Wednesday evening: accompanied by qualified ski instructors and ski patrollers, take the last cable car up to the top of Pic Blanc at 3300m and watch the sunset over the unique panorama whilst enjoying a lovely glass of mulled wine.

Ski the 16km Sarenne slope assisted by headlights and continue your evening with a traditional mountain dinner at the ‘Auberge de la Combe Haute’ restaurant. Finally, ski back to the village of Huez, where a shuttle bus is provided to take you back to Alpe d’Huez. You must be a good skier to participate in this unforgettable experience. Not recommended for snowboarders due to the slight gradient on the return to Huez village. Must be pre-booked in resort.

The Grand Domaine gondola takes experts and intermediates to Pic Blanc at 3320m, where some great off-piste skiing can be accessed: the Combe du Loup, Côtes de Rivet, Pied Froid, Cerisier Combe and Corridor.

Alpe d'Huez mountain fun zones

Alpe d’Huez organised the Ski Cross World Cup in 2010, 2011 and 2012, so snowboarders, snow park enthusiasts and freestyle skiers can rest assured that the recently redesigned and improved ski style areas are top-notch. 20 new snow cannons have also been installed in the freestyle area to make the snow coverage even better.

The intermediate/expert Alpe d’Huez snow park covers an impressive 21 hectares, making it one of the largest snow parks in the French Alps. It is conveniently located at the foot of the ski slopes, close to the resort, between the Lac Bleu drag lift and the DMC and is equipped with half-pipe, jumps and rollers near the main lift base.

The Alpe d’Huez snow parks are equipped with an automatic video shoot system with three cameras on two ramps. By identifying yourself with your lift pass, you can view your jump directly on the big screen.

There is also the Marcel Family Park on the Sagnes draglift, the Kids Park on the Rif Nel slope and 2 boardercrosses.

Alpe d'Huez nordic skiing

There are an impressive 49km of cross-country ski trails, taking you around mountain lakes, the altiport area and Auris.

Accessible from the following lifts: DMC1, AlpAuris, Auris Express, Louvets and the TMX des Jeux.

Alpe d'Huez ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)

Pre-book your 6 day+ Alpe d'Huez ski hire and/or Alpe d'Huez lift pass with Peak Retreats.

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.

There are 3 free lifts in Alpe d'Huez:

• the Rif Nel area with the Petit Rif Nel drag lift,
• the Jeux area with the Grenouilles (frog) magic carpet,
• the Petit Ecole drag lift.

There are also 3 free urban lifts:

• Télécentre (bucket lift),
• Télévillage (gondola),
• Alpe Express (gondola).

Alpe d'Huez group ski school (pre-bookable)

Ski school for children is available to book from 5 years to 12 years in Alpe d'Huez with Peak Retreats. Children can learn to snowboard from 8 years+. We can also book private lessons. For children's ski lessons aged 2.5 years - 4 years inclusive, please enquire.

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Alpe d'Huez private lessons (pre-bookable)

In most resorts, we cannot pre-book private lessons, however in Alpe d'Huez we can pre-book your private lessons for you! Either for 2 hours, full morning, afternoon or a full day. Various group sizes available.

Alpe d'Huez childcare (not pre-bookable)

Childcare from 4 months-4 years (non-skiers)

Alpe d'Huez has acquired the Famille Plus label for its childcare facilities. Please view here for more information on the Famille Plus label.

The Creche "Les Intrepides" takes care of your children from 6 months to 4 years old.

Please contact Les Intrepides direct as we cannot pre-book this kids club - 0033 4 76 11 21 61.

It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed. 

Babysitters (not pre-bookable)

A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.

Top snow activities to experience in Alpe d'Huez

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

Alpe d'Huez as a whole offers a vast array of snow sports and non-skiing activities. There are too many to list in detail, but here are a few highlights.

Sledging areas
The resort offers different sledging areas for young and old!

• Under the Grandes Rousses gondola (access by DMC1): sledging with brakes and wearing of helmets are compulsory (not provided). Free with ski pass
• Sledding areas are maintained and reserved for the little ones (2-6 years and over 6 years) in the Bergers and Rond-Point des Pistes area. Free access

Alpine mountain coaster
This new activity is also equipped with a virtual reality mask that will give you even more thrills...1 km descent with turns, jumps, waves, flip-flap, spins, tunnels…1 km descent with bends, jumps, waves, flip-flaps, spins, tunnels...

This activity does not require advance reservation. Purchase of passes at the toboggan office, at Les Bergers. Children under 1m35 must be accompanied by an adult. No access for children under 3 years old, even accompanied.

Photos on Chalvet chairlift and Sarenne run
Souvenir photo on the Chalvet chairlift or the Sarenne run. You can also have your photo taken from the summit of the Pic Blanc at 3,330m. Photos can be collected free of charge by email or via the app. At Pic Blanc it is also possible to print them on-site for a fee.

Ice cave
Located at 2,700m, accessible to pedestrians and skiers, the ice
cave offers a 120m long gallery with ice sculptures. 

Sarenne first tracks
Every Wednesday. Take on the run before the slopes open. You will be accompanied by mountain professionals who open the slopes, who will give you an idea of their job, their environment and their routines. Ski pass is also required.

Night skiing
Signal Télémixte lift open non-stop and Rif Nel Express.
On Thursdays (and Tuesdays during French school holidays) from 4pm until 7.30/8pm. Free with a valid ski pass (6-days+)
Without ski pass, starting at 5.30pm, buy a session pass in resort.

Dog sledding
Take a dog sled excursion for a unique nordic adventure... Sleigh trips along pedestrian routes. Reservation is required at 15 days in advance.

Ski joëring
Ski joering is being pulled along on skis by a horse. Meeting place: Poutran's Equestrian Centre.

Speed riding
A mix between parachuting, paragliding and skiing - perfect for extreme thrill seekers!

Snowtubing
Enjoy a new sliding activity full of fun: aboard your buoy, assess the track at full speed! Accessible to all: descent in group or alone.

Outdoor laser game in the snow
Discover a unique concept, in which you can play a laser game in the snow. This activity is accessible from 7 years old, but also to adults. From 2 to 10 people simultaneously.

Top activities to experience in Alpe d'Huez

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

Alpe d'Huez as a whole offers a vast array of snow sports and non-skiing activities. There are too many to list in detail, but here are a few highlights.

Sport and Convention Centre

• Open-air heated swimming pool,
• Indoor swimming pool,
• Outdoor ice rink (ice-skates can be rented from
  shoe size 23 (from age 3+)
• Indoor adventure course - In Vertigo: an adventure jungle-style gym where no harness are needed. Have a go at tightrope walking at 8m off the ground

You can buy in resort an unlimited access pass to the leisure
and sporting activities of the Alpe d’Huez sports centre: Heated outdoor pool, indoor pool, ice rinks (including skate hire), crazy golf; table tennis (including bat hire); weight training (over 16 years).

Other activities are specially organised for children:

• 1 special climbing lesson per week for 6 to 7 year
  old (number of places limited),
• Climbing lessons for children age 8+,
• Bouldering room (climbing) accessible to children
  who have prior experience - from age 13+,
• Archery from age 8+,
• Football tournaments organised for ages 8-12,
• Air rifles shooting from age 10+,
• Paddling pool at the indoor swimming pool.

Cinema - digital projection with 2 screens.

Carousel
Installed on the avenue des Jeux, on the square in front of the ice rink, the carousel with its traditional merry-go-round features eight mobile horses and a dozen subjects including the Yellow Bee, the famous Alpe d’Huez plane.

Big wheel
The Alpe d’Huez Ferris Wheel is packing for the winter season! Embark on the highest Ferris wheel in Europe, at an altitude of 1,850m. For young and old! Wheel goes 40m high.

Escape room
2 Escape rooms: Ski Room and Mayday / 1 outdoor area (augmented reality games on tablets in the resort): The magic portal / 1 aperitif escape (decipher the puzzles to open the cooler!)

Walking/hiking trails
35kms of of marked and groomed trails with benches along the way.

Aéro Alpe d'Huez
First flights, microlight, initiation flights, pilot school. Reservations require.

Paragliding
Tandem flights.

Skydiving
Skydiving at L'Alpe d'Huez, helicopter skydiving experience. Landing at L'Alpe d'Huez or Bourg d'Oisans. Come and experience unique sensations with a breathtaking view over the snow-covered
mountains.

Huez and Oisans Museum
Entrance for free! Exhibitions, events, conferences, workshops and temporary exhibitions are regularly planned.

Loan of board games
Board games loan at the Tourist Office reception desk for great family games.

Alpe d'Huez news & events

What's new for 2023/24 season:

• The Pic Blanc cable car is 60 years old! It opened on 10th February 1963,
• Operational this winter, there will be 5 zero-emission hydrogen-powered snow groomers and 3 hydrogen-powered buses.
• The resort has installed photo points in various locations, where you can immortalise your holiday memories without taking your phone out of your pocket

Events taking place in the 2023/24 season:

• Moguls World Cup - 15th-16th December 2023,
• Alpe d'Huez Ski Marathon - 7th January 2024,
• International Comedy Film Festival - 15th-21st January 2024,
• Tomorrowland Festival - 16th-23rd March 2024,
• Comic Book Festival - 12th-14th April 2024.

Check out the tourist office website for information on what is going on in Alpe d’Huez and the Grand Domaine ski area: www.alpedhuez.com

Alpe d'Huez apres-ski, bars & restaurants

Eating out is an important business in Alpe d'Huez which boasts over 45 restaurants with something for all tastes and pocket. Au P'tit Creux, Passe Montagne, Les Caves restaurants offer good value food and wine.

The Alpe d'Huez ski resort is often reported as very lively and friendly, so make the most of over 20 bars and 4 nightclubs (some open until 5.30am). There is also a great selection of mountain restaurants spread over the Grand Domaine ski area.

Why not try the famous Folie Douce in Alpe d'Huez for a different kind of dance scene. This branch of the Folie Douce opened in 2013, introducing the chain’s trademark Austrian-style afternoon party scene. You will find 7 other Folie Douce in the French Alps - Val d'Isere opened in 1976, Val Thorens in 2009, Meribel in 2012, St Gervais/Megeve in 2014, Chamonix and Avoriaz in 2018, Les Arcs in 2019. Access via ski or via chairlift for pedestrians.

Alpe d'Huez are also building a Folie Douce in the centre of Alpe d'Huez. Watch this space!

New for 23/24: a "salle hors sac" on avenue du Rif Nel next to ski area for a snack or a picnic
in the warmth.

New for 23/24: The Moose Bar is opening its doors on 2nd December. This iconic Belgian nightclub is a famous partner of Tomorrowland festival.

Amenities

Alpe d'Huez has a wide selection of shops and services including food shops (Carrefour, Spar, Sherpa), bakeries, 2 pharmacies, doctors, dentist, physiotherapists, vets, post office, banks, garages, petrol station, gift and souvenir shops, newsagents, hairdressers, beauty salons, fashion stores, jewelry and sport shops.

Getting to Alpe d'Huez, France

By road:
Our holidays include a return FlexiPlus Eurotunnel. Accommodation only and ferries can also be arranged. Listen to Autoroute FM (107.7 FM) for traffic news in English.

From Calais, take A26 Motorway to Reims and Troyes, then A5 Motorway to Dijon, then A39 motorway to Lons-le-Saulnier and Bourg-en-Bresse, then A40-A42 Motorway heading towards Lyon. Then take A432 Motorway passing Lyon Airport to A43 Motorway then A48 Motorway to Grenoble. Continue on A480 following directions of Sisteron/Gap/Briançon up to exit 8 (Stations de l’Oisans). Follow direction to Briançon turning on D1091 at Vizille. In Bourg d’Oisans turn left onto D211 towards Alpe d’Huez then onto D25a. Drive through Huez village and then take the 1st Left ‘Entrée Ouest’. Follow this road to the resort centre of Alpe d’Huez.

By air:
4 international airports nearby, and a heliport at the foot of the slopes. See our flying page for information on airlines (however we don't book flights).

Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Alpe d'Huez is roughly 82 miles, approximately 2 hrs
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Alpe d'Huez is roughly 95 miles, approximately 1hrs 55
Geneva Airport to Alpe d'Huez is roughly 130 miles, approximately 2hrs 40
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Alpe d'Huez is roughly 65 miles, approximately 1hrs 30 mins

Private taxi transfers:
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.

The nearest train station to Alpe d'Huez is 40 miles away in Grenoble.

Bus transfers:
Altibus/Bens Bus/Snow bus (and the likes of) offer shared bus lines from French/Swiss airports and some SNCF train stations to ski resorts. We don't book these (or have any affiliation with), we invite you to do your own research.

Resort shuttle bus:
The different areas of Alpe d’Huez are very well connected by the free resort shuttle bus which has 4 different routes plus 1 night route.