10 Reasons Why Alpe d’Huez Is My Favorite Ski Resort!
By Laura, a passionate writer
As the season approaches, the urge to pull out my skis is growing… So, I wanted to share with you why I love this resort so much, and the little reasons that make it one of my must-visit places every.
A progressive, easy-to-understand ski area
It’s simple: here, the higher you go, the more challenging and technical the slopes become. This is reassuring for beginner skiers, who stay close to the resort. Intermediate and expert skiers, on the other hand, find perfectly suited terrain to match their skill levels.
Easy slopes for beginners, directly accessible from the village
For a smooth—and sunny—learning experience, 36 green and 29 blue runs are served by lifts that are directly accessible from the resort. Three of them are even free!
3 fun slopes bring the ski area to life
For many, skiing is serious business, but at Alpe d’Huez, we also love (especially!) to have fun. Tunnels, ramps, bumps… a whole bunch of features dotted with colorful characters await you at Marcel, Roger, and Jacques—three friends who are sometimes a farmer, shepherd, and woodcutter. These fun slopes have become iconic! Who will manage to ring Marcel’s bell using the strength of their ski pole? We’re waiting for you to take on the challenge!
Long descents and big vertical drops for lasting runs
You can ski for up to an hour without taking a lift, thanks to four routes with vertical drops ranging from 1,000 to over 1,800 meters. The area boasts 16 black runs, including legendary routes like the Sarenne piste, which is 16 km long, and the Tunnel run that goes right through the mountain. A must-check on your ski bucket list—but be warned, you need to have your skis firmly under control!
A vast and varied ski area
From Alpe d’Huez, you can reach four neighboring resorts: Vaujany, Oz-en-Oisans, Auris-en-Oisans, and Villard-Reculas. These real gems retain the traditional charm of mountain villages. Each offers a different atmosphere: glaciers, fir trees, gorges, wide open spaces, frozen lakes, and vast landscapes. A wonderfully refreshing combination.
A ski area accessible to everyone
Skiing is often seen as a sport reserved for those in full physical ability, but in Alpe d’Huez, every year more and more people with disabilities enjoy the thrill of skiing, guided and accompanied by certified ESF instructors. Whether you have reduced mobility, visual, hearing, or intellectual impairments, there are tools and support in place so everyone can experience the unique sensations of skiing.
The Jeux Snowpark
Rails, spins, and other tricks await at a snowpark covering more than 20 hectares—one of the largest in the Alps! With a south-facing exposure and privileged access from the Grandes Rousses 1800 front area, the Jeux Snowpark is suitable for all levels, from beginner to expert, including intermediates.
Pic Blanc: a breathtaking 360° panorama
In Alpe d’Huez, we tend to call it our “Eiffel Tower,” the highlight of the resort. It’s of course the panorama from Pic Blanc, which peaks at 3,330 meters and is accessible via the Pic Blanc cable car. Rated 3 stars by the Michelin Green Guide, it offers an incredible view. On clear days, you can see Mont Ventoux, Taillefer, Belledonne, Chartreuse, La Meije, La Muzelle, not to mention Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles d’Arves.
Exceptional off-piste skiing
The off-piste domain is one of the largest and most varied in the French Alps, with more than 70 routes! Whether you love steep slopes or long ski tours, the Alpe mountain guides offer tailored outings that match everyone’s level and desires, all with safety as a priority.
Fifty kilometers of cross-country skiing
Alpe d’Huez loves cross-country skiers and doesn’t forget them: whether skating or classic style, the 50 km of Nordic ski trails offer varied terrain for all levels, including the Brandes loop (6 km), the Poutran loop (10 km), and the Rochette loop (8 km). Now’s the time to give it a try! 😊