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.
March in Alpe d'Huez: What's on and weather
The manic pace shows no signs of letting up in March
Magical March sees the half-term holidays behind us and a party vibe settles on the town.
With fewer families around, you also tend to find far fewer ski schools on the hill, which of course, also means an end to those long, snaking trails of beginners making their way down. It also makes for quieter lift lines. So all in all, an ideal month to visit Alpe d'Huez to make the best of the near-perfect conditions.
Read on for a look at what we like to get up to when spring arrives in town.
What are the weather and snow conditions like?
The days are stretching out now with sunrise at the start of March at 07:10 and sunset at 18:22, so there will be plenty of daylight at the end of the day after the slopes close. Traditionally, March sees the end of winter and the start of spring in the Southern Alps.
You can expect temperatures to rise from mid-March onwards and sunshine to be prevalent. There is still regular snowfall, on average 14 days, and the temperatures still dip below freezing at night to keep any new snow nice and fresh. The average daily temperatures generally fall between a high of 2°C and a low of -5°C.
Nightlife in Alpe d'Huez
When the lifts close for the day hundreds of skiers / revellers head into town to find an après-ski party, and one thing's for sure, you won't have far to stumble in your boots to find a jug of beer and some good snacks before you head home for dinner... or not! It's easy to find a last-minute table for dinner now the school holiday crowds aren't here.
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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Chalet du Lac Besson Restaurant
Open throughout the winter and summer seasons, pedestrians and skiers alike can enjoy this mountain restaurant.
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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
Is it time to book a ski lesson? With quieter slopes there's less queues and the softening snow makes for a much kinder landing. The ice rink is always a good place to head for things to do, whether that's watching the local ice hockey team or ice skating club, or getting involved yourself whilst trying to avoid hitting the deck.
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.
March events in Alpe d'Huez
March is always a busy time in the resort, with music festivals and events up the mountain of both the entertainment and sporting variety. There's lots going on in resort for when you're giving your legs a rest day, fancy checking out some entertainments après-ski or before you hit the hay.
Events in Alpe d'Huez
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International Comedy Film Festival
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.
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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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Valentine's Day in Alpe d'Huez
If you're looking for a special way of celebrating Valentine's with a loved one then Alpe d'Huez is a great choice.
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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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Les Cristaux by Atomic et Vola
A gentle ski race designed with kids in mind, open for 4-12 year olds with gentle slopes, games and gifts for all entrants.
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Tomorrowland
For a whole week in March, Alpe d’Huez surrenders itself to the biggest electro music festival in the world.
More inspiration...
There's a lot more than just skiing or snowboarding to do here, the fabulous local leisure centre hosts a plethora of regular activites including indoor swimming, crazy golf, gym, fitness classes, tennis, five-a-side football, squash, badminton and a climbing wall.
