The resort
Alpe d'Huez sits on a plateau at 1,860 m in the Grandes Rousses, facing south into what the resort describes as more than 300 days of sun a year. The road has 21 hairpin bends and is used for the Tour de France climb.
The skiing
The Grand Domaine links five villages into 250 km across 111 runs and 67 lifts, rising from gentle plateau slopes to the Pic Blanc cable car at 3,330 m. Off the top runs the Sarenne: 16 km back toward the valley, billed officially as the longest black run in Europe (the tourism office says the world). The linked villages (Vaujany, Oz, Auris, Villard-Reculas) provide other bases within the same area.
Snow & weather
Sun exposure affects the snow on the south-facing home slopes, while the higher terrain around Pic Blanc can stay colder. Compare monthly temperatures in °C and °F on the Alpe d’Huez snow and weather page.
Lessons & ski schools
ESF offers lessons for children and adults in Alpe d’Huez. Choose the course and meeting point before booking accommodation, particularly if beginners and more experienced skiers will start the day separately.
Passes
Stay passes run 1-10 days with family and group six-day offers, sold through the lift company's official shop at skipass.alpedhuez.com. The Supernova Pass gives a season of unlimited access to Alpe d'Huez, Les 2 Alpes and La Grave.
Where to stay
You can stay on the plateau or choose a linked village: Vaujany (1,250 m) and Oz (1,350 m) with big cable cars into the system, Auris (1,600 m) facing La Meije, Villard-Reculas (1,500 m) above the Romanche valley.
Getting there
Grenoble is the airport at about 100 km, Lyon at 150 km. By rail, Grenoble station connects via the T75 bus to Bourg d'Oisans and the T76 up the hill, or the direct winter Transaltitude coach. Drivers take the A480 past Grenoble, the D1091 into the Oisans, then the 21 bends. Winter tires or chains apply (November 1 to March 31).
Beyond the pistes
The Pic Blanc terrace at 3,330 m has views across the surrounding mountains, awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide; other activities include ice driving (car or buggy on a frozen circuit), mountain karting, and introductory ice climbing on the Fare waterfall. You can also reach an igloo fondue dinner on snowshoes.
Who it suits
The plateau gives intermediates access to a large linked area, while the Sarenne offers a long descent from Pic Blanc. In spring, plan around the difference between sunny home slopes and colder terrain higher up.
Quick answers
What is the Sarenne? A 16 km black run descending from Pic Blanc at 3,330 m toward the valley. Check its opening status and allow time for the full descent.
Is Alpe d'Huez sunny or snowy? The two can coexist. The resort claims over 300 days of sun a year on its south-facing plateau, while the skiing climbs to 3,330 m on the Pic Blanc, where the snow stays cold. South-facing lower runs can soften earlier in spring.
How do you get to Alpe d'Huez? Grenoble is the airport (~100 km), Lyon the bigger alternative (~150 km). By rail, Grenoble station connects by the T75/T76 buses via Bourg d'Oisans or the winter Transaltitude express. Drivers take the A480 and D1091, then the 21 hairpin bends up.