Alpe d’Huez is one of France’s biggest skiing hitters. In the Rhone Alps region, near Grenoble, it is the main resort in the huge Grande Rousses ski area – with an impressive 250 km of piste.
The resort is famous for its sunny slopes, most of which are south facing. This can mean slush towards the season’s end, but on a crisp winter’s day, it makes for gorgeous conditions. The highest point, Pic Blanc, reaches up to 3300m. Views from there can extend over a fifth of France!
Alpe d’Huez’s size means there are plenty of long and challenging runs to get to grips with. Most famous is La Sarenne, the world’s longest black run at 16 km. More difficult is the notorious Le Tunnel, which takes you through an icy tunnel and down a daunting mogul run.
If you’re not yet ready for extreme skiing don’t worry. An Alpe d’Huez ski holiday has plenty for you, too. Intermediates will find it an easy place to progress, with red and blue runs spread out throughout the resort. You’ll find some nice long, relatively quiet red runs: ideal for perfecting your technique. Beginners are well-catered for with a network of nursery slopes by the village.
Alpe d’Huez is a fairly spread out resort, but there is a free bus service to get you around. There are plenty of ski shops, restaurants and bars spread throughout the resort, so wherever you stay, you’ll have facilities nearby. Unlike many French resorts, there is little in the way of ski-in, ski-out accommodation. There is, though, a good choice of hotels and chalets to suit everyone’s budget.
Alpe d’Huez is a sprawling but attractive resort that has something for every skier.
