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Non-skier things to do in Alpe d'Huez

Can't ski, won't ski? It's not all downhill you know

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By Tracy Wise, Updated

Whilst Alpe d'Huez is a great ski resort, there are many activities here to suit all non-skiers.

You don't have to be a skier to fall in love with Alpe d'Huez. Whilst the resort is famous for its world-class slopes, it's also packed with unforgettable experiences for visitors who'd rather keep their feet off the pistes. From soaring cable cars and scenic mountain views to snowshoe walks, indulgent spas and cosy cafés with spectacular vistas, there's plenty to enjoy at every pace. Whether you're travelling with skiers or simply looking for a different kind of alpine escape, here are the best things for non-skiers to do in Alpe d'Huez.

Hire a guide and go on a tour

You can really get away from it all and disappear into nature on some snowshoes (raquettes). The area around the fort is particularly popular for snowshoe walking, as is the Sarenne Gorge area up behind the Altiport. If you prefer a guided snowshoe walk, you can easily book a snowshoe excursion with an activity company to see a side of the mountains that most skiers will never see. Full-day, half-day and night-time options are available to take you into the heart of the mountains – from the highest peaks to the wildest valleys. Equipment and transport are usually included, check when you book.

If you've decided the days of skiing up the mountain all-day, every-day, are well behind you, those with previous skiing or snowboarding experience could try ski touring. Hire a guide and pull on some skins for an adventure away from the madding crowd. Popular routes include the Grandes Rousses massif, which has easy routes like the Grandes Buffes or the Croix de Cassini. 

Après-ski with everyone else

You don't need to ski to enjoy ‘après-ski’. Join friends for drinks in one of the resort's lively bars, or try something different with your ‘après’ time and go ice skating beneath the Alpine peaks, or try sledging on one of the dedicated runs, including evening sessions on the Butte de l'Eclose. For even more excitement, tackle the 1km luge track, packed with twists, tunnels and jumps, or add a virtual reality headset for an immersive downhill experience.

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Nordic skiing

Still looking for something to occupy your time? There's always cross-country skiing to try. An extremely popular mountain sport, known as 'ski de fond' in France, there are 50km of perfectly groomed cross-country tracks in Alpe d'Huez, with five main looping trails providing an array of terrain. You can hire the lightweight boots, poles and skis fairly cheaply in resort and book a lesson from most ski schools. 

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Book a table up the mountain

You don't have to ski to go up the mountain. In fact Alpe d'Huez boasts some fantastic piste-side restaurants serving local and international cuisine. You can visit all the various areas, and if you're hungry like the wolf at lunchtime, most restaurants serve a “plat du jour,” or even a “menu du jour,” which is often very good value and always washed down with a glass of local wine - go on, you deserve it.

Visit some local highlights

Beyond the slopes, Alpe d'Huez offers plenty of cultural entertainment. Enjoy weekly classical concerts at the church beside the leisure centre, explore local history and geology through exhibitions at the museum, or catch the latest films at the cinema (look for VO or VOST screenings in English). Music lovers can also experience the renowned Tomorrowland Winter Festival, held each March, when world-class DJs transform the resort into one of the Alps' biggest party destinations.

Non-skiers can explore Alpe d'Huez with a pedestrian lift pass, giving access to over 35km of winter walking trails. Enjoy scenic routes around mountain lakes, visit the ice cave, or take a gondola to the Pic Blanc summit for spectacular panoramic views stretching across the Alps and beyond on clear days.

Treat yourself

If that sounds far too active and you really just want to pamper yourself and read your book, or stare at the view, there are numerous spas and treatment rooms you can enjoy. Many hotels have luxury spas which are open to non-guests, and mobile massage companies will arrange to visit you at your chalet or apartment.

Things to do in Alpe d'Huez

Alpe d'Huez offers plenty of activities beyond skiing, from the outdoor pool and Palais des Sports, with over 20 options including climbing, fitness and yoga, to adrenaline-filled adventures. Try husky sledding, skidoo tours or ice driving on the dedicated circuit. For a different perspective, take to the skies with a tandem paragliding flight or helicopter tour. 

Booking ahead is recommended for popular excursions.

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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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