Discover l'Alpe d'Huez

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.