Alpe d’Huez Ski Holiday Resort

Overview

After the 21 hair pin bends it takes to reach this resort and upon entrance to Alpe d'Huez, the view just takes your breath away.......... and you are likely to pull the face of Pat Butcher sucking a particularly sour lemon, it aint pretty! Let's be honest Alpe d'Huez is an architectural melting pot of conflicting ideas. However, as you travel through you will see very encouraging signs that the French have finally put the old vin rouge down and seen the errors of their ways. The recent construction comprises of properties that have a harmony with the glorious mountains that surround this village. The Altiport area is virtually exclusively detached chalets of this nature and VIP have constructed a beautiful enclave close to the DMC gondola. The town itself is quite spread out so little rat runs have been created to facilitate skiers to ski these trails to their accommodation at the end of the day. The size of the ski area can compete with the top tier resorts of the Three Valleys, Espace Killy, and many of the French Tarantaise resorts. The village height at 1860m ensures a good snow coverage although it's south facing elevation can sometimes lead to slush on the lower runs. No such problems up top though as the height reaches a huge 3330m where the glacier is located. The resort sits as the capital of the "L'Ile au Soleil" and the ski region takes in some charming villages with their own ski areas. The slopes immediately above the resort are of a strange phenomenon whereby, in general, the higher up you go the steeper the pistes become - so you are faced with the greens, then blues, then reds, then blacks. Beginners are faced with one of the world's best and biggest beginners areas - it really is amazingly large. In fact there are two areas at opposite ends of the village and each fanning back to the town. These areas are "zone protegee" and so are patrolled against speeding skiers. The area covers around 30 green and gentle blue runs. Intermediates can travel far and wide by escaping the hustle and bustle of the resort slopes and skiing across to the neighbouring quieter areas of Oz en Oisans, Vaujany, Villard Reculas, and (on the other side of the valley) Auris en Oisans. Snowfinders' Nick recommends the Lievre Bland red and those runs off the top of the DMC gondola. The Sarenne from the top of the Pic Blanc is the world's longest black run but in truth it is only a black at the top section and then filters into a wonderful red and then blue as it enters the gorge. There is a great restaurant at the bottom which is a little sun trap at the right time of day. Advanced skiers will love Alpe d'Huez. The blacks off the Pic Blanc are serious blacks, The Tunnel being a beast but watch out as it's right under the cable car and if you're not quite up to the task it will be to the jovial enjoyment of the skiers riding the tram up! La Foret run to Villard Reculas is a great run and one can venture off-piste here to ski this open field in virtual tranquility. The Col de Cluy off the Signal de L'Homme rom Auris en Oisans is another very interesting run with various pitches and narrow paths interspersed with moguls and again you can pick your own line and go. The Fare run is another very interesting and enjoyable run of twists and turns and different pitches and this can be handled by intermediates easily. The off piste is excessive and abundant and guides are highly recommended here, especially for the fantastic hike off the Pic Blanc to ski the famous Col de la Pyramide. Snowboarders here have lots of options as the freeriding is so good. There are a total of three terrain parks, two in Alpe d'Huez and one in Vaujany. The greens coming into the village should be avoided unless you can get enough speed to prevent a trudge back to the village. 50km of snow-sure trails are available for cross-country skiers and the variety on offer is quite wide with trails for the novice to expert.

Offslope/apres ski

Alpe d’Huez is fantastic for non-skiers – an olympic sized ice rink, indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, ice driving, toboggan runs, snow biking, airboarding, parapenting, marked walking trails, concerts, an ice cave with sculptures and organised activities via the tourist office. There are also various shops and cafes in resort for people watching. The resort has a fantastic range of restaurants from cheap and cheerful through to gastronomic centre stages.

Apres ski is very good in Alpe d’Huez with most bars being pretty unsophisticated and even raucous. The Underground is a sweaty cauldron with live bands playing but a great atmosphere. Other bars include Smithys, The Pacific (sister bar to the Val d’Isere bar of the same name), The Igloo, The Sporting, The Caves des Alpes, Lounge21, and the O bar. Late night revellers will not get bored here but we can’t guarantee that you’ll be up to catch the first lift in the morning.

 

Overview

Large ski area with sunny slopes for all abilities to enjoy.

At a glance

Pistes:
250km
Resort height:
1860m
Top station:
3330m

Suitability

Expert :
Intermediate :
Beginners :
Non-skier :
Scenery :
Resort charm :
Night Life :

Positives

  • Large ski area
  • Sunny slopes
  • Good mountain restaurants
  • Good snowmaking facilities
  • Lively resort
  • Good snow record

Negatives

  • Architectual hotchpotch but getting better
  • Overcrowding on main runs
  • Not much shelter in bad weather
Hotels, Chalets and Apartments in Alpe d’Huez, France
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Royal Ours Blanc is a modern hotel with a quirky interior inspired by its architecture. The resort centre amenities are on the doorstep including the ice rink and a great...

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Resort : Alpe d’Huez, France
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£1209 pp
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Hotel Le Chaix REF: CH381

If you’re keen on good value and quick access to the slopes, the Hotel Le Chaix is for you. It’s a great base within a few minutes’ walk of the...

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Resort : Alpe d’Huez, France
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These good value apartments with an outdoor pool are located in a traditional wood and stone residence in the Bergers area of Alpe d’Huez only 100m from the ski lift....

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Resort : Alpe d’Huez, France
Sleeps : 2-6
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If being near the slopes is top of your priority list, you’ll love this hotel. It’s in the same building as the Prestige Résidence L’Éclose, near the Alpe Express gondola,...

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Resort : Alpe d’Huez, France
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L’Alpenrose is a gorgeous apartment complex, conveniently situated in Les Bergers area of the resort just a few minutes’ walk to the lift. The complex comprises of 25 very comfortable...

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Resort : Alpe d’Huez, France
Sleeps : 1-5
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The Cristal de l’Alpe Apartments are situated in the heart of Alpe d’Huez, with a variety of local shops and restaurants close by. The residence boasts fantastic wellness facilities to relax...

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Resort : Alpe d’Huez, France
Sleeps : 4-10
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£869 pp
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The Chalet des Neiges ski apartments in Oz-en-Oisans are ideally located at the foot of the slopes, close to local shops, as well as the ESF ski school and snow...

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Resort : Alpe d’Huez, France
Sleeps : 4-14
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£1093 pp
For 7 Days

Leave your daily cares behind and make the most of a breathtaking natural setting, while enjoying a whole host of outdoor activities: This is what’s on offer at the Les...

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Resort : Alpe d’Huez, France
Sleeps : 2-6
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Hotel Pic Blanc REF: AI0580

This lovely hotel is located in the Bergers area. Tastefully decorated inside and out, the hotel blends well in to the environment and has awe-inspiring views across the valley. The...

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Resort : Alpe d’Huez, France
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£1489 pp
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Hotel Daria-I Nor REF: AI0587

Named after the 182-carat, pink-tinged diamond the ‘sea of light’, the Daria-I Nor is a new 5* hotel which opened in December 2018. Sister hotel to the award-winning Koh-I Nor...

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Resort : Alpe d’Huez, France
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£1959 pp
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