Recommended
Mountain Lunch: Le Signal 2108
Après Ski: La Folie Douce
Dinner: Au Chamois d’Or
Non-skiers: skidoo
Best Off-piste: Pic Blanc
Best Ski Run: La Sarenne
Skiing
Ski Elevation: 1,860m – 3,330m
Pistes: 250km
58% Blue runs
30% Red runs
12% Black runs
Snowparks: 2
Airports
Grenoble (GNB):
1h 15m / 105 km
Chambéry (CMF):
1h 50m / 127 km
Lyon (LYS):
1h 55m / 151 km
Alpe d'Huez Luxury Chalet
Alpe d’Huez has a beautiful selection of luxury ski chalets, many offering direct access to the slopes and spectacular views across the Oisans Valley. Accommodation quality is excellent, with both traditional alpine lodges and modern high-spec chalets available across the resort.
FEATURES – This high-altitude resort blends charm with convenience. Luxury chalets here often feature private spas, open-plan living, and floor-to-ceiling windows that make the most of the southern Alps sunshine.
SIZE – We offer chalets that sleep up to 14 guests. If you have a larger party, we can help you book multiple chalets near to keep your group together.
CATERING – Choose between catered and self-catered chalets in Alpe d’Huez. Whether you’d like a private chef to take care of your meals or the freedom to explore the local restaurants, there’s something to suit your style of winter holiday.
LOCATIONS – Our chalets are located in key areas of the resort, including Quartier des Jeux, Vieil Alpe, and Éclose, with easy access to the slopes, ski schools, and après-ski venues.
As with most sought-after resorts, luxury ski chalets in Alpe d’Huez are in high demand, especially during school holidays and peak weeks. We recommend booking early to secure your ideal chalet. Browse our handpicked collection below and begin planning your alpine retreat.
Looking for inspiration? Take a look at our recommended luxury ski chalets in Alpe d’Huez…
Chalet La Chapelle
Chalet La Chapelle is a luxurious ski-in, ski-out chalet in Alpe d’Huez, ideal for large groups of up to 14 guests. Spread over four floors, it offers seven en-suite bedrooms, each with balcony access. The chalet combines traditional alpine charm with modern comfort, featuring exposed beams, stone accents, and a central wood-burning fireplace in the open-plan living and dining area. Guests can unwind in the private spa with a hot tub and sauna. A ski room with heated boot warmers and underground parking adds convenience. The main balcony overlooks the pistes, making it perfect for both skiers and non-skiers alike.
Alpe d'Huez Chalet Collections
B&B chalets in Alpe d’Huez
Corporate chalets in Alpe d’Huez
Ski-in Ski out chalets in Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez chalets with hot-tubs
Catered chalets in Alpe d’Huez
Flagship chalets in Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez chalets with cinemas
Alpe d’Huez chalets with spa area
Alpe d’Huez chalets with saunas
Self-catered chalets in Alpe d’Huez
Large chalet in Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez chalets with gyms
Alpe d’Huez chalets with swimming pool
Alpe d'Huez
If sunshine is the new luxury, Alpe d’Huez delivers in abundance. Nicknamed “L’Île au Soleil” (The Island in the Sun), this resort boasts an average of 300 sunny days per year, making it a top choice for those seeking bright blue skies and panoramic alpine vistas.
The resort is composed of several interconnected villages, each offering a unique atmosphere. From the bustling main village of Alpe d’Huez to the charming hamlets of Villard-Reculas and Auris-en-Oisans, there’s a perfect base for every type of traveller. All villages are linked by an efficient lift system, ensuring seamless access to the expansive ski area.
With 250 km of pistes and a vertical drop of over 2,200 meters, Alpe d’Huez caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The resort’s high altitude and extensive snowmaking capabilities guarantee reliable snow conditions throughout the season. Whether you’re carving down the legendary Sarenne run or enjoying the gentle slopes near the village, the skiing experience here is a favourite amongst our guests.
After a day on the slopes, explore the vibrant après-ski scene, indulge in local cuisine at a variety of restaurants, or relax in your luxury chalet. With a range of high-end accommodations offering ski-in/ski-out convenience and top-notch amenities, Alpe d’Huez is the ideal destination for a luxurious alpine getaway.
Alpe d'Huez Resort
Alpe d’Huez sits on a broad, sunny plateau at 1,860m, overlooking the Romanche Valley. The main village began developing as a ski resort in the 1930s and has since grown into a dynamic, well-connected base with excellent lift access and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s one of the few high-altitude resorts that combines serious ski terrain with a genuine year-round community.
The central area, known as Quartier des Jeux, is the lively heart of the resort, packed with shops, restaurants, and ski schools. This is the most convenient location for families and first-time visitors, with gentle pistes right on your doorstep.
Vieil Alpe is the original village core. Its winding streets and traditional chalets offer a more alpine feel, while still being close to the main lifts. For those looking for a quieter setting without compromising on access, it’s a fantastic option.
Over in Éclose and Les Bergers, you’ll find newer developments with ski-in ski-out chalets and modern apartment residences. These areas are well connected via the resort’s network of covered escalators and lifts, making it easy to get around without a car.
Surrounding satellite villages — including Villard-Reculas, Oz-en-Oisans, Auris-en-Oisans and Huez — offer more traditional, peaceful alternatives with their own direct lift connections into the main ski area. These are perfect for guests looking to combine authentic village charm with excellent skiing.
All bases are linked by a fast and efficient lift system, with everything designed to keep you on the slopes, not in queues (although, like anywhere in the Alps, peak season can get busy!). Wherever you stay, you’ll have access to some of the best skiing and sunshine.
Alpe d'Huez Travel & Transport
It’s easy to get around Alpe d’Huez thanks to its thoughtfully designed layout and efficient lift and shuttle systems. The resort centre is walkable, with traffic-free zones and a network of covered escalators, making it simple to explore on foot, even in ski boots!
Travelling by car
Alpe d’Huez is accessible by motorway from Grenoble via the A480, then following the N85 and D1091 towards Bourg d’Oisans. From there, the D211 climbs the final 13km of steep, winding road up to the resort, a stretch famous from the Tour de France. In winter, snow chains or tyres are essential, and the road can be closed temporarily in extreme conditions.
Once in the resort, most chalets include private or shared parking. There are also several public car parks in resort zones such as Les Bergers and Éclose, including indoor and long-stay options. You won’t need your car once you’re here, though; everything is easily accessible on foot, by ski, or local shuttle.
Travelling by train
The nearest train station is Grenoble, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from the resort by road. Grenoble is served by high-speed TGV services from Paris, Lyon, and other major cities, including seasonal connections from Lille for Eurostar travellers.
From the station, private transfers, taxis, and shared shuttles operate throughout the ski season. For those arriving on weekends or during school holidays, we strongly recommend booking transfers in advance, as services fill up quickly.
Airports
Alpe d’Huez is well-served by several regional and international airports:
Grenoble (GNB) – 105 km
By car – 1 hour 15 minutes
By transfer – approx. 2 hours
Lyon (LYS) – 151 km
By car – 1 hour 55 minutes
By train and road – approx. 3 hours 15 minutes
Geneva (GVA) – 206 km
By car – 2 hours 35 minutes
By train and road – approx. 4 hours 15 minutes
Chambéry (CMF) – 127 km
By car – 1 hour 50 minutes
By train and road – approx. 3 hours
Private transfer
Private and shared transfers run regularly throughout the season from all nearby airports and train stations. For a seamless journey, our concierge team can help organise door-to-door service in a private vehicle, or even a helicopter transfer for the fastest arrival in style.
Alpe d'Huez Restaurants
Alpe d’Huez boasts a diverse array of dining options, from high-altitude eateries with panoramic views to cosy village bistros. Whether you’re seeking traditional Alpine fare or international cuisine, the resort caters to all tastes.
In the town
Smithy’s Tavern is a long-standing favourite, offering hearty meals and a lively atmosphere. It’s particularly popular for its Tex-Mex dishes and live music evenings. For a refined dining experience, Restaurant Le Genepi serves gourmet French cuisine in an intimate setting, perfect for special occasions.
L’Atelier offers a modern twist on traditional dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, while La Pomme de Pin is renowned for its Savoyard specialities, including fondue and raclette, served in a warm, rustic environment. Then there’s a favourite of ours, Au Montagnard, providing a welcoming setting for traditional mountain cuisine, with a menu featuring local cheeses and meats.
On the slopes
La Fruitière, part of the La Folie Douce complex, combines fine dining with a vibrant atmosphere. Accessible to both skiers and pedestrians, it offers a menu of contemporary dishes using regional produce. Meanwhile, La Cabane is a popular spot for lunch, known for its sunny terrace and panoramic views. The menu features a mix of grilled meats, salads, and local specialities.
Then there’s Chalet du Lac Besson, serving traditional dishes in a cosy, alpine-style chalet. The restaurant is situated on the shores of Lac Besson, a natural alpine lake located at an altitude of approximately 2,075 metres in the Grandes Rousses massif, northeast of Alpe d’Huez.
Alpe d'Huez Apres & Nightlife
Alpe d’Huez is renowned for its vibrant après-ski scene, with options ranging from lively mountain bars to late-night clubs. La Folie Douce is the epicentre of on-mountain partying. Located at the top of the Marmottes 1 lift, it features live DJs, dancers, and a high-energy atmosphere from early afternoon until the lifts close.
Back in town, Sphere Bar offers a relaxed setting with a large terrace, live sports screenings, and regular live music performances. FreeRide Café is a popular après spot too, known for its friendly staff, themed nights, and a wide selection of beers and cocktails. The aforementioned Smithy’s Tavern continues the party into the evening with live bands and a bustling dance floor.
For those looking to dance into the early hours, L’Igloo and Les Caves de l’Alpe are the resort’s main nightclubs, both staying open until 5 am and featuring a mix of DJs and themed nights. Then, for a more sophisticated evening, Le Lounge 21 offers a chic environment with an extensive wine list and signature cocktails.
Alpe d'Huez Ski Area
With a top altitude of 3,330m and over 250km of marked pistes, Alpe d’Huez offers some of the most varied skiing in the Alps. The biggest advantage of a luxury ski chalet in Alpe d’Huez is the ease of access, as many properties are either ski-in ski-out or just a short walk from a lift, so you can be carving turns while others are still queuing.
The ski area
Alpe d’Huez is part of the Grand Domaine Ski Area, linking the main resort with smaller villages like Auris-en-Oisans, Villard-Reculas, Oz-en-Oisans and Vaujany. There’s a huge amount of terrain to explore, including the Sarenne, the longest black run in Europe at 16km.
- The slopes above Alpe d’Huez and Les Bergers are sunny and wide — ideal for relaxed cruising.
- Oz-en-Oisans and Vaujany are great for tree-lined trails and shelter on snowy days.
- For powder days, head to the high-altitude bowls below the Pic Blanc Glacier, where snow quality is exceptional.
Thanks to its south-facing plateau, Alpe d’Huez gets plenty of sunshine, but snow conditions remain reliable due to high altitudes and one of the most extensive snowmaking systems in France.
Boarders
Alpe d’Huez is a popular choice for snowboarders. The wide, open pistes and limited number of drag lifts make it easy to navigate. There are natural gullies and bowls perfect for freeride fun, plus a well-maintained snowpark in the Les Jeux sector with rails, jumps, a boardercross course, and beginner-friendly features.
Freestyle riders can also explore a second, smaller snowpark in Montfrais (Vaujany), and there are airbag jumps and timed slalom runs to keep things interesting.
Beginners
Alpe d’Huez is an excellent choice for beginners. The resort has several protected learning areas, including large nursery slopes in Les Bergers and around the Rond Point des Pistes. Magic carpets and gentle green runs make it easy to progress without venturing too far.
Once you’re ready, take the Signal lift to access long, confidence-building greens like “Marche” and “Les Jeux”, which gently wind back to the resort.
Our recommended ski schools:
ESF Alpe d’Huez – The national ski school with a large team of instructors offering everything from first-timer lessons to expert coaching and guiding.
Masterclass – A British-run ski school known for small group sizes and excellent instruction in English.
Stance Ski Academy – A boutique option for personalised lessons, off-piste guiding, and performance coaching with top-level instructors.
Intermediates
This resort is a dream for intermediates. The majority of the terrain consists of long, rolling blues and reds, ideal for covering miles and boosting confidence. Routes like “Bouquetin”, “Poutran”, and “Chamois” offer satisfying descents through varied terrain.
Don’t miss a day trip over to Vaujany or Auris, both quieter sectors with scenic runs, fewer crowds, and great restaurants on the slopes.
The combination of accessible terrain and panoramic views makes Alpe d’Huez ideal for relaxed, all-day skiing.
Advanced
Advanced skiers can challenge themselves on some of the steepest and most iconic terrain in the French Alps. The Sarenne is a must-ski: starting at the 3,330m summit of Pic Blanc, this 16km black run winds down through high alpine cliffs and forested tracks.
For more adrenaline, tackle Tunnel — a short but fierce couloir accessible via a tunnel through the rock, ending in a steep mogul field.
There’s also excellent off-piste potential around the Combe du Loup, Pyramides, and the glacier sector. For safety and access to hidden gems, hiring a guide is highly recommended, which, of course, we can provide.
Weather
Alpe d’Huez is one of the most snow-sure resorts in the southern Alps, with skiing available up to 3,330m and most runs sitting well above 1,800m. As mentioned, the resort is famous for its sunshine, but the high altitude and extensive snowmaking ensure consistent coverage all season long.
Despite its southern exposure, the glacier and upper pistes hold snow extremely well, making it a reliable destination from early December into late April.
November
There may be early snowfall in November, particularly on the upper slopes, but most lifts are not yet open full-time.
Average snowfall: 35cm
Snow days: 3
December
Snowfall picks up in December, especially higher up. The main area is usually open by mid-month, and the Christmas period is festive and busy.
Average snowfall: 90cm
Snow days: 6
January
January is cold and snowy, often offering the best conditions of the season. The resort is quieter after the New Year, making it ideal for serious skiers.
Average snowfall: 110cm
Snow days: 8
February
With reliable snow and longer days, February is peak season. Expect more people on the slopes, especially during half-term, but great conditions across the mountain.
Average snowfall: 100cm
Snow days: 7
March
March is one of the best times to visit — strong snow cover, sunny afternoons, and fewer queues. The glacier and north-facing runs keep conditions crisp.
Average snowfall: 80cm
Snow days: 6
April
Spring skiing in Alpe d’Huez is surprisingly good, especially in the mornings and at higher altitudes. Expect slushy conditions later in the day on lower slopes, but still plenty of terrain open.
Average snowfall: 45cm
Snow days: 4
Things To Do In Alpe d'Huez
Non-skiers will find plenty to enjoy in Alpe d’Huez, with a wide range of winter activities and attractions beyond the pistes. If you’re travelling with mixed-ability groups or just fancy a day off skiing, we recommend investing in a pedestrian lift pass so you can join your group for mountain lunches and take in the stunning views.
If you like to stay active, there are lots of outdoor adventures to try. Follow the resort’s snowshoe trails through forests and ridgelines, or explore the surrounding mountains by fat bike. Dog sledding and snowmobiling are available in the Les Bergers area, while paragliding flights offer a bird’s-eye view of the resort and the surrounding peaks.
For something truly unique, book a ride down the Olympic bobsleigh track at nearby La Plagne — accessible by organised excursions from the resort. Closer to home, try ice karting at the Alpe d’Huez driving circuit or test your balance on the outdoor ice rink in the centre of town.
On a bad weather day, there’s still plenty to do indoors. Head to the sports centre for tennis, climbing, squash, or the indoor swimming pool. The Palais des Sports also has a wellness area, gym, and spa for a relaxing break from the cold. Or take in a film at the resort cinema, which often screens movies in English during the winter season.
If your Alpe d’Huez luxury chalet doesn’t have its own wellness suite, you can book into one of the resort’s day spas. Several places offer massages, beauty treatments, saunas and hot tubs; all perfect for unwinding after a day in the snow.
For a slower pace, explore the local artisan shops in the old village of Vieil Alpe, visit the small museum on the history of the resort, or simply enjoy a long lunch and a glass of wine at one of the sunny terraces around town.
Our luxury Alp d’Huez Chalets blog covers a wide range of topics: the latest luxury rental properties in Alp d’Huez, local news, snow conditions, new and top rated restaurants and bars, best rental shops, spa’s and swimming pools, top 5’s and of course, Ski Chalets in Alp d’Huez!
Alpe d'Huez Seasonal Chalets
Need to stay in Alpe d’Huez a little longer? Or just wish to enjoy the piste for a few months rather than a week? Check out our collection of seasonal chalets in Alpe d’Huez, giving you access to the resort for the entire snowy season.