Here's why we recommend Alpe d'Huez as a family destination.
Why book a family ski holiday in Alpe d'Huez
Bring your children on a ski holiday to Alpe d'Huez
Travelling anywhere with children can be challenging, and in a ski resort it can be doubly so with things like lift passes, equipment hire and ski lessons to arrange (never mind hats, gloves, snotty noses and the rest...!). Alpe d'Huez is a family-friendly resort that makes all these things as easy as possible, and skiing could just be the perfect whole family activity, here's why...
Airport Transfers in Alpe d'Huez
When travelling with children, short transfers to resort are a must and Alpe d'Huez has good transport links to the main airports. Grenoble Isère airport is just over an hour away, while both Lyon and Chambery are only two hours. Geneva is also an option at a slightly longer three and a half hours.
Transfers for Alpe d'Huez
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Alpe d'Huez from €572 per minivan one-way (weekend rate)
With over 5,000 rides completed and 95% of clients returning, this private transfer service is designed around the needs of skiers, from reliable airport pick-ups to comfortable journeys to your accommodation. Experienced, professional English-speaking drivers, vehicles prepared for Alpine winter conditions and no extra luggage fees for skis or snowboards help make travelling easier. With airport meet and greet, door-to-door transfers, secure online booking and a focus on punctuality, you can organise your Alpe d'Huez transfer with greater peace of mind.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva to Alpe d’Huez from CHF 625 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
Enjoy exclusive vehicles, direct door-to-door travel and flexible collection times from four major airports. With experienced alpine drivers and premium Mercedes options, private transfers offer a comfortable and personalised journey to Alpe d’Huez.
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Shared Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Alpe d'Huez from €155 per person one-way (weekend rate)
Based in nearby Chambéry, this French-run and registered transport business provides transfers to ski resorts across the French Alps, with years of experience and local knowledge of the roads and conditions. The team speak English fluently (as well as French, naturally), making it straightforward for international and English-speaking visitors to organise their journey and discuss any specific requirements.
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Shared Airport Transfers
Low-cost and professional shuttle bus transfer service to Alpe d'Huez
Booking with them means your holiday won’t involve the stress of public transport, the cost of private transfers, or the hassle of fitting snow chains on a hire car.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Alpe d'Huez from €630 per minivan one-way (weekend rate)
Based in nearby Chambéry, this French-run and registered transport business provides transfers to ski resorts across the French Alps, with years of experience and local knowledge of the roads and conditions. The team speaks English fluently (as well as French naturally!), making it straightforward for international and English-speaking visitors to organise their journey and discuss any specific requirements.
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Private Airport Transfers
Affordable and reliable private airport transfers to and from Alpe d'Huez
Alp Venture offers safe, reliable and professional private transfers to Alpe d’Huez at competitive prices.
Great family accommodation
When looking at where to book, you'll find some hotels and apartments have connected rooms or suites that are great for families. The choice of hotels and rental accommodation in Alpe d'Huez is constantly improving, with new establishments opening every year. Pretty much every hotel in resort has been renovated over the past few years, offering top quality accommodation with services for families. Plus for young children several hotels and holiday companies offer childcare packages, if you would like some time to ski or relax without the children.
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L'Ours Blanc Apartment Residence
Apart-hotel with stunning views in the resort centre, close to the lifts and opposite the ice rink
This charming residence features warm wood décor and offers superb mountain views over the Massif de l'Oisans.
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Les Bergers Apartment Residence
Centrally located residence featuring an outdoor heated pool, sauna and onsite restaurant
Situated in the Les Bergers district, this recently refurbished Pierre & Vacances residence offers a wide selection of apartments in various sizes.
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Le Castillan Hotel
Family-run hotel with panoramic Alpine views, ski-in access, and bistronomic dining
Nestled in the heart of Alpe d’Huez, Hôtel Le Castillan offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with direct access to slopes and hiking trails.
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Alp'Azur Hotel
Warm and welcoming chalet stay with views, terrace and ski-in access
Right in the heart of Alpe d’Huez, this charming chalet hotel offers a cosy mountain retreat with south-facing views and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
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Le Petit Prince Hotel
Family-friendly hotel with panoramic views and direct access to the slopes
Langley Hotel Le Petit Prince in Alpe d’Huez offers stylish, practical rooms near the lifts - perfect for families. Enjoy beautiful valley views, a kids’ club, ski rental and relaxed dining.
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Le Chamois Hotel
Chalet-style hotel beside the lift with warm service and alpine charm
A cosy, family-run chalet hotel in Alpe d’Huez, just steps from the Alpe Express lift.
Nightlife in Alpe d'Huez
The restaurants and bars here are generally very down-to-earth and child-friendly, making them good for taking the children out in the early evening. The majority have wifi so you can get online with iPads and games consoles if required - especially useful for keeping the teens who've tagged along occupied. Most restaurants around resort have a children’s menu and families are always made welcome.
Bars & Clubs in Alpe d'Huez
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La Folie Douce
La Folie Douce Alpe d'Huez is the place to be for great après-ski
High above the slopes of Alpe d’Huez, La Folie Douce turns après-ski into a spectacular celebration of music, dance, and mountain spirit.
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Smithy's Tavern
Tex Mex steakhouse with a great bar, great atmosphere and live music
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
Homely and friendly small bar and restaurant with a sunny terrace to relax on
French run restaurant and bar with a nice terrace to sit out in the sun.
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Prosneige Bar Cafe
Concept snack-bar, ski rental shop and ski school at the foot of the pistes
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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Eight Bar
Pool bar in the centre of resort with a great terrace for enjoying the sunset
Le Eight Bar offers an unforgettable experience at Alpe d'Huez, combining stunning mountain views with lively après-ski and nightlife.
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The Underground Bar
This lively bar in the heart of the resort is a well established favourite with everyone
Underground Bar is the ultimate live music venue in Alpe d’Huez, offering a vibrant après-ski atmosphere that keeps the energy flowing long after the slopes close. From four o’clock in the afternoon, the bar comes alive with music, drinks promotions, and a lively crowd, making it the perfect spot to unwind with friends or enjoy a laid-back evening in town.
Ski Hire in Alpe d'Huez
As a resort popular with families you are guaranteed an excellent range of skis and snowboards for all ages of children in the rental shops throughout the resort. The ski techs will help you all find what you need from beginner skis up to the top of the range.
And once you're all set up, there are two great places to go with the kids when skiing together. Marcel's Farm and 'Chez Roger' comprise half pipes, slalom courses, tunnels and a section of rollers and kickers which are great fun for all. Torchlight descents and firework displays are always a highlight on the calendar in Alpe d'Huez and a real hit with families, young and old. Held at New Year and throughout the busy month of February, these really aren’t to be missed.
Ski Hire in Alpe d'Huez
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Henri Sports V Tourist Office
Ski & snowboard hire located in the Vieil Alpe area of Alpe d'Huez
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Alpe d'Huez? Just visit the Skiset AB Sports Office du Tourisme store!
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Cornerski
One stop shop for all your ski and snowboard equipment hire in Alpe d'Huez
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your 1st skiing day.
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Odalys-L'Eclose
Ski hire shop in Alpe d'Huez
Ski and snowboard rental in Alpe d'Huez. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
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Richard III Sports
Save 10% extra: use promo code STWSKI when booking ski hire online
You’ll find us just next to the main round about at the foot of the pistes and ski lifts. Within 100m around us we have the main bus stop for the free resort busses, the main lift pass offices, restaurants, a supermarket and a Tabac.
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Henri Sports VII MMV
Ski & snowboard hire in Les Bergers area
You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, they’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Alpe d'Huez!
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Alpesports
A ski rental shop at the Rond point des pistes at the top of resort
Yan and Alizée welcome you to their Alpesports store, conveniently located at the bottom of the runs, by the cable cars to Pic Blanc 3300m and the Sarenne slopes!
Ski Schools in Alpe d'Huez
The tuition available in Alpe d'Huez is truly brilliant. You'll find ski schools offer lessons for little ones, there's even a 'crèche'-like facility at the Les Bergers area, complete with mini magic carpet lifts and fun slaloms.
There are lots of beginner areas around the lower slopes, easily accessed and some not requiring a pass, so it's easy to practice with the kids. Plus Alpe d'Huez offers favourable lift pass prices to families, making valuable savings.
Ski School Lessons in Alpe d'Huez
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Group ski lessons
From beginners to experts with fully qualified English speaking instructors
This ski school is part of the prestigious École du Ski Français, one of the most well-known and trusted ski schools in the Alps, with schools across France’s major resorts.
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Group ski lessons
From beginners to experts with fully qualified English speaking instructors
This ski school is part of the prestigious École du Ski Français, one of the most well-known and trusted ski schools in the Alps, with schools across France’s major resorts.
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Private ski lessons
Passion, professionalism, and pure mountain joy come together at this ski school
With over 30 years of experience teaching skiing and snowboarding across the French Alps, their mission is to help you make the most of every moment on snow.
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Group ski lessons
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
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Group ski lessons
Group ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
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Private ski lessons
From beginners to experts with fully qualified English speaking instructors
Enjoy a truly tailor-made experience with private ski or snowboard lessons, designed to suit your needs and pace. Whether it’s your first time on the slopes, a refresher to brush up on skills, or a boost to gain confidence on steeper runs or off-piste terrain, private tuition offers focused, one-on-one instruction.
Things to do in Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d’Huez prides itself on offering families a whole host of activities away from the slopes. These include husky rides, skidoo rides, helicopter and airplane flights, ice skating, and the alpine coaster attraction, to name but a few. On the days you don't want to ski, head to the leisure centre. Spend some time scaling the climbing wall, swimming in the pool, playing table tennis, crazy golf, tennis or squash or try your hand at boules.
Things To Do in Alpe d'Huez
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Family activities
Family fun and friendly competition on snow
Discover a brilliant line-up of family activities in Alpe d’Huez, perfect for bringing everyone together on the snow. Whether your crew loves a challenge, prefers shared adventures or wants to try something completely new, there is an experience for every age and level.
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Ski touring
Ski touring for all abilities, with experienced guides, in a friendly and safe environment
Discover the freedom of ski touring and explore the quieter side of Alpe d’Huez, where wide-open landscapes, peaceful summits and fresh air set the tone. With friendly, uncompetitive groups and routes for every level, you can take things at your own pace and enjoy the mountains in a whole new way.
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Biathlon activity
Biathlon group activity for 3-6 people
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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Snowshoe walks
Private snowshoe walks for friends and family
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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Winter and Summer Paragliding
25min paragliding flight from the top of the slopes in Alpe d'Huez
You'll be sure to enjoy some amazing views and an experience like no other!
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Outdoor synthetic skating rink 
Outdoor synthetic skating rink
Year round ice skating in 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.
Towns & Villages in Alpe d'Huez
The resort has worked hard to become a part of the officially recognised ‘Famille Plus’ scheme, bestowed only on those resorts and destinations that go out of their way to cater to families and children. They provide activities, services, entertainment and prices throughout resort favourable to those holidaying with kids in tow.
Alpe d’Huez operates a great free bus service every day throughout the winter season. A fleet of largely eco-friendly electric buses operates around resort from 07:30 right through until midnight, and bus stops are located pretty much every 200m, mainly outside the big hotels, linking the whole of resort together.
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Oz en Oisans 
Oz en Oisans
A smaller, purpose-built north facing resort accessible by lifts
The ski station of Oz en Oisans is a small, purpose-built, primarily north-facing resort set at 1,650m, above the tiny village of Oz. Built around the two main lifts serving Oz, the town centre consists of several purpose-built apartment blocks and chalets.
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Alpe d'Huez 
Alpe d'Huez
The central part of the resort where you'll find the most going on
Set at around 1,800m at the top of the world-famous Tour de France climb of the 21 bends, Alpe d’Huez is a large south-facing, purpose-built resort with a fantastic record for both snow and sunshine. Often sitting above the clouds, Alpe d’Huez is referred to by the locals as “Ile du Soleil” or “Island in the Sun”.
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Vaujany 
Vaujany
A pretty Alpine style town accessible by lifts from Alpe d'Huez centre
Vaujany is a charming alpine village set at 1,250m with stunning views and a blend of traditional and modern Alpine architecture. Connected to the Grande Domaine ski area by the Vaujany-Alpette cable car, it offers chalets, hotels and apartments close to lifts and village facilities. Ideal for those seeking a peaceful base with a few good restaurants and bars, while the nearby town of Bourg d’Oisans provides all the essentials just a short drive away.
