Season comes to an end in Alpe d'Huez

Resort received a surprising bit of late snow

Imprint: By Rob Wood, Updated 12 May 2026

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

Cognet

Location
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!
Henri Sports VII MMV

Location
Alpe d’Huez

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!
Altitude Sports Eclose

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Phillippe welcomes you to the ski hire store in the L'eclose area of Alpe d'Huez.
Les Bergers

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.
Huez Sport

Location
Alpe d’Huez

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

Ski Schools in Alpe d'Huez

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

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 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.
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.
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.

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.
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

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

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.
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.
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!