© Alpe d'Huez
© Alpe d'Huez Mairie
What’s new this winter in Alpe d'Huez
From the ski area to what's fresh in resort
As winter begins to take hold in Alpe d'Huez we take a look at all that's new
Early signs of snowfall in the Alps are creating much excitement for the upcoming winter season. The ski industry here is raring to go and this winter looks like being an exceptionally busy one. Alpe d'Huez ski area opens on the 2 December and ski passes are already on sale.
Winter tyres
A reminder that from 1 November to 31 March you'll need to have winter tyres on your vehicle (M&S marking, or all weather (four season) tyres), OR at least snow chains or socks in the vehicle when driving in the mountain regions in France, following a law introduced in November 2021.
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On the slopes
Eagerly awaited lift modernisation
The DMC des Grandes Rousses was constructed in the mid-eighties and has been central to the ski area ever since, serving a third of the slopes in the area. For 2024 it has been renamed as La Télécabine du Pic Blanc, and the lift has been completely redesigned to offer passengers a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, boarding has been made easier at Station 1 and 54 new, spacious cabins, will replace the old ones.
New snowpark are in Villard-Reculas
Les Jeux snowpark has always been a welcoming place for beginner park rats, and it will be redesigned this winter with a new zone offering three new access levels: blue, red and black, including a boardercross, waves, boxes and moguls. For beginners a second S (blue) zone remains accessible under the Rifnel Télémixte.
Take the tube
No, we don't mean the London Underground, because for the first time in Alpe d'Huez you can sit on a large inflated rubber ring and launch yourself down the snow covered slopes. The newly built track can accommodate up to six rings at a time, so set up a tournament and race friends and family to be the first across the finish line.
Vikings on ice
The Alpe d'Huez ice cave sits at an altitude of 2,700m and with 120m of gallery around 30 sculptures is always worth visiting, and this year the installation will be all about the Vikings.
Events
The Super Sarenne is back
Back this winter season after last year's break, the mythical Sarenne piste plays host to this giant slalom race at the end of March. See our events calendar for more information.
Geeks and pop culture in the mountains
The resort will be welcoming the Game Over Festival for the first time. A convention bringing together exhibitors with a prorgramme that includes a car simulator, virtual reality, a quiz, gaming blind testing and more - there is something for passionate gamers or just pop along and see what's going on… if you're curious.
Travel
Zero-emissions in-resort travel
In addition to the on-piste hydrogen power, Resalp the bus operator has ordered three hydrogen retro-fitted buses. This is a prototype for testing and approval. The three new vehicles will be fully operational by the beginning of 2024, so will be ready for use in resort this winter.
Other resort developments
Try a local génépi
Two friends from Les 2 Alpes have come to Alpe d'Huez and opened a shop in the heart of the Vieil Alpe on the ground floor of the new Parenthèse residence. As well as their local génépi, the shop also has a deli and wine cellar.
Need something to do with the little ones?
Visit the new Emparis room at the Palais des Sports (sports centre). Welcoming children from ages 2 to 6 years old, this 200m2 area is dedicated to them. You'll find motor skills areas, games to play, imitation games, a giant Lego, a reading area and even a parents' corner. Children under 2 years are free, with a small fee per child.
More inspiration...
This year's ski passes are now on sale, so if you've not started planning your trip to Alpe d'Huez, now's the time.
