A modern, purpose-build resort, Alpe d'Huez has come a long way since the old village of Huez first opened up its doors to welcome thrill seekers to this beautiful part of the French Alps. Located high above the Oisans Valley in the Grandes Rousses Mountains, Alpe d'Huez is now one of the biggest and most popular ski resorts in the world, encompassing a number of exciting ski areas and one of the best ski lift networks in the entire country.
Interestingly enough, Alpe d'Huez is not only famous for its skiing, but also its cycling. The resort overlooks one of the most famous and arduous stretches of the Tour de France cycle race – 14 km of winding roads, and 21 notoriously difficult hairpin bends mean that it is traditionally one of the more likely places in which cyclists may come a cropper.
Biking or Skiing – Fun and Excitement
Skiers at least, should have no such worries. Alpe d'Huez has many challenging runs, but it also has its fair share of easier slopes, making it a perfect destination for first-timers. Altogether, there are more than 250km of pristine ski runs for skiers to choose from in the season, which lasts from the beginning of December until the end of April.
The main slopes at Alpe d'Huez tend to run in a long line that criss-cross the resort, while the easier runs for beginners can be found nearer to the bottom of the mountain. For families, the Signal de l’Homme and Signal areas are recommended as they are self-contained and have a mix of beginner and intermediate level runs.
Those looking for a real challenge however, should head up to the very top of the glacier, where numerous more challenging runs lie in wait. One of these, the Sarenne, runs from the very peak of the glacier and at 16km lays claim to being the world’s longest black run. The glacier also has some excellent, sometimes very steep, off-piste terrain, such as the famous Tunnel which leads onto the front face of the glacier.
Alpe d'Huez is probably most appealing for intermediate level skiers, who will enjoy the long, sweeping runs that glide down to the villages of Oz and Vaujany, amongst others.
Currency: Euro
Budget for one week: over €1000
Taxes and gratuity: Tipping is recommended
Official language: French
Population: About 1800
Electricity:
- Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts)
- Primary Socket Type: Europlug, Schuko
- Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc.): Plug adapter
- 110-120V electronics: Plug adapter + step-down transformer
- 100V Japanese appliances: Japan to U.S. reducer transformer
Other key facts:
- Elevation – 3,330 metres (10,930 ft)
- Skiable Area - 58,000 acres
- Total Runs – 123
- Snowfall - 216 in./year
Images courtesy: Alistair; Steve Selwood; keppet
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