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Spring half-term activities in Alpe d'Huez

The best things to do with kids in Alpe d'Huez

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By Tracy Wise, Updated

Alpe d'Huez caters really well for everyone from little tots to energetic teenagers.

Half-term is the perfect excuse to swap screens for snowy adventures, and Alpe d’Huez is one of the most family-friendly resorts in the French Alps. Set on a sunny plateau high above the Oisans Valley, this legendary mountain destination offers far more than incredible skiing, with activities and experiences to suit toddlers, teens and adults alike. From breathtaking mountain views and thrilling winter adventures to sledging, ice skating, swimming and unforgettable family days out, Alpe d’Huez makes it easy to keep everyone entertained. Here’s our guide to the best ways to make the most of your February half-term holiday in the mountains.

Evenings out in Alpe d'Huez

The bars in resort are generally very family friendly, especially during the early evening when it's perfectly normal to see families enjoying a relaxed drink after a day on the slopes. Children are made to feel welcome, with many venues offering games, cosy seating and a laid-back atmosphere, whilst those serving food often have dedicated children's menus if your après drinks spill over into dinner… (no pun intended).

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Fun on the snow

Alpe d’Huez has plenty of dedicated spaces and activities designed to keep younger visitors entertained. Head to family-friendly areas such as the Piou-Piou beginner zones and the Children’s Village, where little ones can enjoy gentle slopes, playful learning areas and fun features designed to help them gain confidence while discovering the joys of the mountains.

You’ll find that local sports shops sell and rent plastic sledges, so head to one of Alpe d’Huez’s dedicated sledging areas for some classic winter fun. The toboggan runs at the base of the resort offer a safe and accessible way for children to enjoy the snow, while older kids can take on longer descents such as the 10km Sarenne Valley sledging run. Whether it’s a first snowy adventure or a thrilling race downhill, sledging is a great way for families to create unforgettable memories together.

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Action packed days

If you’ve got young thrill-seekers to keep entertained, then Alpe d’Huez has plenty of adrenaline-filled activities to keep them excited throughout the holiday. Enquire with your ski school to find out what extra activities they offer, from freestyle sessions and fun challenges to snow adventures designed for younger skiers.

Or get the kids involved in some “off-piste”, “freeride”, or “snowpark” lessons. With a huge variety of terrain and a dedicated snowpark offering different levels of freestyle features, Alpe d’Huez is a fantastic place for adventurous skiers to develop new skills. Qualified instructors will help them build confidence, master new techniques and safely push their limits while discovering a different side of the mountain.

Ski School Lessons in Alpe d'Huez

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Family activities for everyone

Alpe d’Huez is packed with activities for families looking to make the most of their time off the slopes. Spend an afternoon gliding around the outdoor ice rink in the centre of resort, enjoy a swim, climbing session or relaxation time at the Palais des Sports, or head to one of the dedicated sledging areas for some classic snowy fun.

There are plenty more ways to experience the mountains too, from husky sledding and snowshoeing through the surrounding alpine scenery to bowling, cinema trips and scenic winter walks with spectacular views across the Oisans Valley. For families with older children, a tandem paragliding flight offers an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the resort and surrounding peaks. Whatever your family’s idea of fun, Alpe d’Huez has plenty to keep everyone entertained throughout the half-term holidays.

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Out and about in Alpe d'Huez

If you’ve invested in the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine lift pass, you’ll find there are plenty of extras that make fantastic family excursions. You can ride the Pic Blanc cable car up to 3,330m for incredible panoramic views across the Alps, take a scenic lift journey to explore the different sectors of the ski area, or head down the famous Sarenne Valley for a memorable mountain adventure.

Even a simple lift ride can become an adventure; hop between high-altitude viewpoints, follow one of Alpe d’Huez’s marked winter walking trails, or stop at a sunny mountain restaurant for lunch or hot chocolate while taking in the spectacular scenery. With breathtaking views, accessible mountain walks and plenty of family-friendly experiences to discover, Alpe d’Huez makes it easy to turn a day in the mountains into an unforgettable alpine adventure.

There are also a number of museums and learning spaces in the resort, if you want to find out more about the area and its history. 

Latest News & Reviews

Find out all about what is happening in Allpe d'Huez and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.

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Upcoming Events

Alpe d'Huez hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. In the winter, you can expect motor racing on ice, comedy festivals, ski races and various live music gigs. During the summer months, the focus turns to cycling with the Tour de France usually passing through town. The Megavalanche, a mass-start mountain bike race that draws thousands of MTB fans from around the world, takes place in July.

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