Here's some more great reasons to make that early ski season trip.
Make the most of early season skiing
Enjoy an early season ski break this year
Traditionally the winter ski season begins the last weekend of November or the first weekend in December, and for those of you lucky enough to be there you can count yourselves among the first skiers of the winter.
The start of December can be a great time to ski, the temperatures are usually cold and the snow can be fantastic. The potential downsides are that the snow cover might be poor on the lower slopes and only the main lifts tend to be open.
A lot of your decisions will depend on snow conditions and lift opening. It's important to keep an eye on the forecast, but whether it's sunshine or snow if the temperatures are cold enough, for sure the resorts will have their best snowmaking efforts in operation on the lower slopes.
Whatever the weather, you'll find enough snow to give your legs a good warm up.
Budget Hotels in Alpe d'Huez
For those opening their doors to guests in early December, you may well be offered a lovely discount for being this year's guinea pigs as they try out their new chalet staff. Hotels and apartment rental companies can also be a little bit more flexible on duration of stay at this time of year.
-
Les Bergers Apartment Residence
Centrally located residence featuring an outdoor heated pool, sauna and onsite restaurant
Situated in the Les Bergers district, this recently refurbished Pierre & Vacances residence offers a wide selection of apartments in various sizes.
-
L'Ours Blanc Apartment Residence
Apart-hotel with stunning views in the resort centre, close to the lifts and opposite the ice rink
This charming residence features warm wood décor and offers superb mountain views over the Massif de l'Oisans.
-
Le Petit Prince Hotel
Family-friendly hotel with panoramic views and direct access to the slopes
Langley Hotel Le Petit Prince in Alpe d’Huez offers stylish, practical rooms near the lifts - perfect for families. Enjoy beautiful valley views, a kids’ club, ski rental and relaxed dining.
-
Le Castillan Hotel
Family-run hotel with panoramic Alpine views, ski-in access, and bistronomic dining
Nestled in the heart of Alpe d’Huez, Hôtel Le Castillan offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with direct access to slopes and hiking trails.Â
-
Le Chamois Hotel
Chalet-style hotel beside the lift with warm service and alpine charm
A cosy, family-run chalet hotel in Alpe d’Huez, just steps from the Alpe Express lift.
-
Alp'Azur Hotel
Warm and welcoming chalet stay with views, terrace and ski-in access
Right in the heart of Alpe d’Huez, this charming chalet hotel offers a cosy mountain retreat with south-facing views and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Nightlife in Alpe d'Huez
Early season temperatures tend to be colder, and the forecast is for snow. So, pop into a cosy mountain restaurant or bar and order a well-deserved mulled wine to warm up, or make your way down to one of the bars and hotels at the foot of the slopes.
At this time of year, resort staff outnumber holidaymakers in the bars. It's opening party season and there is something going on almost every night. News usually travels by word of mouth, so pop into a bar for après ski, get friendly with the staff and find out where the party is later on. With fewer people about than in peak season, you will find some busy bars, some quiet ones and some that are still closed.
Bars & Clubs in Alpe d'Huez
See all Bars & Clubs in Alpe d'Huez-
La Folie Douce
La Folie Douce Alpe d'Huez is the place to be for great après-ski
High above the slopes of Alpe d’Huez, La Folie Douce turns après-ski into a spectacular celebration of music, dance, and mountain spirit.
-
Smithy's Tavern
Tex Mex steakhouse with a great bar, great atmosphere and live music
Smithy’s Bar is a true Alpe d’Huez classic - a lively spot that promises great food, great music, and great company. Whether you’re here on a family holiday and need food the kids will love, catching that must-see sports event, or planning dinner for two or thirty, Smithy’s can do it all. The menu is packed with crowd-pleasing favourites, while the bar serves up delicious cocktails, crafty beers, and good vibes from the first sip.
-
Au Dahu Grillé Restaurant
Homely and friendly small bar and restaurant with a sunny terrace to relax on
French run restaurant and bar with a nice terrace to sit out in the sun.Â
-
Prosneige Bar Cafe
Concept snack-bar, ski rental shop and ski school at the foot of the pistes
Nestled right on the slopes, Prosneige Bar Café offers a unique ski-side experience in Alpe d'Huez. Perfect for families, friends, and solo skiers alike, it’s the ideal spot to take a break, refuel, and soak up the alpine atmosphere.
-
L'Atelier Bar and Restaurant
Oyster, tapas and wine bar with a sunny terrace and modern interior
Welcoming and friendly bar, located in the centre of resort and close to the telecentre mid-station, it couldn't be easier to access from anywhere in the resort, or on your way down from the mountain.
-
L'Agua bar
A tea room and snack bar serving sushi situated right beside the outdoor pool
Decorated to create a fun atmosphere, this spot serves a delicious selection of snacks, sushi and yakitori. They also have a small internet café area.
Ski Hire in Alpe d'Huez
At this time of year the ski hire shops have just gotten all their new skis and snowboards ready for this winter's customers. This a great opportunity to take some time to chat to the experts, they will unusually have some time, and try something new. And if you don't like it, take it back and swap for something else.
Ski Hire in Alpe d'Huez
See all Ski Hire in Alpe d'Huez-
Henri Sports III Resort Centre
Ski & snowboard hire in centre of Alpe d'Huez, close to the icerink
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Alpe d'Huez? Just visit the Skiset AB Sports Centre Station store!
Visit websiteSave an extra 5%. Skiset ski hire discount applied automatically on website visit
-
Chic & Performance
A ski hire shop in Alpe d'Huez centre on the main street
Welcome to the ski hire and ski equipment store in the very centre of Alpe d'Huez. Benoit and team will welcome you and assist you in the store.
Visit websiteSave an extra 5%. Ski hire discount applied automatically on website visit
-
Odalys-L'Eclose
Ski hire shop in Alpe d'Huez
Ski and snowboard rental in Alpe d'Huez. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
Visit websiteSave an extra 5%. Use Intersport ski hire discount code: STWSKI
-
Henri Sports VII MMV
Ski & snowboard hire in Les Bergers area
You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, they’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Alpe d'Huez!Â
Visit websiteSave an extra 5%. Skiset ski hire discount applied automatically on website visit
-
Centre Station
One stop shop for all your ski and snowboard equipment hire in Alpe d'Huez
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your 1st skiing day.Â
Visit websiteSave 5% automatically when you click here to book
-
Richard III Sports
Save 10% extra: use promo code STWSKI when booking ski hire online
You’ll find us just next to the main round about at the foot of the pistes and ski lifts. Within 100m around us we have the main bus stop for the free resort busses, the main lift pass offices, restaurants, a supermarket and a Tabac.
Visit websiteSave an extra 10%. Click website button and use code: STWSKI
Ski Schools in Alpe d'Huez
Not all tour operators are up and running in resort until just before Christmas, so the resorts tend to be quieter, which means it'll just be you, some locals and day trippers. With this in mind the lift pass companies often do special rates for those coming to ski before Christmas, and you can get a private ski lesson booked in to make sure your skills on the slopes are in top condition before the season really gets going.
Ski School Lessons in Alpe d'Huez
See all Ski School Lessons in Alpe d'Huez-
Group ski lessons
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
-
Private ski lessons
From beginners to experts with fully qualified English speaking instructors
Enjoy a truly tailor-made experience with private ski or snowboard lessons, designed to suit your needs and pace. Whether it’s your first time on the slopes, a refresher to brush up on skills, or a boost to gain confidence on steeper runs or off-piste terrain, private tuition offers focused, one-on-one instruction.
-
Private ski lessons
Private skiing and snowboarding lessons with highly rated instructors
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
-
Private ski lessons
Passion, professionalism, and pure mountain joy come together at this ski school
With over 30 years of experience teaching skiing and snowboarding across the French Alps, their mission is to help you make the most of every moment on snow.
-
Private ski lessons
British school offering a wide range of private lesson options tailored to all ages and abilities
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
-
Group ski lessons
From beginners to experts with fully qualified English speaking instructors
This ski school is part of the prestigious École du Ski Français, one of the most well-known and trusted ski schools in the Alps, with schools across France’s major resorts.
Things to do in Alpe d'Huez
In addition to skiing and opening parties, there's always plenty to do away from the slopes, such as ice skating, husky sledding or some early present shopping at the Christmas market.
Things To Do in Alpe d'Huez
See all Things To Do in Alpe d'Huez-
Snowshoe walks
Private snowshoe walks for friends and family
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.
-
Ski touring
Ski touring for all abilities, with experienced guides, in a friendly and safe environment
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.
-
Family activities
Family fun and friendly competition on snow
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.
-
Biathlon activity
Biathlon group activity for 3-6 people
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.
-
Winter and Summer Paragliding
25min paragliding flight from the top of the slopes in Alpe d'Huez
You'll be sure to enjoy some amazing views and an experience like no other!
-
Ecole MCF Mountain Bike Guides
Mountain bike coaching and guided trips
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.
