Ski in Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine

Why ski at Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine?

Located in Isere, Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine welcomes you for an unforgettable stay with friends or family. This world-renowned resort offers unique skiing on a wide variety of slopes. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll find something to suit you.

The Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine is made up of 5 resorts and 2 villages: l'Alpe d'Huez, Auris en Oisans, Villard Reculas, Oz-en-Oisans, Vaujany, La Garde-en-Oisans and Le Freney d'Oisans. Wherever you put your bags down, there's plenty to do!  

Formerly known as the Massif des Grandes Rousses, it boasts Europe's longest ski run, a 16km descent from the Pic Blanc to the Gorges de Sarenne. Its 10,000-hectare ski area is perfect for all types of winter sports enthusiasts. It has: 

• 7 villages

• 251 km of pistes

• 135 runs, including 

• 42 green

• 37 blue

• 39 red

• 17 black

• 81 ski lifts

• 1 permanent toboggan run

• 1 night toboggan run

• 4 night ski runs

• 2 snow parks

• 20 freeride runs

• 50 km of Nordic ski trails, with 6 trails ranging from 4 to 20 km in length

Where to ski at Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine?

Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine is the perfect destination for your next winter holiday with its wide range of pistes, suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike.  

Situated between the Pic Blanc and the Grandes Rousses, the resort offers breathtaking panoramic views of the major peaks. The sunshine is exceptional and attracts skiers from all over the world every year. There are a number of options available to you in the area. The Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine, with its 135 slopes covering a total of 251 kilometres, is the ideal place for all winter sports enthusiasts.  

For complete beginners, there are a number of fun runs, such as Marcel's farm, Jacques le bûcheron, Tomorrowland Winter and Chez Roger, which offer a variety of modules. As for the blue runs, Le Petit Prince, Les Vachettes and L'Herpie are great slopes to try out. 

For more experienced skiers, there are 17 black runs in the area. Among the runs not to be missed are: 

• The Tunnel: This run is one of the most dangerous. It starts at an altitude of 3,000 metres and guarantees an unforgettable experience. The Tunnel is a 200m long cave which, once crossed, leads to a field of moguls with a 35° slope. Before starting the descent, take a break and admire the spectacular views of the resort. 

• La Fare: This is one of the most challenging runs. It's a cocktail of obstacles, with sharp bends, unexpected switchbacks and walls. This descent requires good stamina and technique.

• The Col de Cluy descent: This descent is considered one of the most beautiful in the resort. It is characterised by bumpy sections and wide bends. It's a natural area where you can enjoy freeride conditions in a safe zone.

• And how can we forget the legendary Sarenne run? This is undoubtedly the most popular run in the Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine. It is also said to be the longest black piste in Europe. With its 16 kilometres and the scenery it crosses, it's sure to delight experienced skiers.

With the kids

At Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine, children are at the heart of everything. The resort offers a wide range of entertainment and introductory activities for the little ones. Specially equipped and safe areas are available in the various resorts. Ski schools offer lessons for absolute beginners with experienced instructors.

L'Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine has been awarded the Famille Plus label since May 2013, making it an ideal destination for families. In Auris-en-Oisans, the Les Marmottes creche welcomes children from 18 months to 3 years old. At l'Alpe d'Huez, ski instructors teach children from 2.5 to 16 years old. Lessons are fun and at their own pace. Children under 5 can ski for free.

The resort also has a number of fun and games areas. The Kids Park with its 6 boxes is perfect for young thrill seekers and freestylers. The traditional toboggan run offers fun for all ages on a 2,100m run that stretches down to the base of the resort. The Jacques the lumberjack zone combines education and fun, while Marcel's Farm offers a fun trail with colourful attractions and modules for young explorers: whoops, tunnels, slalom, bumps, figures and souvenir photos.

Other slides

To cater for everyone, Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine offers a range of original activities. If you don't like skiing or would like to discover other ways of enjoying the snow, there is no shortage of options.

The resort has everything you need to discover other fun and unique ways to ski. The hardest thing to decide is where to start with all the entertainment on offer: 

• The snowmobile area: In the Alpe d'Huez resort, the snowmobile area welcomes you and offers a range of activities. As a family, with friends or on your own, you can choose to have fun at an altitude of 2,100 metres or go on a tailor-made ride. Whether in the early afternoon on the track or in the open air at the end of the day, you'll enjoy the sensations and discover an exceptional setting and magnificent scenery.

• Dog sled rides: Take a ride on a sled pulled by 8 dogs and immerse yourself in a Nordic adventure. Alone or with your family (maximum two adults and one child per sled), you can admire an incredible panorama and share the passion of the mushers who accompany you. 

• On the ice: At l'Alpe d'Huez, the EVODRIVER driving school offers you a fun activity. You will be able to drive on a track of more than 700 metres completely covered in ice. Experience the thrill of driving a buggy or a car, accompanied by experienced instructors.

• Ski touring: Alpe d'Huez guides will take you on a tour to discover the high mountains. Set off for one or more days, sleep in a refuge and admire the great white expanse that stretches as far as the eye can see. You can explore: The Grandes Rousses massif, the Traversee Integrale des Rousses, the Ecrins massif

• Snowboarding: The Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine has several snow parks. Beginners can take advantage of the discovery area. More experienced snowboarders will enjoy the intermediate snowpark. More experienced snowboarders will enjoy the expert snowpark.

Freeride version

The Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine is not only famous for its unique sunshine, but also for its off-piste skiing areas. Many itineraries are accessible on the backside of the Grandes Rousses. The area overlooking Vaujany also offers a variety of routes through couloirs and glacial terrain. 

Remember, however, that freeriding is a sport reserved for the most experienced skiers. It's also important to check the weather conditions and make sure you're properly equipped before heading out. Don't forget to take essential equipment with you, such as your avalanche transceiver.

You can then try out the following freeride spots:  

• Le Grand Sablat (easy)

• La Pyramide (difficult)

• La Cheminee de Macle (very difficult)

• Le Trou du Diable (difficult)

• La Combe du Cerisier

Nordic version

Nordic skiers are not forgotten at Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine. Although the resort is best known for its downhill slopes, it also has a large number of cross-country trails.

Whatever your level, you'll find an itinerary to suit you. If you're just starting out, you can train on the blue trails: 

• The Huez circuit (10 km) 

• The Brandes loop (6km) 

• The Poutran to l'Alpette circuit (10km)

• La Rochette circuit (16km): this circuit has been upgraded from blue to red.

Experienced skiers can ski down the longest cross-country ski run in Alpe d'Huez at an altitude of 2,000 m. The Loop of the Lakes is a 20 km circuit.