👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 3 family experiences in Alpe d’Huez

Welcome to the Island in the Sun, an ideal playground for the whole family. Here, the altitude does more than offer breathtaking views: it becomes the setting for your finest memories with your children. Between laughter, discovery and shared moments, every instant turns into an unforgettable adventure.

🚵🏽 Learning downhill mountain biking

When you see the most adventurous thrill-seekers setting off in the Megavalanche, you may think downhill mountain biking is definitely not for you. But before tackling the most demanding routes, it is possible to ease into the sport gently, under the watchful eye and guidance of professionals. The resort has created a true learning area so that both young and old can discover downhill mountain biking with a smile and without fear:

• 44 km of “Discovery” trails: Designed like beginner ski runs, these routes are wide, reassuring and extremely smooth.
• Learning while having fun: Here, you get used to your bike at your own pace. You learn how to brake accurately, how to take a banked turn, or how to get over a small obstacle, all in a safe environment.
• Support from the pros: MCF instructors and Alpe Mountain Bike offer introductory sessions (from age 4 upwards), where you learn the basics of riding technique. In just a few hours, children — and parents too — gain confidence and discover the joy of riding.

💡 To save you carrying equipment, many shops in Alpe d’Huez offer bike hire by the day or by the week.

🪢 Roping up for the first time

Give your teenagers (aged 12 and over) an unforgettable rite of passage. At 3,330 metres above sea level, setting off from Pic Blanc, introduce them to the high mountains. Guided by top mountain guides, they will discover walking roped together and the crunch of crampons on eternal ice. More than an activity, it is a life lesson: here, you learn solidarity, concentration and the pride of touching the sky.

After a 40-minute journey by lift to Pic Blanc, the highest point at 3,330 metres, it is time for a two-hour climb to Pic Bayle at 3,465 metres. Equipped with a helmet, harness, ice axe, fleece, gloves and crampons, and roped to a guide, the ascent presents no particular difficulty. It requires some commitment but remains entirely accessible. The panorama at the top is breathtaking: an uninterrupted 360° view over Mont Blanc, La Meije, the Vercors, the Chartreuse and the Aiguilles d’Arves… Once at the summit, you want to stay. Once back down, you want to go again.

💡 To continue the experience, nothing beats a sunset evening sitting on a portaledge (a platform fixed to the rock face) suspended against the mountainside. With a stunning view over the Rond des Lacs, you progress along a via ferrata before reaching the spot with your feet hanging in space. At the end of the evening, you close your eyes, take a breath and “launch” yourself into the void for a 70-metre abseil descent.

⛺ Night-time bivouac: a thousand-star hotel

Rediscover wild freedom… like real little adventurers (from age 6 upwards)!

In the middle of the afternoon, leave the resort and head off on a family adventure. After a pleasant walk, you will learn how to become true explorers: choosing the best place to set up camp, caring for nature and preparing a good meal on a camping stove, just like on an expedition.

As night falls, settle in comfortably facing the peaks. The children’s favourite moment? Toasting marshmallows over the fire (kept above ground) and sharing a warm meal under a sky full of stars.

Then slip into your sleeping bags for a magical night in the heart of nature…

And when you wake up, there is a surprise: the sun rises gently above a sea of clouds, as if you were at the top of the world. An unforgettable experience for all little — and big — adventurers.

• Included: Full bivouac equipment and delicious meals.
• Level: Ability to walk at least 2 hours (200 metres of ascent) with a rucksack (for parents).
• Duration: Departure in mid-afternoon / return the following morning.
  Luxury is no longer about comfort, but about the exclusivity of the moment.

🍽️ The next morning, make the most of the area and the lakeside trail to continue your walk, go blueberry picking, watch marmots and have lunch at Chalet du Besson.

🌧️ Top 3 activities when the weather turns grey

Rain clouds gathering over the peaks? No need to worry — Alpe d’Huez has everything planned to keep you dry and, above all, warm.

L’AgorAlp: This is the kingdom of indoor leisure. Climbing, archery, tennis, escape game, In Vertigo, a toddler area, cinema, history and archaeology museum… It is the ideal place to stay active without worrying about the clouds. Children love it, and parents enjoy the modern facilities.
Complete relaxation at the spa: When the sky turns grey, treat your children to a gentle break in water heated to 30°C. The resort’s wellness areas open their doors to turn a gloomy day into a soothing moment. Sauna, hammam, hot tubs… Children have fun, parents unwind… and everyone rediscovers the simple pleasure of being together, outside time. Some establishments even offer parent-child sessions.
Reading and shows: Every day, the library team offers a unique selection of children’s books, novels, comics, documentaries, DVDs, CDs and magazines for the whole family. Free performances are also scheduled there every week during the summer holidays.

💡 Good to know!
In Alpe d’Huez, you can travel light, especially if you choose the train. Visit the tourist office to borrow a pushchair, baby carrier, changing table, adapted seat, cot and more. You can also borrow board games free of charge.