Main events in Alpe d'Huez

This is the month the locals get their town (and slopes) back, for a little while anyway. January is a great time to visit the resort, there are a couple of skiing competitions on, which are great to watch whilst you're up the mountains, but generally it's quieter and the cold temperatures keep the snow nice and crisp.

February is school holidays time and the resort is full of families enjoying their Spring half-term break. There will be lots of activities and events put on by the ski companies and the tourist office, so be sure to keep an eye on our events calendar.

Valentine's Day
There will be no shortage of places to go to celebrate with your loved one whilst in the land of romance. Be sure to book early if there's that certain spot you would like to go with your special someone.

Always a busy month in terms of events happening locally, a couple of our favourites are highlighted below, but take a look at our events calendar for what else is on.

Derby du Loup
The 'Race of the Wolves' is a 1,400m timed descent from the summit of Pic Blanc on the 'Combe du Grand Cros', also known as the 'Combe du Loup'. If you don't fancy taking part, it's definitely worth being a spectator. Dates and details.

Tomorrowland
Alpe d'Huez turns into a festival fantasy wonderland as DJs perform across multiple stages and venues. Be sure to snap up a ticket. Dates and details.

As we get close to the end of the Winter season, in Alpe d'Huez it's time for some (those with the skills) to take out mountain bikes and head onto the mountains.

Sarenne Snow Bike
A non-timed downhill mountain bike descent on the mythical Sarenne, starting at Pic Blanc (3,330m) and ended in Huez (1,500m) it covers a descent of 16km and almost 2,000 vertical metres. Dates and details.

Usually a quiet time of the year in resort, check our events calendar for info on what might be going on.

Summer arrives with an array of festivities, including the French national day of music.

Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique is the celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France. More than a music festival, the Alpe d'Huez Fête de la Musique is a free event that spills out from the bars and restaurants onto the streets and encompasses every type of music imaginable, from local amateur teen bands to professional classical musicians, from club DJ’s to traditional folk bands. Dates and details.

As the weather ramps up so do the number of events and you'll find the resort is buzzing with activity.

La Marmotte Cycling Race
The legendary road bike race over 174km and with a 5,000m height gain. Departure from Bourg-d’Oisans (717m), arrival at Alpe-d’Huez (1,880m). Riding over the mountain passes of Glandon (1,818m), Télégraphe (1,570m), Galibier (2,642m) and Lautaret (2,057m) is not for the faint hearted!! Dates and details.

Megavalanche
Alpe d’Huez is a mecca for mountain bikers and the UCC Mégavalanche is now one of the many mountain biking events of the Grandes Rousses summer season, let alone being the longest downhill race in the world! Dates and details.

Bastille Day
Celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily. And the residents of Alpe d'Huez celebrate this national holiday with as much enthusiasm as the rest of the country. Various activities are held across the resort in memory of the storming of the Bastille on the same date in 1789. Traditionally the fireworks display normally starts off between 22:00-23:00. Dates and details.

Tour de France
The Alps have played a large part in the race over the years with the gruelling mountain climbs providing some of the most exciting spectacles of the event. The route changes slightly each year, taking in different towns, villages and cols along the way. Even if the race doesn't pass near to where you are this summer you can guarantee that it will still be avidly watched in bars and cafés around the country with everyone joining in to cheer on the famous yellow jersey! Dates and details.

Triathlon Alpe d'Huez
Many specialised magazines rank the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon among the most mythical races in the world, a race that every triathlete should compete in at least once in his life. Dates and details.

Always a busy month in resort with a multitude of sporting events for the those fit enough, crazy enough, or courageous enough - so keep an eye on our events calendar for updates.

Alpe d'Huez 21
This iconic pedestrian race is open to walkers and runners alike, as they endeavour to climb 1,140m of positive elevation. Stick to your own pace, go it alone or enjoy the beauty of the panorama with friends and family. Dates and details.

Oisans Col Series
Free and untimed road biking a section or col that makes up a part of the 21 bends up to Alpe d'Huez - every Tuesday morning in July and August from 09:00-11:00. Registration is free. Dates and details.

Pic de l'Alpe
23.6km trail running race to reach the summit of Pic du Lac Blanc. Dates and details.

A rather quiet month in Alpe d'Huez as the summer tourists leave and a sense of calm returns to the valley. There won't be too much going on, but check our events calendar to keep up to date with anything that might be happening.

The summer months are a distant memory, and in October the locals enjoy some autumnal bike riding and hiking before the first snow falls.

Not much on in terms of events, usually a time when everyone is taking a well-earned break before December arrives and the opening of the winter season.

December is always a busy month, the Christmas and New Year brings a flurry of social and sporting events, so take a look at our events calendar for more details.

Christmas
The festive season in the snowy Alps is always magical and every year there is some sort of celebration in resort to mark the occasion. Christmas in Alpe d'Huez officially starts at the beginning of December when the Christmas lights are switched on. The night is marked with vin chaud, hot chocolate and music. From then on you can enjoy Christmas concerts, festive markets and live music throughout town as the resort gears up for Christmas and New Year.

New Year's Eve
Come midnight the hoards of merry revellers head the centre of town for the big countdown – not an official event as such, more of a long-held tradition. On the stroke of midnight you are advised to duck as champagne corks and fireworks are unleashed in celebration! Likewise, planning ahead is advised if you have your heart set on ringing in the New Year in a particular bar or club – some of them are ticket-only, so enquire in advance to avoid disappointment!