What if, for one summer, you left behind the noise of the world to rediscover the reassuring silence of the peaks? What if you swapped notifications for shared laughter, routines for joyful surprises, and a set pace for the freedom to go wherever you please? Up there, at an altitude of 1,860 metres, there are only trails that branch off according to your desires, panoramic views that make time stand still, and simple moments that restore meaning to life.
From 28 June to 30 August 2025, Alpe d’Huez is not a place to visit: it is a place to experience, breathe and feel. It becomes your escape, your sanctuary, your laboratory of sensations and raw emotions. Come with no plans. Leave transformed — lighter, more alive, more free.
Summer picks up speed in Alpe d’Huez
Here, summer is lived outdoors, on the move, with thrills within everyone’s reach. As soon as you arrive in Alpe d’Huez, the scene is set: fresh air, wide skies and a life-size playground where you can let off steam, have fun and push yourself to new heights.
You start off gently — well, sort of. Head for the rail sled: a fast, winding descent down the mountainside, where you take the turns with a smile on your face. For £7, you’re in control, alone or with a friend, hurtling down a track that’s every bit as good as a roller coaster. The speed is real, and so is the adrenaline.
Want to try something different? Try tubing. The concept is simple: a large inflatable tube, a smooth slope, and you’re off for a smooth ride punctuated by screams and laughter. At £4 per session, it’s hard not to go for another go.
And for those who love vertical thrills, head for the Air Bag tubing. You take a run-up, jump, take off and land safely on a huge air cushion. The effect is immediate: your legs tremble a little, but the smile stays on your face. Fun guaranteed, no fuss.
But the real novelty of the summer is the Mountain Kart. Three wheels, no engine, zero noise. This mountain version of a go-kart is driven downhill, around bends and over bumps. It’s all about balance and relaxation. An original activity for ages 12 and up (minimum height 1.35 metres), offering a great deal of fun without polluting or disturbing anyone.
The Pic Blanc: a breathtaking summit
At an altitude of 3,330 metres, the Pic Blanc is the iconic peak of Alpe d’Huez. Accessible by cable car, it attracts thousands of visitors every year who come for much more than just the view: a unique, easily accessible and unforgettable experience in the high mountains.
Once you reach the summit, a panorama awaits you with a rare promise: a view of nearly 15% of French territory. This spectacular figure illustrates the strategic location of the Pic Blanc in the heart of the Grandes Rousses massif, between the departments of Isère, Hautes-Alpes and Savoie. You can clearly see the sharp contours of the Aiguilles d’Arves, the Belledonne massif, the Meije, the legendary summit of the Écrins, Mont Ventoux beyond the Drôme, and as far as Mont Blanc, whose imposing silhouette rises more than 140 kilometres away as the crow flies.
This 360-degree panorama has been awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide, the highest distinction, which is only awarded to sites offering an unforgettable experience.
Lac Besson: nature, peace and fresh air just a stone’s throw from the resort
Lac Besson, located at an altitude of almost 2,000 metres, is one of the Alpe d’Huez’s must-see sites in summer. Nestled in the heart of unspoilt surroundings, this natural lake is ideal for taking a break from the hustle and bustle.
The site is accessible from the resort via a free shuttle bus. For walking and mountain biking enthusiasts, there are also several marked trails leading to the lake, allowing you to enjoy the mountain scenery along the way.
Lac Besson charms visitors with its simplicity: crystal-clear water with changing reflections, mountain peaks in the background and a calm that is rarely disturbed. It is the ideal setting for picnics, reading, walking or simply enjoying the moment.
Around the lake, discreet and well-designed facilities are available, including wooden benches, picnic tables and children’s play areas. Families can be seen settling down for the afternoon to play, relax and dip their feet in the water. The place is also popular with nature photographers and hikers looking for a place to rest.
The Fun Pass: freedom for the whole family
With the 1-day Fun Pass, you can enjoy everything the mountains have to offer together, without breaking the bank. For £22 per person (minimum 4 people), you get access to:
- all the ski lifts (pedestrian and mountain bike)
- one activity of your choice from tobogganing, the outdoor swimming pool or the rollerblading track
It’s simple and obvious. And to prolong the fun, there’s a holiday package available online at skipass.alpedhuez.com
After a few days in Alpe d’Huez, you’ll leave feeling different. Your mind will be clearer, your body more active, and the desire to slow down will come naturally. Here, every activity — walking, sliding, stopping, breathing — allows you to disconnect so you can reconnect.
No need for feats or performances: just time for yourself, fresh air, open landscapes and real sensations. In Alpe d’Huez, summer re-energises and puts your mind back in place. You leave feeling lighter, more alive and more in tune with yourself.
