Things To Do in Alpe d'Huez — 16 of Our Favourites

If you are all about speed and rivalry, Beat the Clock is your moment. With coaching from professional esf instructors, you will train on the famous stadium slalom course before taking part in an official timed race. Bibs, cheering, adrenaline and a proper podium finish make it a cracking family showdown. Who will come out on top?

For a gentler way to reconnect, All Together is ideal. Instead of scattering across the mountain, you explore the resort as one group, with an instructor adapting the route to the lowest level. Parents can pick up handy tips, children gain confidence and everyone enjoys the same slopes for once. There is even a mini biathlon challenge to wrap things up with a smile.

And for something playful and competitive, Family Biathlon hits the mark. Toddlers use elastic rifles, older children try lasers and adults take on the classic version. Concentration, giggles and friendly rivalry all mix for a fun afternoon at the nordic park.

The snowshoe outing they offer is The Glaciers walk (3/5), which gives the chance to enjoy the silence of nature far from the busy slopes. Starting from the Col du Milieu, you’ll learn about the local weather station, an important feature for the resort. From there, the trail winds across the plateaus above the high lakes at the foot of the Grandes Rousses peaks, including Pic Blanc, Pic Bayle, and Pic de l’Etendard. The scale of the snow and ice is breathtaking, and the landscape will leave you feeling wonderfully small in the face of nature.

After a welcome break at Lake Fare near the shelter of Father Rajon, you’ll return along the western ridges, soaking up spectacular views of the Belledonne and Vercors Massifs. These snowshoe walks provide an unforgettable way to experience the beauty, serenity, and grandeur of the mountains.

If you are new to ski touring, The Initiation level is a gentle introduction. Rated one out of five in difficulty, it leads you across forests and small valleys on the western side of the resort, with untouched slopes to enjoy on the way back down. It is all about learning technique and finding pleasure in each turn.

For something more demanding, The Blue Hour (four out of five) begins as the day winds down. You climb towards the Herpie peak, passing traces of old mining routes before watching the sunset over the Grandes Rousses. After a snack at the summit, you head back under a star-lit sky with a head torch to guide you.

Those seeking a softer night experience can try The Stars (one out of five), an easy, atmospheric ascent of about two hundred and fifty metres, offering magical views of the illuminated village.

And for keen adventurers, The Opening (three out of five) delivers a spectacular early-morning journey, from ancient Roman remains to soaring ridgelines, before a rewarding descent towards the Sarenne gorges.

You will learn how to switch quickly from physical effort to calm concentration, mastering the rhythm that makes biathlon so addictive. Once you have the basics, the fun really begins. You will split into teams for a friendly competition, putting your new skills to the test and seeing who can keep their cool when the pressure rises. Will your team take the top spot?

Whether you come on foot, on snowshoes or on skis, it is a fantastic choice for families, groups of friends or colleagues looking for something different. It is also a great shout for celebrations, from birthdays to stag and hen parties. Whatever the occasion, the focus is on enjoying a shared adventure in the snow.

Expect plenty of laughter, a spark of competitive spirit and stories you will definitely retell over dinner later. Give it your best shot!

Winter

You'll start your flight from Le Signal at 2115m altitude and take off directly on your skis for the flight of your choice, before landing back on the pistes!

On this 20-25 minute discovery flight you'll get amazing panoramic views of the resort of Oisans and the Ecrins and enjoy discovering the ski resort from the skies! Accessible to even beginner skiers and children.

Flights run throughout the winter season.

Summer

Starting from either Alpe d'Huez at 1100m altitude or Le Signal at 1400m, you will fly with a qualified pilot over the incredible landscape below. From the air you will see the infamous 21 bends of the Tour de France as well as panoramas of Ecrins national park before landing in the resort of Bourg d'Oisans.

You are guaranteed the best seat in the house as you let the pilot guide you over the mountains below. All the pilots are experienced professionals with paragliding qualifications. If you are uneasy with heights, just let your pilot know beforehand and they'll be sure to offer a smooth ride.

Flights run throughout the summer season.

Head the top of the second section of the DMC lift.

It's open to the public and also hosts curling sessions, ice hockey demonstrations and local team Alpe d’Huez play their ice hockey home games there. The fantastic floodlights make for a wonderful alpine setting.

Entry is free with a Visalp pass (skate hire extra). It also has a curling rink (booking advised) and there is the possibility of booking ice skating lessons.

It’s always worth checking the public opening hours – as these can vary dependant on time of year and other usages (i.e ice hockey matches, etc).

So if you're in resort and looking for something different to do, then slip along to ice rink and don’t let the opportunity slide away.

They're open from 08:30 to 20:00 in winter and experiences start from around 50 euros per person.

Alpine MTB for beginners:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning.
• Five mornings Monday to Thursday for 8-12 year olds and learners who regularly mountain bike. The instructor will teach different techniques for freeriding with the last day a long trail with a big descent in the Alpe d'Huez area.
• From 4 to 10 people.
• Only when lifts are open (July and August).
• Price: 125 euros each (lifts and material not included).

Alpine MTB 5 day course:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday morning, Thursday and Friday.
• A week to discover the Alpe d'Huez area with an instructor; the best spots, the fantastic descents (including the famous megavalanche run of 2600m descent), the permanent and natural trails.
• During this trip the instructor will help you to boost your technical level.
• This course is for those who have a good level in mountain freeride, downhill and endurance.
• "Rocket" tests on the friday afternoon.
• From 4 to 10 people.
• Only when the lifts are open (July and August).
• Price: 250 euros each (lifts and material not included).

Bike Aprem:

• Every Sunday, from 13.00 til 15.00 or from 15.00 til 17.00. Sales will take place in every participating shop.
• BIKE APREM is about discovering alpine mountain biking in l'Alpe d'Huez. If you enjoy riding or skiing the slopes in the winter, come and enjoy riding them on a bike in the summer! With an instructor, on your own or with your family.
• We use the lifts
• Price: 15 euros per person (includes mountain bike rental + lift pass)

Afternoon Rides:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoon.
• You will learn the basics of mountain-bike technique during those beginners discovery courses. Recommended for those who'd like to try the easy but spectacular trails in the Alpe d'Huez area.
• Level : novice.
• From 4 to 10 people.
• Only when the lifts are open (July and August).
• Price : 20 euro each for one afternoon (lifts and material not included).

Private Lessons:

• Work on different bike skills: basic ride, trail, cross-country or downhill.
• Acquire or improve bike techniques to help the novices riding safely and the confirmed bikers improving their technique.
• Level : novice to expert.
• From 1 to 4 people.
• Only when lifts are open (July and August).
• Price : 1 or 2 people : 40 euros/h. 3 or 4 people : 50 euros/h. Lifts and material not included.

You can choose from a number of "arrive and ride" day trips starting and finishing in Alpe D' Huez or multi-day tours to travel further afield using a fleet of classic era Japanese motorcycles.

Summer months only (July - September) to ensure the best weather.

Facilities include

NB: Swimming costumes must be worn in all areas of the pool and men of all ages have to wear Speedo-style trunks which can also be rented on site. No board shorts allowed.

Players of all standards are welcome, reduced fees are available with a Visalp pass. The club holds regular competitions; their regular weekly 'friendly' competitions are free to members and a nominal charge for non-members. The weekend competitions are also open to members and non-members. Lessons are available with the resident coach.

They offer a range of white water activities, including rafting, hydrospeed (wild water swimming), hot-dog (canoe rafting), air-boat, kayaking, tubing, via ferrata, mountain biking and hiking.

You can have a taster session for an hour or two, or spend the whole weekend trying out lots of different activities. Get in touch and enquire to find out prices and how to book. 

One screen has 154 seats with 18 foldable seats and the second screen seats 86.

This cinema is not open all year round, so please check locally for dates and times.

There are discounts for children tickets, family group tickets and students upon presentation of ID.

With paddling pools for children, a sauna and a large lane swimming pool there is something for everyone. Enjoy the wonderful mountain views whilst you take a dip.

Men and boys must wear swimming trunks/speedos (not shorts), they are available to rent at reception.

Check their website for more information on their opening dates and times

If you’re looking to spend time with horses in Alpe d’Huez, head to Le Second Souffle equestrian centre. Open year-round and set in a stunning mountain location, the centre offers a wide range of activities for all levels and ages, whether you're after riding lessons or scenic hacks through the Oisans landscape.

In summer, you can take part in individual or group lessons including dressage, jumping and pony games, or enjoy half-day and full-day rides. In winter, the centre transforms to offer ski joëring, sleigh rides and even husky sledding. The team also provides boarding and breaking-in services for horse owners.

You’ll find modern facilities, including large outdoor arenas, paddocks and stables, all designed with horse wellbeing in mind. The centre is also home to a unique altitude training track for horses at 2,000m, one of the only ones of its kind in Europe. Just a short walk from the resort centre, it’s a great place to connect with nature and enjoy a different mountain adventure.

The equestrian centre is located in the middle of the slopes and is not accessible by car. You can park in the resort and walk 200m to reach the centre.