Alpe d’Huez Area: One Mountain, Five Faces, a Thousand Runs

The Alpe d’Huez ski area is evolving and becoming the Alpe d’Huez Area. Behind this new name lies a strong ambition: to showcase the full richness of an exceptional mountain territory connecting five complementary resorts: Alpe d’Huez, Auris-en-Oisans, Oz 3300, Vaujany and Villard-Reculas.

From high-altitude skiing to hidden routes winding through forests and villages, the area spans 250 km of slopes, reaching an altitude of 3,330 metres at the summit of Pic Blanc. It stands out for its impressive vertical drops and spectacular XXL natural descents.

For your next winter holiday in Isère, discover four legendary routes totalling more than 5,800 metres of cumulative vertical drop, as well as the Alpe d’Huez Area’s commitment to your safety.

1. Sarenne: the legendary 16 km descent

Accessible via the Pic Blanc cable car (3,330 m), Sarenne is one of the longest black runs in Europe. With its 16 km of continuous descent, this route takes you through spectacular landscapes, with panoramic views of La Meije, Le Râteau and the Aiguilles d’Arves. After a challenging opening section, the run winds its way through a wild valley, bordered by a frozen river and fir forest, far from any ski lift.

Level: Advanced skiers (Black run)
Starting point: Summit of Pic Blanc (3,330 m)
Highlight: 16 km of uninterrupted skiing through unspoilt nature

2. The Tunnel: a dizzying 1,350 m vertical drop

From the exit of the legendary Tunnel at an altitude of 3,000 m, embark on a spectacular descent to the Montfrais sector (1,650 m). Linking the Belvédère, Rousses and Chalets areas, this run offers 1,350 m of uninterrupted vertical descent, taking skiers from the mineral landscapes of the high mountains down to the fir forests surrounding the high-altitude villages of Oz and Vaujany.

Level: Very experienced skiers (challenging black run)
Vertical drop: 1,350 m
Location: Pic Blanc to Montfrais sector

3. Combe Charbonnière: a freeride experience on an ungroomed run

For lovers of wild, challenging skiing, Combe Charbonnière offers an experience reminiscent of off-piste skiing. Facing due south, this ungroomed black run winds its way through a wide, unspoilt valley. Steeped in history, its name recalls the former Herpie mining operation, traces of which can still be seen along the route.

Level: Advanced skiers
Profile: Black run (ungroomed)
Location: L’Herpie sector

4. La Brèche: a call to secluded open spaces

Next to Combe Charbonnière, La Brèche is a run away from the main traffic routes of the ski area. Also left in its natural state (rarely groomed), it offers total immersion in untouched valleys, ideal for those seeking a peaceful freeride experience.

Level: Advanced skiers
Profile: Wild and unspoilt route

🚨 Ski with confidence: enhanced safety across the Alpe d’Huez ski area

To ensure that the enjoyment of skiing remains the focus, the ski area operator (SATA Group) is rolling out the Ski Safe awareness campaign. On the ground, a dedicated team of 12 people encourages skiers to follow safety guidelines and keep their speed under control.

12% fewer rescue interventions across the ski area.
33% fewer collisions thanks to enhanced signage.
1 intervention per 13,700 skier passages (compared with 1 per 10,000 on average across French ski areas).