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.
January in Alpe d'Huez: What's on and weather
As we welcome a new year, there’s plenty of things to do in resort this month
It's very cold and the days are short, but the skies are blue and the pistes are quiet.
The festivities of Christmas and New Year are behind us, it's cold out there, but the pistes are quieter, so wrap up warm and find some fun.
The month of January is a much quieter month, sandwiched in between the uber-busy Christmas period and the half-term holiday month of February. The first full week in January is historically the cheapest month of the whole season and, of late, has become popular with British university ski clubs. With short lift queues and plenty of open pistes, January really can be a great month here in Alpe d’Huez. This month will see in the region of 90 pistes open, being served by around 70 lifts.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout January.
What are the weather and snow conditions like in Alpe d'Huez in January?
The darkest and shortest of days have now passed, albeit very recently but, nevertheless, the days will slowly start to get longer and that’s always a lovely feeling. Historically, January is a very snowy month, as you would expect for what is pretty much deep winter, with around 12 days of snowfall. The average daytime temperatures generally fall between a high of 0°C and a low of -6°C, definitely pack those thermals!
Skiing
With all those empty pistes, no lift queues and perfect conditions, we like to get out into the mountains on our skis and snowboards as much as possible.
If you visit the resort in January you can buy a lift pass and join one of the local ski schools' many ski or snowboard lessons taking place around the resort.
Nightlife in Alpe d'Huez
At this time of the season we are looking forward to some live music sessions, whether from local bands or even one of the open mike nights and jam sessions that the local bars often hold. So, whether you fancy yourself an Adele, Bob Dylan or a Satriani, there's definitely somewhere you can 'entertain' the crowds.
Of course, that's if we've made it home from one of the many après-ski events taking place every evening across town.
Bars & Clubs in Alpe d'Huez
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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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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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Au Dahu Grillé Restaurant
French run restaurant and bar with a nice terrace to sit out in the sun.
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Eight Bar
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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FreeRide bar
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.
Winter Things To Do in Alpe d'Huez
Family fun
The resort's fabulous leisure centre always plays host to plenty of activities away from the slopes including a climbing wall, bouldering, gym, tennis, squash, crazy golf and indoor swimming to name but a few. Plus there's the ice rink for some skating or to catch a local ice hockey game.
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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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!
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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.
January events in Alpe d'Huez
You'll find once the Christmas and New Year schedule is done, there are a number of sporting events in the mountains and a lively agenda to keep you entertained in the resort. Check out the events calendar to keep up to date with them.
Events in Alpe d'Huez
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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
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Ice Hockey Matches
Free entry to watch the ice hockey show and a match afterwards. It lasts for 2 hours.
