Spring is in the air as we enjoy longer sunnier days. Don't forget your sunscreen!
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
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.
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
See all Bars & Clubs in Alpe d'Huez-
Visit website 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire
FreeRide bar
Bar with pool table and unusual toilet access and the best vin chaud in resort
Nestled at the foot of the slopes, FreeRide Bar is an authentic après-ski gem born from the friendship and passion of three inseparable ski instructors. This bar isn’t just a place to grab a drink - it’s a celebration of mountain life, good humour, and genuine camaraderie. Warm, creative, and full of personality, it perfectly captures the spirit of Alpe d’Huez.
-
Enquire 
L'Igloo Nightclub
The place to go when the bars shut and you want to keep the party going
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!
Ski Schools in Alpe d'Huez
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.
Ski School Lessons in Alpe d'Huez
See all Ski School Lessons in Alpe d'Huez-
Visit website 
Private ski lessons
British school offering a wide range of private lesson options tailored to all ages and abilities
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
-
Visit website 
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.
-
Visit website 
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.
-
Visit website 
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.
-
Visit website 
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.
-
Visit website 
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.
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
See all Wintersport Things To Do in Alpe d'Huez-
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.
-
Outdoor synthetic skating rink 
Outdoor synthetic skating rink
Year round ice skating in 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.
-
Enquire 
Evodriver
Ice driving experiences
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
See all Events in Alpe d'Huez-
Beaujolais Nouveau 
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
-
Alpe d'Huez winter opening weekend 
Alpe d'Huez winter opening weekend
Ski area open for business
It's the first day of winter in Alpe d'Huez! The lifts are all set to whirl into action signalling the start of another epic winter season.
-
Visit website 
Trophy Sea Mountain
Teams made up of a sailor, a mountaineer and a child compete
Up to 15 teams compete in a multitude of events.
-
Visit website
New Year's Eve Torchlit Descent & Fireworks
New Year's Eve celebration - light parade, torchlit ski display & fireworks
Enjoy a torchlight descent by the ESF instructors followed by a display of fireworks in the centre of Alpe d'Huez.
-
Visit website 
Alpe d'Huez Cup
A giant slalom competition for kids on the slopes of Alpe d'Huez
The Alpe d'Huez Cup is a giant slalom competition for children aged between 9 and 16 on the Stade du Signal.
-
Visit website 
International Comedy Film Festival
Comedy film festival with free film screenings
The International Comedy Film Festival returns to Alpe d'Huez each year with a selection of full-length comedy films and unpublished short films for your viewing pleasure.
