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Introduction
Alpe d'Huez is often overlooked when people think about French resorts, which is a shame as it has all the attractions of doorstep skiing in modern apartments combined with a picturesque old town.
These two areas drift seamlessly into one another with lifts going up in a 360-degree pattern, while a clanking people mover, like a string of dustbins dangling from a wire, connects through the middle.
Alpe d'Huez sits at the top of the most famous stretch of road in the Tour de France, 21 hairpin bends over 14km (9 miles) at a height which tends to counter the effects of the south-facing slopes.
The 245km (152 miles) of 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.
These two areas drift seamlessly into one another with lifts going up in a 360-degree pattern, while a clanking people mover, like a string of dustbins dangling from a wire, connects through the middle.
Alpe d'Huez sits at the top of the most famous stretch of road in the Tour de France, 21 hairpin bends over 14km (9 miles) at a height which tends to counter the effects of the south-facing slopes.
The 245km (152 miles) of 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.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 1,860m (6,100ft).
Top elevation: 3,320m (10,890ft).
Base elevation: 1,120m (3,670ft).
Number of lifts: 84.
Number of runs: 123.
Average annual snowfall: 7.6m (26ft).
Where in the world?
Alpe d'Huez is situated in the Grandes Rousses mountains in the French Alps, high above the Oisans Valley.
Hit the slopes
The season runs from early December until late April.
The main slopes run in a long line across the resort, the bottom runs ideal for beginners. But go higher and you can find far more - the Sarenne run from the top of the glacier, at 16km (10 miles) the longest black run in Europe, or the off-piste terrain from the glacier which funnels through the legendary Tunnel on to the front face and more steep powder.
Intermediates can cruise for miles, taking long sweeping runs down to the villages of Vaujany, Oz and others. Even only moderate skiers can take the gondolas which criss-cross the slopes, leading to a feeling of achievement.The Signal and Signal de l'Homme areas, almost self-contained, are good for family excursions.
The lift pass also includes skiing in Les Deux Alpes and Serre Chevalier, trips frequently arranged by package tour reps.
The main slopes run in a long line across the resort, the bottom runs ideal for beginners. But go higher and you can find far more - the Sarenne run from the top of the glacier, at 16km (10 miles) the longest black run in Europe, or the off-piste terrain from the glacier which funnels through the legendary Tunnel on to the front face and more steep powder.
Intermediates can cruise for miles, taking long sweeping runs down to the villages of Vaujany, Oz and others. Even only moderate skiers can take the gondolas which criss-cross the slopes, leading to a feeling of achievement.The Signal and Signal de l'Homme areas, almost self-contained, are good for family excursions.
The lift pass also includes skiing in Les Deux Alpes and Serre Chevalier, trips frequently arranged by package tour reps.
Beyond the slopes
Your lift pass also includes entry to the magnificent outdoor swimming pool and Olympic-size skating rink, as well as the exceptional sports centre with indoor and outdoor pools, tennis, squash, climbing wall, golf range and more. You can parapente (parachute off the mountain with an instructor), and try ice driving along with more usual pursuits such as tobogganing.
Family fun
A family lift pass is a money saver. The Ecole de Ski Français (ESF) (Maison de l'Alpe tourist office, place Paganon) can be crowded (and French), but the MGM ski school (route du Signal) provides excellent tuition for English-speaking youngsters. Free use of the pool and skating rink is helpful, and children enjoy visiting the modernistic church (your lift pass also gets you into classical recitals).
Retail therapy
Alpe d'Huez has a collection of ski shops which become attractive as the season wears on and the discounts get bigger. Apart from that there are a couple of supermarkets and a number of places selling all manner of sausages, local cheeses, honey, wine, liqueurs and chocolates.
Après ski
There are plenty of bars and clubs. The Underground (in Le Chamois, chemin de la Chapelle), Crowded House (in the Hermitage, route du Signal) and the Pacific Pub (route Romaine) have a lively Brit tourist crowd while Le Zoo (route du Coulet) is a bit more French. Le Sporting (avenue des Jeux) and L'Igloo (route du Coulet) are just a couple of the late-night clubbing options.
Eating out
There are a good number of decent, traditional French restaurants with reasonable prices. Au P'tit Creux (chemin des Bergers) does it with a gourmet touch, while others where you can spend an enjoyable, cosy evening include Les Caves de l'Alpe (route du Coulet), Le Génépi (route Romaine) and Le Petite Taverne (L'Eclose) - although there are plenty more along with pizzerias, Tex-Mex and burgers.
Getting around
Free buses dart around the resort. The bucket lift gets you across the resort during the day but inexplicably finishes at 1700.
Splashing out
Take to the air. At the local aerodrome (Altiport Henri Giraud) the flying school gives lessons or can simply take you on an excursion (maximum three adults or two adults, two children). From the same spot there are helicopter flights, whether just for the ride or as transport to and from the slopes of Les Deux Alpes.
Accommodation
Luxury
Royal Ours BlancSmartest of the place in a resort where the hotels are mostly moderate, right by the slopes with a pool and great views.
avenue des Jeux
Tel: (04) 7680 3550.
Website: www.hotel-royal-ours-blanc-alpe-huez.federal-hotel.com
Moderate
Le Pic BlancBig, modern-but-woody place in the purpose-built slopeside Les Bergers area, with big spa and fitness area, including pool.
rue du Rif Briant
Tel: (04) 7611 4242.
Website: www.hmc-hotels.com
Budget
Le ChamoisPleasant south-facing hotel in the old town with restaurant and cellar bar.
chemin de la Chapelle
Tel: (04) 7680 3119.
Website: www.holidayalps.com
Getting there
Nearest airports: Grenoble (GNB); Lyon (LYS); Geneva (GVA).
Distance to resort: 100km (63 miles); 150km (94 miles); 220km (137 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes; 3 hours; 3 hours 30 minutes.
Nearest railway station: Grenoble.
Distance to resort: 65km (40 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour 15 minutes (bus service).
Distance to resort: 100km (63 miles); 150km (94 miles); 220km (137 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes; 3 hours; 3 hours 30 minutes.
Nearest railway station: Grenoble.
Distance to resort: 65km (40 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour 15 minutes (bus service).
Website
This resort is good for...
Après ski, Snowboarders, Families, Intermediates, Beginners, Experts, Snow reliability
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