Why summer is great in Alpe d'Huez

The Alps in summer

Away from the winter season, Alpe d’Huez genuinely feels a bit bigger. You can get around easily in your car and parking is really easy as well, such is the feeling of space in the summer. The Alps in summer are normally really hot and sunny, so bring your shorts and sunscreen. From the cold of winter, we move swiftly onto the heat of summer and with lovely long days, there really is no better place to be. It's even warm enough to camp, and Alpe d'Huez has its very own campsite if you're tempted.

There’s plenty of events on

Every summer, Alpe d’Huez hosts a whole plethora of different events, the biggest of which this summer is the Megavalanche mountain bike race in early July.

There is also the legendary triathlon, the Marmotte Granfondo cycle-sportive and the annual Dutch invasion for the charity Alpe d’Huzes challenge as well.

The summer season also sees the return of weekly classical music concerts at the beautiful church.

Cycling in Alpe d'Huez

No guide to Alpe d’Huez in the summer would be complete without mentioning cycling. Ever since the Tour de France first came to resort in the 1950s it has become a mecca for cyclists of all abilities. Every day in the summer, the road up to resort (D211) is awash with avid cyclists trying to emulate their pro peloton heroes. Official timed climbs of the 21 bends take place every Wednesday (10:00) starting at the EDF electricity plant at Bourg d’Oisans and finish in the old town at the entrance to Alpe d’Huez, but bear in mind that the official Tour de France finish line is a further 1.5km on next to the RifNel ski slope at the top end of town.

If you're planning to cycle in Alpe d’Huez, it’s not just about the famous 21 bend ascent to resort. Why not come up to resort via the climb of the Col de Sarenne (as used in the famous “double d’Huez” day in the 2013 Tour de France)? It’s a longer climb, at around 17km, and is fairly steep and steady, actually bringing you up “above” resort itself. Alternatively, ride up via Villard Reculas and come around the Pas de la Confession viewpoint for what is, without doubt, the best view in the area. For a real hidden gem, and my favourite climb of all, try the climb up to the tiny village of Ouilles – super steep with loads of switchbacks.

Golf Courses in Alpe d'Huez

Many skiers will be unaware of the great nine-hole golf course up next to the Altiport.

It’s a cracking little course with the opening six holes resembling a tricky pitch and putt course, whilst the final three holes provide a proper test for even the very best golfer. Every Tuesday in the summer is competition day and it’s well worth checking out if you are in resort.

Mountain Biking in Alpe d'Huez

Alpe d’Huez is one of the Alps’ leading mountain biking destinations, offering an extensive network of trails for all abilities. Riders can enjoy flowing beginner routes, technical singletrack and thrilling downhill descents through forests and alpine terrain. The resort’s lift system provides easy access to high-altitude trails, maximising time on the bike. With bike parks, enduro routes and spectacular mountain scenery, Alpe d’Huez attracts everyone from families and leisure riders to experienced downhill enthusiasts.

Things to do in Alpe d'Huez

Summer days can feel like an Olympic decathlon in resort at times, with outdoor tennis courts at the tennis club up by the Altiport, ice skating at the ice rink in the middle of town, boules, archery, swimming, luge, zip-lines and paragliding all happening every day.

Walking in Alpe d'Huez

The scenery in Alpe d'Huez is simply breathtaking in the summer and never fails to amaze. The views and walks around the medieval fort towards the Col de Sarenne are not to be missed. With more than 250km of marked trails winding through alpine meadows, forests and high-mountain terrain walkers can enjoy everything from gentle family routes to challenging full-day hikes with spectacular views of the Oisans peaks. Highlights include the crystal-clear Lac Besson, panoramic ridge walks and traditional mountain hamlets. Thanks to an extensive lift network, hikers can easily access higher altitudes and explore the mountains without lengthy ascents.