No, we promise you won’t get bored during your next stay at altitude. Here are the best outdoor activities to do in Alpe d’Huez.
L’Alpe d’Huez, in the Isère department, is located in the Grandes Rousses massif at an altitude of over 1,860 meters. This winter and summer sports resort is renowned for its year-round sunny climate. A paradise for amateur and experienced cyclists alike, Alpe d’Huez culminates at 3,330 m, the altitude of the summit of the famous Pic Blanc. What a sight!
It offers splendid views of the Meije massif, the Aiguilles d’Arves and the Écrins. Even Mont-Blanc is visible on a clear day. The resort is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for the enjoyment of holidaymakers. In winter, with its 250 kilometers of slopes, the ski area attracts powder lovers from all over Europe. In summer, the resort offers a wide range of activities in the midst of lush green pastures.
Generation Voyage invites you to discover the best outdoor activities in Alpe d’Huez: here we go!
Summer
Trail
Photo credit: Facebook – Alpes d’Huez
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just a Sunday jogger, trail running is for you. A stay in Alpe d’Huez can even be the perfect opportunity to discover mountain running! Sumptuous itineraries criss-cross the Grandes Rousses massif.
Head off to Combe de Poutran or Plateau de Monfrais on this outdoor activity in Alpe d’Huez. The panorama of the Belledonne and Taillefer massifs is simply sublime.
Orienteering
Photo credit: Facebook – Alpe d’Huez
Orienteering consists in moving through the countryside following a predefined route. This outdoor activity at l’Alpe d’Huez is even a way of helping the planet. The Pandathlon, organized by WWF France, is a giant orienteering race in the Oisans massif.
It goes to fund a program to protect the boreal lynx, a splendid cat threatened with extinction. You’ll have to reach the markers in a precise order before completing the course. Share this activity with friends and family – we recommend it!
Via Ferrata
Photo credit: Facebook – Adrénaline Sport
Via Ferrata is a technically accessible variant of rock climbing. The walls are equipped with artificial metal holds for easy progress. Pierre Ronde is a well-known spot in the region, offering two routes, one easy and one more challenging.
This sport offers vertiginous sensations with maximum safety. Would you like to try it?
Climbing
Photo credit: Facebook – Oisans Tourisme
Rock climbing in Alpe d’Huez is practiced at the Lacs Besson cliffs. These are renowned throughout Europe for the variety of routes available. As for the Plates crag, it’s the perfect place to learn the joys of climbing. If you’re not yet confident, we recommend you stop here to get your bearings!
This outdoor activity in Alpe d’Huez offers great moments to share with your loved ones.
Quad
Photo credit: Shutterstock – FS Stock
Why not try a quad? These all-terrain vehicles allow you to wander along alpine paths during a sunny mountain hike… or not! Don’t worry, your instructor will supervise you during this outdoor activity in Alpe d’Huez.
The resort, renowned for its 4×4 trails, lends itself to all kinds of motorized sports. In winter, you can even buggy on ice!
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Photo credit: Facebook – Alpe d’Huez
Mountain biking is an emblematic mountain activity. In fact, there’s something for everyone in this pretty high-altitude resort! Mountain biking is one of the best outdoor activities in Alpe d’Huez. To see for yourself, head for the Col de Sarenne or take a tour of the Signal de l’Homme.
These trails are popular with mountain bikers, both electric and non-electric. The reward is a splendid view over the Oisans and Romanche valleys.
Road cycling
Photo credit: Facebook – Alpe d’Huez
The area is a myth for generations of road cyclists. Cycling is an emblematic outdoor activity to be enjoyed in Alpe d’Huez, whether « natural » or electrically assisted. In the latter case, you’ll find the gradient less demanding, the distances shorter and the speed higher. All right, it’s a bit of a cheat, but after all, who can blame you?
Good news: the département is investing heavily to create hundreds of kilometers of cycle paths. Don’t hesitate to try them out with your family or friends.
Winter
Snow sports
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alpe d’Huez
It will come as no surprise to anyone that winter board sports are an obvious outdoor activity at Alpe d’Huez. The resort’s avowed aim is to give you maximum thrills on its ski area. And it’s a top-quality ski area!
Facing south-west, it covers 10,000 hectares. A night-time toboggan run and four night-time ski runs have even been installed to prolong the pleasure.
Speed-riding
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mihai_Andritoiu
Speed-riding consists of skiing down off-piste areas, but… attached to a paraglider wing. This outdoor activity in Alpe d’Huez guarantees excellent sensations, as you’d expect! And, strange as it may seem, it’s technically pretty straightforward.
An instructor will help you feel at ease very quickly, so you can have a blast. Alpe d’Huez is one of the few resorts to offer a dedicated area, so make the most of it!
Nordic skiing
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mikadun
Nordic skiing is magic! And it’s one of the best outdoor activities you can do at Alpe d’Huez. In fact, it’s one of the most enjoyable ways to admire the ski area. The Nordic ski trails measure over fifty kilometers in all.
Just imagine how much time you can spend moving around in total silence.
Icefall
Photo credit: Facebook – Pierro Ln
Ice climbing at l’Alpe d’Huez is described as an extreme sport, but it’s still very accessible. Ideally, you should visit the resort’s guide office. They’ll be happy to guide you through this safe outdoor activity in Alpe d’Huez. « Symphonie d’Automne », a beautiful 70-metre waterfall, will be the grandiose backdrop for your ascent.
You can climb the whole thing… or not. In either case, you’ll have to abseil down. Tip: choose late afternoon to admire the sunset…
Building an igloo
Photo credit: Facebook – Alpes d’Huez
Building an igloo is a fun and useful activity. Offered by ESF instructors or certain ski area guides, it’s sure to appeal to children in particular. They’ll get the most out of this outdoor activity in Alpe d’Huez, especially in your company.
Cutting out blocks of compacted snow, building the igloo, choosing the location… you can’t improvise! We recommend this enriching workshop during your stay.
Fatbike on snow
Photo credit: Shutterstock – angelaflu
The fatbike is a mountain bike equipped with wide tires. They enable you to ride as if nothing had happened on loose snow. This outdoor activity in Alpe d’Huez is carried out on electric fatbikes. That way, you don’t have to exert yourself! You can rent them at the resort center.
You can do it everywhere, but there are special trails dotted around the ski area. Discover them now!
piMotoneige
Photo credit: Facebook – Espace Motoneige Alpe d’Huez
Snowmobiling is, of course, one of the most famous motorsports in the mountains. While the machines are often prohibitively expensive, an introduction to the sport is much more affordable. Rental packages are available for the curious who wish to try their hand at this sport.
You could, for example, try visiting the resort after dark? Once you’ve reached the heights of the resort, the view of Alpe d’Huez is simply breathtaking. And what stars, on a clear day…