What You Need to Know About Alpe d’Huez
The Alps are packed with a wide range of quality ski resorts that welcome thousands of visitors each year.
Alpe d’Huez is one such location that is world-renowned and regularly draws tourists from all over the globe. With breathtaking views, thrilling ski runs and an extremely storied past, whether you’re looking for a winter skiing holiday or simply want to experience the beauty of the French Alps, Alpe d’Huez is a perfect choice.
In this article, the team here at Alpine Fleet will provide you with a handy guide that outlines everything you need to know about the stunning destination of Alpe d’Huez.
Read on to find out more…
Where is Alpe d'Huez
Let’s begin by defining exactly where Alpe d’Huez is.
A picturesque resort nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Alpe d’Huez can be found in the department of Isere in southeastern France. It is part of the wider Grandes Rousses mountain range that is situated between 1,250 and 3,330 metres. The resort is only about 36 miles east of the French city of Grenoble, a major city that acts as a gateway to many ski resorts in the region.
The resort’s location offers stunning panoramic views across the Alps, including the majestic Mont Blanc on clear days. Due to its high altitude, Alpe d’Huez benefits from sunshine all year round which has earned it the nickname Island of the Sun.
While Grenoble is the nearest airport to Alpe d’Huez, many people will choose to fly into Geneva in Switzerland as it is a larger airport and sees more commercial flights arriving there.
History of Alpe d'Huez
The origins of Alpe d’Huez can be traced back decades, certainly to the early 20th century. However, it didn’t become a major skiing destination until after the conclusion of the second world war. The village of Huez has been around for centuries, and its history and heritage is deeply intertwined with the French Alps.
As well as being renowned for skiing, Alpe d’Huez has gained international fame thanks to its role in the Tour de France – the biggest cycling event in the world. Since 1952, the resort has been a regular stage in the famous race, known for its gruelling 21 hairpin bends that wind up the mountain. The climb up to Alpe d’Huez is one of the most iconic and picturesque parts of the race and each year thousands of cycling fans flock to the area to witness the event.
During the 1960s and 70s, the resort expanded rapidly and was soon regarded as one of the Alps’ best destinations for skiing and other winter sports. Constant investment in infrastructure and modernisation has continued over the years, and Alpe d’Huez has now truly cemented its status as a premier European ski resort.
While skiing remains the main reason people visit, even in the summer months the resort is busy due to the variety of activities that can be enjoyed including mountain biking, hiking and other activities.
How to get to Alpe d'Huez
Reaching Alpe d’Huez is fairly straightforward, with several transport options available. With the support of Alpine Fleet, we can make the journey as straightforward and easy as possible so all you need to do is enjoy your trip.
As mentioned above, the closest international airport is Grenoble in France, but we’d recommend flying into Geneva as cheaper fares and more flights are typically available.
Once you’ve landed at your chosen airport, the best way to get to Alpe d’Huez is to use shared or private transfers.
From Geneva, a transfer will take around two and a half hours. You can enjoy stunning views as you make the journey.
A private transfer will see you receive exclusive access to a vehicle with one of our expert drivers behind the wheel. As soon as you land, our driver will be waiting in arrivals and will take you straight to the resort and accommodation as you relax and enjoy the mountain views.
Alternatively, you can choose a shared transfer. Following much the same format as a private transfer, our shared transfers will see you share the vehicle with other visitors to the resort and neighbouring locations.
We’ll drop people off at a number of resorts along the way, before arriving in Alpe d’Huez. If you prefer, once we arrive in Alpe d’Huez you can opt for a private minivan to take you directly to your accommodation of choice.
You can also access Alpe d’Huez by train.
The nearest train station is Grenoble, and if you get a train here you can then take a bus or a shuttle directly to Alpe d’Huez. The train ride from Paris to Grenoble takes around three hours and if you’re travelling from the UK you can use the Eurostar to get to the French capital in the first instance.
During ski season, there are also shuttle and bus services from Grenoble Airport to Alpe d’Huez, but they tend to be less reliable than using a dedicated transfer.
How high is Alpe d'Huez
The resort itself sits at a base altitude of 1,860 metres which instantly makes it a high-altitude destination with a reliably long ski season. The highest point of Alpe d’Huez sits at 3,330 metres at the Pic Blanc, offering some of the most dramatic and exhilarating views in the Alps.
This elevation difference between the village and the peak allows for an impressive variety of slopes, from beginner-friendly greens to more challenging black runs. In fact, one of the most famous runs at Alpe d’Huez is the Sarenne, the longest black run in Europe. At a staggering 16 kilometres (10 miles) it heads down the mountain and includes a dramatic vertical drop of almost 2,200 metres – it’s not for the faint-hearted!
Is there snow in Alpe d'Huez
Yes, Alpe d’Huez has a very reliable snow record thanks to a combination of its high altitude and the modern snowmaking infrastructure it incorporates in the resort. Usually, the ski season runs from early December to around mid-April and it sees consistent, natural snowfall throughout the winter months.
On top of the natural snowfall it experiences, Alpe d’Huez boasts one of the largest snowmaking systems in Europe with around 30% of its slopes covered by artificial snow. This guarantees good snow coverage even if the weather becomes unseasonably warm. Plus, the resort’s south-facing plateau means it gets plenty of sunshine but it also benefits from a cool alpine temperature that helps maintain the snow quality long after the last flake has fallen.
If you’re a skier who wants guaranteed snow, the high-altitude Pic Blanc glacier is open all year round for skiing which offers the best snow conditions even during the off-season.
Is Alpe d'Huez good for beginners?
Yes, Alpe d’Huez is an excellent choice for beginners and families.
The resort is well known for being one of the most beginner-friendly in the Alps, offering a wide range of gentle slopes and beginner areas where you will be able to hone your skills before progressing to more challenging runs.
The lower slopes, which tend to be more sunny and wide, are ideal for beginners. There are numerous green and blue runs near the main village, and the resort’s dedicated ski schools are highly regarded for providing lessons to people of all ages and skill levels. The entire Espace des Grandes Rousses area in particular offers a variety of excellent slopes that are considered to be easier and suitable for beginners. Alongside this, there are more advanced options nearby when you’re ready to move up to something a bit trickier.
Additionally, there are a whole host of non-skiers and families such as cycling, ice skating, sledging and more.
Is Alpe d’Huez good for apres ski?
Yes, Alpe d’Huez also has a vibrant apres ski scene.
This makes it a top choice for those looking for somewhere to unwind after a day on the slopes. Whether you’re looking for a lively party atmosphere, a relaxed drink with a view or something more family-friendly, Alpe d’Huez has something for everyone.
The resort is home to a variety of bars and nightclubs catering to all tastes and budgets. For example, one of the most iconic spots is La Folie Douce. This is a legendary outdoor bar and restaurant that is located alongside the slopes. It is known for its open-air dance floor, live music and DJs.
Heading to Alpe d'Huez
With something for everyone, Alpe d’Huez is a truly remarkable destination that is well worth a visit whether you’re a seasoned skier or a complete novice. So, if you’re planning a visit to the resort let Alpine Fleet make your trip even easier. Our shared or private transfers can get your trip off to the best start, taking you directly to the resort with ease. For more information or to book a transfer, contact our friendly team today.
