Les Bergers Centre Commercial
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Alpe d'Huez? Just visit the NetSki Les Bergers store!
Unsettled weather continues in Alpe d'Huez
Fresh snow as the UK half-term week approaches
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
Ski Hire in Alpe d'Huez
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Odalys-L'Eclose
Ski and snowboard rental 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!
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Henri Sports IV Centre
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Alpe d'Huez? Just visit the Skiset Henri Sports Centre store!
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Cyril's Sport Les Bergers
Cyril and Isabelle welcome you to their store, which is at the bottom of the runs in the shopping centre in Les Bergers. They promise all the best advice, skills, quality equipment and a personal service.
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Ours Blanc
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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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.
Ski Schools in Alpe d'Huez
Ski School Lessons in Alpe d'Huez
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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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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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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.
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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
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.
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 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
They provide the best price for airport transfers to destinations throughout the French Alps, year-round.
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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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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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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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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.
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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!
Buy Ski Passes Online
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.
