At 1,800 metres altitude, Alpe d’Huez stretches across a sun-bathed plateau facing the Écrins peaks. A sporty, lively resort, it appeals in winter with its 250km of linked slopes and in summer with its cycling fame and event programme. Accessible and dynamic, it attracts skiers, mountain bikers, hikers and families. It’s also one of the sunniest resorts in the Alps.
L’Alpe d’Huez
Overview
L’Alpe d’Huez
📏 Altitude: 1860 m
🎿 Alpine skiing: 245 km
⛷️ Cross-country skiing: 50 km
🌟 Resort style: High-altitude resort
💰 From 68 €/day (2026-2027)
Overview of L’Alpe d’Huez
Born without an urban plan from 1936, Alpe d’Huez is a patchwork of architectural styles: chalets, upmarket hotels and timber-clad apartment blocks. The resort divides into several districts: Jeux and Vieil Alpe (central), Eclose and Bergers (peripheral but ski-in ski-out). The village of Huez (1,450 m) preserves the original soul. Finally, Villard-Reculas — an authentic hamlet — offers a quieter experience while remaining connected to the ski area. Skiing at Alpe d’Huez means testing both hedonistic, sun-drenched skiing and technical challenges, with a few runs unique in France. On this south-facing slope, beginners are also well catered for, with numerous green runs. The resort also boasts a packed events calendar, a fine Nordic ski area and a wealth of activities.
Our review — L’Alpe d’Huez
3.8/5
Ski area — key figures — L’Alpe d’Huez
- 🌟 High-altitude resort (Isère)
- 📏 1860 m Village altitude (3330 m Top altitude)
- 🎿 111 runs
🚠 44 ski lifts
Average lift age: 24 years
When to visit
L’Alpe d’Huez in summer
In summer, Alpe d’Huez becomes a playground for cyclists and walkers. Its 21 mythical hairpin bends attract Tour de France fans. Mountain biking on dedicated tracks, walking towards the Lac Besson or the summits of the Grandes Rousses massif, paragliding, via ferrata and climbing are all on the programme. Concerts, festivals and events punctuate the season. At this altitude, the air remains fresh even in midsummer — ideal for getting some oxygen into the lungs.
🎯 Things to do in summer:
✅ Road cycling • ✅ Downhill MTB • ✅ Enduro MTB • ✅ Hiking • ✅ Glacier hiking
L’Alpe d’Huez in winter
In winter, Alpe d’Huez impresses with the scale of its ski area, its festive atmosphere and its sunshine. Skiing runs from December to late April, across all levels. The Nordic ski area, snowshoe trails, rail sledge and ski joering complete the offering. The resort hosts major events (Comedy Festival, Tomorrowland Winter). Curling, a pool, an ice rink, spas and Michelin-starred restaurants enrich the stay. Alpe d’Huez offers a rare mix: sport, entertainment and art de vivre. Alongside alpine skiing, the resort offers a rail sledge, dog sledding, ski joering and horse-pulled ski tow.
🎯 Things to do in winter:
✅ Alpine skiing • ✅ Cross-country skiing • ✅ Ski touring • ✅ Ski joëring • ✅ Snow MTB • ✅ Dog sledding • ✅ Snowshoeing
Skiing
Below are the 2 ski areas accessible from L’Alpe d’Huez: Espace Alpe d’Huez (alpin), Alpe d’Huez – Oz – Vaujany (nordique).
Ski area — Espace Alpe d’Huez
⛰️ Altitudes: 1250 m – 3330 m
🎿 Alpine skiing: 245 km
💰 Day pass: 68 €
The Alpe d’Huez ski area extends across 250 km, with 111 runs served by 70 ski lifts. It peaks at the Pic Blanc at 3,330 m, offering a breath-taking panorama and mythical descents such as the Sarenne (16 km long, 2,000 m vertical drop). Linked to Oz-en-Oisans, Vaujany, Villard-Reculas and Auris, the ski area alternates wide, sunny runs and more technical sections. Beginners benefit from a vast, well-exposed learning area. The Nordic ski area also has 50 km of cross-country ski trails.
Cross-country ski area — Alpe d’Huez – Oz – Vaujany
⛰️ Altitudes: 2000 m – 2120 m
🌲 Cross-country skiing: 49 km
💰 Day pass: 12 €
In the heart of the Grandes Rousses massif, the resorts of Alpe d’Huez, Oz-en-Oisans and Vaujany share access to an exceptional Nordic ski area, renowned for its altitude and snow quality. At over 2,050 metres, it is one of the highest Nordic ski areas in the Alps, guaranteeing excellent snow throughout the season. This unique high-altitude Nordic plateau is accessible by ski lift from the various resorts: from Oz-en-Oisans via the Poutran gondola; from Vaujany via the Alpette cable car; and from Alpe d’Huez directly at the Col de Poutran. At the top, skiers discover a grandiose 49 km trail network. The 5 loops, including 10 and 20 km circuits, wind between plateaus and rolling terrain, offering superb views over the Grandes Rousses summits in a calm, open environment. Trails are maintained for both classic and skating technique and suit all ability levels. A particularly attractive feature: access to this high-altitude ski area, including ski lift transport, is included in a specific daily pass of around 11 euros — making this unique experience very accessible.
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Ski pass prices — L’Alpe d’Huez
Current lift pass prices for ski areas accessible from L’Alpe d’Huez.
| Ski area | Day pass | 6-day pass | Season pass | Season (prices) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espace Alpe d’Huez (alpin skiing) | 68 € | 336.5 € | 1127.5 € | 2026-2027 |
| Alpe d’Huez – Oz – Vaujany (nordique skiing) | 12 € | 57 € | 211.5 € | 2025-2026 |
Where to stay
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