Alpe d’Huez is a renowned ski resort with excellent skiing. Sitting at a height of 1,860m, this high-altitude resort is part of the extensive Grandes Rousses ski area offering 250km of skiable terrain. It is often considered as one of the best ski resorts in the French Alps, boasting an appealing mix of quality skiing and vibrant après ski.
With an extensive and efficient lift system, Alpe d’Huez provides endless terrain to explore. It caters to all levels of skiers, from beginners to advanced, offering a variety of thrilling runs, off-piste skiing and snowparks. Read on to discover our complete guide to skiing in Alpe d’Huez.
Alpe d’Huez Ski Area
The ski area in Alpe d’Huez is divided into four main areas; Alpe d’Huez centre, Auris-en-Oisans, Oz-en-Oisans and Vaujany, all of which are interconnected and accessible from the town centre. The ski area in Alpe d’Huez consists of 135 runs, of which 41 are green, 34 blue, 40 red, and 20 are black.
Beginner Skiing in Alpe d’Huez
Despite its extensive and varied terrain, Alpe d’Huez is an excellent choice for beginners. There are numerous gentle slopes and wide runs suitable for beginners. The resort boasts a large beginner area at the top of the main gondola, where beginners can learn in a safe and secure environment. Once they have built up their confidence, beginners can explore more challenging green runs like Les Jeux and Le Village.
Intermediate Skiing in Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez is a paradise for intermediate skiers who are looking to challenge themselves and progress their skills. There are plenty of blue and red runs dotted across the resort, providing a variety of terrain to explore. The Vaujany area is a popular choice for intermediate skiers, offering a mix of wide, rolling blues, and challenging red runs.
Advanced Skiing in Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez has a well-deserved reputation for offering some of the most challenging skiing in the Alps. For advanced skiers, the Tunnel run, accessed from the Pic Blanc at 3,330m, is a must. This steep, mogul-filled run is a true test of your skiing skills. Another challenging run is the Sarenne, the longest black run in Europe at 16km, which provides a thrilling descent from the Pic Blanc.
Off-piste Skiing in Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez is also home to some fantastic off-piste skiing, with a variety of terrain to explore. The area around the Pic Blanc offers extensive off-piste skiing, with deep powder and steep descents. For those who are new to off-piste skiing, the Vallonet run is a great introduction. Always remember to hire a local guide or instructor when venturing off-piste to ensure your safety.
Snowparks in Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez also offers excellent freestyle skiing and snowboarding facilities, with two dedicated snowparks. The larger of the two, located at the top of the Marmotte 1 lift, features a variety of jumps, rails and a halfpipe. The smaller park, located in the Auris sector, is ideal for beginners looking to try freestyle skiing or snowboarding for the first time.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an advanced skier looking for a new challenge, Alpe d’Huez has something to offer everyone. So why wait? Book your ski holiday in Alpe d’Huez today!
