Great conditions for Christmas week in Alpe d'Huez

Great conditions for Christmas in Alpe d'Huez

Pistes are pretty perfect after plenty of snowfall this week

Imprint: By Rob Wood, Updated 27 May 2026

It’s been quite a snowy few days in Alpe d'Huez after snowfall on Sunday, Wednesday and again, somewhat unexpectedly, late on Thursday. Around 15cm fell in resort on each occasion with more on the higher slopes. We have more snow forecast for later today (Friday) with a further 20cm.

Last Saturday, December 15th saw a significant rise in the number of lifts and pistes in operation, up from around 20 pistes to 50, and from 16 lifts to 37. The neighbouring ski areas of Oz, Auris and Villard Reculas all opened their doors for the season with great conditions.

Today, we have 37 lifts in operation which are currently serving 53 pistes. Of these pistes, 17 are green, 19 blue, 15 red and two are black – so there is something for everybody out there at the moment. The legendary Sarenne black run is open and currently accessed from the Marmottes lift system; it’s in great condition for its entire length, including the bottom section after the recent snowfall. More lifts and pistes will no doubt open on Saturday, December 22nd as we enter the busy festive period.

There are currently 24km of superb Nordic trails open with both the blue Boucle de Poutran and red Boucle des Lacs routes in tip-top condition for both classic and skating styles.

The new €14 million cross-town “AlpeExpress” lift opens its doors at 09:00 on Saturday as well. It will serve to link the old town, up to L’Eclose and then across to the Les Bergers area and the Marmottes lift system. It’s a 10-man gondola system with an impressive uplift capacity of 2500 people per hour, thus making movement around town super simple and quick.

After the recent snowfall, avalanche risk rose from one across the area up to three (out of fice) which is considered moderate. The hill has been resonating all week with the “boom” of the SATA Ski pisteurs setting off controlled charges in order to make the area safe. This work will no doubt carry on through the weekend and into next week. So, as is always the case, take care up on the hill and, if you have any doubts or concerns, simply seek the advice of the nearest “liftie” (in black and orange uniforms) or ESF ski instructor (in bright red outfits).

Snow cover currently extends down to around 1200 metres and, as such, all of the pistes within the Grand Domaine ski area have good Christmas snow cover. After this week’s snowfall, depths currently stand at:

Alpe d’Huez (1850m): 88cm
Pic Blanc (3300m): 120cm
Auris Station (1650m): 67cm
Auris Signal (2176m): 90cm
Villard Reculas (1500m): 88cm
Vaujany (1250m): 20cm
Oz Station (1350m): 30cm
Montfrais (1650m): 50cm
Dome des Rousses (2800m): 80cm

Off-piste depths are:

3000m: north - 220cm; south -160cm
2500m: north - 200cm; south - 140cm
1500m: north - 50cm; south - 25cm

The outlook for Christmas week looks pretty settled with plenty of sunshine in the forecast. Christmas day will probably be wall to wall sunshine with afternoon resort highs of around 4ºC as high pressure takes control on Monday. Similar weather is forecast for Boxing Day (December 26th)l when temperatures may well rise to around 7ºC in the afternoon.

There was an increase in the number of visitors in Alpe d'Huez this week. This will dramatically rise on Saturday as the festive week gets underway but the increase in pistes and lifts open will help to ease congestion on the slopes. The whole area is in great condition and the runs over in Auris-en-Oisans will provide a far quieter option in what is sure to be a busy period on the slopes. So look to get away from the main bowl of Alpe d'Huez and explore all that the ski area has to offer.

Ski Hire in Alpe d'Huez

Bergers Residences

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Ski & Snowboard Rental Close to the Pierre & Vacances, Maeva & Club Med residences. 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!
Centre Station

Location
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.
Nevada Sports

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Right in the heart of the shopping centre of the town the shop is only 50m from the main ski lifts and 5m from the ski school and lift pass office.
Henri Sports III Resort Centre

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Want to rent skis or snowboards in Alpe d'Huez? Just visit the Skiset AB Sports Centre Station store!
Ski Dream

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Located in the heart of Alpe d’Huez, Precision Ski – Ski Dream greets you in a friendly atmosphere, just steps away from accommodations, restaurants, and the first slopes.
Les Bergers Centre Commercial

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Want to rent skis or snowboards in Alpe d'Huez? Just visit the NetSki Les Bergers store!

Ski Schools in Alpe d'Huez

Private ski lessons

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.
Group ski lessons

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.
Group ski lessons

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.
Private ski lessons

This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
Group ski lessons

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.
Private ski lessons

Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.

Airport Transfers in Alpe d'Huez

Private and shared airport transfers

This company offers private and shared transfers from Geneva Airport to Alpe d'Huez, nearby areas, and resorts across the Alps. With great value fares on all journeys, it’s an easy way to save money.
Private airport transfers

They provide the best price for airport transfers to destinations throughout the French Alps, year-round.
Shared airport transfers

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.
Private airport transfers

Alp Venture offers safe, reliable and professional private transfers to Alpe d’Huez at competitive prices.

Winter Things To Do in Alpe d'Huez

See our Activity Guide

Biathlon activity

Location
Alpe d’Huez

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.
Snowshoe walks

Location
Alpe d’Huez

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.
Outdoor synthetic skating rink

Location
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.
Evodriver

Location
Alpe d’Huez

This company offers instruction on driving around the same ice track that's used for the popular Andros Trophy event and it's guaranteed enjoyment!