Alpe d’Huez

Nestled on a sunny, south-facing plateau in the heart of the French Alps, Alpe d'Huez is a world-renowned ski resort that truly has it all. Known as "l'Isle au Soleil" (the Island in the Sun), it boasts an incredible sunshine record, with an average of 300 sunny days per year. This, combined with its vast and varied ski area, makes it a firm favourite with skiers and snowboarders from all over the globe. From the legendary 16km Sarenne black run to the gentle nursery slopes, Alpe d'Huez offers a winter playground for all abilities.

The resort itself is a vibrant and bustling town, with a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, and bars to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you're looking for a lively après-ski scene or a quiet, family-friendly holiday, you'll find it here. With its stunning scenery and endless opportunities for fun both on and off the slopes, it's no wonder that Alpe d'Huez is considered one of the top ski destinations in Europe.

Alpe d'Huez is easily accessible from the UK and other parts of Europe. The nearest airport is Grenoble (GNB), around a 90-minute drive from the resort. Other nearby airports include Chambery (CMF), Lyon (LYS), and Geneva (GVA).

The nearest train station is Grenoble, from where you can take a bus or taxi up to the resort. If driving from Calais, the journey is approximately 10 hours. Be aware that the final ascent to the resort involves a mountain road with 21 hairpin bends.

Alpe d'Huez is part of the Grand Domaine ski area, offering a huge variety of terrain for all levels. The resort's altitude ranges from 1,860m to 3,330m, encompassing 250km of pistes served by 68 lifts. It's known for a great progression of slopes, making it suitable for building confidence across various abilities.

Intermediate skiers will find themselves in their element with 30 blue and 34 red runs. The Signal de l'Homme sector is an excellent starting point, featuring a network of long, cruising blue and red runs. For a greater challenge, head up to the Pic Blanc at 3,330m and ski the red runs down to the Sarenne gorge.

Alpe d'Huez is an excellent resort for beginners, widely regarded as one of the best ski resorts for first-timers in Europe. The resort provides two large nursery areas, Les Bergers and DMC, which are perfect for finding your feet. Once the basics are mastered, there are plenty of gentle green and blue runs available to progress to.

Alpe d'Huez is a paradise for advanced skiers, with some of the most challenging terrain in the Alps. The main attraction is the Sarenne, the longest black run in the world, which descends 16km from the top of the Pic Blanc (3,330m) all the way down to the valley floor. Given its popularity, it's best to ski the Sarenne first thing in the morning before the crowds arrive.

Beyond the Sarenne, there are numerous other black runs and a vast amount of off-piste terrain to explore for experienced skiers.

Alpe d'Huez boasts a lively and varied après-ski scene with options for everyone. For a vibrant party on the slopes, head to the legendary La Folie Douce, known for its huge terrace, live music, and DJs every afternoon.

In the town itself, Smithy's Tavern is a popular spot for post-ski drinks, while the Underground Bar is the go-to place for late-night partying.

Off the slopes, a large sports centre offers an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, an ice rink, and a climbing wall. Other activities include dog sledding, snowmobiling, and paragliding.

Alpe d'Huez offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets, from luxury hotels and catered chalets to self-catered apartments. The main resort is spread across several distinct areas:

• Cognet: The original part of the resort, retaining a traditional village feel.
• Les Bergers: A modern, purpose-built area featuring a good selection of shops and restaurants.
• Vieil Alpe: The old town, characterised by charming, narrow streets and historic buildings.

For those seeking a quieter experience, the satellite villages of Vaujany, Oz-en-Oisans, and Auris-en-Oisans offer a more traditional and family-friendly atmosphere. These villages provide easy access to the main ski area and are well worth a visit, offering a different perspective on the Grand Domaine ski area.

Alpe d'Huez typically experiences its ski season from early December to late April. The resort boasts an excellent snow record, with an average of 437cm of snowfall per year.

Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced skier aiming to refine your technique, Alpe d'Huez offers a wide range of ski schools and lessons. The two main ski schools are the ESF (Ecole du Ski Français) and the ESI (Ecole de Ski Internationale), both known for their excellent reputation and diverse courses for all ages and abilities. It's advisable to book your lessons in advance, especially during peak season, as ski schools can get fully booked.

• Group lessons: A great way to learn in a sociable environment, typically running for a week with classes held in the morning or afternoon. Expect to pay around €240 for a week of group lessons.
• Private lessons: Offer a more personalised experience, allowing you to focus on specific skills and progress at your own pace. Prices start from €40 per hour.
• Kids' clubs and ski gardens: Dedicated programmes where children can learn to ski in a safe and fun environment.