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Resort received a surprising bit of late snow
Followers of our dump alert service will be aware that we had some very late season snow here in resort at the end of last week. Around 10cm fell in resort with nearer 20cm up on the hill and this provided a great little top-up to see the season out.
As was normal for the last week of the season, some of the satellite areas of the ski area had closed, leaving Alpe d’Huez as the main focal point of the action. High winds caused the closure of most of the higher slopes and pistes last Wednesday although, thankfully, the winds did drop off by Friday allowing a final blast on the last few days of the season before the lifts finally closed on Saturday evening.
As you would expect at such a late stage of the season, things definitely had that spring feel to them as afternoon resort highs are now getting well into double figures. Easter weekend had been fairly busy as many visitors from the Grenoble area took advantage of the long holiday weekend but the final week of the season was fairly quiet.
The reduction in visitor numbers was reflected in the number of pistes and lifts open. Last week, we still had 28 pistes open and these were being served by 18 lifts with lift queues virtually non-existent. Of the open pistes, 10 were green, 9 blue, 5 red and 4 black so there still was something for everyone at this late stage.
As is always the case late in April, the higher pistes from the Pic Blanc back down towards resort were in the best condition of all. The top section of the legendary Sarenne black run remained in good condition and, even if the lower section down in the gorge became very narrow, you could still ski its entire 16km length.
The late season dump improved things nicely for the last couple of days of the season and the best lines were still to be found towards the Pyramides, from the top of the Pic Blanc. However, to find the very best of the late season powder a bit of ski touring was required. As is always the case when venturing off-piste – be careful!
The days continue to lengthen here in France now and, with sunrise at 06:33 and sunset at 20:32, we have almost 14 hours of daylight in resort now. The locals will continue with ski touring for a few more weeks as long as the conditions allow it, before hanging their skis up for the season and getting their bikes out.
Bargains are still aplenty in resort at the moment as virtually every shop in town is offering end of season discounts of over 50%, so it really is a buyers market.
This draws to a close the fabulous 2018/19 season in Alpe d’Huez, which saw some great conditions and also the first and already legendary Tomorrowland festival.
Next winter season will get underway on Saturday, November 30th 2019, another early start to things in Alpe d’Huez. My reports and videos will be back then – in the meantime, have a great summer and see you in late November. A bientot, ciao!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ski & snowboard hire at Rond Point des Pistes, right on the snowfront
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Alpe d'Huez? Just visit the Skiset Henri Sports Rond Point store!
Ski hire shop at the foot of the slopes at the Pic Blanc lift in Alpe d'Huez
Ski & snowboard rental at the foot of the slopes 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!
Ski rental store in the heart of the Eclose area, in the 4 Soleils shopping centre
Phillippe welcomes you to the ski hire store in the L'eclose area of Alpe d'Huez.
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.
Ski hire located in the Les Bergers shopping centre in Alpe d'Huez
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Alpe d'Huez? Just visit the NetSki Les Bergers store!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Private skiing and snowboarding lessons with highly rated instructors
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ice driving experiences
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!
Find out all about what is happening in Allpe d'Huez and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.
See all Latest News & ReviewsAlpe d'Huez hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. In the winter, you can expect motor racing on ice, comedy festivals, ski races and various live music gigs. During the summer months, the focus turns to cycling with the Tour de France usually passing through town. The Megavalanche, a mass-start mountain bike race that draws thousands of MTB fans from around the world, takes place in July.
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