ALPE D'HUEZ - RESORT Guide
The Mountain
Alpe d'Huez is a large, high-altitude ski area, with the village sitting at 1860m and slopes reaching up to 3330m. It's known for great sunshine and reliable snow all season thanks to its altitude. The vast terrain offers something for every level, with 250km of piste. While the resort is family-friendly, once you hop on the Marmottes 1 lift, you can skip the beginner slopes and head straight to more challenging red and black runs, including routes to Pic Blanc (3330m).
The ski area also boasts some incredible features, including the 16km Sarenne run, the longest run in the world. Plus for those advanced and adventurous skiers, don’t forget to check out the famous Tunnel run or the 2000m vertical drops!
For freestyle lovers, Alpe d'Huez has two snowparks. The main one, next to the DMC, offers everything from beginner lines to big airbag jumps, a half-pipe (snow permitting), boardercross, and plenty of rails. There's also a smaller park for beginners, located above Vaujany.
The Town
Alpe d'Huez is a vibrant year-round resort, located at 1869m in the heart of the Oisans region in the French Alps. The town is divided into several sectors, or ‘quartiers’:
- Quartier des Vieil Alpe: The oldest and most charming part of town, quiet and residential, with original buildings and narrow backstreets. It’s home to traditional family-run restaurants
- Quartier des Jeux: The lively town centre, filled with bars, shops, and restaurants
- Quartier des Bergers: A modern area with plenty of dining and shopping options, primarily featuring self-catered apartments
Off the slopes, Alpe d’Huez offers plenty of activities. Relax at the sports centre with a heated pool and outdoor ice rink, or try snowmobiling, paragliding, or the ice driving school for some adventure. The resort is well-connected by a free bus service, making it easy to get around.
As night falls, Alpe d'Huez’s après-ski scene comes to life with over 60 bars and restaurants, plus four nightclubs for those looking to party late. Don’t miss La Folie Douce for an energetic après-ski experience. Dining options range from international favourites like burgers and sushi to cozy, family-run French restaurants offering quality meals at reasonable prices.
Getting Here
There are 3 international airports, all within a one to three hours’ drive from the Alpe d’Huez ski resort making it an ideal place for ski weekends or short breaks away;
- Grenoble is the closest airport with around a 1hr 30 minute transfer time
- Closely followed by Lyon airport which will see you up in resort in around 2hrs
- Geneva airport is a little further away, but still accessible, a transfer will get you to Alpe d’Huez in around 3 hours
To book a ski holiday in Alpe d'Huez then please feel free to contact one of our friendly Ski Experts on 023 8020 6971 or email sales@skiweekends.com