Les Bergers Centre Commercial
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Alpe d'Huez? Just visit the NetSki Les Bergers store!
About off-piste skiing in Alpe d'Huez
A large selection of skiing for those who like to venture off the slopes
Alpe d'Huez has a large selection of advanced terrain and off-piste skiing for those who like to venture off the slopes and marked pistes. From Alpe d'Huez you can also get across to the famous La Grave ski area - a must for all experienced freeride skiers and off-piste thrill seekers.
In total, you'll find more than 20 high-altitude, off-piste trails here, with gullies and tracts of fresh powdered snow.
PIc Blanc
The best place to find off-piste skiing in Alpe d'Huez is from the top of the Pic Blanc Glacier. From here you will find plenty of couloirs to go down that all end up on the Sarenne path.
There are also plenty of other off-piste runs that will drop down from the top of the Pic Blanc, but these should only be attempted with a guide as you can end up in places that might require helicopter or a taxi to get back to Alpe d'Huez.
Oz
On each side of the Poutran red run are large amounts of off-piste, but beware, the off-piste on the left (north facing) is extremely avalanche prone and shouldn't be attempted unless you have all the correct avalanche safety equipment, mountain knowledge and/or a guide.
Vaujany
Here is a black off-piste run called Roche Melon which is only open when conditions are good. It's never prepared by the piste crews and descends through the trees to eventually join a blue run called the Vaujaniate.
From Alpe d'Huez, you've also got the possibility of visiting the famous La Grave off-piste area.
La Grave
Not everyone staying in Alpe d'Huez will head to La Grave, or even want to, but it's worth a mention because it's a rare thing indeed to find an entirely off-piste resort.
Built in the late 70s, the Télépherique des Glaciers de la Meije takes you up into the high mountains in about 45 minutes. Once up there you'll find yourself in fine company. Freeriders from the world over travel to La Grave to enjoy this special mountain in its natural state.
If you plan to explore the glaciers, we strongly recommend you hire an Alpe d'Huez mountain guide - the risk of falling into a crevasse is real up here.
If you're not into glacier skiing, the classic routes down from the télépherique are a powder hound's dream, beginning on the rocky ridge between the glacier and La Meije. Below you, you'll find open snow fields, bowls, gullies, natural half-pipes, couloirs, forest skiing, steep and mellow terrain. The options are endless.
Beware, La Grave is a special place that demands respect. You shouldn't attempt to ski or ride here unless you have plenty of off-piste / backcountry experience.
Jump to
Before heading off-piste
Before you head off piste, here's a few things you should be thinking about:
- hire a guide
- take a course in avalanche awareness and practice the techniques learned
- look at the weather and avalanche forecasts for France, reviewing the degree of local avalanche risk also
- don’t ignore advice given by local mountain guides or others if advised to ski a certain path, or to keep a specific distance between fellow members in a group
- plan the route carefully, evaluating all different options and assessing all elements of danger
- look at the timings for each route and inform others of your route, and when you expect to arrive back
- attach your transceiver properly TO YOU and DON'T FORGET to turn it on, test the signal is working, and make sure you have all the necessary equipment
- a transceiver is of no use if the user has not been trained in its use, it is turned off, or it is in a rucksack - unless you want just your bag to be recovered
Read more about understanding avalanches and how to try to avoid them.
What should I wear when skiing or snowboarding?
Ski Hire in Alpe d'Huez
See all Ski Hire in Alpe d'Huez-
-
Henri Sports IV Centre
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Alpe d'Huez? Just visit the Skiset Henri Sports Centre store!
-
Ours Blanc
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.
-
Les Bergers
Ski & Snowboard Rental Close to Marmottes Ski Lift & Bergers Residence. 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!
-
MGM Sports
This ski hire shop is situated in the heart of Alpe d'Huez close to the Telecentre mid station that runs up to the Rond Point des Pistes and just down from the Belle Aurore Hotel on the Route du Signal.
-
Cyril's Sport Les Bergers
Cyril and Isabelle welcome you to their store, which is at the bottom of the runs in the shopping centre in Les Bergers. They promise all the best advice, skills, quality equipment and a personal service.
More inspiration...
Take a look at this year's ski pass prices or find your way around with piste maps for Alpe d'Huez.
