An Introduction to Alpe d’Huez
Perched on a sunny, south-facing plateau in the Grandes Rousses massif, Alpe d’Huez is a large, modern ski resort renowned for its extensive terrain and excellent sunshine record, earning it the nickname ‚L’Île au Soleil‘ (the Island in the Sun). This vibrant resort offers a vast and varied ski area that caters to all abilities, combining high-altitude glacier skiing with charming tree-lined runs and gentle nursery slopes right by the village.
The Skiing & Terrain
The Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski area is one of the largest in France, boasting an impressive 250 km of pistes served by a network of 68 lifts. The resort’s scale is immediately apparent from its huge vertical drop of 2205 metres, descending from the glaciated summit of the Pic Blanc at 3330m all the way down to the village of Oz-en-Oisans at 1125m.
The terrain breakdown offers something for everyone:
- Easy slopes: 70 km of green and blue runs provide a fantastic learning ground.
- Intermediate slopes: 130 km of red runs form the core of the ski area, offering endless cruising possibilities.
- Hard slopes: 50 km of black runs challenge even the most experienced skiers.
One of the resort’s most famous features is the Sarenne piste. Starting from the summit of Pic Blanc, it is one of the longest black runs in the world, offering a leg-testing descent of around 16 km with breathtaking views. The high-altitude glacier skiing ensures good conditions at the top, while the lower slopes offer sheltered runs through the trees towards the linked villages.
Who is Alpe d’Huez For?
Alpe d’Huez is a true all-rounder, making it a superb choice for a wide range of skiers.
Beginners
The resort is exceptionally well-suited to beginners. A vast network of gentle green and blue runs is located in a dedicated area directly above the main resort, providing a safe and sunny environment to build confidence.
Intermediates
With more than half the terrain classified as intermediate, this is paradise for those who love to cruise on long, wide red runs. The lift system allows for easy exploration of the entire domain, including the slopes around Auris-en-Oisans, Villard-Reculas, and Oz-en-Oisans.
Advanced Skiers
Advanced skiers will find plenty of challenges. Beyond the famous Sarenne, the front face of Pic Blanc offers steep, demanding mogul fields. The area is also highly regarded for its extensive and easily accessible off-piste terrain.
Families
The combination of excellent beginner facilities, a varied ski area for mixed abilities, and a lively, well-equipped resort village makes Alpe d’Huez a fantastic destination for families.
Season & Snow Reliability
Thanks to its high altitude and the Sarenne glacier at its summit, Alpe d’Huez enjoys a long and reliable ski season, typically running from early December until late April. The upper slopes are very snow-sure, and while the resort’s sunny aspect can affect snow on lower, south-facing slopes late in the season, this is well-managed with an extensive network of snow cannons.
Practical Information for Visitors
Alpe d’Huez is a purpose-built resort, making it convenient and easy to navigate. It is located in the Isère region of the French Alps, with Grenoble being the closest major airport. The final ascent to the resort is famous in its own right, following the 21 hairpin bends of the iconic Tour de France climb. A day pass for the ski area costs approximately €66, with multi-day and family passes also available.
