Alpe d'Huez

Area Profile

One of the world's major ski centres, the Grandes Rousses ski area above Alpe d'Huez is a huge and high domain served by an extensive lift system. The resort itself is one of Europe's highest and largest with a

massive vertical drop, crowned by the Sarenne Glacier. Built above the original village of Huez, the resort has expanded in all directions over the past 20 years.

Today the resort is big and vibrant with far more shopping and 'things to do generally' off the slopes than in most other ski centres, especially by French standards. Architecturally the place is a mish mash of traditional Alpine chalet style wood and stone buildings, some rather ugly rectangular concrete developments and one tasteful modern construction.

There are two huge beginners areas directly above the resort and those going on to the top of the lifts will be able to see a fifth of France, on a clear day, from the top station. The resort has a reputation for both good snow falls and good sunshine with south facing slopes - the areas protected by nearly 800 snow cannon.

Alpe d'Huez is one of the most southerly located major international resorts in the French Alps.

Lodging Profile

Slopeside accomodations are available among a total of 32,000 beds. 18 additional hotels located nearby.

Services Profile

More than a dozen mountain restaurants and many more located nearby; cuisines ranging from American, French and Italian. Also located nearby are 300 shops, 5 banks, a post office, a couple of petrol stations and laundrettes. Child care services available for ages 3 to 11 years old. Two ski schools offer lessons for ages 3 1/2 years to adults.

Area Recreation Profile

Other activities offered at the location or nearby are: a fitness center with swimming, ice rinks, and squash; aerobics, air rifles, archer, arm wrestling, body building, classical music, concerts, wall climbing, curling, gold, ice driving, jazz dancing, martial arts, snow skooter, sumo wrestling, table tennis, tennis, weight training, sledding, paragliding, snowmobiling; cinemas and night clubs.

Snowboarding Profile

Two snow parks offer a variety of attractions and challenging terrain.

Common Misspellings

alp duez, alpe d heuz, alpe dhuez, alpes dhuez

Important Dates

Projected Days Open: N/A

Days Open Last Year: N/A

Years Open: 8

Average Snowfall: N/A

Terrain Type

Beginner Runs: 45%

Intermediate Runs: 40%

Advanced Runs: 15%

Expert Runs: 27%

Lifts

Total Number Of Lifts: 84

Gondolas & Trams: 10

High Speed Sixes: N/A

High Speed Quads: N/A

Quad Chairs: N/A

Triple Chairs: N/A

Double Chairs: N/A

Surface Lifts: 41

Elevation

Top: 10925 ft.

Bottom: 3609 ft.

Vertical Drop: 7316 ft.

Longest Run: 9.9 miles

Skiable Terrain: 236 acres

Snow Making: 22 acres