🧭What if the greatest adventure began where the pistes end?

Alpe d’Huez is about so much more than its exceptional ski area. Sometimes, just a few metres are enough to transport you into a completely different world. Around a snow-covered trail, beside a frozen waterfall or on a night-time ascent beneath the stars, the resort reveals a wilder, quieter and more intimate side.

For your next winter holiday in the mountains, discover 5 immersive, off-the-beaten-track experiences to enjoy at the rhythm of nature in Alpe d’Huez.

1. Climb the Fare Icefall

Ice climbing isn’t just for elite mountaineers. Accompanied by the high-mountain guides of Alpe d’Huez, learn the techniques of winter mountaineering in complete safety on the spectacular Fare Icefall. The adventure begins with a ski touring ascent before you strap on your crampons and pick up your ice axes to climb this natural wall of ice. A full-day experience combining ski touring, ice climbing and abseiling.

• Price: from €180 per person (full-day group outing)
• Contact: Alpe d’Huez Mountain Guides Office — +33 (0)4 76 80 42 55
• Booking: info@guidesalpedhuez.com | website

2. Explore the mountains on snowshoes: silence and heritage

On snowshoes, speed gives way to observation. At Col de Poutran, in the Sarenne Gorges, around frozen lakes or through the forests of Oz, the guides from the Mountain Guides Office take you on an exploration of local wildlife, Alpine history and the hidden heritage that remains invisible from the ski slopes.

• Price: €42 to €74 (half-day or full-day group outing)
• Contact: Alpe d’Huez Mountain Guides Office — +33 (0)4 76 80 42 55
• Booking: info@guidesalpedhuez.com | guidesalpedhuez.com

3. Discover ski touring beneath the stars

When the ski lifts stop running, a sense of calm settles over the mountain. As night falls, discover the thrill of night-time ski touring. Away from the resort lights, watch the snow groomers working in the distance and learn the basics of climbing on skins in a truly magical atmosphere.

• Price: €40 per person
• Booking: École du Ski Français (ESF Alpe d’Huez) | esf-alpedhuez.com

4. Practise yoga at 2,700 metres above sea level

Take a wellness break in the heart of the snow-covered mountains. Laura offers Vinyasa Yoga, parent-and-child classes and outdoor meditation sessions at an altitude of 2,700 metres. She invites you to slow down, breathe and fully embrace the energy of the mountains. Up here, the panorama becomes the most beautiful yoga studio of all.

“My love of the mountains and movement has led me to offer my practices outdoors. It’s the perfect combination for experiencing the benefits of practising at altitude.” — Laura

• Price: from €20 per person
• Contact: +33 (0)7 81 88 94 26
• Booking: laurasana.yoga

5. Make the first tracks on the legendary Sarenne run at sunrise

Every Tuesday morning before the official opening, step aboard the very first cable car up to Pic Blanc. Accompanied by the ski patrol team, go behind the scenes of the resort before setting off down the 16 km-long Sarenne run, completely untouched and waiting for the first tracks. The experience ends with a traditional mountain breakfast at Auberge de la Combe Haute.

• When: Tuesday mornings (booking required through the ski area)