Weighing up which French Alps ski resort to choose for your next ski holiday? You’re spoiled for choice, but there are several superb reasons that Alpe d’Huez is a prime pick.
Nestled in a snow-blessed mountain pasture in the Oisans Valley, the main resort is located at an altitude of 1,860m and there’s plenty of fresh powder thanks to its close proximity to the 3,330m Pic Blanc.
With stunning scenery and fantastic facilities, there’s something to satisfy every adventurer here.
For a little more info, take a look at these 10 tips for an awesome Alpe d’Huez ski trip.
Beginners Ski Free at Alpe d’Huez
Chair and drag lifts for the beginners areas on the first level of slopes accessed by the DMC Gondola and in the Bergers section are free for beginner skiers, which means you don’t need to pay while you practice the basics.
Intermediate Inspiration
Intermediate skiers have lots of long runs with big vertical descents to choose from but one of the best is the 2,200m Champagne Run down from the top of Le Pic Blanc ̶ so-called because you deserve a glass of champers at the finish.
Tunnel Thrills
The Tunnel is a thrilling run for advanced skiers where you pop out from a rock tunnel at the start onto a bone-shaking, vertiginous mogul field ̶ not for the faint-hearted.
Sublime Snowboarding
Snowboarders are satisfied by several cool parks, but the main snowpark above Alpe d’Huez has lines for all abilities with various rails, kickers and boxes, as well as a big air bag to practice your jumps.
Amazing Accommodation
Book a ski holiday in Alpe d’Huez with Erna Low and you can choose from a wide range of comfy and cosy accommodation options close to the slopes ̶ some of which even have plush onsite pools and spas.
Exciting Apres-ski
Your first stop for Apres-ski in Alpe d’Huez is Smithy’s Tavern right in the middle of the old quarter, where you’ll find beer, bombs, cocktails and DJs on the wheels of steel, while nearby nightclub L’Igloo is open ’til the wee small hours.
Spas and Shops
Unwind after a tough day on the slopes at Pure Altitude Spa, which has a dry heat bath sauna and heated pool and indulge in some retail therapy at Henri Sports Boutique, where you’ll find fantastic ski couture.
Kids Facilities
There’s an open-air toboggan area and ice skating to keep children busy here, plus the Palais de Sport has a mini golf course, ball pool pit and climbing wall for older kids, as well as an Ice Cave.
Flavourful Food
For beautifully prepared French fusion cuisine, don’t miss Amethyst, which is recommended in the Michelin Guide for the standard of its cooking.
If you are interested in learning to ski, why not read our editor Mark Bibby Jackson’s experience of learning to ski in Niseko Japan as a 40-year-old virgin.
Getting There
The driving time from Calais is around nine-and-a-half hours, but it’s also easily accessible from several airports near Alpe d’Huez like Grenoble and Lyon St Exupery.
That’s our list. Share your tips in the comments section. Main photo : Alpe d’Huez Tourisme / Laurent Salino. You might also think about downloading a skiing app.