Alpe d'Huez
Modern, purpose built resort with value for money chalets, large ski area & lively apres ski
Alpe d'Huez resort guide - a general overview
Alpe d'Huez is known for its extensive ski area, catering to all skill levels, and boasts the longest black run in the Alps, the Sarenne, which is 16 kilometres in length. However, what really marks Alpe d'Huez out is its amazing learning area immediately above the village. Gentle greens, served by a fleet of fast chairs and chondolas, as well as numerous drags and rolling carpets make this an excellent area for beginners. Intermediates will enjoy the long, cruisy blues down from Marmottes and the Alpette area above Vaujany is often quieter and holds on to better snow.
There are two resort centres in Alpe d'Huez. The main village is the bustling hub and is home to much of the accommodation, some seriously lively bars and a number of excellent restaurants specialising in local French food. Les Bergers is a good alternative, with its own centre and a great selection of great value, self-catered accommodation. If you're looking for a quieter stay or to stay in a chalet, then Vaujany is perhaps a better option.
Off the slopes, the resort prides itself on offering a multitude of winter activities. The outdoor ice rink is possible, as are the cross country and winter walking trails. There is also a huge outdoor swimming pool that is open throughout the winter.
Alpe d'Huez is great for families, offering top-rated ski schools and numerous activities for children. The village has everything you need for a family holiday, including child-friendly après-ski options.
Alpe d'Huez is an excellent choice for a ski holiday, offering extensive and varied terrain, great facilities for families, and a lively après-ski scene. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced skier, you'll find plenty to enjoy. The practical design, efficient lifts, and comprehensive amenities ensure a fantastic experience.
Use this link to check out all the chalets in Alpe d'Huez. You can see the availability, locations and prices to make choosing your ideal chalet easy.
Photos courtesy of Simon Hoskyns.
Resort stats
220km
1,860m - 3,320m
Level of skiing
- Beginners
- Intermediates
- Experts
- Snow sure
- Off-piste
- Ski area
Qualities
- Charm factor
- Non-skiers
- Nightlife
- Resort layout
- Fine dining
- Short transfer
- Resort value
Airports
- Grenoble
- 1hr 30mins
- Lyon
- 3hrs
- Geneva
- 4hrs
Popular searches
12 ski chalets in Alpe d'Huez View All
Alpe d'Huez, France
Chalet Etoile De Neige
Average Price
£1,657 ppAlpe d'Huez, France
Chalet Melusine
Average Price
£1,202 ppAlpe d'Huez, France
Chalet Diane
Average Price
£1,023 pp4 hotels in Alpe d'Huez, France View All
Alpe d'Huez, France
Hotel Grandes Rousses
Alpe d'Huez, France
Hotel Royal Ours Blanc
Alpe d'Huez, France
Hotel Chamois D'Or
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extensive, high, sunny slopes and efficient, modern lift system. It has a great ski area
- Vast, gentle, sunny nursery slopes right next to the resort - the perfect learning environment
- Ski in and ski out chalets in Alpe d'Huez
- A wide variety of lively apres ski and nightlife
Cons
- Overcrowding on the main runs in high season
- Very little wooded areas to retreat to in bad weather
- Sunny aspect can cause runs to get slushy towards the end of the ski season
- Some parts of the village can be a long walk away from the main lifts
Restaurants
Alpe d'Huez Resort Restaurants
Smithy's Tavern bar and restaurant is a good spot for groups and families in a relaxed atmosphere, serving some of the best burgers in resort. Le Roy Ladre is great for pizza and pasta in the old town of Alpe d'Huez, while Au Montagnard offers classic local fare and excellent fondue. Bistro Les 2 Mules is one of the smarter dining options in resort.
Alpe d'Huez Mountain Restaurants
La Ferme d'Hubert is a great choice for traditional mountain dishes and is easily accessible both from the village and the slopes. La Folie Douce Petite Cuisine combines good food with one of the liveliest atmospheres on the mountain, while La Plage des Neiges serves excellent homemade lunches. Chalet du Lac Besson is a favourite for its beautiful setting and excellent food, whether dining inside or on the terrace. For a lighter lunch stop, L'Hermine is a reliable option.
Alpe d'Huez Apres Ski
Alpe d'Huez offers a vibrant après-ski scene both on and off the slopes. Smithy's Tavern and The Underground Bar are popular choices in town, while La Folie Douce remains the undisputed king of mountain après-ski, with DJs, dancers and spectacular views.
Alpe d'Huez Nightlife
For live music and late-night drinks, Smithy's Tavern, The Underground Bar and FreeRide Bar are all favourites and help create a great atmosphere in the centre of town. If you're still going after the bars close, head to Igloo, where the party continues until the early hours.
Funicular
Cable Car
Gondola
Chair lift
Drag lift
Property