Alpe d’Huez

Alpe D’Huez is a great ski area in its own right although serious skiers looking for a vast ski area may find it a touch limited. Fear not though, you can jump on the bus (or even a helicopter!) and cross the valley to Les 2 Alpes if you do want to explore elsewhere. Les 2 Alpes is actually included on the lift pass so it won’t cost any more (bar transport) to do this. The ski area itself is very easy to explain, the higher up you go, the more difficult it becomes. In and around resort level are the nursery slopes, then the blues, reds and finally a decent selection of black runs too.

BEGINNERS:

So many pistes for beginners, in fact we think Alpe d’Huez is one of the top 3 areas in which to learn in France. There are a huge amount of easy wide open greens and then blues on which to progress. The area above the Bergers ski school meeting point is the best, lots of great slopes all serviced by quick lifts. You honestly won’t find many better places on which to start skiing than here.

INTERMEDIATES:

Alpe d’Huez is a great choice for intermediate skiers, lots of reds and blues and even a few blacks if you feel up to it! We love the runs down to the satellite resorts, especially down to Oz en Oisans. It does get a bit slushy at times but catch this run in the right conditions and you’ll have a ball. We also recommend heading over to the Auris En Oisans side of the area for half a day via whats become known locally as the “Scare Chair” which first of all goes down into a valley before ascending on the other side. Auris has a good selection of reds and blues, all the pistes are quite similar but they tend to be quieter.

EXPERTS:

There are 2 pistes in the resort that experts flock to, La Sarenne (a 21km black run, claimed to be the longest in Europe) and Le Tunnel, one of the most demanding pistes in France.

There are some very good off piste sectors to explore. Remember to book a guide though, Alpe d’Huez does have a reputation as being difficult to navigate away from pistes if you don’t know the area. Make sure your insurance covers you too. One of the first places your guide will take you is straight up to the Pic Blanc summit, from which you can take your pick of descents. This is steep and seriously technical skiing so do make sure you are up to it before taking the plunge.

Alpe d’Huez is a good choice for those looking for a lively holiday. The resort used to really miss an on-hill watering hole, but that has been rectified with the recent addition of a Folie Douce which has become the liveliest spot for a bit of après action. Loud music and loud costumes, best enjoyed with a couple of beers or glasses of rosé! The run home is quite long to make sure you don’t over-do it!

In terms of nightlife, Alpe d’Huez is very lively indeed. We like the Pacific Bar for a quiet drink or catching the match before heading off to find something a touch livelier. Try the Underground Bar, Smithys and O’Sharkeys for a bit more action before piling into Igloo to part til the wee hours.

EASYSKI

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