Alpe d'Huez In The Spotlight
Alpe d'Huez- Before you travel
Sun, snow and spectacular views: Club Med Alpe d’Huez is a resort that thrives in both winter and summer. From the moment the early morning light appears over spectacular Alpine peaks you know that you’re in a personal paradise. Once the skiing starts the choice is immense. Take on the legendary tunnel run or simply enjoy the fresh air on one of the many starter slopes. Above all, savour an amazing break in an action packed resort with beautiful surroundings.
Alpe d'Huez Fast Facts
Domain altitude: 1,860m
Lowest slope: 1,125m
Highest lift: 3,330m
Lifts: 70
Runs: 135
Blue: 37 (27%)
Green: 42 (31%)
Red: 39 (29%)
Black: 17 (13%)
We love
The huge skiing area
The brilliant bars
Lots of great shopping
Getting There
Chambery Airport is just over an hour and a half away. Head for Chambery town to take the train to Grenoble then the bus up the mountain to the resort.
Lyon Airport is 2 hours 10 min away with regular buses to Alpe d’Huez.
The Domain
Alpe D’Huez has grown in stature as a ski resort since the 1930s when its first lift was installed. The perma-sun and great ski-ing have since attracted millions from around the world.
The site has been in use since Medieval times when a castle stood proudly on its slopes and a busy silver mine helped to fund royal wars. The scenery is spectacular and one highly recommended route is The Grand Sablat which takes you over the glacier with a stomach tightening drop to the village of Clavans below.
The village of Alpe D’Huez itself is located at 1,860m on plateau above the Bourg d’Oisans and split into eight small districts, with the best places to stay at the top end of town. The attractive village of Vaujany close by is a good choice for those who want a little more peace away from the bustle of the centre.
Make sure you take a ride on the massive two-stage Grandes Rousses gondola which leaves from Rond Point to mid-mountain. Another bucket lift will take you from the lower village of Huez back to your base.
The Ski Area
It’s hard to beat the variety of slopes available at Alpe D’Huez. Choose your level from 1,135m up to an ear popping 3,330m. The area seems to have been designed with learners in mind, offering gentle slopes at the bottom of the ski runs which allow for structured learning. Beginners can try out the many green slopes and nursery runs above the village before climbing higher and stretching their abilities. For experienced athletes, the challenge of Le Tunnel is too good to miss. From the front side of Pic Blanc, the run and its branch offs are accessible through a 200 metre l tunnel that provides access to a fun, untamed terrain. Want to try the longest run in the Alps? The 16km Sarenne is quite simply thrilling, offering sharp inclines and a flat finish so you can get your breath back. The efficient lift system will quickly transport you up into the expansive high-altitude ski area of the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domain Ski where even more runs await for people of all skill levels.
Where to eat
Whether you’re a foodie or simply want something to fill you up before the next sojourn on the slopes, Alpe d’Huez has it all. Good value restaurants are dotted around the resorts which are great for families. Couples can also find the ideal spot for a candlelight dinner.
Chamois d’Or
Arguably the best eatery in town, offering home-made, local food including signature dinner dishes such as truffle omelette and langoustine gratin.
Auberge de l’Alpette
Head to the bottom of the Alpette for perfect omelettes and a terrace where the coffee is strong and the sights are magnificent.
L’Altiport
Enjoy traditional Alpine cuisine with a gourmet twist at the airfield in Alpe d'Huez. Specialities such as aubergine compote are made with fresh and local produce.
Where to drink
Alpe d’Huez offers apres-ski experiences that travel the spectrum of fun. Whether you want a quiet drink or a late night boogie, you’re not short of options at a resort where the party carries on from sunset to sunrise.
La Grotte du Yeti Bar, Alpe d'Huez - Centre
This apres-ski hot spot in Les Bergers is at the foot of the slopes. From foam parties to live music and DJ sets, this bar is famous for its momentous partying.
Le Old Bar
This small but beautiful drinking hole has a great selection of drinks and also offers sharing platters to go with the live music that entertains every evening.
Le Dome Bar
Go for some cocktail tasting as this hotel bar at the foot of the slopes where apres-ski is celebrated in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Club Med Alpe d'Huez
Tucked into the mountainside of the Savoie ski area, Club Med Alpe d’Huez is perfect for every kind of ski holiday. Enjoy ski-in ski-out access to a 250km ski domain or try your hand dog sledding. Bask in the incredible views from our bright balconies or partake in a little aprés ski in our beautiful lobby bar. Play with the kids in our stunning indoor pool or in our “Happy Lounge” complete with playground and climbing walls. Find your bliss in our PAYOT spa or relax with a green tea in the adults-only “La Bulle” lounge. Create your perfect ski holiday at Club Med Alpe d’Huez. produce.