Alpe d'Huez Sunny island in the mountains

Cycling enthusiasts all over the world know the name of Alpe d'Huez: it is a mythical stage of the Tour de France cyclists with 21 bends over more than 1000 meters of vertical drop.

But winter sports also have a long tradition in the resort with the arrival of the first ski lift in 1936. To appreciate its full extent, you have to climb above the snow front.

The snow front, a vast plateau facing south at an altitude of 1860 meters (which earned it its nickname of island in the sun), has something to reassure the beginner skier: the wide green and blue slopes allow an easy return to the resort. .

As for advanced skiers, they will find here a vast and formidable terrain to explore in an ever-changing natural environment between the glacier and the gorges, the fir trees and the vast expanses. Several tracks, long and technical, challenge skiers, with nearly 2000 m of vertical drop.

Some descents leading to other resorts, you just have to watch the time for the return to the Alpe, since you have to take several lifts to be able to return!

The climb to Pic Blanc in the Grandes Rousses massif is a must, with or without skis. The site is also classified three stars in the Michelin guide (which does not only classify restaurants!). With its 3300 m, it is the top of the resort's slopes and offers a 360° panorama of the Alpine massifs: the Ecrins National Park, the Aiguilles d'Arves, La Meije, Mont Blanc... So impressive!

One of the most impressive black runs in the Alps starts from here: the dreaded tunnel run, reserved for very good skiers. After crossing the cliff through a tunnel, you are at the edge of the ….. void. Where is the track ? Beyond you, a steep and very technical wall: 35 degree inclination and an impressive field of moguls... No wonder many prefer to turn back to go up through the tunnel to take another mythical track, that of the Sarenne, the longest black run in Europe which starts from the Sarenne glacier to the gorges of the eponymous torrent. Less experienced skiers (or pedestrians) can discover these gorges by taking the Alpauris chairlift. Be careful, the dive is dizzying and it is very cold before the ascent to the sunny plateau!

If the "real" beginners learn to ski in peace on small slopes on the snow front, children and families like to ski on the four playful slopes which are called Marcel's farm or Léo de l'Alpe. Various attractions, colorful modules, banked turns, small tunnels, gentle bumps, slalom allow you to have fun while sliding on long tracks.

The ice cave

A fun visit invites young and old explorers to discover a magical world at an altitude of 2700 m, at the exit of the DMC2 ski lift, the ice cave. A veritable art gallery, some thirty sculptures made of snow and ice lead visitors into a frozen world that evokes America this year. Indians, Cowboys, the Statue of Liberty, an almost lifelike Harley and even a hot dog cart…. none of the clichés are missing!

This unusual adventure began in January 1997 following an idea by two mountain guides, Bruno Gardent and Bernard Lambolez. With the help of a team of ski instructors, they tackle this ephemeral work every winter. It is necessary to produce 10,000 m3 of artificial snow to be able to build the galleries, a real technological challenge. Each year, artists illustrate a new theme.

To warm up after the visit, and prolong this moment out of time, we find the unusual scooter next to the arrival of the cable car! This is where Anna and Laura serve great coffee to sip while enjoying the view.

Our Lady of the Snows

In the heart of the resort, a visit to the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges church, all in concrete and wood, is one of the essentials. From the outside, it looks more like a wingless lighthouse or windmill rising from a helical roof. The contemporary architecture is reminiscent of the style of Le Corbusier.

To know all the history, and especially all the stories that surround it, it is better to join a guided tour with Frédéric, who knows so well how to share his passion for this building which has even served as a … boxing ring! Since the construction of the Palais des Sports et des Congrès, it no longer hosts fashion shows or the awarding of sports trophies. With its beautiful acoustics, it is the perfect place for weekly concerts around its Kleuker organ in the surprising shape of a hand!

Equally unusual is the series of stained glass windows by the artist Arcabas, produced between 1990 and 1998. Their bright colors illuminate the interior of the vast circular space.

But everything in this church is unusual. Just look up at the ceiling with the huge laminated beams in arc shapes. The interior is supposed to evoke a tent.

Frédéric will also tell you about the close link of the church with the … Netherlands.

Alpe d'Huez is certainly not the most beautiful resort, but everything is done there so that you can move easily between the different districts and to reach the start of the slopes by bus or cable car. The free shuttles run even in the evening.

It is also a lively resort with sports competitions, festivals (cinema, comics, music, etc.), concerts, many activities for the whole family (swimming pools, ice rink, climbing walls, etc.).

The Alpe d'Huez Tourisme team listens to holidaymakers and provides a competent welcome. And not to forget: the good restaurants!

This makes you want to come back in the summer!