Alpe d'Huez Ski Resort

Alpe d'Huez is a largely purpose-built modern resort, above the old village of Huez, which has expanded beyond all recognition over the past four decades to become one of the world’s biggest ski resorts.

The various ski areas drift seamlessly into one another with lifts going up in a 360-degree pattern, connected by an efficient, modern lift network.

Alpe d'Huez sits at the top of the most famous stretch of road in the Tour de France cycle race, with 21 hairpin bends over a 14km (9 miles) stretch at a height which tends to counter the effects of the south-facing slopes.

The 250 km (157 miles) of ski runs go up to a glacier and down to a couple of old villages, with much in between for everyone from ski-together families to experts.