Grab your sunnies and hit the snowsure slopes of Alpe d'Huez in France. Being at 1860m and having south-facing slopes (including the glacier), it's no surprise it's also known as ‘Island of the Sun'.
Alpe d'Huez really is a great all-rounder. Beginners will love the wide-open runs above the resort. Intermediates can cruise the 238km of runs all week and the advanced can push themselves on steep black runs, couloirs and some pretty decent off-piste.
The fun doesn't stop once the slopes close. There's plenty of chances for holiday indulgences like swimming under the stars, open air ice skating or even a helicopter ride over the beautiful mountain scenery.
The nightlife is excellent too. The resort is split into roughly four areas with a great selection of bars and restaurants to choose from in each one. It's also home to one of the now legendary 'Folie Douce' bars, so make sure you stop in for a drink and a dance.
Wide-open and gentle beginner runs skirt the village for a perfect learning environment. The slopes progress to wider, cruising runs above the Altiport area making it a mecca for intermediate skiers and boarders thanks to the endless cruisy runs.
For a challenge, the advanced should take on the infamous Tunnel black run or the 16km Sarenne, but only if you’re good enough! Everyone should head for Pic Blanc at least once. It's the highest point in Alpe d'Huez at 3330m and has a huge panorama on a clear day. Don't worry, you can always get the cable car back down if you don't want to!
Freestylers will love the two snow parks, boarder cross zone and an airbag zone to practice aerials. Kids shouldn't miss Marcel's Farm, a fun and interactive area to help them improve their skills without really realising it!
Resort altitude: 1860m
Skiing altitude: 1120m to 3320m
Glacier: Yes
Ski area size: 238km in the Grand Domaine area
Number of runs: 114
Range of runs: 32% green, 29% blue, 27% red and 12% black
Lifts: 42 drags, 27 chairlifts, 7 gondolas and 6 cable cars
Night skiing: Yes
Cross country trails: 50km
Snowmaking: 22% runs covered
Resort bus: Yes
Piste map
Departure airports: Birmingham, Bristol, Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester & Stansted
Departure day: Sunday
Arrival airport: Grenoble
Flying time: approx. 2 hours
Transfer time: approx. 2 hours
The resort is split into roughly four areas with restaurants and bars packed into each - you’ll be totally spoilt for choice.
There’s a huge variety of non-ski activities with swimming under the stars, open-air ice skating and a visit to the stylish sports centre the most popular – the lift pass gives free entry.
Alpe d'Huez is livelier than many French resorts with the added attraction of a ‘Folie Douce’ après-ski bar on the mountain.
Save some money for après with our ski & board offers...
Free ski guiding & coaching from fully qualified Neilson Mountain Experts when you stay at Neilson Chalet Hotel Escapade
Free lift pass for the group leader when 12+ people book and each pre-book a lift pass
Lift passes include one free day skiing in Les Deux Alpes, Serre Chevalier, Puy St Vincent, Montgenèvre or Sestrière (transport not included)
Alpe d'Huez has its own dedicated toboggan run perfect for an afternoon off your skis or snowboard. Or why not show off your artistic skills and try your hand at ice carving. Go for a dip in the local outdoor pool or take to the ice for some ice skating.
For adrenaline junkies, have a go at ice climbing, its harder than it looks. Or for some serious downhill speed, try airboarding. Think body boarding on snow!
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