Huez Sport
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Alpe d'Huez? Just visit the Huez Sports store!
Season comes to an end in Alpe d'Huez
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!
Ski Hire in Alpe d'Huez
Ski Hire in Alpe d'Huez
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Ski Dream
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.
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Alpesports
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!
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Jeannot Sport
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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Henri Sports III Resort Centre
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Alpe d'Huez? Just visit the Skiset AB Sports Centre Station store!
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Bergers Residences
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!
Ski Schools in Alpe d'Huez
Ski School Lessons in Alpe d'Huez
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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.
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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.
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Private ski lessons
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.
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Group ski lessons
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
Oli Sebbar is a certified ski instructor in France and New Zealand. He loves sharing his passion and knowledge of the mountains and will help you understand and learn how to deal with different types of snow conditions you may encounter while riding on piste and off-piste.
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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.
Airport Transfers in Alpe d'Huez
Transfers for Alpe d'Huez
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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.
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Private airport transfers
They provide the best price for airport transfers to destinations throughout the French Alps, year-round.
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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.
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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
Wintersport Things To Do in Alpe d'Huez
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Snowshoe walks
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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Biathlon activity
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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Evodriver
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!
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Outdoor synthetic skating rink
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.
