Whilst Alpe d'Huez is a great ski resort, there are many activities here to suit all non-skiers.
Non-skier things to do in Alpe d'Huez
Can't ski, won't ski? It's not all downhill you know
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.
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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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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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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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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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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.
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.
Bars & Clubs in Alpe d'Huez
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Eight Bar
Pool bar in the centre of resort with a great terrace for enjoying the sunset
Le Eight Bar offers an unforgettable experience at Alpe d'Huez, combining stunning mountain views with lively après-ski and nightlife.
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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.
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.
Ski School Lessons in Alpe d'Huez
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Group ski lessons
Group ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
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.
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La Folie Douce Petite Cuisine Restaurant
Great value effecient self-service restaurant right in the heart of slopes
This great value self-service restaurant adjoins the Folice Douce and is situated at the top of the Marmottes lift.
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La Folie Douce Fruitiere Restaurant
Smart modern restaurant offering gourmet cuisine on the slopes
Perched at 2,300m at the top of the Marmottes lift, this smart mountain restaurant combines breathtaking panoramic views with a spacious, sun-drenched terrace. The menu features refined dishes crafted from the finest local ingredients, ranging from fresh, perfectly cooked fish and premium steaks to a gourmet beef burger topped with rich Beaufort cheese. With its stylish yet welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely, indulgent lunch before heading next door to the Folie Douce to continue the fun with lively après-ski entertainment.
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L'Hermine Restaurant 
L'Hermine Restaurant
Mountain restaurant at the bottom of the Font Froidem also serving snacks, hot chocolates and coffees
A convenient location for both pedestrians and skiers.
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Auberge de la Combe Haute Restaurant 
Auberge de la Combe Haute Restaurant
Traditional Alpine restaurant at the bottom of the Sarenne piste
This traditional mountain restaurant has all your Alpine favourites on the menu, including tartiflette, as well as chilli, large salads and pizzas.
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Chantebise 2100 Restaurant
Traditional mountain restaurant with a large terrace accessible for both skiers and pedestrians
Has a huge south facing outdoor terrace with a number of deck chairs and tables outside, giving you the opportunity to soak up as much of the mountain sunshine as possible.
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La Plage des Neiges Restaurant
La Plage des Neiges Restaurant
Mountain restaurant with access for all levels of skier or by snow mobile in the evenings
Open for both lunch and dinner, you can enjoy a mountain side meal on the terrace during the day and in the evening a traditional Savoyard meal.
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.
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Espace Patrimone
Cultural museum of miners in the village of Alpe d'Huez
This museum showcases the lives, tools and exploits of miners between the 12th to 14th centuries.
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Bourg d'Oisans Museum
Museum of minerals and fauna of the Alps
Located in the attic of the church of Bourg d'Oisans and is accessed by a building to the left of the church.
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Fauna Museum
Discover alpine fauna in an interactive museum
Learn the secrets of the wildlife of the Oisans. Qualified staff leads this fun and realistic wildlife discovery, using interactive terminals offering a choice of virtual walks with activities featuring mountain fauna.
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EDF Hydroelectric Museum
From water to electricity, a museum on how hydroelectric power works
This museum houses permanent and temporary exhibitions about the production of electricity in the valley.
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Brandes Archaeological Site
Medieval archaeological site and ruins
The highest medieval village in Europe (XII-XIV) related to the operation of a silver mine.
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Ecrins National Park 
Ecrins National Park
The Ecrins National Park is one of the highlights of the Southern Alps region
The Ecrins National Park is one of the highlights of the Southern Alps region.
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.
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Le Pic Blanc spa, Alpe d'Huez centre
Spa and wellness centre in Le Pic Blanc Hotel offers a complete range of massages and treatments
Features a sauna, hammam, indoor pool and Jacuzzi as well as a fitness area.
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Nuxe spa
Recharge your batteries at this spa after a hard day up the mountain
Located inside the Chamois d'Or Hotel, at this spa you can enjoy the benefits of the site's high altitude to re-establish your well-being, fitness and vitality.
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Pure Altitude spa
Pool, hammam, sauna and treatments at the Royal Ours Blanc hotel
On crossing the threshold of the Royal Ours Blanc Hotel spa you enter a space wholly dedicated to wellbeing.
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Massage Me
Mobile massage company offering treatments in the comfort of your accommodation
Massage Me work across the French Alps and can offer a whole variety of massages and treatments in your own chalet, apartment or hotel.
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Physioski massage
Massage and physiotherapy treatments for health and relaxation benefits
Physiotherapy and massage, digestive comfort, muscles and joint balance, foot sole massage, manual therapy.
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.
Things To Do in Alpe d'Huez
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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.
-
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.
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Kids' snow camp & ski Lessons
Childcare from two and a half years, kids' club activities and ski lessons in Alpe d'Huez
Children as young as two and a half can enjoy a magical introduction to the snow with their Kids’ Snow Camp and ski lessons. Located in the Bergers district, the bright and colourful “Chalet des Enfants” provides a safe and welcoming space where little ones can play, explore, and make friends, both indoors and outdoors. Activities include games, songs, sledging, and much more, keeping children entertained throughout the day.
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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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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!
