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Alpe D Huez Ski Resort

A self-proclaimed "island in the sunshine", Alpe d'Huez boasts over 300 sunny days per year, as well as varied terrain, epic scenery, an excellent lift system and suitability for all levels of skiers.

The Dauphin of the Oisans Valley a nudge east of Grenoble, Alpe d'Huez is a purpose-built sprawling village set on a wide open flank of mainly south-facing mountainside. An ugly duckling hastily constructed for the 1968 Grenoble Olympics, it may yet turn into a swan as efforts are being made to reclad the amorphous buildings in sympathetic timber, and attractive chalet suburbs are being created on different flanks of the mountain.

Though not as extensive as some of the other major French resorts, it is still one of the most popular because of the varied terrain, epic scenery, excellent lift system and suitability for all levels of skiers. We all like to ski in the sun and the self-proclaimed "island in the sunshine" boasts over 300 sunny days per year.

Apart from a few runs down to the satellite villages, most of the skiing is high altitude (above 1800m), so snow cover is always good. The south-facing area above the main village stretches all the way up to the Pic Blanc glacier (3330m) from where there are marvellous views over the Ecrins peaks. The sunny slopes are high, diverse and interesting, though the mid-level runs can be prone to crowds, morning ice and afternoon slush. Though this is a drawback, particularly later in the season, it is by no means terminal, as there is plenty of varied terrain and enough skiing on different expositions to counter the problem.

Snow report / Alpe d Huez

Thursday, March 04, 2010

Last snowfall4th March 2010
New snow last 24 hours5cm (2in)
 
Lower slopes150cm (59in) average base depth
Upper slopes270cm (106in) average base depth
 
Percentage open90% of slopes open
Surface conditionsFresh snowfall
 
Resort temp max0ºC (32ºF)
Expected midday freezing level 0m (0ft)
Forecast next day

Alpe d Huez at a glance
 

On the mountain

Ski area

Alpe d'Huez has the perfect mix of pistes, with wide blues above the village, more challenging reds higher up and steep and bumpy blacks off the top. more...

 

Lift system

The lift system in Alpe d'Huez is modern and efficient, with some old bottlenecks recently removed.
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Ski schools & guiding

Alpe d'Huez has a few international ski schools to compete with the ESF.
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Advanced

The main area for experts in Alpe d'Huez is the top of the Pic Blanc Glacier, both on and off-piste. more...

 

Intermediate

Both early and strong intermediates are spoiled for choice in Alpe d'Huez. more...

 

Beginner

Alpe d'Huez offers some of the most convenient beginner facilities anywhere and there is also a special beginners lift pass. more...

 

Boarding & freestyle

For boarders, Alpe d'Huez has three snow parks and some excellent off-piste.
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Mountain restaurants

Alpe d'Huez has a good collection of charming mountain restaurants. more...

 

Ski Map

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Off the mountain

Village

Alpe d'Huez is spread out and purpose-built; satellite villages Oz, Villard and Vaujany are prettier but less convenient. more...

 

Accommodation

From €355 per week for a 4-person apartment
Just 50m away from a lift, the main ski area and the resort are easily accessible from the Residence Maeva Horizons d'Huez. The comfortable apartments all have balcony and most of them enjoy the views of the Massif de l'Oisans.
More information and BOOK ONLINE >>>
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Ski Rental

Arrange your ski hire in Alpe d Huez online now with SkiSet and Ultimate-Ski.com for 20 - 40% savings. Save an extra 5% on ski hire by signing up for our newsletter.
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Après-ski

Alpe d'Huez is somewhat of a party town with a good selection of English, Scandinavian and French bars. more...

 

Restaurants & bars

From traditional French to spicy Indian to late-night sandwich, the Alpe d'Huez restaurant scene caters to every taste.
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Other information

Alpe d'Huez is famous for ice-driving; lift passes give free access to many sports facilities. more...

 

Getting there

Grenoble is only an hour's drive away and also has a daily bus link. more...

 

 

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Alpe d'Huez facts

Ski Area

Base6,102 ft
1,860 m
Summit10,827 ft
3,300 m
Elevation4,725 ft
1,440 m

 

Trails/runs

Number of trails117
Advanced15 %
Intermediate29 %
Beginner56 %

 

Lifts

Gondolas/Cable cars16
Chairs24
Surface lifts41

 

 

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