What's new this summer in Alpe d'Huez

As the winter recedes, spring slowly turns to summer in the Alps.

The growing popularity of Alpe d'Huez as a summer resort means that increasingly the tourist industry here is providing more for its visitors to enjoy.

The lifts are usually open by the middle of June, with a few opening on the preceding weekends. You can find out more about the lift opening dates and plan accordingly.

With the rise of summer visitors, the mountain resorts are making a concerted effort to not allow themselves to look like a closed ski resort. The potential revenues this time of year brings is not to be sniffed at, and as temperatures rise at the coastal resorts, many are seeking the cooler temperatures of an 'at altitude' holiday. Plus being 'outdoorsy' and hiking and trail-running have all taken on a certain cachet in recent years. 

If you're planning a visit this summer, whether as a first-timer or it's your 'go to destination' here's an update and a look at all that's new.

On the slopes

Tubing

Head over to Les Bergers area for a new tubing experience. Slide down a plastic slopes on a specially designed buoy at full speed. Open every day, for all ages, the slope can take up to four buoys at a time.

Mountain Kart

Designed for a quick and intuitive handling, this dynamic kart ride down a specially prepared slope lets gravity do the work. The new must-try activity this summer - hop in and let the fun begin.

In town

Free urban transport

The urban ski lifts - Alpe Express and Huez Express - are free this summer.