Alpe d'Huez Ski Resort

Alpe d'Huez Facts, Stats and Ratings

Ski Area, Pistes and Lifts

Alpe d'Huez Overview

One of the world's major ski centres, the Grandes Rousses ski area above Alpe d'Huez is a huge and high domain served by an extensive lift system. The resort itself is one of Europe's highest and largest with a massive vertical drop, crowned by the Sarenne Glacier. Built above the original village of Huez, the resort has expanded in all directions over the past 20 years.

Today the resort is big and vibrant with far more shopping and 'things to do generally' off the slopes than in most other ski centres, especially by French standards. Architecturally the place is a mix of traditional Alpine chalet style wood and stone buildings, some rather ugly rectangular concrete developments and more tasteful modern construction.

There are two huge beginners areas directly above the resort and those going on to the top of the lifts will be able to see a fifth of France, on a clear day, from the top station. The resort has a reputation for both good snow falls and good sunshine with south facing slopes - the area is protected by 900 snow cannon.

Alpe d'Huez is one of the most southerly located major international resorts in the French Alps.

On the Mountain

The longest possible descent in Alpe d'Huez is 16km long and the most difficult run is the 'Tunnel', which is 16km in length.

Skiing in Alpe d'Huez

The 2230 metre vertical down from Pic Blanc, the highest peak of the Grandes Rousses Massif is one of the largest in the world and leads to some of the planet's longest descents, including the 16km (10 mile) long Sarenne Black run.

Alpe d'Huez for Beginners

Beginners might not be too interested in the Sarenne, but they will find the wide slopes immediately above the resort are open sunny expanses with largely gentle gradients. There is also a free lift for first timers use.

Alpe d'Huez for Intermediates

For intermediates there is almost endless terrain, with some of the best around the slopes of Le Signal d'Homme and the Plat des Marmottes. Passes of six days or longer also include a day or more in several neighbouring resorts including Serre Chevalier. There is also a joint ticket with Les 2 Alpes.

Alpe d'Huez for Experts

Beyond the Sarenne, the longest black in the world, there are nearly a dozen more Black runs above the resort and extensive off-piste possibilities.

Ski Schools

The Ecole du Ski Français (ESF) in Alpe d'Huez is more than 400 instructors strong and offers tuition in all disciplines and in a wide range of languages. It has a particularly good reputation and regularly dominates the annual 'Instructor Challenge' competition for French ski schools. The International Ski School also operates in Alpe d'Huez and the Mountain Guides Office can arrange a multitude of snow-based activities including off-piste runs one evening a week to a mountain restaurant for a fondue.

Cross Country

Cross country skiers have three sign-posted and maintained tracks, the easiest being the Brandes loop leaving from the Altiport. The 10km Poutran loop is classified blue whilst the 'Loop of the Lakes' is graded red and is 20km long.

There are a variety of pistes to suit all levels of skier ability, from Beginner to Expert.

Snowboarding in Alpe d'Huez

Alpe d'Huez is a very active snowboarding centre with the two major schools giving snowboarding tuition. Snowboarders have the Nature Snowboard Space to themselves - on top of all the pisted and off-piste terrain. Several Snow Parks feature slides, quarter pipes, various modules and a Boarder-Cross course.

The resort has hosted the World Snowboard Cup in recent years.

The Mountain Guides Office can arrange snowboarding excursions on the glacier and off-piste.

When is Alpe d'Huez open?

 Opened : 30 November 2019.

 Closed : 15 March 2020.

Usual opening is early December, and usual closing is Late April.

NOTE:- Lift and Piste openings are always subject to Snow Conditions in Alpe d'Huez.

Snow Making

Alpe d'Huez is able to make snow, on 62km of ski runs, with 900 snow cannons.

Ski Lift Capacity

The 85 ski lifts of Alpe d'Huez are able to uplift 94,000 skiers and snowboarders every hour.

Where is Alpe d'Huez?

Alpe d'Huez is in the French Alps in L'Alpe d'Huez, Huez, France.

How can I get to Alpe d'Huez?

 By Air

The nearest airports to Alpe d'Huez are Grenoble, Chambery and Lyon Bron. There are eight airports within three hours drive.

Off the Mountain

Alpe d'Huez Aprés Ski

One of the livelier French après ski scenes feeds off more than 30 bars and restaurants including the popular Zoo Music Bar, the 'O' bar, the Last Bar and the Underground. Smithy's Tavern is also normally busy. Later on there are four nightclubs to choose from. However, many visitors head for the Palais de Sports or one of the other sports facilities in the resort after the lifts close.

A variety of events are staged throughout the season, including an ice driving competition in December and a comedy film festival in January. A classical music concert is organised every week.