Alpe d'Huez

About Alpe d'Huez

If you’re looking for a purely French ski resort, plenty of sunshine, family-friendly on- and off-mountain attractions and amenities, tons of terrain and of course, unforgettable views of the Alps, then an Alpe d’Huez ski vacation should top your list. A popular French ski vacation destination, Alpe d’Huez is an expansive, modern resort situated in the Southern Alps, east of Grenoble. However, it isn’t just known as a winter destination. The Tour de France actually stops through the area. You may even recognize the winding, high alpine access road to Alpe d’Huez if you’ve seen the Tour de France on TV.

A sophisticated lift system transports skiers and boarders to nearly 11,000 feet, allowing skiers to enjoy more than 155 miles of well-varied terrain, making it the fifth largest resort in France, while the base area village sits high, at more than 6,000 feet, so you’re pretty much guaranteed great snow conditions and coverage. Alpe d’Huez’s lively base village is divided into several sections, but most tourists prefer to be near the epicenter of it all: Avenue des Jeux. There, you’ll find a bustling shopping, dining and nightlife scene. But if a close locale to the chairlifts is important, you’ll want to stay in the more charming, rustic quarter of Vaujany. Families have an assortment of lodging options to choose from with kid-friendly amenities, plus Alpe d’Huez has 6 incredible ski schools and sunny, gentle slopes.

A special shout out to Ecole de Ski et de Snowboard Prosneige, an exclusive school that offers private and small group lessons with a maximum of 8 students per group. A six-day lift pass in Alpe d’Huez includes a complimentary day at the neighboring Les Deux Alpes ski resort. You can take a helicopter there for about $80 and experience the soaring Alpine peaks up close and personal. The closest airport is Alpes–Isère Airport (GNB) at 65 miles by car, but other options include Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) and Chambéry Airport (CMF), at 93 and 78 miles away, respectively. From Alpes–Isère Airport (GNB) you can take the train, a bus or taxi to the resort.

Grotte de Glace ice cave

How to get to Alpe d'Huez

To get to Alpe d'Huez in France, you can fly in from Alpes–Isère Airport (GNB), located about 65 miles from the resort, with a one-and-a-half to two-hour commute by car. You can book shuttle services like “Ben's Bus,” which operates during the ski season. Prices start around €45 EUR ($50 USD) per person for a one-way trip. Other airport options include Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) and Chambéry Airport (CMF), 93 and 78 miles away respectively. For all three airports, you can also rent a car, reserve a bus seat or arrange a private transfer if you prefer more flexibility.

Getting around

For local travel, use the free, environmentally friendly Resalp shuttle service within Alpe d'Huez. Electric vehicle charging stations are also available throughout the area.

Skiing in Alpe d'Huez

Despite enjoying popularity among families, Alpe d’Huez in fact offers experts exceptional terrain options. The black run from the Pic Blanc tram is a great black run to get to the heart pumping, plus there are plenty of off-piste areas for the adventurous at heart. Experts will enjoy skiing or snowboarding off the Marmottes II gondola and Lievre Blanc chairlift. 

When snow conditions are tip-top, and they almost always are, intermediates have a staggering amount of intermediate terrain to choose from. A large web of green runs just above the base village, offer beginner skiers or snowboarders an optimal learning setting. And four of the beginner lifts are complimentary (i.e., they don’t require a lift ticket).

Freestyle enthusiasts will be hard pressed to find better placed, maintained and designed terrain parks. Alpe d’Huez offers “jibbers” progression parks, pro-level jump, half-pipe and features.

Beginner Skiing in Alpe d’Huez

Located near the main village, Les Jeux is a wide, gentle slope that is ideal for beginners, offering a safe environment to practice turns and basic skills, while Les Bergers and L’Eclose are slopes that provide a gradual incline perfect for newcomers to gain confidence in their skiing abilities. They are beginner-friendly slopes with easy access from the village, designed for those just starting out on skis. If you’re starting to advance more, and would like a safe challenge, try the Signal run, a spacious and gently sloping area that is perfectly ideal for beginners to practice and improve their skiing techniques in a relaxed setting.

Expert Skiing in Alpe d’Huez

Progress to the Sarenne run if you’re feeling braver. It is the longest black run in Europe, but the initial sections are suitable for confident intermediates looking for a challenge. Les Rousses is a popular red run offering a good mix of terrain and beautiful scenery. It is perfect for any ski fan looking to improve their skills. 

However, if you feel that you’re ready to graduate to the black slopes, give Tunnel a try. Known for its steep gradient and challenging conditions, Trump is perfect for expert skiers seeking an adrenaline rush. Even more challenging is Le Grand Sablat, an off-piste route that requires a guide. Ski this route only if you are an advanced skier looking for deep powder and a thrilling descent.

Ski Schools & Tours

With English-speaking instructors available, Alpe d'Huez ski schools cater to an international crowd. Whether you’re new to skiing or looking to fine-tune your skills, the diverse selection of ski schools ensures that every skier and snowboarder can find the right fit for their learning journey. Beginners benefit from the resort's dedicated beginner areas, including gentle slopes perfect for first-timers. Advanced skiers can take lessons focused on perfecting their off-piste and freeride skills. The local ski schools are highly recommended options, offering everything from children's ski camps to adaptive skiing programs for those with special needs.

The resort itself is home to several well-established schools that provide group and private lessons for children and adults alike. With experienced instructors, the resort ensures learners of all levels progress safely and confidently on the slopes. For a more personalized experience, other notable schools offer one-on-one coaching and tailored programs designed to improve technique and build confidence.

Family vacations in Alpe d'Huez

The resort is known for its expansive ski area, featuring over 155 miles of pistes, which cater to all skill levels. Families with young children can enjoy the many beginner-friendly slopes, such as the Les Jeux and Les Bergers areas, both perfect for first-timers. For more experienced skiers, there are plenty of intermediate and advanced runs, including the famous Sarenne—the longest black run in Europe.

Beyond skiing, Alpe d'Huez provides a variety of other winter activities for families. You can explore the beautiful landscape on a snowshoeing tour, try ice skating at the resort's outdoor rink, or take a ride on the Alpine Coaster for some extra thrills. For unique adventures, try the In’Vertigo indoor course, which includes 8-meter-high workshops, or the escape rooms and augmented reality outdoor games. Kids will love the children’s indoor play area, which features motor and climbing games, and the road circuit at Palais des Sports, where they can learn the highway code with biking and go-karting.