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Guides & Tours in Alpe d'Huez — 9 of Our Favourites

Find your perfect Alpe d'Huez tour. Book directly or with help from our local experts

The main draw for people coming to Alpe d'Huez in winter is, of course, skiing and snowboarding.

Find loads of top tips and local insights in our Alpe d'Huez Activities Guide.

A man in a red jacket with the word rossignol on it

1. Biathlon activity

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Step away from the bustle of the ski slopes and try your hand at biathlon, a brilliant winter adventure that mixes cross-country skiing with precision rifle shooting. It is an exciting blend of endurance and focus, and it suits mixed groups beautifully. With adapted equipment and clear guidance, it is accessible to absolute beginners as well as those keen to push themselves a little.

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!

Alpe d'Huez off-piste skiing

2. Pure Ski Guiding and mountain guides

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Specialists in off-piste skiing and heliski with plenty of experience and knowledge of all the best places and hidden spots of the Grandes Rousses mountain range.

The company is run by Denis who is passionate about skiing and the mountains and is eager to share with you the most beautiful lines and runs of the Grandes Rousses mountain range, Oisans district and else where. On your own or with friends (maximum six per group) you can hire a guide to take you to wild and surreal spots to find the best snow quality.

The Grandes Rousses Mountain range, better know through its resorts of Alpe d’Huez and Oz-Vaujany, offers a variety of routes to suit all abilities.

Discover incredible vertical drops from ski lifts or with a bit of hiking, such as:

  • The Grand Sablat
  • Combe du Cerisier
  • Pied froid ridge on the eastern face and the routes down to the "Ferrand" Valley.
Oli Sebbar Mountain Guide, Alpe d'Huez

3. Oli Sebbar - off-piste and ski touring guide

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Experience freedom and adventure in the mountains with an excellent off-piste and ski touring guide.

Olivier Sebbar is a fully certified ski instructor both in France with the top national qualification and in New Zealand with the trainer and examiner qualification. His passion for the mountains has driven him to share his views and knowledge of the terrain and various techniques.

With touring, you will be able to go from one village to another, or simply ski across a whole mountain range from hut to hut whilst being fully immersed in an outstanding environment. With multi day itineraries ski touring you will join this extraordinary community of adventurers, and explorers but with the safety of being guided by a professional.

It's a great way to discover other mountain ranges around Alpe d'Huez.

Oli also offers guided freeride for half days or full days on skis, snowboard or telemark as well as off-piste coaching with technical support. 

For advanced skiers who would like to experience something new, there's the steep skiing coaching which requires specific technical skills and is quite extreme, evolving in 40°+ gradients.

A group of people skiing down a snowy hill

4. Ski touring

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Discover the freedom of ski touring and explore the quieter side of Alpe d’Huez, where wide-open landscapes, peaceful summits and fresh air set the tone. With friendly, uncompetitive groups and routes for every level, you can take things at your own pace and enjoy the mountains in a whole new way.

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.

A woman wearing a pink helmet with the letter r on it

5. Family activities

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Discover a brilliant line-up of family activities in Alpe d’Huez, perfect for bringing everyone together on the snow. Whether your crew loves a challenge, prefers shared adventures or wants to try something completely new, there is an experience for every age and level.

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.

A group of people are walking through the snow

6. Snowshoe walks

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Strap on your snowshoes and explore the winter trails of Alpe d’Huez with a qualified instructor, discovering the mountains at a slower pace and in complete tranquillity. Snowshoe walks are suitable for all ages and require only a basic level of fitness, making them perfect for families, mixed groups, or anyone looking for a peaceful winter escape. Each outing is rated by difficulty, allowing you to choose the walk that best suits your group.

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.

A person skiing down a snow covered mountain

7. Off-piste mountain guides

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Take your skiing or snowboarding to the next level with expert off-piste lessons in Alpe d’Huez. Designed for experienced skiers and snowboarders, these guided outings offer a chance to explore the resort’s hidden corners and pristine powder away from the crowds. With their extensive knowledge of the area, instructors know where to find the best snow and secret spots for every level of adventure.

Courses range from “The First Ride” (2/5), ideal for a first off-piste experience, to the challenging “First Corridor” (5/5) for those seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush. In between are outings such as “The Ephemeral,” a peaceful free-ride to reconnect with nature, and “The Mythical West and East,” featuring dramatic valleys, glaciers, and legendary descents. The “Majestic Lady” offers a demanding yet breathtaking exploration of the Meije, while the “First Corridor” provides a steep, technical challenge for highly skilled skiers.

All instructors are fully qualified, highly experienced, and speak English and other languages, ensuring clear guidance at every stage. Lessons run for groups of four to eight, with options also available for teenagers. Additional activities, including snowshoe hikes and cross-country skiing, are offered for those seeking an alternative winter adventure. With safety and skill development prioritised, these off-piste experiences are perfect for taking your mountain skills to new heights.

two person white water rafting

8. Veneon Eaux Vives Watersports

Location
Venosc

This watersports centre is located between Venosc and St Christophe, not far from the Ecrins National Park. 

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. 

a picture of 3 mountain bike coaches

9. Ecole MCF Mountain Bike Guides

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Ecole MCF offer a wide range of Mountain Bike courses for adults and children in Alpe d'Huez, from afternoon trips to 5 day courses.

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.