Discover l'Alpe d'Huez

Things to Do in l'Alpe d'Huez - Discover the Resort’s Main Activities

l'Alpe d'Huez: The History of this Unique Destination

Not-to-be-missed Events in l'Alpe d'Huez

Hit the Slopes in l'Alpe d'Huez - Piste Map and Webcams

Stay in l'Alpe d'Huez: Our Selection of Chalets and Apartments

One of France's most famous ski resorts, Alpe-d'Huez is a family-friendly as it is sporty. Known as "L'Île au Soleil" (island in the sun), the resort attracts snowsports enthusiasts to its incredible ski area, and is renowned for its friendly and convivial atmosphere in winter and summer like. With spectacular landscapes, a wide range of activities for skiers and non-skiers, lively après-ski (see you at the famous Folie Douce!) and vibrant nightlife, Alpe d'Huez has something for everyone.

The resort
Activities
History
Events
The ski
Accommodation

The Ski Area

The huge Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine ski area is a magnet for snowsports enthusiasts. The Sarenne glacier, the resort's high altitude and over a thousand snow-making machines spread across the ski area guarantee great snow conditions throughout the season, allowing you to enjoy the area's long descents and large vertical drops:

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

The area is well-known for its long runs, some of them several kilometres long, and it is possible to ski for extended periods without having to get on a ski lift.

La Sarenne is Europe's longest piste at 16 kilometres.

With a total of 111 marked runs, the ski area has something for all levels of skier. There are 17 black runs, some of them very demanding, including Le Tunnel, a horizontal passage cut through the rock face that leads to one of steepest descents in the French Alps down a 35° slope. There are two beginners areas lower down the mountain, as well as 34 green runs and 31 blues served by lifts directly accessible from the resort.

For the youngest skiers, there are four themed pistes where children can have fun while learning to ski.

Snowboarders, freestylers and other more experienced skiers looking for a challenge, can enjoy the snowpark which is divided into two sections - a discovery zone (blue/red level) and an expert zone (black level). The snowpark evolves over the winter to allow riders to progress and improve safely.

The Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine ski area has one of the largest and most varied off-piste areas in the French Alps. With over 70 itineraries, ski tourers and lovers of big slopes and powder snow will find plenty to keep them amused.

For more exploring and fun on skis, the Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine ski area is linked to six village resorts hidden amongst the pine forests:

Auris-en-Oisans
Villard-Reculas
Oz-en-Oisans
Vaujany
La Garde
Le Freney

Alpe d'Huez has an international reputation as an alpine skiing destination, and is also a delight for cross-country skiers thanks to its Nordic ski area at the foot of the Grandes Rousses. 50 kilometres of pistes are open for skating or alternative disciplines and are suitable for families and sporty types alike.

A Family-friendly and Sporting Atmosphere

A stay in Alpe d'Huez is always special. Under brilliant sunshine, family and friends can enjoy a perfect holiday in the snow in a typical resort that has managed to retain its authentic soul as well as its mountain architecture. To cater to the demands of holidaymakers, new facilities have been opened over the years creating an ever-increasing range off non ski activities. Skiers and non-skiers alike will appreciate the unique atmosphere of the resort derived from its diverse neighbourhoods and activities.

Holder of the "Famille Plus" label since May 2013, the resort goes to great lengths to look after its family clientele, with the following six commitments:

A personalised welcome for families
Activities suitable for all ages
Discounted prices for children and seniors
Activities for the whole family to enjoy together
Easy access to all necessary shops and services
Resort staff dedicated to children

The Districts of Alpe d'Huez

Huez Village (1,450m)

The resort's original settlement, Huez Village retains many signs of its past, with a traditional atmosphere typical of small mountain villages appreciated for their authenticity. As you wander through the narrow streets and alleys, you are transported back in time, and can only imagine the stories that the old mountain farms and period washhouses could tell. Don't miss the "chateau d'Huez", a fortified house dating from the Middle Ages, whose exact date of construction is still unknown.

The Huez and Oisans museum invites visitors to delve into the history of this mountain village which preceded the modern resort of Alpe d'Huez. From daily life in the Middle Ages to the birth of alpine skiing, the museum traces the history of the resort and the growth of its international reputation, thanks in particular to the 1968 Grenoble Winter Olympics. Of notable interest, the museum houses a model of the bobsleigh run created for the games.

History enthusiasts can continue their voyage of discovery at the Brandes archaeological site next to the village of Huez. Guided visits are organised during the summer season, allowing visitors to find out more about the highest known medieval village in Europe and its ancient silver mine.

Alpe d'Huez and its Districts

Above the village of Huez stretches the resort of Alpe d'Huez, made up of seven districts linked to the ski slopes:

Passeaux
Eclose
Outaris
Berges
Jeux
Cognet
Viel Alpes

Each district offers a wide range of accommodation and activities - it is impossible to be bored here! This really is the complete summer and winter resort. Ice rink, swimming pool, climbing wall, squash and tennis courts, mini golf courses, covered pétanque areas - the choice of ski and non ski, snow and non snow activities is huge.

In each district, there are bars and restaurants popular during après-ski and into the evenings, as well as a good choice of accommodation in hotels, tourist residences, apartments, etc.

Chalet Fermes de l'Alpe E101

Alpe d'Huez - Hameaux

8 guests ⸱ 4 bedrooms ⸱ 99 sq.m

From 1 450 € /week

Apartment Parenthese A32

Alpe d'Huez - Hameaux

8 guests ⸱ 3 bedrooms ⸱ 105 sq.m

From 2 500 € /week

Apartment Les 2 Anges A102

Alpe d'Huez - Centre & proche centre

6 guests ⸱ 2 bedrooms ⸱ 75 sq.m

From 3 200 € /week

All the stays in l'Alpe d'Huez

All the properties for sale in l'Alpe d'Huez

Experience Booklet

All winter activities in Alpe d'Huez

Paragliding flight

Have you always dreamed of flying? Paragliding is the ideal way to get to the top of the world and enjoy 360° panoramic views.
You can opt for a simple aerial walk or make "prestigious and exceptional" flights. Depending on your choice and the sectors, you will fly at 250m, 600m, 900m or 1400 meters of altitude difference.

Biathlon Park

Discover biathlon, a sport combining skiing and rifle shooting. Try your hand at this complex sport that combines intense effort with a calm phase. One of the main difficulties is to manage to lower your heart rate enough to calm down and concentrate on shooting at a small target after a phase of effort in cross-country skiing.

There are two shooting positions: one lying down and one standing up, adding a new difficulty. The toddlers will have a bungee rifle, the children (from 6 years old) a laser rifle and the adults a pellet rifle.

Ski Joering

How about discovering a new and fun way to ski? Towed by a horse, experience a new way of skiing. To practice ski joering, you don't need to be a trained skier but simply stand on skis.

Depending on your ease, the horse will adapt its pace from walk to trot and eventually to gallop. All this in a beautiful natural setting.

Driving on ice

For fans of all kinds of sliding, discover ice driving. Located at an altitude of 1806 metres, the Alpe d'Huez ice circuit has 700 metres of track and 11 turns. Whether you want to have fun or gain confidence when driving on snow, you are in the right place. There are two types of vehicles to choose from the ice buggy or the car.
At your convenience and depending on your level of driving on ice you can be accompanied by professionals.

History of the Resort

A History Dating Back to the Middle Ages

Occupied since the end of the Middle Ages, the original settlement was made up of two villages - Huez and Brandes at an altitude of 1,500m and 1,800m respectively - where the main economic activity was silver mining. Designated as an historical monument in 1983, the medieval settlement of Brandes includes remains from this era and bears witness to the first important period in the area's history, prior to the advent of skiing in the 20th century.

The Development of Skiing

The appearance of skiing in the early 1900s marked a turning point in the history of Alpe d'Huez. This new sport transformed the lives of the local inhabitants, giving birth to an important economic activity and source of income. With the arrival of the first skiers came the need to offer them accommodation. Realising the tourist potential of Alpe d'Huez as early as 1923, the Touring Club de France converted a mountain pasture chalet into a dormitory refuge for visitors. This was the first step towards organised tourism.

From the 1930s onwards, Alpe d'Huez became a recognisable ski resort, with the construction, in 1934, of the first hotels - Les Trois Dauphins, Le Refuge, Le Bel Alpe, and l'Éclose. In 1936, the first Jean Pomagalski drag lift was installed. The hotel business continued to develop, and by the eve of the Second World War in 1939, Alpe d'Huez was already a busy resort with sixteen hotels, three drag lifts taking skiers up to an altitude of 2,000m, and a ski school affiliated with the Ski Club de Paris.

The First Ski Lifts and the Birth of a Major Resort

At the end of the war in 1945, Alpe d'Huez restarted its rapid development. Thanks to the growth in hotel capacity, skiers flocked to the resort, and its popularity grew to the point where an expansion of the lift infrastructure became necessary. The opening of the cable car in 1955 increased the maximum altitude of the ski area from 2,000m to 2,616m, taking skiers to the summit of the Petites Rousses and opening up access to new pistes with good snow cover and varying levels of difficulty. Despite this, the resort's lift capacity did not keep pace with the explosive growth in hotel capacity, with long waiting times and a number of pistes remaining undeveloped as a result. In response, the SATA lift company (Société d’Aménagement Touristique de l’Alpe d’Huez) was founded in 1958 with the objective of managing the development of the lift system.

Hoteliers, business owners and instructors in Alpe d'Huez are obliged to donate a proportion of their income to SATA, and the commune of Huez is also a shareholder in the company. SATA's first act was to purchase the cable car and take over its operation, along with the exclusive right to develop the resort's lift system, a monopoly that was intended to avoid the risk of any conflicts. Through SATA, Alpe d'Huez had created a unique indigenous business model, in which the businesses in the resort and the commune are the collective owners of the lift system. Since its formation, SATA has continuously developed the lift system, allowing Alpe d'Huez to become one of France's biggest ski resorts. The value of Alpe d'Huez as a tourist destination remains unrivalled even today.

In addition to the growth of the lift system, Alpe d'Huez's history is marked by the development of its various districts, tourist facilities and events. Some key dates:

1980 to 1989: Development of the Éclose district
1982: Creation of the Maison d'Alpe housing the tourist office, ESF ski school and lift ticket counters, and opening of the Museum of Huez and Oisans
1985 to 1990: Development of the Les Bergers district
1986: The resort celebrated its 50th anniversary with the opening of the Palais des Sports et des Congrès (sports and congress centre), the opening of the Grandes Rousses DMC (double mono cable), and the opening of the Marmottes gondola
1989: Launch of the VISALP lift pass based on the principle of "à la carte" holidays giving access to all the ski lifts as well as numerous activities in the resort such as swimming pool, ice rink, museums, sports and congress centre, etc.
1997: The first edition of the Alpe d'Huez International Comedy Film Festival

The Ski Resort Today

Driven by the development of winter sports and tourism, this small mountain community has become a major ski resort with an international reputation. Part of the Alpe d'Huez Grande Domaine Ski, one of the largest ski areas in France, Alpe d'Huez now has 250 kilometres of pistes and 67 ski lifts. The unrivalled off-piste area has over 70 itineraries suitable for all levels of skier.

These days, Alpe d'Huez is a winter and summer resort, and has developed the facilities to offer holidaymakers an extensive range of mountain, skiing, and non ski sports activities. The resort also hosts a number of major sporting and cultural events each year.

Alpe d'HuZes

June 5th, 2025

On foot or by bike, the Alpe d'HuZes motto remains the same: “Giving up is not an option”. Every Alpe d'HuZes participant tries to climb Alpe d'Huez as many times as possible. Most do it up to six times in a day, “Zes” meaning “six” in Dutch. The aim of the race is to raise funds for the fight against cancer. In 2024, the event raised €18,017,606!

Megavalanche

4th and 6th July 2025

For those who don't know it yet, the Megavalanche of Alpe d'Huez is one of the most mythical and unmissable marathon runs in the world!

Since 1995, thousands of riders take the start of the Pic Blanc every year, in all weathers! Its Mass Start at 3330 meters of altitude on the Sarenne glacier, and its arrival in Allemond, 2600 meters below, make this DH Marathon the longest and craziest race in the world.

Oisans Trail Tour

18th & 19th July 2025

The Oisans Trail Tour is 5 resorts in the Oisans region that have joined forces: Villard Reculas, Vaujany, l'Alpe d'Huez, Oz en Oisans and Auris en Oisans to create new routes and thus make the most of their wild corners for runners who are in search of steep climbs and breathtaking panoramas! The Oisans Trail Tour will offer the following formats: 87km, 40km and 24km and a children's race.

Alpe d'huez triathlon

From 28th to 31st July 2025

The Alpe d'Huez Triathlon offers a unique experience to its participants. This independent event aims to defend a vision of triathlon based on the essence of the sport: personal challenge, respect, solidarity and humility. The event brings together athletes of all origins and profiles around the same spirit, that of the 21 bends of Alpe d'Huez.

Photo credit : © OT Alpe d'huez | © Lionel Royet

Skiing in Alpe d'Huez

Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine Ski Area

Come and discover Alpe d'Huez's vast ski domain with panoramic views from the summit of the Pic Blanc at an altitude of 3,330m, and 250 kilometres of pistes spread over an area of 10,000 hectares where you can ski for extended periods without having to take a lift. With 111 marked runs ranging from easy greens to technical blacks, and leisure areas for gentle learning, there is something for everyone.

Three famous slopes are not to be missed by experienced skiers looking for a challenge:

The Sarenne piste is the longest black run in the Alps, stretching 16 kilometres from Pic Blanc (3,330m) to Gorges de Sarenne (1,510m) through amazing mountain scenery
La Grave is a legendary off-piste area for experienced skiers and freeriders, with magnificent high mountain landscapes and views of La Meije, which rises to an altitude of 3,983m. La Grave is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France
Le Tunnel is not for the faint-hearted. Beginning with a sharp turn onto a narrow run which leads into the tunnel itself - a horizontal passage cut through the rock face running for 200 metres. Emerge into the light, where you can pause for a moment to admire the view, before tackling one of the steepest mogul fields in the French Alps

Nordic Ski Area

Alpe d'Huez has a well established international reputation as an alpine skiing destination, but cross-country skiers can also enjoy their favourite sport in the resort's Nordic ski area at the foot of the Grandes Rousses. 50 kilometres of pistes are open for skating or alternative disciplines and suitable for all levels of skier.

ski area map

The Snow

The Sarenne glacier, the resort's high altitude and 1,053 snow-making machines spread across the ski area guarantee great snow conditions throughout the season in all weather conditions. The snow-making installations are fed by four artificial lakes created to protect the natural lakes and streams.

The Ski Lifts

Alpe d'Huez has a total of 67 ski lifts made up of the following:

2 funiculars
3 cable cars
14 gondola lifts
4 mono-cable cable cars with seats and cabins
18 chairlifts
21 drag lifts
5 magic carpets

The resort also has 27 snowcats - a different way to see the mountain, suitable for young and old alike.

Prices Alpe d'Huez

ALPE D'HUEZ SKI PASS PRICES

Luxury Apartments For a Family Holiday in Alpe d'Huez

Holder of the "Famille Plus" label, Alpe d'Huez is an ideal resort for family holidays. Cimalpes can help you find a luxury apartment, kitted out with modern equipment and facilities, to suit your requirements, budget and choice of location. Everything you need for a perfect stay with your family.

Chalet Delta 36

Alpe d'Huez - Hameaux

8 guests ⸱ 4 bedrooms ⸱ 85 sq.m

From 2 000 € /week

Apartment Ours Blanc 737

Alpe d'Huez - Centre & proche centre

4 guests ⸱ Studio ⸱ 25 sq.m

From 1 300 € /week

Apartment Etoile 1

Alpe d'Huez - Centre & proche centre

4 guests ⸱ 1 bedroom ⸱ 42 sq.m

From 850 € /week

Apartment Hameau de Clotaire B22

Alpe d'Huez - Centre & proche centre

8 guests ⸱ 3 bedrooms ⸱ 130 sq.m

From 3 200 € /week

Apartment Aramis D2

Alpe d'Huez - Centre & proche centre

4 guests ⸱ 1 bedroom ⸱ 47 sq.m

From 2 000 € /week

Apartment Etoile d'Argent

Alpe d'Huez - Centre & proche centre

4 guests ⸱ 1 bedroom ⸱ 40 sq.m

From 1 200 € /week

Apartment Horizons D'Huez 504

Alpe d'Huez - Centre & proche centre

4 guests ⸱ 1 bedroom ⸱ 26 sq.m

From 600 € /week

Apartment Fermes de l'Alpe D105

Alpe d'Huez - Hameaux

6 guests ⸱ 2 bedrooms ⸱ 68 sq.m

From 1 150 € /week

See more properties

Special attention is paid to the design and decor in every apartment in order to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Many interiors feature traditional design elements and fine materials such as natural wood, creating an authentic mountain ambiance. Some properties skilfully combine traditional Savoyard decor with more contemporary touches in a unique fusion of styles. Along with the luxury services offered by Cimalpes, all these elements will ensure a perfect stay in Alpe d'Huez.

Prestigious Chalets

The chalet is a true mountain holiday institution. Nothing beats returning to your mountain chalet, and settling down in front of a roaring fire after a great day's skiing. Cimalpes offers you an unsurpassed experience, bringing your dream of a perfect chalet to life. Fully immerse yourself in the alpine art of living in one of Cimalpes' beautiful new or carefully renovated chalets for a truly relaxing stay in the mountains.

Warm and tastefully designed decor combined with the à la carte luxury services offered by Cimalpes ensure an exceptional stay.

Since no holiday is complete without some time to truly relax, Cimalpes' chalets also offer first-class wellness facilities. Simply let go and enjoy your stay in Alpe d'Huez.

Traditional Ski-in/Ski-out Chalets

If your main requirement is to be as close to the slopes as possible, Cimalpes can help you choose the ideal chalet to make your winter sports dreams come true. Our primary focus is to make your access to the skiing as convenient as possible. A ski-in/ski-out chalet allows you to maximise your time on the snow, all at a pace that suits you. Step out of the ski room fully prepared, and catch the first lifts to enjoy the slopes as soon as they open. To save even more time, take advantage of Cimalpes' pre-ordered lift pass service.

By choosing a centrally located ski-in/ski-out chalet, you will be ideally placed to enjoy everything that the lively resort of Alpe d'Huez has to offer. Fall asleep with a panoramic view of the mountains and dream of the next day's adventures on the pistes of the Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine Ski.

Chalets For the Whole Family

Is your biggest dream to bring your loved ones together for an unforgettable holiday in the mountains? Cimalpes can help you create beautiful memories by choosing a large chalet to accommodate the whole family, whatever its size, in the family resort of Alpe d'Huez.

Adults will appreciate the ample space and private parental suites, whilst the games room will delight children, allowing the fun to continue away from the ski slopes. Large comfortable living areas are perfect for convivial family get-togethers, sharing laughter, stories and happy memories.

To ensure the best possible experience for all family members, Cimalpes has carefully selected chalets that combine exceptional facilities and services. Choose the services best suited to your requirements and enjoy the precious time spent with your family.

Chalet Delta 36

Alpe d'Huez - Hameaux

8 guests ⸱ 4 bedrooms ⸱ 85 sq.m

From 2 000 € /week

all the chalets at alpe d'huez

Cimalpes Chalets with Luxury Hotel Style Services

Reinvented by Cimalpes, traditional mountain chalets have become exceptional properties that rival the best luxury hotels. Your holiday will be a beautiful mountain escape, and a refined and luxurious experience.

The highest quality services are available:

Tailor-made concierge service available at all times
Dedicated chauffeur and private transfers - your holiday begins the moment you arrive
Private chef to delight your taste buds
Organisation of ski lessons and other ski and non ski activities
Booking of wellness treatments, private instructors, and everything you need to take care of yourself and fully relax

Whatever your desire, Cimalpes will help you choose the right accommodation, and our team will take care of everyone throughout your stay.

Cimalpes - Specialists in High-end Accommodation in Alpe d'Huez

Backed by our extensive experience in luxury mountain real estate, Cimalpes will help you with your accommodation search in Alpe d'Huez. Our team will help you find the ideal rental property in the area of your choice, and will do everything required to make your stay in the mountains perfect. Think about your requirements and get in touch today to take advantage of Cimalpes' expert advice.

Discover l'Alpe d'Huez

Things to Do in l'Alpe d'Huez - Discover the Resort’s Main Activities

l'Alpe d'Huez: The History of this Unique Destination

Not-to-be-missed Events in l'Alpe d'Huez

Hit the Slopes in l'Alpe d'Huez - Piste Map and Webcams

Stay in l'Alpe d'Huez: Our Selection of Chalets and Apartments

The Ski Area

A Family-friendly and Sporting Atmosphere

The Districts of Alpe d'Huez

Huez Village (1,450m)

Alpe d'Huez and its Districts

Experience Booklet

All winter activities in Alpe d'Huez

Paragliding flight

Biathlon Park

Ski Joering

Driving on ice

History of the Resort

A History Dating Back to the Middle Ages

The Development of Skiing

The First Ski Lifts and the Birth of a Major Resort

The Ski Resort Today

Alpe d'HuZes

June 5th, 2025

Megavalanche

4th and 6th July 2025

Oisans Trail Tour

18th & 19th July 2025

Alpe d'huez triathlon

From 28th to 31st July 2025

Skiing in Alpe d'Huez

Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine Ski Area

Nordic Ski Area

The Snow

The Ski Lifts

Prices Alpe d'Huez

Luxury Apartments For a Family Holiday in Alpe d'Huez

Prestigious Chalets

Traditional Ski-in/Ski-out Chalets

Chalets For the Whole Family

Cimalpes Chalets with Luxury Hotel Style Services

Cimalpes - Specialists in High-end Accommodation in Alpe d'Huez

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