Alpe d’Huez and a fractional ownership apartment in the centre of the resort
Alpe d’Huez is not only a family-friendly ski resort known for its sunny weather and south-facing slopes but also a haven for skiers of all levels. This comprehensive guide includes everything from the Alpe d’Huez ski map to the finest ski schools, ski hire shops, and après-ski bars, offering a complete picture of this beloved French destination.
Alpe d’Huez Ski Map & Pistes: The resort comprises four distinct, interconnected villages, each offering a unique skiing experience. The Auris sector is extensive, offering a range of pistes for all abilities, often less crowded, and showcasing stunning views. The core Alpe d’Huez sector is perfect for groups of mixed abilities, featuring enjoyable mid-altitude blue runs and beginner-friendly super-pistes. The Signal sector offers good cruising slopes and night-skiing options, while the Vaujany/Oz sector is ideal for novices and intermediates, with long sheltered trails down to charming valley villages. The “Sarenne” in Alpe d’Huez is a favourite slope among many skiers. It’s known as the longest black run in Europe, offering a thrilling and scenic descent for advanced skiers. This run is famous for its beautiful alpine views and the challenges it presents.
Off-Piste, Backcountry & Ski Touring: Alpe d’Huez offers a diverse range of terrains, from high-altitude couloirs off Pic Blanc to sheltered tree runs in Auris and Vaujany. The area is perfect for ski touring, with the Pic Blanc offering access to untapped sectors and cruisey descents.
Fractional Ownership Property: This new 3-bedroom apartment, located in the centre of Alpe d’Huez resort, is available for fractional ownership. Priced at 120,000 € for a 1/8th share, this apartment offers a smart and cost-effective way to own a second home. The apartment features high-end finishes, modern amenities, and is sold fully furnished and equipped, including a garage, extra parking and a ski locker.
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Restaurants, Bars & The Town: Alpe d’Huez boasts a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere with a variety of restaurants and bars. While there are no notable slope-side après-ski bars, the town centre offers lively venues like the Underground Bar and the Yeti, and restaurants serving classic Savoyard and Italian cuisine.
Ski Hire & Ski School: Numerous ski hire options are available, including Intersport, Skiset, and Sport 2000. ESF is the primary provider for ski lessons, offering a range of group and individual classes. Masterclass Snowboarding and the SkiBro platform are also excellent choices for snowboarding and independent instruction options.
Alpe d’Huez offers something for everyone, from beginner-friendly slopes to challenging off-piste adventures, along with a wide range of amenities and accommodations, making it an ideal destination for both winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking a serene mountain getaway.
Alpe d’Huez, known primarily for its winter sports, also offers fantastic hiking opportunities in the summer. The area’s beautiful alpine scenery transforms into a network of trails that cater to various levels of hikers. Here are some of the best hiking routes in Alpe d’Huez:
- The Sarenne Gorge: This hike offers a stunning view of the Sarenne Gorge. It’s a relatively easy trail, making it suitable for families and less experienced hikers.
- The Lac Besson: A scenic and peaceful hike, this trail leads to the beautiful Lac Besson. It’s a great spot for a picnic and to enjoy the serene alpine environment.
- Pic Blanc: For a more challenging hike, the trail to Pic Blanc is perfect. It offers breathtaking views from the top, including a panoramic vista of the French Alps. This hike can be quite strenuous, so it’s better suited for experienced hikers.
- The Ecrins National Park: Nearby, this park offers numerous trails of varying difficulty. The scenery includes glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks, making it a paradise for nature lovers and hikers.
- Alpette to Oz-en-Oisans: This is a lovely and relatively easy hike, taking you through picturesque landscapes and offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
- The Huez Village Loop: A historical and scenic hike that takes you through the old village of Huez, with its traditional alpine architecture and charming streets.
- The Grandes Rousses Circuit: A more demanding hike, this circuit covers a significant part of the Grandes Rousses massif, offering diverse landscapes and stunning views.
Remember, when hiking in mountainous areas, it’s important to be prepared with appropriate gear, plenty of water, and to be mindful of weather conditions. Also, local tourist offices in Alpe d’Huez can provide maps and further details about the trails, including their current conditions.
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