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

Imprint: By Tracy Wise, Updated 2 May 2026

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.

See all Ski Hire in Alpe d'Huez See our Ski Areas, Pistes & Parks

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.

See our Nightlife Guide

La Folie Douce

Location
Alpe d’Huez

High above the slopes of Alpe d’Huez, La Folie Douce turns après-ski into a spectacular celebration of music, dance, and mountain spirit.
Prosneige Bar Cafe

Location
Alpe d’Huez

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.
Smithy's Tavern

Location
Alpe d’Huez

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.
Au Dahu Grillé Restaurant

Location
Alpe d’Huez

French run restaurant and bar with a nice terrace to sit out in the sun.
Le Zoo Music Bar

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Step into the heart of Alpe d’Huez nightlife at Le Zoo Bar, where every evening is an invitation to experience a truly unique atmosphere. Known for its vibrant energy and lively crowd, this bar is the perfect place to unwind, meet friends, and make unforgettable memories after a day on the slopes.
L'Igloo Nightclub

Location
Alpe d’Huez

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!

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.

See our Activity Guide

Biathlon activity

Location
Alpe d’Huez

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.
Snowshoe walks

Location
Alpe d’Huez

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.
Outdoor synthetic skating rink

Location
Alpe d’Huez

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.
Evodriver

Location
Alpe d’Huez

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.

Alpe d'Huzes

Next event date
1 June 2026
Location
Alpe d’Huez

Attempting a maximum of six climbs - ‘giving up is not an option’
Fête de la Musique

Next event date
21 June 2026
Location
Chamonix

The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
La Marmotte Granfondo

Next event date
28 June 2026
Location
Alpe d’Huez

The legendary Marmotte road bike race covers the four cols of the Alps over 173km with a 5,000m height gain.
Megavalanche Trail

Next event date
30 June 2026
Location
Alpe d’Huez

A 21km trail connecting the Pic Blanc glacier 3300m altitude to the Oisans valley at 700m.
Oisans Col Series

Next event date
7 July 2026
Location
Alpe d’Huez

Oisans Col Series reserves sections of the road or a col to Alpe d'Huez for cyclists who will gather to tackle a part of the famous climb of the 21 bends without any motor vehicles.
Bastille Day

Next event date
14 July 2026

Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.