Where to stay in Alpe d'Huez
Discover the top Alpe d'Huez places to stay
You've made up your mind – you want to come to Alpe d'Huez on your next holiday. But where to stay? Let us help you choose.
A former mountain pasture located in the Grandes Rousses massif, Alpe d'Huez is just one of the resorts in the larger Grande Domaine ski area, and one of the most popular destinations in Europe thanks to its almost 250km of pistes drenched in sunlight.
At the heart of the ski area the resort of Alpe d'Huez sits at an altitude of 1,860m, but there are many more towns and villages in the area, all of them connected to the slopes thanks to a vast network of lifts.
As with any resort, the best place to stay depends on who you’re travelling with, what you like to do, and how deep your pockets are.
Location | Kms from centre | Best for |
Alpe d'Huez | - | Being at the heart of everything |
Huez | 0.75 | Quiet village vibe |
Vaujany | 21 | Chaming alpine resort |
Oz en Oisans | 15 | Modern purpose-built |
Auris en Oisans | 15 | Small and family friendly |
Villard Reculas | 4.6 | Traditional chalets and calm |
Five things to consider before deciding where to stay in Alpe d'Huez
When it comes to booking accommodation in Alpe d'Huez, there is certainly no shortage of choice.
Whether you are looking for luxury hotels, chalets for large groups or apartments that are as close to the lifts as possible, you’ll find it all here.
If you’re holidaying with kids
Trudging around in ski boots is no fun for anyone. If your kids are booked in for ski lessons, you might want to consider booking accommodation near one of the nursery slopes.
If you want ski-in ski-out
If you also want ski-to-door accommodation, there are two main clusters of chalets and apartments at the foot of the slopes: one in Les Bergers area and another one in the old town of Alpe d'Huez.
If you want to party
You’ll want to stay as close to Alpe d'Huez as possible. There are a few bars in the other areas, but most of the après-ski action is in town itself.
If you’re on a budget
The villages further out from Alpe d'Huez centre will be slightly cheaper, although they're also popular in their own right with those that choose to stay there, so we'd recommend booking early.
If you want luxury
Many luxury chalets and apartments in Alpe d'Huez are based in the town centre. From apartment residences with spas, indoor pools and saunas to large chalets with floor-to-ceiling windows, you'll find them here.
Alpe d'Huez: the heart of the action
Staying right in the centre of Alpe d'Huez has its obvious perks, the main one being that you'll be able to walk to and from the resort’s main facilities and attractions.
Who should stay in the centre of Alpe d'Huez?
If you want to be first on the lifts in the morning and last out of the bars in the evening, then booking accommodation in Alpe d'Huez itself is a must.
The town is divided into seven 'quartiers' or quarters.
- The Quartier des Jeux is right in the centre and most of the bars and restaurants are located here
- Vieil Alpe is the oldest of them, boasting traditional buildings and family-run restaurants as well as larger hotels for group or event bookings
- Les Bergers is the most modern, offering self-catering apartments at the foot of the slopes and a good selection of places to eat, drink and shop
- Passeaux, Eclose and Outaris, at the bottom of resort are mainly residential
- Cognet, at the top, is home to the majority of the hotels, sitting along the bottom of the Signal piste
There are free shuttle buses and lifts to help transport skiers around the resort, so make sure you check where the nearest bus stop is in relation to your accommodation.
Huez village: traditional Alpine feel
Huez is a small traditional village right below Alpe d'Huez. At an altitude of 1,450m, you'll come through it en route to Alpe d'Huez from Bourg d'Oisans.
Who should stay in Huez?
People searching for a quieter holiday away from the lively après-ski that you'll find in Alpe d'Huez.
There are a couple of hotels and bars here and the town is linked to the main resort by the Télévillage gondola, which arrives just below the tourist office, in the Vieil Alpe quarter.
Vaujany: an idyllic spot
A pretty Alpine village, Vaujany lies at the bottom of a valley behind Alpe d'Huez, at an altitude of 1,250m.
Part of the Oz-Vaujany ski area, it's also linked to the Grande Domaine by the Vaujany-Alpette cable car, suitably nicknamed ‘James Bond Gondola car’.
Who should stay in Vaujany?
Those looking for a charming Alpine base with easy access to the slopes.
Vaujany hosts a choice of cosy chalets, a handful of hotels and some attractive apartments. All lie within a short distance of the village's facilities and lifts due to the resort's small size.
Vaujany also has a few good restaurants and a few bars offering some après-ski action for those interested.
Oz en Oisans: modern purpose-built resort
Set in the same valley as Vaujany, albeit a bit further up the mountain at 1,350m, Oz en Oisans is a small, purpose-built resort with great lift access.
Who should stay in Oz en Oisans?
Oz en Oisans is a great choice for families and groups looking for a quiet spot with easy slope access.
There are only a handful of restaurants and bars here, so it's really not for the partygoers but the limited choice of apartments, chalets and hotels will suit those after a peaceful getaway.
Oz en Oisans is a traffic-free resort and is designed for pedestrians so the village is small enough to navigate on foot.
Part of the Oz-Vaujany ski area, it's also linked to the Grande Domaine via the Poutran lift.
Auris en Oisans: small family-friendly ski resort
In the same valley as Alpe d'Huez but on the opposite, south-facing slope stands Auris en Oisans (1,600m).
A small resort connected to the centre of Alpe d'Huez via the Alpauris chairlift, also known as the 'Scare Chair'.
Who should stay in Auris en Oisans?
If you're holidaying with your family and fancy somewhere smaller and cosier than Alpe d'Huez, then Auris is a great option. All residences are close to the lifts as well as the leisure and service facilities.
Villard Reculas: a haven of peaceful chalets
The Grande Domaine includes another resort in its huge ski area, Villard Reculas. A traditional village at an altitude of 1,500m linked to the main ski area by the Le Villarais lift that reaches the summit of the Signal.
Who should stay in Villard Reculas?
Boasting a handful of wood and stone chalets and traditional hotels, this is a place for people in search of peace and quiet in an authentic, tranquil Alpine village.
No matter where you stay, you'll never be more than 300m from the nearest ski lift.
Luxury hot spots in Alpe d'Huez
If you're searching for luxury accommodation in Alpe d'Huez, you're in luck! The resort offers plenty of high-end options, many of which feature private swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and even cinema rooms.
Luxury chalets and apartments
Many luxury chalets and apartments in Alpe d'Huez are based in the town centre.
You'll find apartment residences with spas, indoor pools and saunas to large chalets with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Five star hotels
There are two five-star hotels in Alpe d'Huez, both near to the slopes offering true ski-in/ski-out access, gourmet restaurants, spas and additional services designed so that you'll never need to leave.
Romantic corners in Alpe d'Huez
High snow-capped peaks, deep luscious forests, white snow-filled fields and cosy wooden chalets with roaring fires – a ski break can be the most romantic of holidays.
In Alpe d'Huez, you’ll be able to make all your fairy-tale escapade dreams come true.
Alpe d'Huez has some wonderful four-star hotels perfect for couples and a range of secluded ski chalets nestled between the trees. Relax together in the hot tub with a bottle of fizz, as the sun sets over the peaks. Does it get any better than that?
Group accommodation in Alpe d'Huez
Groups have very specific needs, namely a big enough space and easy access to the slopes and the resort's amenities.
Large apartments and chalets for groups
Groups come to Alpe d'Huez not only to enjoy its world-renowned skiing and cycling but also to sample its famous après-ski scene.
In the heart of resort, you'll find a great selection of large apartments with sizeable communal areas and beds for up to 10 people, as well as big chalets.
Family-friendly areas in Alpe d'Huez
When travelling with young children, you ideally want to stay somewhere that has lots of facilities and services nearby so that you don't have to travel long distances to get to the slopes or the restaurants.
Best areas for families with children
Alpe d'Huez itself may be the best option as most of the ski schools are located here, especially around the Bergers and the Rond Point des Pistes, in Cognet.
However, families who prefer to be close to the sports centre, ice rink and outdoor swimming pool to keep the kids entertained may find that the Quartier des Jeux, bang in the centre of Alpe d'Huez, is a better option.
If you're holidaying with young children and fancy somewhere smaller and cosier than Alpe d'Huez, then Auris en Oisans is a great option.
Hailed as the resort of choice for families in the Isere region, Auris offers plenty to do for the little ones, including a range of free activities in the summer and winter such as torchlit descents, zip-lining and night sledging. There's also a leisure centre, Les Marmottes, with activities for those aged 12 and under.
All of the apartment buildings here are near the lifts as well as the resort's main facilities.
Cheap accommodation in Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d'Huez is well-known for being a relatively affordable resort compared to similar ski areas in the Alps. This makes it very popular for those looking for more 'bang for their buck'.
There are budget-friendly apartments all around Alpe d'Huez, as well as a handful of two-star family-run hotels.
If it's a chalet holiday you prefer, the towns of Oz en Oisans, Vaujany and Villard Reculas boast a decent selection of traditional and modern abodes at lower prices than some of the accommodation in the centre.
The only hostel in the area, Moontain Hostel, is situated in Oz en Oisans and offers shared and private rooms.
Ski-in ski-out accommodation in Alpe d'Huez
Ski-to-door accommodation is very popular in Alpe d'Huez, which means that it gets booked out quite quickly.
Prices are also usually more expensive than the accommodation a bit further away from the slopes. However, there's no greater feeling than arriving at your doorstep with your skis on, so get on booking as soon as you can if you want to experience it yourself.
Many of the chalets, apartments and hotels in Alpe d'Huez offer ski-to-door accommodation.
In Alpe d'Huez itself, Les Bergers and the Rond Point des Pistes, in the Cognet quarter, are your best bet for ski-in/ski-out accommodation.
Oz en Oisans, Vaujany, Auris en Oisans and Villard Reculas also boast chalets right at the foot of the slopes.
Cycling hot spots in Alpe d'Huez
Home to one of the most famous cycling climbs in the world, Alpe d'Huez is a mecca for roadies.
Who hasn't dreamt of triumphing over the 21 legendary bends that have seen so many Tour de France winners crowned? Many other famous Alpine climbs are within cycling distance, including the Col du Galibier.
The centre of Alpe d'Huez is, once more, the top choice as this is where the 21 hairpin bends end.
The town is bustling in the summer, with most hotels, apartments and chalets operating and many restaurants and bars open. Some people, however, prefer to stay in Bourg d'Oisans, where the climb begins, although accommodation options are somewhat reduced here.
Camping and glamping in Alpe d'Huez
There are no campsites in Alpe d'Huez itself. However, you'll find a handful of them in Bourg d'Oisans, on the road that leads up to resort. Many of them have extensive facilities including swimming pools and snack bars.
Where to park a motorhome or campervan in Alpe d'Huez
France is famous for its well-equipped motorhome areas or 'aires de camping-car' and Alpe d'Huez is no exception.
You can find one in the Brandes car park, in the Bergers quarter and near the Altiport. To get in, you need to pay at the underground car park in Les Bergers. There are toilets, waste disposal areas, as well as electricity and water.
More inspiration...
Now that you know exactly where you want to stay, it's time to choose between a chalet holiday, a self-catered apartment break or a hotel room.
Our dedicated chalets guide, apartments guide and hotels guide will steer you in the right direction.