Ski holidays to Alpe d’Huez are a brilliant option for all types of skier. The ski area spans over 250km of slopes, many of which sit at snow-sure heights of 1,850m and above. If you’re unfamiliar with Alpe d’Huez, you’re in luck, as we’ve put together a handy list of 5 useful things to know about this purpose-built resort and its brilliant ski area. Read on to discover why Alpe d’Huez might just be your next choice for a luxury ski holiday in the French Alps…
#1: Good For Beginners
Alpe d’Huez ski resort has been purpose-built on a high plateau of 1,860m. Whether you’re looking for family ski holidays to Alpe d’Huez with children heading off to ski school for the first time, or if you’re an adult making their first foray into the world of winter sports, Alpe d’Huez couldn’t be better suited.
There are large beginner’s areas with lots of green runs running above and alongside the village. These have a natural and logical progression of more challenging runs the higher up the ski area you go. Lots of fun slopes with different themes allow beginners to build confidence in interactive and exciting ways. And, with the resort’s great sunshine and snow-sure record, you can be confident of great conditions on the slopes. Chances are you’ll also have a perfect bluebird day on which to learn! It’s no surprise we picked Alpe d’Huez as one of our best ski resorts for beginners.
#2: Après Ski & Music Events
Alpe d’Huez ski holidays are a great option for lovers of all thing après-ski. Alpe d’Huez has its own Folie Douce, the fabled French après bar whose reputation is world-renowned. Après-ski at Folie Douce is legendary, but it’s not the only place that shines in Alpe d’Huez.
The resort has a lively, bustling nightlife, with plenty of bars in the centre for partying after skiing. Many fun establishments like Smithy’s Tavern and Zoo Bar can be found in the heart of town; vibrant spots for drinking, dancing and classic bar snacks.
Another great place to visit on the slopes is La Cabane. Featuring deck chairs to catch the sun on its expansive terrace, and a DJ to supply the ebullient atmosphere, this is a fantastic spot to spend a long afternoon. The mountain restaurant is also open for dinner in the evenings, with transportation to and from via miniature piste basher! A truly unforgettable experience on your Alpe d’Huez ski holiday.
Alpe d’Huez is also home to the annual Tomorrowland Winter music festival. Held towards the end of March each year, the resort really comes alive with this electronic music festival. Multiple stages are set up, both indoors and on the slopes, where over 150 of the biggest names in EDM play to crowds in their thousands. It’s one of the top festivals in the Alps and an experience not to be missed.
#3: Iconic Runs
Not only a great resort for beginners, Alpe d’Huez and its ski area is home to some of the most iconic runs in the French Alps. The pistes in Alpe d’Huez should undoubtedly be on your bucket list of ski runs to conquer. Perhaps the most legendary is the infamous Tunnel run. From the highest point in resort, the Pic Blanc at 3,330m, you access this run via a tunnel through the heart of the mountain. Upon exiting, you’ll find yourself at a steep black mogul field that will test even the very best bumps skiers.
Another run starting from the top of the Pic Blanc is the famous Sarenne. At 16km, the Sarenne is the longest black run in Europe. It delivers you to the Gorges de Sarenne, where it takes its name from. Near the top of the run, once you pass the Herpie chairlift, you are past the point of no return! There are no more chairlifts and the run doesn’t split off, so you are committed through to the bottom. Thankfully, the steepest section of the Sarenne is the top, so the run gets easier the farther down you ski.
However, for the ultimate test of stamina on your ski holidays to Alpe d’Huez, it is possible to ski from the very top of the Pic Blanc at 3,330m all the way to the resort of Vaujany, at 1,250m altitude. Starting at the top of the Sarenne, you link together several runs of varying colour gradients. Finally, you finish with the Fare black run to take you into Vaujany. A true leg burner for any skier.
#4: Sunshine
I mentioned it briefly in the first entry, but one thing that you definitely need to know about Alpe d’Huez is its sunshine record. The resort is also fondly known as “The Island in the Sunshine”, occupying a south-facing plateau and averaging 300 days of sunshine annually. If you’re a fair weather skier and lover of bluebird days, Alpe d’Huez ski holidays are perfect for you!
The majority of the runs are south-facing also, maximising time spent in the sunshine. Plus, the higher altitude ensures you won’t have to worry about the snow melting later in the day. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen for your luxury ski holiday to Alpe d’Huez, and reapply throughout the day. The sun glistening off the snow is a magical sight, but also something you need to protect your skin from.
#5: Chalets
It’s all about the location when it comes to Alpe d’Huez accommodation. The nature of the ski resort means that any luxury Alpe d’Huez chalets are either moments from the slopes or the centre of the village. In fact, most of the luxury chalets in Alpe d’Huez within our portfolio are ski-in/ski-out accommodation!
Chalet Le Manoir
Chalet Le Manoir is one of the finest ski in ski out chalets in Alpe d’Huez, located in a hamlet in Le Village near the top of the resort. Across the hamlet are individual chalets that can accommodate between 8 and 15 guests. Chalet Le Manoir is equipped to welcome 12 guests. The chalet sits at the apex of two green pistes in one of Alpe d’Huez’s expansive beginner areas. Chalet Le Manoir displays traditional Savoyard luxury, with exposed wood and authentic furnishings providing a classic Alpine feel. With both a hot tub and a sauna, you can be assured of a relaxing evening on return to your Alpe d’Huez chalet.
Chalet Woodpecker
Chalet Woodpecker is an intimate and stylish property for your larger group ski holidays to Alpe d’Huez, welcoming up to 15 guests total. The chalet is located in a prime location, with various bars, restaurants, shops and pistes within a few minutes walk. Chalet Woodpecker shares a wellness area with Chalet Nightingale in the same building, consisting of a hot tub and sauna. Additionally, you can combine the two properties for big groups of up to 21 guests.
Both Chalet Woodpecker and Chalet Le Manoir are contactless catered ski chalets in Alpe d’Huez. The contactless catered ski holiday experience provides the benefits of a catered ski holiday with the additional flexibility of a self catered one, which the chalets are also available on.
If you’re interested in learning more about luxury ski holidays to Alpe d’Huez, then we’re here to help! Pick up the phone and talk to one of our Ski Specialists on +44 1202 203650, or send us an email to discuss your options.
