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© OT Alpe d'Huez
© OT Alpe d'Huez
Discover the top Alpe d'Huez activities
The main draw for people coming to Alpe d'Huez in winter is, of course, skiing and snowboarding in its vast ski area. However, there’s a whole host of other activities to do in Alpe d'Huez in the summer as well as in the winter. So, whether you're just looking for something to do when the lifts close or you simply don't ski, we promise you you'll have no time to get bored here!
What to do in Alpe d'Huez?
Alpe d'Huez is an outdoor-lovers paradise. The Alpine town and its surrounding mountains offer hundreds of things to do for every ability and every age. Some activities are perfect for solo travellers while others are more suited to romantic couples. Families and groups will also find a wide range of things to do in Alpe d'Huez. From relaxing to full-on adrenaline, from child-friendly to adults-only, from outdoor fun to indoor bad-weather activities, there is something for everyone in Alpe d'Huez.
Rock climbing
Alpe d'Huez is a great place to go rock climbing for beginners and experienced climbers. You will find a multitude of climbing routes in and around the resort to be tackled under your own steam or under the watchful eye of a guide. Climbing is a great activity for all the family, just check with the guide beforehand what their minimum age is.
The west-facing cliffs of Lac Besson (2200m) boast 150 climbing routes of level 5-6 split into 7 sectors. The rock faces are mainly fairly steep slabs and walls, ranging from 30 to 120m high. Not for the complete novice, but climbers with some experience will find this area to be a great playground. The routes are all bolted with inox anchor points for optimal safety. The Oisans region boasts great climbing for those who wish to see more of the area. Le Vernis (750m) has 30 routes that are accessible all year round; Venosc (950m) has 51 routes and the climbing season runs from May to October; La Bérarde (1500-2000m) has a whopping 100 routes and is open throughout spring, summer and autumn; La Chalp (1000 m) has 37 routes and is also open throughout spring, summer and autumn.
The Ecrins National Park offers a range of climbing routes amongst them; the south face of La Barre des Ecrins, a massive 2000m wall with moderate 5c climbing; La Meije, a huge south face with more than 20 pitches of bolted 6b routes; the granite slabs at Ailefroide. Maps and guides for the various routes can be bought from one of the park information centres.
Indoor climbing
If you don't fancy climbing outdoors, or you're new to climbing and want to give it a go in an indoor centre, then Alpe d'Huez has an indoor climbing wall at the Palais des Sports. Climbing equipment is normally provided, or you can bring your own and insurance is normally needed before you hit the climbing wall. There are 21 routes to choose from starting from 4a up to 7a on a 12-metre high wall as well as a bouldering room. Book in and pay at the main desk of the sports centre.
Ice climbing
For the true mountain enthusiast, why not scale an amazing frozen waterfall or glacier? This is a fantastic sport, not just for experienced mountaineers. The Oisans and the Ecrins National Park are renowned for their spectacular ice formations. The sunny faces of Vaujany are the ultimate location for arming yourself with crampons and an axe and scaling your way up a frozen waterfall especially the Cascade de la Fare. There are also popular spots near the Chalet du Lac Besson in Alpe d'Huez and the Valon de la Selle above St Christophe. Although it sounds like a very specialised sport, ice climbing is suitable for everyone - from complete beginners to experienced climbers. Some knowledge of ropes and basic climbing skills will give you a head start, but if you are a complete novice then your guide should be able to teach you from scratch. The peak of the ice climbing season is between December and March. Safety is important, so it is advisable to take an experienced mountain guide to instruct you on the use of crampons, ropes and ice picks, or book in with one of the local adventure companies.
Mountain climbing & mountaineering
There are a number of companies who can take you mountaineering in both summer and winter, from local guides to ski schools, private instructors and activity companies. You can explore the Oisans summits and the Ecrins National Park, from the iconic Rateau Ouest, Pic de la Grace or Pic Bayle to the challenging Goulotte Fantomas and Goulotte Allera-Pelatan.
Via Ferrata
If climbing up sheer rock on the end of a piece of rope sounds a bit scary then Via Ferrata climbing offers an element of security that still allows beginners to enjoy the achievement of having scaled a mountain! This form of climbing was invented by Italian soldiers in the Dolomites who used it to enable them to scale vertiginous faces easily and quickly. These days it is a popular sport that makes the thrill of mountain climbing more accessible to children, beginners and those who want a bit more security when they climb.
There are two Via Ferrata routes on the Grandes Rousses Massif, both south facing; an elementary route that can be completed in around 2 hours and a more challenging route that takes about 2.5 hours. The routes can be accessed from Pierre Rond (via the Col de Sarenne) or Huez Village.
Following marked routes through the mountains, you are helped along by steps, bridges and ladders whilst being roped up for extra safety. Suitable for adults and children over the age of 8, you need to have a harness, helmet, carabiners and ropes/tethers in order to do the activity. The kit can be rented from most sports shops in town or you can also arrange a Via Ferrata guide, who of course, will provide all the necessary equipment for you.
Museums & galleries
Alpe d'Huez and its surrounding area have a range of museums and galleries to visit and learn more about this fascinating region. If you want to know more about Alpine flora, fauna and minerals, you can head to the Fauna Museum in Vaujany, the Bourg d'Oisans Museum, or the Maison du Bouquetin in Allemont. If it's heritage and customs you're after, visit the Notre Dame des Neiges Church, the Grotte de Glace, the Espace Patrimoine or the Brandes Archaeological site, all in Alpe d'Huez.
Natural reserves & parks
The Ecrins National Park is one of the highlights of the Southern Alps region; a haven for all sorts of wildlife as well as a magnet for outdoor sports enthusiasts, it is well worth a visit at any time of year. The 750,000 people who visit the Ecrins National Park each year are a diverse bunch ranging from serious alpinists, ramblers, hardcore rock climbers, families with children, adrenaline junkies and day-trippers hoping to spot a marmot or two!
Cycling
The roads around Alpe d'Huez are the setting for some of the most famous gruelling sections of the Tour de France with its 21 bends but they can be tackled by enthusiasts as well as professionals. To gain the most from your riding in the area it goes without saying you need to have a reasonable level of fitness. Other than the celebrated 21 bends, there are other cycling routes in the area, most of them starting in Bourg d'Oisans.
Mountain biking
Alpe d’Huez and the Grandes Rousses are renowned for being an exceptional mountain biking area. Stunning scenery, miles and miles of dedicated MTB routes and summer access to the cable cars make this a fantastic place to put your bike (and you!) through its paces. The home of the Megavalanche MTB race, Alpe d’Huez hosts a number of smaller events and competitions throughout the summer season. Have a look at our What’s On Calendar to find out what’s happening when. (NB: In French, mountain biking is called VTT (Vélo Tout-Terrain!).
Lake fishing
There are a number of beautiful mountain lakes, rivers and streams where fishing is permitted in Alpe d'Huez. The lakes are Lac Besson, Lac des Bergers, Lac Blanc, Lac Noir, Lac de la Faucille and Lac de Milieu. You can also fish the waterways of the Sarenne, the Rif Nel and the Rif Brillant. You can expect to find rainbow trout ("truite arc en ciel"), brown trout ("truite fario"), brook trout ("saumon des fontaines") and Arctic char ("omble chevalier"), amongst others.
Lac de Bergers is a designated children's fishing area. Each August a competition is held here for all keen anglers up to the age of 13. Situated in resort, just in front of Les Bergers shopping mall, it is easily accessible and a popular summer relaxation spot.
An Alpe d'Huez 'Société de Pêche' (fishing club) license is required for all sites and can be purchased from the Tourist Office for a day, a week, a month or a season. An AAPPMA fishing licence is also necessary for some sites, enquire locally for details. There are also varying regulations governing the number of fish you can catch, the size of the fish and hours of fishing permitted.
Gym & fitness
A public gym & fitness classes can be found at the main sports centre in Alpe d'Huez. The gym has a great view through the windows over the Signal piste and all the cardio and fitness equipment you could want. Fitness classes include Zumba, Reggaeton, Dance, Step, Bike, Stretching, Gym ball and Pilates – do check at the centre on arrival as the programme is subject to change.
Team sports
You can play basketball, football and other team sports indoors and on two outdoor courts in Alpe d'Huez, at the Palais des Sports. In summer the courts are open every day from early July to the end of August. Booking ahead is recommended at any time of year. Beach volleyball or beach football in the heart of the French Alps may sound strange but in Alpe d'Huez you can hop on the sand and play a game of volleyball with your friends or family. The beach volleyball/football courts can be used free of charge, and there are even beach tournaments arranged on a weekly basis. They are open every day in July and August.
Swimming
Whether you like to take a dip indoors or outdoors, you'll be able to find somewhere to go for a swim in Alpe d'Huez. Most hotels, lots of chalets and apartments have their own swimming facilities. However, there are also municipal swimming baths that you can visit at the Palais des Sports. You can choose from the outdoor pool with a paddling pool and saunas or the indoor pool also with a paddling pool.
Helicopter tours
Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snow-capped mountain tops, glaciers and Alpine forests of the Alps. From Alpe d'Huez, helicopters can take you over the Oisans region, seeing not only the resort but also Auris, Oz, Villard Reculas and the Grandes Rousses among many other places.
Light aircraft & microflights
Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Alps from a light aircraft. If you've ever wondered what it's like to fly a plane, then this could be your chance to try. Alpe d'Huez has its own small airport where you can partake in a number of flying activities including offers flying courses, initiation (first flight) sessions and air excursions. Open all day, every day according to the weather – reservation necessary. There is also an array of airborne activities for the more adventurous including microlight, hang gliding and parapenting. Book in for an experience you'll never forget, and see the mountains from a totally different perspective.
Paragliding
If you’ve never tried paragliding before then Alpe d'Huez is a great place to learn how to fly. Known as “parapenting” in France & Switzerland, there are a great number of clubs and organisations in the area whose sole purpose is to give you the experience of flying. From the heights of the mountain tops, you can glide down to the bottom of the valley on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor. He manoeuvres the parachute while the passenger enjoys the ride and fantastic views. Top tip: go on a sunny, warm day when the thermals will keep your airborne for longer. Discover the Alpe d'Huez, including the famous Tour de France bends, the Ecrins National Park, the Grandes Rousses and the whole Oisans massif from the ski. There are several departing points including the top of the Signal, the Marmotte 3 "3060", the Pic Blanc, The Clocher de Macle and other areas in the region.
Golf course
The golf course at Alpe d'Huez is open every day from 09:00 to 19:00 throughout the summer. The 9-hole golf course is accompanied by a large driving range, pro-shop and a clubhouse serving snacks and drinks.
Mini golf
Enjoy a few hours of fun in the summer months on the miniature golf course in Alpe d'Huez. Great for some gentle exercise on a sunny day, Alpe d'Huez has a mini-golf course open every day from 09:00 in July and August on Chemin de Brandes.
Horse riding
As well as being home to the world-renowned Poutran International Equestrian Training Centre, Alpe d'Huez is a great place to ride just for fun. The scenery is stunning and you can cover much more terrain on horseback than on your own two feet! The Centre Equestre on Route du Col de Poutran offers a variety of lessons and weekly courses as well as horse and pony rides. Holders of a Visalp Pass can claim 10% off all hacks. There is also the Les Nouvelles Ecuries des Centaure in nearby Reaumont.
Cinema
Catch the latest films and releases in Alpe d'Huez on your summer holiday. There are two cinemas in Alpe d'Huez, Le Palais and Le Signal-Mégarama open in July and August. Films are on in the evening, at around 18:00 and 20:30 with screenings at 14:30 when there is bad weather. Look out for VOST for English speaking films.
Downhill skiing & snowboarding
Lift-assisted downhill skiing and snowboarding are the most popular activities in Alpe d'Huez. So much so that we could write several guides dedicated to them... and, in fact, we have! Take a look at our Ski Areas, Pistes and Parks Guide where you'll not only find a lot of information on the Alpe d'Huez ski area but also links to many other articles: Ski Lifts Guide, Best Pistes Guide, Snowparks Guide, Beginner Ski Areas Guide, Advanced Ski Areas Guide, Off-Piste Ski Areas Guide, Ski Itineraries Guide and even a guide on the best places to go skiing when the weather is bad.
However, lift-assisted downhill skiing and snowboarding aren't the only things you can do in Alpe d'Huez while having a pair of skis or a board strapped to your feet.
Cross-country skiing
There are a total of 50km of perfectly groomed cross-country ski trails in Alpe d'Huez, with 5 main trails providing a wide array of terrain. The trails are loops (“boucles” in French) so you end up back where you started. Kept in tremendous condition, they are prepared in the same way as the normal pistes, with the addition of a pre-formed classic XC ski style tracks. You can hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops and book a group or private lesson to learn the basics from most ski schools or private instructors. A number of adventure companies also offer cross-country skiing guiding, tours and lessons too. Find your way around with the cross country skiing maps.
Heliskiing & heliboarding
Unfortunately, heli-skiing is not permitted in France, however some of the ski schools, adventure companies, local flight companies and mountain guide companies will offer a pick-up/drop-off heli-skiing service for you where you will be taken over the border into Italy or Switzerland. A very popular route is the Glacier du Grand Sablat with over 2000m of descent; take a lift to the Pic Blanc, ski down and get picked up by a helicopter to get back to resort. It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience!
Ski joering
In France, the preferred style for ski joering is to use a rider-less horse which is controlled by the skier. A rig with reigns is connected to the horse’s bridle and the skier is towed along behind the horse on skis, holding onto the rig. The skier steers with vocal commands and by pulling on lines connected to the horse's bit. The equestrian centre speak English and ensure you'll have a great time and to talk you through all the controls. Call or email to book, and meet at the Poutran Equestrian Centre to take part (see map for directions). Winter opening is from early December to the end of April each year.
Ski touring & split boarding
Alpe d'Huez is popular for ski touring, whether it's going up the pistes that most people normally ski down, or tackling more of a backcountry route. A number of ski schools, private instructors and companies can show you around, or if you've got all the necessary equipment you can head out in your own group. Popular areas to explore include the Grandes Rousses Massif which has easy routes like the Grandes Buffes or the Croix de Cassini and more challenging ones like the Grand Sauvage couloir or popular Traversée Integrale which crosses 5 cols and 5 glaciers. Other areas to explore from Alpe d'Huez are the Belledonne massif with the famous Brèche de Roche Fendue through a forest, the Taillefer massif or the Ecrins summits.
Speed riding
The idea behind speed riding is to combine the sensations of skiing and paragliding into one activity, and then descend off-piste sections of the mountain using a mini-wing to enable you to access areas that you might not normally go. Learning and having fun with speed riding comes very fast as long as you are a competent skier; you need to be able to ski red pistes with confidence in any type of snow. Speak to one of the companies offering this activity who can show you the ropes (literally). Speed riding flights often depart from the top of the Signal lift.
Telemarking
Telemarking is a form of downhill skiing where you are only attached into the binding at the toe, so to turn, you have to lunge and bring your heel upwards. Talk to one of the ski schools or private instructors who can teach you how to telemark and take you out on excursions using this technique.
Glacier walking
For a truly unique experience, clamp on your crampons and go hiking on Les Deux Alpes' Glacier 3200 or on one of the many glaciers in the Ecrins National Park. The breathtaking views and spectacular crevasses make this an incredible adventure and if you are quiet you can sometimes even hear the creaking noise of shifting ice! There are a number of glacial hikes, of varying difficulty, in this region of the Alps. We strongly advise hiring a qualified guide for any activities on a glacier; most mountain guiding companies and some of the adventure companies will run organised excursions to the most accessible.
Husky-dog rides
Be in charge of your own sled and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths in winter. After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start, you set off following the guide’s team. If this all sounds a bit much you can opt for a less physical outing where you sit in the sled and the guide does all the hard work! It's a very popular winter activity, so booking at least 48 hours in advance is a must. They run from early December to the end of April (snow-permitting).
Ice driving
Have you ever fancied whizzing around on the ice in a car? Well, now you can in Alpe d'Huez. Ice driving is a specialised activity that will test your driving skills and push you and the car to your driving limit. The cars all have specialised studded tyres and, during an ice driving session, you can learn how to control and have fun with a car sliding around on ice. It is an exciting adrenaline pumping activity, but with special techniques and skills demonstrated and learned you come away having greater knowledge and experience on how to control a car in snow and ice. You can take part in a group or as an individual although we recommend you head down the ice driving circuit behind the Palais des sports with some friends and enjoy the icy fun together.
Ice skating
Get your skates on and enjoy the ice skating rink in Alpe d'Huez open every day in both the winter and the summer season, the perfect activity for the whole family. Figure skating lessons are also available.
Sledging
Alpe d'Huez has its own sledging designated area. It opens daily and is located under the Grandes Rousses/DMC gondola lift; groomed and equipped with banked turns, sledges with brakes and helmets are required but not provided (can be bought or hired from most sports shops). Unlimited access to the area with ski and walking day passes, ski half-day passes and all Visalp passes. Cost without pass is €8.00 per gondola ascent. You can also sled for free on the piste next to the Bergers shopping centre or go night sledding on the Butte de l’Eclose slope. The illuminated sledding area opens on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 17:30 to 19:30. Again, sledges with brakes and helmets are required but not provided (can be bought or hired from most sports shops). Access is free with a Visalp pass.
Snowshoeing
Raquette à Neige or Snow-shoeing in and around Alpe d'Huez is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions or for non-skiers. Either set out on your own or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and explore the hidden parts of the Oisans mountains and the Grandes Rousses. Snowshoes and ski poles are provided by most companies offering this as an experience, or you can hire snowshoes from most Sports Shops or Ski Hire Shops, grab a trail map from the Tourist Office and head off on your own adventure. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go.
Snowmobiling & skidooing
Those who enjoy speed will love riding a powerful snowmobile (like a motorbike with caterpillar tracks) around Alpe d'Huez. Discover the different dimensions of driving; carving turns, accelerating in a straight line, ascents and descents. There are specific circuits for snowmobiles in the highest parts of Alpe d'Huez, at 2100m of altitude as well as snowmobile tours available around the resort from 17:15 when the lifts are closed. You can even head out when it's dark and have dinner at one of the mountain restaurants in Alpe d'Huez. Snowmobiles are a great way to explore Alpe d'Huez especially as you get to ride them when the resort is at its quietest. Disappear into the woods and blast around empty snowfields on your scooter with your own guide. Remember to wrap up warmly especially if you go after dark, and bring goggles if there is powder.
Spas
If it is calm and relaxation you are after then head to a luxury day spa or book in for massage therapies and beauty treatments. Most hotels in Alpe d'Huez have spas that are open to the public while there is a public sauna at the Palais des Sports.
Tennis
Play a game of tennis with friends and family in Alpe d'Huez, a great all year round activity to enjoy in the Alps. At the Tennis Outdoor de Brandes there are 6 courts open every day winter, as well as in July and August. Booking ahead is recommended, especially if you require lessons and they also rent rackets. The Palais des Sports also offers 2 indoor tennis courts. You'll also find 15 tennis tables in the sports centre.
Squash
You can play squash at the Palais des Sports in July and August, every day of the week. There are four courts to choose from and you should book ahead to avoid disappointment. Pay and book in at the main reception desk. Rackets and sports shoes are available to rent.
Badminton
There are a number of badminton courts at the Palais des Sports. The courts are open throughout the summertime. Booking ahead is recommended at any time of year.
Archery
Practice your Robin of Sherwood skills in a tranquil Alpine setting. Beginners can learn 'tir l'arc' from scratch and those with more experience can put their skills to the test with a variety of courses. There is a practice range up by the summer luge where you can hire the equipment and take the advice of an instructor and another one as in the nearby Vaujany Tennis Club. The Palais des Sports has indoor archery and compressed air shooting facilities. Children over 8 years old can try archery while compressed air shooting is available for those over 10 years old.
Summer camps
There are so many things for kids to do in Alpe d'Huez throughout the summer that sometimes the only way to make the most of it is to enroll them in a summer club! For younger children, there is the Mini Cats activity club for 3-6-year-olds. Here your children can try their hands at mini-golf, trampoline, rock climbing, hiking, ice skating, circus skills and pony trekking amongst other things. There are also themed workshop weeks on a range of diverse subjects such as circus, pottery, meteorology, animals, orientation, history and more.
Summer luge
Sledging or luge takes place on the hillside close to the Eclose chairlift. Take the lift up and sledge down to the bottom. The lift runs from 10:00 to 14:00 and is free for those with an annual or seasonal pass, as well as for anyone with a 3-day summer pass and above.
Tree-top adventure
Alpe d'Huez has a 400m zip wire that's open in winter and summer at the XFly centre. Here you can also do some climbing and jump on a giant airbag, and you don't have to be a child to enjoy it! At the Palais des Sports, there is also an indoor adventure trail hung 8m above the floor open every day in July and August for anyone over 6 years old.
Walking & hiking
Whether your idea of walking in the mountains is a gentle ramble or a three-day hike, Alpe d'Huez has something for you. The valley has 143 miles of beautiful, marked hiking trails and 12 lakes within walking distance from the main resort. To make the most of the higher trails you can buy a Summer Lift Pass; from this higher elevation, you will be treated to the most spectacular views of the lofty peaks in the Massif des Grandes Rousses and the Ecrins National Park. For the more adventurous, you can take longer hikes into the Ecrins National Park and perhaps stay overnight in a refuge. Check out our walking and hiking guide for more details on hiking in Alpe d'Huez.
Running
The Oisans area is a paradise for trail runners offering 470 km of paths on 25 marked trails, ranging from 3 km to 51 km and with an elevation gain from 250 m to 3339 m. There are also 4 bases welcoming trail runners in Les Deux Alpes, Auris-en-Oisans, Vaujany and Villard-Reculas (this town also offers a Trail Station with 5 technical activity areas to prepare your run).
Winter walking
Alpe d'Huez is a winter walker's paradise, with lifts giving access to the higher ground and a network of groomed trails in the winter, it's very easy to discover the resort on foot. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you set out as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. You do not need any particular equipment, just a pair of sturdy boots and layers of warm clothing that you can take off or put on as necessary. A pair of walking poles will come in handy for extra balance on icy patches and for checking snow depth before you go striding forth. Top tip: buy ‘grippers’ for your walking boots to prevent slipping which you can buy from most local sports shops.
Canoeing & kayaking
In the Ecrins National Park, there are several rivers you can descend on a kayak or canoe, including the Vénéon, the Rive, the Eau d'Olle or the Romanche, offering different levels for diverse experiences.
Canyoning
A not-so-gentle but extremely refreshing summer activity is one way to describe canyoning! Plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents, jumps and natural water slides, just make sure you choose a warm day! You will make your way along rivers and rapids, using the riverbed as a natural obstacle course. Not suitable for very young children, but anyone over the age of about 8 can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning.
Htdrospeeding
Hydro speeding is one of the newer 'extreme' water sports to hit the market, it's a fun and exhilarating way to get yourselves down a river!. Using a large float, which bears resemblance to a bodyboard, be ready to cling on for dear life as you send yourself hurtling down the rapids! This activity is a little more demanding physically than rafting or canoe rafting but allows you to discover the unique sensation of surfing down whitewater rivers. It is also accessible to all, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves. In Alpe d'Huez, you can descend the Veneon river near Venosc on a board wearing a thick neoprene and fins.
White water rafting
If you haven't experienced white water rafting before then this is a definite 'must try' on your list of activities to do! There are a number of trained guides in resort who will let you experience some of the best white water rafting available in the Alps. From the middle of May until September, the Vénéon river flows furiously as they are fed from the meltwaters running off the glaciers high above the town. There are various options available from a three-hour adrenaline rush to a full days excursion - this activity is guaranteed not to disappoint.
If you’re after a shorter less committing bike ride than the infamous 21 bends up to Alpe D’Huez, the Col D’Ornon is a great option from the same starting point. The ride is easily done in less than two hours and there are certainly...
