en 
fr L'Alpe d'Huez
Visiting l’Alpe d’Huez
Set up on the old Alpine pastures of the village of Huez nearly a century ago, the resort benefits from an ideal location which has earned it the nickname ‘the sun-kissed island’ in recognition of its wonderful sunshine, about 300 days a year according to the locals, a reputation happily confirmed by loyal visitors. Located only 60 km from Grenoble, l’Alpe d’Huez delights holidaymakers with its guaranteed snow on the high mountain plateau (at an altitude of 1860 m) thanks to a fleet of high-performance snow equipment.
From the top of the Pic Blanc glacier (3330 m), the third highest point in the Grandes Rousses Alpine range, the resort invites skiers to enjoy the numerous uninterrupted runs with generous snow, between sporty slopes and relaxing wooded paths. Ski aficionados may even enjoy their favourite pastime for a few days in summer on the Sarenne slope (an area approximately 10 km wide).
The friendly resort has been awarded the “Famille Plus” label for its accessible facilities with children’s ski schools offering numerous leisure activities for the whole family, including a heated outdoor swimming pool, a multi-sports arena and attractions spread between the lively neighbourhoods and the traditional village hamlets (merry-go-round, Ferris wheel), not forgetting the international film and music festivals.
The resort offers high-end accommodations such as the Daria-I Nor (part of Les Étincelles collection) offering all the comfort and serenity of a 5* hotel with a wonderful view of the surrounding natural landscape. The ski-in/ski-out hotel with direct access to the slopes and lifts also has a dedicated room for guests to drop off their equipment so they can make the most of the hotel’s relaxation facilities after a busy day.
The 5* Daria-I Nor hotel’s team of local professionals are delighted to show you the best of l’Alpe d’Huez for a memorable stay, with the added spark provided by Les Etincelles.
THE ALPE d’HUEZ VILLAGE
The Alpe d'Huez Village
Loved for its traditional atmosphere and the charming villages down the valley, the warm and welcoming resort has preserved more than a few remarkable historical monuments: the Notre-Dame des Neiges church in a contemporary style reminiscent of Le Corbusier with its unique organ or the square tower next to the church, the original wash houses and renovated farms in the village of Huez.
The resort with easy access alternates between the more authentic charm of the Vieil-Alpe to the west and the lively Centre Jeux, to find leisure activities and high-end accommodations such as the Daria-I Nor. The latter sits right off the slopes and the neighbouring Bergers district to the northeast, with its more modern accommodation and direct access to the ski lifts. Holidaymakers will also enjoy shopping at the Eclose district to the south.
ALL OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Ski, snowboard & other fun snow sports
Holidaymakers will enjoy (re)exploring the beautiful 250 km-large Alpe d’Huez resort with its 135 runs for all levels. Skiers will appreciate the 2200 m combined vertical drop from the top of the Pic Blanc and its mythical 16km-long Sarenne slope or the Tunnel piste which crosses the mountain before leading to one of the 17 black runs of the resort. Ski off-piste with your instructor day or night, go ski-joering pulled by horse or dog sledgeing. The resort also has several snowparks (for different levels) with a cool zone to ride to music, a boardercross and handiski access.
L’Alpe d’Huez also offers a wide range of leisure activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or sledging on marked trails including a one-kilometre-long track with an optional virtual reality mask.
Cultural & carefree family holidays
The resort has several ski schools and play areas for beginners and children (Chez Roger, Les Bûcherons, Marcel’s Farm) as well as the “intrépides” centre for children aged 6 months up to 4 years with many activities supervised by professionals. Head over to the village square home to the Carrousel de l’Alpe merry-go-round or for some timeless fun duck fishing.
For 5-12-year-olds, the ALSH leisure centre offers a great range of activities for early learning and other sports (ski excluded) to have fun in a carefree environment.
Take advantage of the exceptional landscape to practice your favourite activities in a fresh setting such as walking ushered on by the chirping of local birds or high-altitude yoga facing the mountains. The resort allows everyone to go at their own pace and let themselves be carried by the serene surrounding nature. The Ecrins National Park and the Oisans massif to the south of the resort are wonderful places to go and meet the wildlife and try to spot mountain goats or golden eagles.
The museum of Huez and Oisans showcases the region through the ages, from the miners in the Middle Ages to the arrival of skiing in the 1920s.
Once-in-a-lifetime & fun activities
The legendary Olympic bobsleigh track may be a distant memory but you can still join the Megavalanche, aka the biggest marathon-enduro mountain bike race organised since 1995, or walk through the 120-metre-long gallery of the Ice Cave dug into the mountain with curated ice sculptures.
Alternatively fly in the local vultures’…steps with your paraglider, or accompanied by your own flight instructor (initiation course available) with the Aero Alpe d’Huez (ULM, gyrocopter).
If you’re feeling adventurous why not hike up the 2,100-high glacier on foot or with a snowmobile quad with the resort’s guides to explore the resort with friends with all the necessary comfort (including the welcome heated handles).
If you are looking for more thrills, take the wheel of a specially equipped car on the driving school’s snow circuit (with a covered area for spectators).
Not forgetting the 40m-high Ferris wheel, the highest in Europe towering at 1850 m, for a unique view of the resort.
