Discover the top activities and attractions in Alpe d’Huez, a popular ski resort in the French Alps. From skiing and snowboarding to scenic hikes and mountain biking, find the best things to do in Alpe d’Huez for an unforgettable vacation experience.
Hey there! Have you heard about the breathtaking Alpe d’Huez in the Isère department? Located in the Grandes Rousses massif, this stunning winter and summer sports resort is known for its gorgeous sunny climate all year round. This is an absolute paradise for cyclists, whether you’re a pro or just starting out. Alpe d’Huez soars up to a breathtaking 3,330 meters at the top of the famous Pic Blanc mountain.
Just imagine taking in the breathtaking views of the Meije massif, the Aiguilles d’Arves, and the Écrins. And on a clear day, even the magnificent Mont Blanc is visible! This resort has it all, with top-notch infrastructure that’ll make your vacation unforgettable.
During the winter, it offers 250 kilometers of slopes, that are a powder lover’s dream come true. And in the summer, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities surrounded by lush green pastures.
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So what are you waiting for? Travelvibe is inviting you to come to discover the best outdoor activities that Alpe d’Huez has to offer. Let’s go on an adventure together!”
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Best Things To Do in Alpe d’Huez in Summer
Trail
Whether you are a seasoned runner or a simple lover of Sunday jogging, trail running is for you. Spending a stay in Alpe d’Huez can even be the perfect opportunity to discover mountain racing! Sumptuous routes cross the Grandes Rousses massif.
Go to the Combe de Poutran or the Plateau de Monfrais during this outdoor activity to do in Alpe d’Huez. The panorama is just sublime on the massifs of Belledonne and Taillefer.
Orienteering
Orienteering consists of moving in the middle of nature following a predefined route. This outdoor activity to do in Alpe d’Huez even serves as a committed activist for the planet. The Pandathlon, organized by WWF France, is a giant orienteering race in the Oisans massif.
It is used to finance a program to protect the boreal lynx, a splendid feline threatened with extinction. You will need to reach beacons in a specific order before completing the course. Share this activity with your friends or family; we recommend it!
Via Ferrata
The via Ferrata is a variant of climbing that is very technically accessible. The walls are equipped with artificial metal sockets for easy progression. Pierre Ronde is a famous spot throughout the region, offering two routes, one easy and one more arduous.
This sport offers dizzying sensations while enjoying maximum safety. So, are you tempted?
Escalation
Climbing on the wall in Alpe d’Huez, is practiced at the cliffs of the Besson Lakes. These are renowned throughout Europe for the beautiful variety of routes available. The Rocher des Plates, meanwhile, is a perfect place to learn the joys of climbing. We also advise you to stop there to get your bearings if you are not confident!
This outdoor activity to do in Alpe d’Huez offers good times to share with your loved ones.
Quad bike
The quad, why not? These all-terrain vehicles allow you to stroll on the alpine trails during a sunny mountain hike… or not! Your instructor will supervise you during this outdoor activity to do in Alpe d’Huez, don’t worry.
The resort, famous for its 4×4 trails, lends itself gladly to all kinds of motorized sports. In winter, you can even go buggy on ice!
MOUNTAIN BIKE
Mountain biking is an emblematic activity of the mountain. Moreover, there is something for everyone in this pretty altitude resort! Mountain biking is one of the best outdoor activities to do in Alpe d’Huez. To find out, go to the Col de Sarenne or go around the signal of Man.
These trails are popular with mountain bike enthusiasts, electric or not. You will benefit from a nice reward: a splendid view of the Oisans and the Romanche valley.
Road cycling
The corner is a myth for generations of road cyclists. Cycling is an emblematic outdoor activity to do in Alpe d’Huez, whether it is “nature” or electrically assisted. In this case, the difference in altitude will seem less difficult, the distances shorter, and the speed higher. Well, it’s a bit of cheating, but after all, who will blame you?
Good point: the department is investing heavily to create hundreds of kilometers of bike paths. Do not hesitate to try it with your family or during a getaway with friends.
Best Things To Do in Alpe d’Huez in Winter
Sliding sports
This will not surprise anyone; sliding sports, in winter, is an outdoor activity to do in Alpe d’Huez that imposes itself. The avowed objective of the resort is to make you enjoy a maximum of sensations on its ski area. And the latter is of great quality!
Oriented South-West, it extends over 10,000 hectares. A night toboggan run and four-night ski slopes are even installed to prolong the fun.
Speed-riding
Speed-riding consists of going down the off-piste areas on skis but… hung on a paragliding wing. This outdoor activity to do in Alpe d’Huez guarantees excellent sensations, as you can imagine! And, strange as it may seem, it’s pretty simple technically.
A monitor will make you feel comfortable very quickly so you can have a blast. Alpe d’Huez is one of the few resorts to offer a dedicated space; enjoy!
Nordic skiing
Nordic skiing is magical! And it is one of the best outdoor activities to do in Alpe d’Huez. It is even one of the most pleasant ways to admire the ski area. The Nordic ski slopes measure more than fifty kilometers in total.
This lets you imagine the time you can spend moving around in total silence.
Ice waterfall
Photo credit: Facebook – Pierro Ln
Ice climbing, in Alpe d’Huez, is a sport qualified as extreme but still well accessible. The ideal is to go to the guide office of the resort. They will supervise you so that you can learn about this outdoor activity to do in Alpe d’Huez in safety. “Autumn Symphony”, a beautiful waterfall of 70 meters, will be the grandiose support of your ascent.
You can climb it in full… Or not. In any case, the descent will be abseiling. Tip: choose the late afternoon to admire the sunset…
Construction of an igloo
Building an igloo is a fun and useful activity. Offered by esf instructors or some guides in the ski area, it will particularly appeal to children. They will benefit from this outdoor activity to do in Alpe d’Huez, especially in your company.
The cutting of the compacted snow blocks, the elaboration of the igloo, the choice of the location… it cannot be improvised! We recommend this enriching workshop during your stay.
Fatbike on snow
The fat bike is a mountain bike equipped with wide tires. They allow you to ride as if nothing had happened on loose snow. This outdoor activity to do in Alpe d’Huez is done on electric fat bikes. That way, in addition, you won’t have to force! Their rental is possible in the center of the resort.
If it is possible to do it everywhere, specially planned trails are scattered throughout the ski area. Discover them quickly!
piMotoneige
Snowmobiling is, of course, one of the most famous motorsports in the mountains. If machines are often overpriced, an initiation is much more affordable. Rental formulas are offered to the curious who wish to try this sport.
You could, for example, try the visit to the resort once the night falls. Arrive at the heights of the domain; the view is simply sumptuous on the Alpe d’Huez. And what stars, on a clear day…
Conclusion
In conclusion, Alpe d’Huez offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor adventures and activities. From the thrill of trail running to the challenge of orienteering and the excitement of via ferrata, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing hike or an adrenaline-fueled experience, Alpe d’Huez has got you covered. So pack your bags and head over to this beautiful ski resort to discover the best things to do in Alpe d’Huez.
