La Folie Douce
High above the slopes of Alpe d’Huez, La Folie Douce turns après-ski into a spectacular celebration of music, dance, and mountain spirit.
April in Alpe d'Huez: What's on and weather
It's the final few weeks of the season but there’s still plenty of things to do
Spring is in the air as we enjoy longer sunnier days. Don't forget your sunscreen!
As another memorable season starts to draw to a close, the days get longer and warmer and there is no better place to be than in Alpe d’Huez.
The Easter school holidays bring families back to the resort for a short end of season break in the mountains. The warmer spring days also bring a party-vibe to the town and the sun and snow conditions obviously warrant a longer lunch break on a sunny terrace.
To make the most of the sunny days read on for what we like to do in resort throughout April.
What are the weather and snow conditions like?
As the winter draws to a close for another year, the temperatures rarely dip below freezing, usually falling between a low of -1°C overnight and a high of 6°C, plus there's still the chance of snow and therefore a last minute powder day isn't unheard of.
School holiday skiing
April and the Easter break is a popular time for families. Here are our insiders' top tips for the school holidays:
- Group lessons are the best option in the busy period, as private lessons are almost impossible to book - unless you got in early. Make sure to get your ski and snowboard lessons booked well in advance to avoid disappointment.
- If you're not in ski school, be an early bird. Arrive at the lifts before they open so that you get up and away before the ski school classes set out around 09:15.
- Ski over lunchtime when the slopes are calmer (between 12:00 and 14:00) whilst the French take a leisurely lunch break.
- Avoid the queues and make the most of your time in the mountains by pre-booking your lunch reservation - some restaurants offer a Click & Collect service.
- Seek out the peripheral areas and try to avoid the busy main ski areas. A great tip to get away from the madding crowd is to hop onto the AlpAuris lift (aka the 'scare chair') at the Les Bergers area of resort and head across to the Auris sector of the ski area. It’s always much quieter over there and there is something for everybody with plenty of variety.
- Get off-piste. Competent off-piste skiers can book a local mountain guide and explore the vast off-piste areas in the valley or even go touring to find complete solitude in the backcountry.
Closing parties
Part of every season's end is the closing parties that accompany it. Basically, the principle is to drink the bar dry and give this incredible season a fitting send-off. Up on the hill and in resort, the closing parties should never to be missed, as our ever-popular haunts host some great parties from mid-April onwards.
Bars & Clubs in Alpe d'Huez
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Au Dahu Grillé Restaurant
French run restaurant and bar with a nice terrace to sit out in the sun.
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Smithy's Tavern
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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Prosneige Bar Cafe
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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L'Igloo Nightclub
Open all winter from the beginning of December until the slopes close in April, this club opens its doors at midnight and lets you party through until the small hours!
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L'Agua bar
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.
Winter Things To Do in Alpe d'Huez
If you're not up the hill or in a bar, take a look at our things to do for some inspiration of how to get out and about whilst you're here.
Wintersport Things To Do in Alpe d'Huez
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Snowshoe walks
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
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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Outdoor synthetic skating rink
Situated in the heart of the main street (Avenue Les Jeux) is the patinoire (ice rink) – in the middle of town underneath the shadow of the Royal Ours Blanc Hotel.
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Evodriver
This company offers instruction on driving around the same ice track that's used for the popular Andros Trophy event and it's guaranteed enjoyment!
April events in Alpe d'Huez
If you're up on the pistes it'll be difficult to miss some knock-out skiing comps, plus there's always loads going on in resort as the end of the season nears.
Events in Alpe d'Huez
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Ice Hockey Matches
Free entry to watch the ice hockey show and a match afterwards. It lasts for 2 hours.
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Trophy Sea Mountain
Up to 15 teams compete in a multitude of events.
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Christmas in Alpe d'Huez
Celebrate Christmas in Alpe d'Huez with a torchlight descent, fireworks, a skating gala, Christmas carols and much more.
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Ice skating gala in Alpe d'Huez
Enjoy a free ice skating show by the figure skating club of Alpe d'Huez during Christmas and the February school holidays.
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Alpe d'Huez Cup
The Alpe d'Huez Cup is a giant slalom competition for children aged between 9 and 16 on the Stade du Signal.
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Coupe 602 Ice Cup, Alpe d'Huez
Held over a weekend, with 10 hours of daytime and nighttime racing - head to the Eco Driver circuit to see the chaos unfold
More inspiration...
The usual array of events around resort carries on right up to the closing of the lifts at the end of the month.
