Since 1936, Alpe d’Huez has developed at an altitude of 1,860 metres in the Grandes Rousses massif: the Pic Blanc, rising to 3,330 metres, offers a spectacular panorama, rated 3 stars in the Michelin Guide, over the Ecrins National Park and its prestigious peaks, the Rateau, the Meije, the Muzelle, the Aiguilles d’Arves, the Belledonne range and Mont Blanc.

The ski resort of the Northern Alps offers 250 kilometres of slopes for all levels, with a vertical drop of 2,210 metres… Just one hour from Grenoble and less than five hours from Paris, Alpe d’Huez offers a wide range of activities to enjoy with family and friends…

The Alpe d’Huez ski area

Under the sun

Located on the grassy plateau on the southern side of the massif, the Alpe d’Huez, a health resort aptly named the Isle of the Sun, enjoys generous sunshine and a particularly active microclimate. You can enjoy your day’s skiing in the sunshine: up to 7.5 hours of sunshine in December and up to 11 hours in April! Météo France records an average of 300 days of sunshine per year in the resort.

360 degrees of breathtaking views

Rising to an altitude of 3,330 metres in the heart of the Grandes Rousses massif, the Pic Blanc offers a panoramic view stretching as far as the eye can see over an ocean of peaks: the Pic Bayle, the Grande Casse de Pralognan, the Grande Motte de Tignes, the Grand Paradis in Italy, the Vanoise glaciers, the Dent Parrachée, the peaks of the Maurienne as well as the Meije, the Barre des Écrins and the Mont-de-Lans glacier.

The Pic Blanc is the third highest peak in the Grandes Rousses massif after the Pic Bayle (3,465 m) and the Pic de l’Etendard (3,464 m). Rated 3 stars in the Michelin Green Guide, the panorama from Pic Blanc covers 1/5th of France. Nearby, the villages of Auris-en-Oisans, Huez-en-Oisans, La Garde, Oz-en-Oisans, Vaujany and Villard Reculas are the guardians of mountain life. Here you will find the roots of the ‘Gens d’en Haut’ (people from above).

White in all weathers

Thanks to its high altitude, the presence of the Sarenne glacier and the installation of more than 1,000 snow cannons throughout the resort, snow is guaranteed throughout the season with skis back at the resort. Four snow reserves have been created and are spread across the entire ski area, so that there is no need to draw water from streams or natural lakes.

Finally, the Alpe d’Huez ski area has the unique feature of offering kilometres of skiing without having to take any ski lifts!

For freeride enthusiasts, the Alpe d’Huez off-piste area is one of the largest and most varied in the French Alps! From steep slope enthusiasts to lovers of long ski tours, the Alpe d’Huez mountain guides offer itineraries to suit all levels and tastes!

The longest black run in Europe

In the Alpe d’Huez resort, five routes cover a total of nearly 10,000 metres of vertical drop:

• L’Enversin d’Oz (2,205 metres),
• La Villette (2,035 metres),
• Oz-en-Oisans (2,000 metres),
• Huez (1,880 metres),
• La Sarenne (1,830 metres).

There are 17 black runs in total, including legendary routes such as the 16-kilometre-long Sarenne run, the Tunnel run, which cuts through the mountain and emerges onto one of the steepest slopes in French skiing with a 35° gradient, the Fare and Vaujaniate slopes in the Vaujany area, and the Col de Cluy on Auris.

2 areas reserved for beginner skiers

The geography of the area, characterised by gentle slopes at the bottom, is ideal for learning to ski on green slopes and in the two areas reserved for beginners. Alpe d’Huez offers the perfect setting for beginners: 34 green slopes and 31 blue slopes are served by ski lifts directly accessible from the resort.

Four fun slopes add variety and excitement to the ski area: Marcel’s Farm, decked out in pink, which starts at the top of Le Signal; Roger le Berger in the area of the same name; Jacques le Bûcheron in Auris; and the latest addition, Léo, le retour skieurs, which starts at the snow front at 1,800 metres and ends at the tourist office.

In Alpe d’Huez, the traditions of Oisans are expressed through gastronomy and rural life

The traditions of Oisans are expressed through gastronomy and rural life. Transhumance involves some 370 cows and 2,000 sheep grazing on 10,000 hectares of pastureland that become ski slopes in winter. There are two reasons for maintaining this tradition: the d’Huizats have always grazed their herds on these mountain pastures, giving the resort its name: the ‘alpe’ (alpine pasture) of the village of Huez. But above all, these herds help to restore the ski area through grazing. By grazing the wild grass, they prevent the build-up of grass that is conducive to avalanches during the first snowfalls.

A resort renowned for its lifestyle, Alpe d’Huez offers a wide range of skiing and non-skiing activities, high-performance ski lifts and a high-altitude glacier offering a vast ski area with a significant vertical drop: four routes covering nearly 2,000 metres, guaranteeing long-lasting skiing pleasure!

The Alpe d’Huez ski resort is committed to sustainable development

The Alpe d’Huez town hall offers its residents and tourists advice on how to improve or even change their lifestyle for the benefit of the environment and ecology. The town hall’s website offers recommendations on the use of tumble dryers, water consumption and waste sorting.

“EVERY YEAR, THE ALPE D’HUEZ SKI RESORT ORGANISES A RESORT CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN.”

Every year, volunteers are mobilised to collect rubbish that has accumulated or been left behind at the end of the season in the resort and on the pastures (two days per year). In 2019, the Huizats, second-home owners, tourists, schoolchildren and professionals collected around 35 m3 of various types of rubbish. They are provided with gloves and bags by the municipal workshops. This initiative highlights a real awareness of the importance of preserving our environment.

Unforgettable experiences in Alpe d’Huez

If you’re passing through Alpe d’Huez, don’t miss the famous toboggan run. L’Ile au Soleil offers a kilometre-long descent dotted with twists, turns and obstacles of all kinds. Thrills guaranteed! The Bergers track is yours to enjoy. Don’t miss Yoga at Alpe d’Huez either!

In Alpe d’Huez, you can also admire the view of the resort and its surroundings from the resort’s helicopter. You can go to the summit for a walk, but also to travel from one resort to another.

Webcams at the Alpe d’Huez ski resort

If you want to see the current conditions at the ski resort and its natural surroundings, you will find real-time webcams of the Alpe d’Huez resort below.

Pic Blanc webcam

Signal de l’Homme webcam

The Alpe d’Huez mountain resort in summer

Alpe d’Huez offers summer activities for all tastes and ages. Just like in winter, you can enjoy the famous toboggan run, which offers a one-kilometre descent and guaranteed thrills.

You can also play pétanque on the designated courts. These courts are only open in summer. They are the perfect place to get together with family or friends for a game of boules.

Mountains are synonymous with hiking. From the Pic Blanc and La Meije, you can admire the entire resort and its surroundings.

In summer, you can also purchase the Pass Liberté Alpe d’Huez to enjoy the summer season in the mountains. A wide range of activities is available, with something for everyone!

Where to stay in Alpe d’Huez?

PopAlp Alpe Huez

Ideally located in the heart of the Alpe d’Huez resort, the PopAlp Hotel is undoubtedly ILoveSki’s favourite! With its unusual design, it will surprise you both outside and inside. Inspired by Pop Art, each room is unique, and you’ll need to come back several times to discover all the works on display in the hotel and in the rooms.

Families will be particularly welcome thanks to the family suite, which offers spectacular views of the valley and plenty of space for everyone to enjoy their skiing holiday in peace. Access to the slopes is also very easy, whether you are heading towards Les Rousses or Les Bergers. Finally, a ski room allows you to arrive at the hotel with your skis on and leave your equipment before enjoying the comfort of the PopAlp.

Discover the PopAlp hotel and its undeniable charm in detail.

Au Chamois d’Or *****

The hotel is a large, authentic and intimate mountain chalet nestled at the top of the resort, enjoying an exceptional location close to the main ski lifts and ski schools.

True ski-in/ski-out access is available from our ski room. The hotel has 42 rooms, including 5 suites. It is the only hotel in Alpe d’Huez with DIRECT ski access to the main ski lifts 50 metres away and ski schools 100 metres away.

The indoor swimming pool with sauna, hammam and jacuzzi, the large south-facing terrace, the refined cuisine and the warm welcome in a very cosy setting are all assets for a successful holiday and a well-deserved rest. Children can also enjoy the two games rooms available to them.

Hôtel Grande Rousse ****

Thanks to its unique location in the heart of the village and at the foot of the slopes, the Hôtel Grandes Rousses offers a combination of high-end services and a personalised stay for a unique experience at the top.

At the foot of the slopes and in the centre of the resort, the Grandes Rousses hotel enjoys a unique location in Alpe d’Huez. An iconic family hotel since 1902, it has recently been extended to offer a new high-end experience. The atmosphere is warm, cosy and elegant. The style combines chalet spirit with modern comfort.

The spaces are vast, allowing everyone to find their place. Services include valet parking, luggage storage, private shuttle, concierge and covered parking. The hotel also has a ski shop, a concept store, a fitness room and a conference room. The 230 m² seminar area can be divided into four independent zones.

During the school holidays, it is transformed into a room for children and teenagers. A co-working space and a projection room complete the offer.

Hôtel Alp’Azur ***

The Chalet Hotel Alp’Azur is located in the heart of the resort, close to restaurants, shops, a swimming pool and an ice rink.

The Chalet Hotel has a south-facing terrace offering panoramic views of the mountains and the resort.

Skiing in Alpe d’Huez: the resort’s advantages

• Beginners: The Jeux ski area offers wide, gentle green slopes that are directly accessible from the resort centre. Perfect for learning in complete safety.
• Experienced skiers: The Sarenne black run (16 km) is the longest in the world, offering a memorable challenge for experienced skiers.
• Landscapes: Spectacular panoramic views of the Alps from the Grandes Rousses massif, with views of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.
• Après-ski: Festive venues such as La Folie Douce, with DJs and shows from 3pm.
• Cuisine: Traditional restaurants such as La Petite Taverne, where you can enjoy regional dishes in a friendly atmosphere.
• Ski schools: Several schools in the centre, including the ESF, for all ages and levels.
• Families: Areas dedicated to children with sledging, ice rink, Ferris wheel and après-ski activities.
• Freeriding: Off-piste skiing on the Pic Blanc glacier, to be explored with a guide.
• Events: Major festivals such as Tomorrowland Winter attract an international audience.
• Access: Easy connection from Grenoble, well-maintained roads and the legendary Tour de France climb.