L'alpe d'huez

The 14km bicycle ascent to Alpe d’Huez, with its 21 marked hairpin turns, is the most famous climb of the Tour de France. Approximately 1000 professional and amateur cyclists make this climb during a summer day. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

After a warm-up on the straight roads of the Oisans valley, you reach the foot of the famous ascent of Alpe d'Huez. 10 minutes afterer  crossing the starting line, you’ll get to the heart of the matter… no more flat stretches. Starting from 737m, the first severe slope takes you to turn 21 (806 m) and continues with a  fearful climb up to turn 17 at 965m. Once you’ve passed this bend, you can recover on the 200m gentle slope crossing the village of La Garde. At this point, the serious cyclist get a boost and pick up speed, while others huff and puff untill turn 15 (1025m) where the slope gets steeper again.  Turn 14 is marked with a monument dedicated to Joachim Agostino which gives you the confidence and strength to continue.

A gentle slope will take you to "Ribot d’en Bas" (Below) after of which you’ll understand why next hamlet is called "Ribot d’en Haut" (on top). Turn 12 welcomes you at 1161 m and string of bends 11/10/9 is the consecration of your condition whatever it may be. The last moment of lower difficulty, your arrival at Sainte-Ferréol (1390 m – cemetary of Huez) where those in distress can quench their thirst. Next, the ascent to of the village of Huez.

Cyclisme - Laurent SalinoFrom bends 5 to 2, you get to the heart of the matter again untill the crossing known as the  "Patte d’oie" crossing, where the 3 last bends are linked on a slope similar to the first part of the ascent to La Garde.

The climb to the resort ends with turn 1 (1713 m) which is very wide, before you come to "Vieil Alpe" (the old village section of Alpe d'Huez), and pass through the tunnel.  Up by chalet "Le Camigane" you are cheered up by the red flame marking the last kilometer until the final segment, gently flater between the two roundabouts. 300 meters left and you’ll have conquered the 21 mythical bends of Alpe d'Huez.

 The Alpe d’Huez/Grand Domaine ski area links Alpe d'Huez and five resorts that, nestling among the fir forests, have preserved the charm of traditional mountain villages: Auris-en-Oisans, La Garde, Oz-en-Oisans, Vaujany and Villard-Reculas.

The geography of the area, with gentle vertical drop at the base of the slopes, is ideal for learning to ski or snowboard on the green runs and the beginners’ area.

The black, expert runs accessible from the top of Pic Blanc and Les Marmottes III cable car, attract thrill seekers and the more technically advanced skiers to experience the maximum vertical drop of 2200m.

You can enjoy an hour and a half of uninterrupted skiing down the 16-km Sarenne run - the longest run in the World – as well as the La Fare or Château Noir runs, without taking ski lifts, thanks to our network of ski runs covering the entire Massif range, providing all the pleasures of longer skiing.

A truly unforgettable experience...

Good skiers, an unforgettable experience for all on the magical Sarenne run, deep in the high mountains.

Ascending to the summit of Pic Blanc, at 3330 m, on the last trip of the cable lift run, watching the sunset against a magnificent panorama, a simple meal of fresh local ingredients in a mountain hut… before embarking on the 16 km descent in a landscape lit only by the moon or the lamp in your helmet.

At Huez, there is a bus to take you to the Alpe d'Huez resort.

Training and safety are covered by qualified ski instructors and first-aiders for the pistes.

Take a dog sled excursion for a unique nordic adventure....

Sleigh trips along pedestrian routes.

Reservation required at least 48 hours in advance.

Situated at 2,700 m and accessible via the Grandes Rousses DMC lift, this ice cave was dug into the snow by two high moutain guides, Bruno Gardent and Bernard Lambolez.

Sculptors skilled in the ice art change its appearance every year.  This year's theme is "Ancient Greece".

Every Tuesday and Thursday at 10am and 2pm, come on a 90-minute trip.

Excursions to "La Ronde des Lacs" or "La Crête du Signal" are 90 minutes long.

Meeting point: "Pistes service" below the SATA offices, Grandes Rousses gondola lift (DMC)

NEW: a new route to explore!

Departure from the Bergers along "La Bergerie" promenade,down to the Altiport area and towards the Brandes area. Return to the Bergers.

Discover the splendor of the Oisans mountains by snowshoe.

Everyday, mornings and afternoons, a regular program is offered during the whole season on the plateaus and mountain crests in Massif des Grandes Rousses and in Oisans.

Fun off-piste snowshoeing for everyone (reservation advised from 6pm to 10pm).