Winter Activities

down hill skiing in Alpe D'Huez

 

There are few places that rival Alpe d'Huez for the extent and variety of ski terrain.

 

Covering an area of 10,000 hectares the domain boasts 249km of linked pistes and an altitude range of 2,230m. A vast array of green runs above Alp d’Huez village caters for beginners and the “magic carpet” in Oz en Oisans is well suited for children to test out their first pair of skis. The main attraction for experts and intermediates is the Sarenne run. This 16km run is the longest black run in Europe.

Pic Blanc (3330m), is the highest point of the ski area, offering breathtaking views of the Alps including Mont Blanc, Mont Cervin and the Meije. On a clear day a fifth of France can be seen from this point.

The ski runs in the Alp d'Huez (Grand Domaine) region.

Click image to enlarge

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Grotte De Glace

 

Take a break from skiing and visit the Grotte de Glace. Situated at 2,700m and accessible via the Grandes Rousses DMC lift, this ice cave was constructed by two mountain guides, Bruno Gardent and Bernard Lambolez. Skilled ice sculptors change its appearance every year.

Open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Parapente

 

Take a break from skiing and visit the Grotte de Glace. Situated at 2,700m and accessible via the Grandes Rousses DMC lift, this ice cave was constructed by two mountain guides, Bruno Gardent and Bernard Lambolez. Skilled ice sculptors change its appearance every year.

Open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM.

parapente
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Randonee Skiing

 

Randonee skiing, also known as Alpine Touring is a way to discover untouched powder snow. You ascend the mountain under your own steam through the use of specialized bindings and skins attached to the bottom of your skis.

You might also compare it to taking a hike in the mountains in the summer, but instead of walking down you are skiing back down.

Randonee skiing requires a good level of skiing to be able to cope with all types of snow. Exploring the mountains requires knowledge and experience, for your safety, we recommend going with a professional!

Click here for more information on booking a guide.

Husky Sledding

 

Dog sledging in Alp d'Huez is a great activity for the whole family. If you love animals and nature this is a great way to experience both.

Be in charge of your own your own team of excitable husky dogs or opt for a less physical outing where you sit in the sled with the guide.

Either way this is an unforgettable winter experience not to be missed.

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Ski de Fond

 

The tranquility of cross country (also known as Nordic) skiing is perfect for anyone who enjoys a bit of peace and quiet, or finds the downhill pistes too crowded or too steep. It is a great form of aerobic exercise and one can be as energetic or slow as one likes, while the relaxed pace makes it a more tranquil way to enjoy the surroundings!

There are two different techniques to cross country skiing - Classic and skating.

Classic is the easiest for beginners, you place you skis in two parallel groves, push off with your poles and glide around the trails. Skating is more energetic, and a slightly harder skill to learn, you push your feet out to either side as though you are ice skating and use your poles simultaneously to gain momentum.

Another plus point to cross country skiing is the comfortable boots and light weight skis.

Once you have grasped the essentials, head off for the 50km of tranquil cross country trails that criss cross Alpe d'Huez. All trails are located around 2000m/6560ft and are consequently pretty snow sure.

Routes

  • Alpe d’huez : 38 km , 4 pistes
  • Vaujany : 20 km, 1 piste
  • Auris en oisans : 8 km, 1 piste
  • Les 2 Alpes : 25 km, 2 pistes
  • Col d Ornon : 21 km, 5 pistes
  • Villar d’Arène : 20 km , 3 pistes
  • Allemont : 20 km, 1 piste (selon conditions d’enneigement)
  • Bourg d oisans : 20 km, 1 piste (selon conditions d’enneigement)
  • Venosc : 8 km, 1 piste (selon conditions d’enneigement)

FAQ