Alpe d'Huez is renowned for its year-round outdoor adventures.
Top adventure sports to do in Alpe d'Huez
Thrills and adrenaline highs in Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d'Huez is a vast alpine playground, where legendary mountain terrain provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether you're drawn to gravity-fuelled descents, high-altitude hikes, aerial thrills or white-water excitement, there's an activity to suit every ability and level of experience.
Guides & Tours in Alpe d'Huez
Off-piste skiing and freeride
Alpe d'Huez's varied terrain makes it an excellent destination for guided off-piste skiing and snowboarding. Local mountain guides lead everything from introductory freeride sessions to advanced descents through glaciers, steep couloirs and hidden powder fields, helping visitors discover parts of the mountain they wouldn't find on their own.
Ski touring and splitboarding
Escape the lift system and head into the backcountry on a guided ski touring adventure. Whether you're trying touring for the first time or looking to tackle longer alpine routes, qualified guides provide instruction, safety equipment and access to quieter, untouched terrain.
Paragliding
Tandem paragliding flights are available throughout both winter and summer, allowing visitors to soar above Alpe d'Huez and enjoy panoramic views of the Oisans mountains. No previous experience is required, making it one of the most accessible ways to experience the Alps from the air.
Climbing, Via Ferrata and mountaineering
Experienced mountain guides offer climbing, Via Ferrata and mountaineering outings across the Oisans and Écrins ranges. From introductory rock climbing sessions to more technical alpine ascents, there are guided experiences for every level.
Ice climbing
During winter, frozen waterfalls and ice formations around Alpe d'Huez provide the setting for guided ice climbing. With specialist equipment and expert instruction, it's a unique way to experience the mountains and develop technical climbing skills.
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Off-piste mountain guides
Backcountry skiing and snowboarding with expert instructors and guides
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.
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Pure Ski Guiding and mountain guides
Off-piste and back country skiing with an experienced mountain guide
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Watersports in Alpe d'Huez
White water rafting
The glacier-fed Vénéon River is the centre of rafting around Alpe d'Huez, with everything from family-friendly descents to exhilarating rapids. Running from May to September, guided trips make the most of the powerful meltwater flowing from the Écrins mountains, creating one of the Alps' best white-water experiences.
For something a little extra you could also try canyoning – swimming, scrambling, abseiling, cliff jumping and sliding down natural rock chutes, or hydrospeeding using a specialist foam float and fins as you navigate the fast-flowing waters of the Vénéon River.
Canoeing and kayaking
Paddle the rivers of the Écrins National Park, including the Vénéon, Romanche, Eau d'Olle and Rive, where routes range from gentle sections for beginners to more technical white-water challenges. Guided sessions and equipment hire are available.
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Veneon Eaux Vives Watersports
White water activities on the edge of the Ecrins National Park
This watersports centre is located between Venosc and St Christophe, not far from the Ecrins National Park.
Mountain Biking in Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d'Huez is one of France's top mountain biking destinations, with a huge network of downhill, enduro and cross-country trails spread across the Grand Domaine. Its renowned bike park features everything from flowing berms and jump lines to technical singletrack and demanding downhill descents, while the surrounding Oisans mountains offer endless natural terrain for more adventurous riders. Lift access makes it easy to maximise your time on the trails, including the legendary descent from Pic Blanc, one of the longest continuous downhill runs in Europe. Bike hire shops throughout the resort provide equipment, protective gear and experienced guides to help you discover the area's best rides.
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About mountain biking trails in Alpe d'Huez 
About mountain biking trails in Alpe d'Huez
Our guide to over 200km of marked trails linking Alpe d'Huez and its surrounding villages
The mountain biking trails of Alpe d'Huez are immense, weaving their way across the spectacular terrain of the Oisans region including Auris, Oz, Vaujany, Villard-Reculas, Allemont, Freney d'Oisans and Bourg d'Oisans.
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MTB Trails in Oz en Oisans 
MTB Trails in Oz en Oisans
Kids zone, XC, DH trails, cross and pump track accessible from the centre of Alpe d'Huez
Oz en Oisans sits to the west side of Alpe d'Huez and can be accessed by the MTB trails from the centre of Alpe d'Huez and the two gondolas that run from that side (the Poutran and the Alpette).
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MTB trails in Alpe d'Huez centre 
MTB trails in Alpe d'Huez centre
Trails, features and skills areas found in the centre of resort
The main part of Alpe d'Huez is serviced by two cable cars and a gondola - the Télévillage, the DMC and the Pic Blanc.
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MTB trails in Auris en Oisans 
MTB trails in Auris en Oisans
Downhill and cross-country trails easily accessed from Alpe d'Huez by shuttle bus
Auris en Oisans, located to the east Alpe d'Huez, has a shuttle bus service running back and forth from the centre of Alpe d'Huez, plus its own chairlift equipped with bike hooks.
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MTB trails in Vaujany 
MTB trails in Vaujany
Practise area, Enduro trails and trial zones up the valley from Oz en Oisans
Vaujany is linked to the rest of the mountain bike area via the two sections of the Dome des Rousses cable car.
Things to do in Alpe d'Huez
Paragliding
Tandem flights are available throughout both winter and summer, offering spectacular aerial views over the Oisans mountains. With no previous experience required, it's one of the easiest ways to experience the landscape from above.
Biathlon
Combine cross-country skiing with precision rifle shooting in a guided biathlon session. Suitable for beginners as well as more experienced participants, it offers a fun introduction to one of the Alps' classic winter sports.
Ice driving
Test your car control on a dedicated ice circuit with professional instruction. Held on the famous track used for the Andros Trophy, it's a unique winter activity that blends speed, skill and adrenaline.
Things To Do in Alpe d'Huez
See all Things To Do in Alpe d'Huez-
Visit website
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.
-
Visit website
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.
-
Visit website
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.
-
Visit website
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.
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Enquire 
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!
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Enquire 
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.
Walking in Alpe d'Huez
Walking, hiking and trail running might sound more relaxing than adventurous, but Alpe d'Huez's dramatic mountain scenery quickly changes that perception. The resort is surrounded by high-altitude trails, rugged peaks and panoramic ridgelines. From scenic walks to alpine lakes to demanding summit hikes and technical trail runs, there's a route for every ability. Local guides can introduce you to hidden corners of the mountains, while the lift network provides easy access to higher terrain, opening up spectacular routes without the long climb from the valley floor. Browse our favourite routes below to discover where to head first.
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Lac Besson loop 
Lac Besson loop
The Lac Besson loop is a gentle and picturesque trail ideal for walkers of all levels
Especially suitable for families or those looking for a relaxed introduction to alpine hiking.
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Le Col de Sarenne 
Le Col de Sarenne
Scenic and moderately challenging hike to one of the most iconic passes in the region
Beginning directly from Alpe d’Huez, the trail gradually ascends to the Col de Sarenne, which sits at 1,999 metres.
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The Roman Road to Villard-Reculas 
The Roman Road to Villard-Reculas
Following this ancient road is a cultural and scenic walk rolled into one
Starting at approximately 1,860 metres near the Vieil Alpe area of the resort, the trail descends through terraced meadows, coniferous woodland, and timeworn hamlets.
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Lacs Noir and Faucille via Signal de l’Homme 
Lacs Noir and Faucille via Signal de l’Homme
Blend of panoramic summit views and serene lakeside scenery
This hike offers so much, making it a top choice for a well-rounded alpine hiking experience.
Read more about Lacs Noir and Faucille via Signal de l’Homme
