Unsettled weather continues in Alpe d'Huez

Fresh snow as the UK half-term week approaches

Imprint: By Rob Wood, Updated 14 May 2026

It has been a case of four seasons in one day in Alpe d’Huez recently – we have had everything from snow to sun, rain and high winds, with equally variable temperatures as well. The unsettled weather has been in the main due to the remnants of Storm Ciara that battered the UK for several days last weekend. The imminent arrival of Storm Dennis in the UK will have further effects on the weather in the Alps over the next day or so.

We had some welcome snowfall last Wednesday (February 5th) when around 20cm fell in resort (1850m) as well as a further light dusting of around 5cm on Sunday into Monday. Around 10 to 15cm have fallen on the slopes on Thursday night, perfect as we approach the busy half-term week as on-piste conditions remain really good.

What are the snow conditions like on the pistes?

On-piste snow cover across the ski area currently ranges between 250cm at the top of Pic Blanc (3300m) and 45cm in Auris (1650m) and Vaujany (1250m). In Alpe d'Huez village (1850m), the snow depth reaches 130cm. These decent snow depths are in the main thanks to the very snowy November and December, while some more fresh snowfall would be most welcome.

We are well into the busiest month of the season and the resort is operating at virtually full capacity with 100 pistes open (out of 101), being served by 60+ lifts (out of 67). With virtually every slope open, there really is something for everybody, including 31 greens, 30 blues, 26 reds and 13 blacks.

What are the snow conditions like off-piste?

Off-piste conditions are a bit tracked out and the high winds have tended to drift the snow a bit. This said, the area from the top of the Pic Blanc towards the Pyramides and Clavans still offers a bit of variation but, again, this too would benefit from some fresh snow. Avalanche risk currently stands at 3/5. Off-piste depths range between 265cm at 3000m and 125cm at 2000m.

Where to go to avoid the half-term crowds?

Lift queues are not too bad at all, with the busiest moments being at 09:00-09:30 when ski schools are about to hit the slopes. The slopes over in Auris, across the “Scare Chair” from the Les Bergers lift station, are much quieter than their main resort counterparts and it’s well worth a spin over there to avoid the masses. The area towards Vaujany, away from the main bowl, also offers much quieter slopes and shorter lift queues.

What to do away from the slopes?

Away from the slopes, the resort's entertainment programme is in full swing and one of the attractions not to be missed is the weekly floodlight ski show, torchlight descent by the instructors of ESF and firework display at the Signal on Wednesday evening – this is one of the main treats on the events' programme and should not be missed. The leisure centre hosts its usual wide array of activities, including swimming pool, climbing wall, table tennis, crazy golf, gym, fitness classes, squash and tennis to name but a few.

What does the weather forecast say?

This weekend looks, thankfully, like being fairly settled with light winds and plenty of sunshine. Next week will have a mix of sunshine and snow showers, which may be the case right through until the end of the month. The variance in temperatures will likely continue as well, with a chance of 10ºC in resort over the weekend, dropping down to -3ºC by Wednesday as a daytime high – so bring a wide assortment of clothing with you! The days continue to lengthen as spring approaches with sunrise today at 07:41 and sunset at 18:00.

Ski Hire in Alpe d'Huez

Rocky Sports

Location
Alpe d’Huez

This large Ski and Snowboard rental shop is situated near the Eclose lift in the bottom half of Alpe d'Huez centre.
Altitude Sports Eclose

Location
Alpe d’Huez

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

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Ski & snowboard rental in the Centre of l'Eclose area of 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 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!
Huez Sport

Location
Alpe d’Huez

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

Ski Schools in Alpe d'Huez

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.
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

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.

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

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!

Buy Ski Passes Online

Buy Ski Passes

Our Alpe d'Huez reporter, Rob, spends his winters in the mountains and his summers on Broadsands Beach (South Devon, UK) where he runs a watersports company. If you want to go kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding check out his website.