Ski chalets Alpe d'Huez & hotels Alpe d'Huez France
Modern value for money ski resort with large ski area and lively apres ski scene
Chalets Alpe d'Huez, hotels Alpe d'Huez, ski holidays Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d'Huez is a fairly large modern resort, with extensive, high, sunny slopes. The accommodation largely consists of self catering apartments although there are a few hotels and a growing number of chalets. Alpe d'Huez has an extensive ski area and when the snow is good there are plenty of runs for all levels of skier, including the longest black run in the Alps - a thigh burning 16 kms in length. The efficient lift system of Alpe d'Huez means very few queues and the snowmaking facilities more than counter the effects of its South facing location. Owing to the purpose built nature it's possible to ski back to a lot of the accommodation including some excellent quality chalets. Alpe d'Huez has good facilities for children, a highly rated ski school and a buzzing nightlife which makes this a good all round resort. It's main drawback especially during late season is the South and South West facing slopes which can alternate between ice and slush.
View all 24 ski chalets in Alpe d'Huez
View all 5 hotels in Alpe d'Huez
Resort statistics
- Beginners
- Intermediates
- Experts
- Snow sure
- Off-piste
- Ski area
- Charm factor
- Non-skiers
- Nightlife
- Practicality
- Fine dinning
- Short transfer
- Resort value
Airports
- GENEVA (4 hours)
- LYON (3 hours)
- GRENOBLE (1.5 hours)
Pros
- Extensive, high, sunny slopes
- Huge snowmaking installation
- Efficient, modern lift system
- Vast, gentle, sunny nursery slopes right next to the resort
- A wide variety of lively nightlife
Cons
- Icy morning and slushy afternoon conditions on the many south-facing runs
- Overcrowding on the main runs in high season
- Very little wooded areas to retreat to in bad weather
- A sprawling resort with a mis-match of styles
Resort Restaurants
Alpe d'huez is not short of restaurants varying from high quality to cheap and cheerful but generally they are cheaper than some of France's other premier resort restaurants, so don't worry if you tire of the food in the chalets or hotels. Alpe d'Huez has some good dining - for genuinely tasty fare try the The Cremaillere, P'tit Creux (quite pricey), Genepi, Pomme de Pin. For pizzas and pasta L'Origan and Pinocchio are well recommended. Smithy's Tex Mex is far from shy about the size of the helpings and Edelweiss is excellent value for set menus and grills.
Mountain Restaurants
The mountain restaurants are generally good. The self-service places are welcoming and there are more rustic restaurants with table service than you'd find in other similarly sized French resorts. Chalet du Lac Besson is located on the cross-country loop north of the Les Grandes Rousses Gondola (aka DMC) mid station. The pretty Foret De Maronne hotel at Chatelard below Signal de l'Homme is a great sun trap and has a good menu. The Bergerie at Villard-Reculas also comes recommended for it's views as does The Signal. The Plage des Neiges at the top of the nursery slopes is the best place for beginners. Chantebise 2100 at the DMC mid station is good for slick and cheerful service. Try skiing to Oz and Vaujany for better value for money.
Apres Ski
There are are wide range of bars, some good straight off the slopes, some of which get lively later on, and there are also the bars found in the hotels. Alpe d'Huez night spots include the Roadhouse located under Crystal's Hotel Vallee Blanche and the Underground in Neilson's Hotel Chamois are established favourites amongst the British run bars. The Crowded House in Crystal's Hermitage hotel is a quiet alternative with a pool table. The Sphere Bar, O'Sharkey's and Pacific are popular after the lifts close.
Nightlife
Smithy's gets quite rowdy later on and the Yeti hosts some great live bands. The Sporting is a fun bar with great bands although it reputably the most expensive bar in town. This and the Igloo disco liven up when the French hit town en masse!
Resort Map Note only lifts departing from the resort base are shown.
Key
Funicular
Cable Car
Gondola
Chair lift
Drag lift
Ski Hire Shops
| Location | Name | Stars | Discount | Promo Code |
| A | Henri Sports - Rond Point des Pistes | Up to 45% | AlpineAnswers | |
| B | AB Sports - Tourist Office | Up to 45% | AlpineAnswers | |
| C | Henri Sports - Eclose | Up to 45% | AlpineAnswers | |
| D | Man Sports - Les Bergers | Up to 45% | AlpineAnswers | |
| E | Man Sports - Les Bergers | Up to 45% | AlpineAnswers | |
| F | AB Sports - Centre Resort | Up to 45% | AlpineAnswers |
The star rating for the ski hire shops is an indication of the level of service; quality and variety of stock, and the space and decor of the shop. It is also a reflection on the price. A five star rated shop will offer great service and equipment but also will charge the highest price. Ski hire shops with a two star rating have less variety and older, poorer quality of stock but are cheapest.