Alpe d'Huez, France

Resort Overview for Alpe d'Huez:

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 mish mash of traditional Alpine chalet style wood and stone buildings, some rather ugly rectangular concrete developments and one 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 areas protected by nearly 800 snow cannon.

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

The 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 run, the longest black in the world and one of 11 above the resort. Beginners might not be too interested in that, 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.

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.

The Ecole du Ski Français 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 skiers have three signposted 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.

Après Ski in Alpe d'Huez:

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.

Accommodation in Alpe d'Huez:

Search through our database to rent private ski chalets direct from the owners in Alpe d'Huez. Contact owners directly to make a booking. Rent ski chalet Alpe d'Huez, France

Chalet Hermine, Sleeps 10 L' Hermine. Newly built in 2005, L'Hermine is ideally located at the edge of Oz en Oisans, peaceful...... View details

Apartment Sarenne Oz en Oisans, Sleeps 5 Excellent location for a summer holiday in the Alps, walking, cycling (Tour de France this year), po...... View details

Chalet Ribot, Sleeps 15 This 200 year old traditional mountain house is huddled among seven other houses in the picturesque...... View details

4 Seasons Apartment, Sleeps 4 A modern, well equipped studio apartment sleeping 3 adults or a couple with 2 children in an excelle...... View details

Apartment Belledonne, Oz en Oisans, Sleeps 8 In the heart of the Grandes Rousses (250km Alpe d'Huez) ski area, close to lifts, restaurants and sk...... View details