Alpe d'Huez in January 2020 - What weather to expect & what to do

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

Imprint: By Tracy Wise, Updated 5 May 2026

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!

See our Ski Pass Guide See all

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.

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

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.

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.
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.
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.
Au Dahu Grillé Restaurant

Location
Alpe d’Huez

French run restaurant and bar with a nice terrace to sit out in the sun.
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!
Eight Bar

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Le Eight Bar offers an unforgettable experience at Alpe d'Huez, combining stunning mountain views with lively après-ski and nightlife.

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.

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!

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.

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.