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.
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
12 ski chalets in Alpe d'Huez View All
Alpe d'Huez, France
Chalet 1860
Average Price
£296 ppAlpe d'Huez, France
Chalet Grande Etoile
Average Price
£1,140 ppAlpe d'Huez, France
Chalet Nightingale
Average Price
£1,596 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. Great burgers. Le Roy Ladre is great for pizza and pasta in the old town of Alpe d'Huez. Au Montagnard is a lovely bistro offering classic local fare as well as fondue. Captain Sandwich is a lively fast-food restaurant. Bistro Les 2 Mules is one of the smarter restaurants in the resort.
Alpe d'Huez Mountain Restaurants
La Ferme d'Hubert is a good spot to eat traditional fare and is easily accessible by foot from the village or on the slopes. La Folie Douce Petite Cuisine is located by the infamous Folie Douce apres ski bar. La Plage des Neige offers home cooked delights on the slopes. Chalet du Lac Besson offers excellent food either on the terrace or inside this cosy spot. L'Hermine is a good spot for a light quick lunch.
Alpe d'Huez Apres Ski
Alpe d'Huez offers a vibrant après-ski and nightlife scene with bars both on and off the slopes. Popular spots include Smithy's Tavern, The Underground Bar, and The Zoo Bar for lively après sessions. On the mountain, Folie Douce is renowned for its energetic atmosphere with music and entertainment against stunning views.
Alpe d'Huez Nightlife
In town, Smithy's and The Underground are favorites for live music, while up in the main street area of town theres FreeRide Bar. Theres always a great buzz around this area and these guys stay open until 2am most days. And if that's not late enough and you feel like the party is just getting started, head to one of the resort's two nightclubs; Caves or Igloo, where you can dance the night away until 5am.