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Where to stay in Alpe d'Huez

Discover the top Alpe d'Huez places to stay

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You've made up your mind – you want to come to Alpe d'Huez on your next holiday. As you research your trip, you'll discover that there’s more than one town in the area and that they all offer a great selection of chalets, apartments and hotels. Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses when booking a holiday, so you want to make sure that you’ve chosen the right location. Worry not, we’re here to help.

A former mountain pasture located in the Grandes Rousses massif, Alpe d'Huez is just one of the resorts in the larger Grande Domaine ski area, and one of the most popular destinations in Europe thanks to its almost 250km of pistes drenched in sunlight. At the heart of the ski area the resort of Alpe d'Huez sits at an altitude of 1,860m, but there are many more towns and villages in the area, all of them connected to the slopes thanks to a vast network of lifts.

Sarenne Chalet, Alpe d'Huez double room

Five things to consider before deciding where to stay in Alpe d'Huez

When it comes to booking accommodation in Alpe d'Huez, there is certainly no shortage of choice. Whether you are looking for luxury hotels, chalets for large groups or apartments that are as close to the lifts as possible, you’ll find it all here. This guide to the different sections that make up this superb area should help point you in the right direction so that you are situated as close to whatever action you're looking for. But, first things first.

Where should you stay in Alpe d'Huez?
It depends on the type of holiday you'd like to have. It’s always a good idea to know exactly what you’re looking for: chalet or apartment, party or tranquillity, sporty or relaxed – a holiday in Alpe d'Huez can offer all of these things. With an impressive assortment of accommodation hot spots, from the picturesque Alpine town of Huez to the modern ski hub of Alpe d'Huez, the Grande Domaine is full of surprises.

These are some of the things you may want to consider in advance before you pick the place you want to stay in:

  1. Distance to the pistes: Being able to ski to your door is everyone’s dream – there’s no better feeling than putting your skis on right outside your front door. Alpe d'Huez and its surrounding area offer a good selection of ski-in/ski-out apartments, chalets and hotels. However, bear in mind that these very sought-after spots are usually more expensive than the places further away from the pistes.
  2. Quiet or bustling: Is après-ski as important (or more important) than the skiing itself? In that case, you’d want to stay as close to the bars and clubs in resort as possible. However, if you’d rather stay in after a day on the slopes and prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of the centre, one of the charming villages surrounding Alpe d'Huez is probably a better choice.
  3. Amenities: Ask yourself what you’ll need around you when holidaying in Alpe d'Huez. For example, if you’re self-catering, you probably want to be as close to the supermarkets and restaurants as possible, while those staying in catered chalets and hotels may not need to. Having shops, ski and/or bike hire places and cafés around you can be very handy but also quite noisy… you decide exactly what you need!
  4. Things to do: As with amenities, not everyone will need the same services nearby. For example, families will want to be near the ski schools meeting points to avoid trudging across resort in ski boots carrying yours and your children's skis. Having the local swimming pool and sports centre close by is also a great idea for those coming with little ones as it’ll keep them entertained after a day on the slopes. Or perhaps you need a spa for a good back rub or to soak your sore muscles in a hot tub after a few hours snowboarding. Food for thought!
  5. Budget: Last but not least, location is key when it comes to saving money. Generally, the closer you get to the slopes and to the resort centre, the steeper the prices will be, while the villages further away from the lifts will usually offer cheaper deals.

Our local team’s top tip: When booking accommodation, take a good look at the photos. You’re going to be spending some time in this space so you may as well feel comfortable in it. It’s not just about whether you prefer a cosy rustic interior or a light and airy open plan space, but also whether the layout and décor fit your needs. Are the rooms big enough? How about the bathrooms? Is there a super-modern, steep staircase your toddler won’t be able to climb? What floor is the apartment on? Is it accessible by a lift? All of this matters when choosing your accommodation and not every town in Alpe d'Huez will be able to provide all sorts of styles.

Taking your car with you to

Alpe d'Huez: The heart of the action

Staying right in the centre of Alpe d'Huez has its obvious perks, the main one being that you'll be able to walk to and from the resort’s main facilities and attractions.

Who should stay in the centre of Alpe d'Huez?
If you want to be first on the lifts in the morning and last out of the bars in the evening, then booking accommodation in Alpe d'Huez itself is a must. The town is divided into seven 'quartiers' or quarters. The Quartier des Jeux is right in the centre and most of the bars and restaurants are located here. Vieil Alpe is the oldest of them, boasting traditional buildings and family-run restaurants as well as larger hotels for group or event bookings. Les Bergers is the most modern, offering self-catering apartments at the foot of the slopes and a good selection of places to eat, drink and shop. Passeaux, Eclose and Outaris, at the bottom of resort are mainly residential, while Cognet, at the top, is home to the majority of the hotels, sitting along the bottom of the Signal piste. There are free shuttle buses and lifts to help transport skiers around the resort, so make sure you check where the nearest bus stop is in relation to your accommodation.

huez village in the distance

Huez Village: A traditional Alpine town

Huez Village is a small traditional village right below Alpe d'Huez. At an altitude of 1,450m, you'll come through Huez on the way to Alpe d'Huez from Bourg d'Oisans.

Who should stay in Huez?
People searching for a quieter holiday away from the après-ski that you'll find in Alpe d'Huez. There are a couple of hotels and bars here and the town is linked to the main resort by the Televillage gondola, which arrives just below the tourist office, in the Vieil Alpe quarter.

Vaujany

Vaujany: An idyllic spot

A pretty Alpine village, Vaujany lies at the bottom of a valley behind Alpe d'Huez, at an altitude of 1,250m. Part of the Oz-Vaujany ski area, it's also linked to the Grande Domaine by the Vaujany-Alpette cable car, suitably nicknamed ‘James Bond Gondola car’.

Who should stay in Vaujany?
Those looking for a charming Alpine base with easy access to the slopes. Vaujany hosts a choice of cosy chalets, a handful of hotels and some attractive apartments. All lie within a short distance of the village's facilities and lifts due to the resort's small size. Vaujany also has a few good restaurants and a few bars offering some après-ski action.

Oz en Oisans

Oz en Oisans: A modern purpose-built resort

Set in the same valley as Vaujany, albeit a bit further up the mountain at 1,350m, Oz en Oisans is a small, purpose-built resort with great lift access.

Who should stay in Oz en Oisans?
Oz en Oisans is a great choice for families and groups looking for a quiet spot with easy slope access. There are only a handful of restaurants and bars here, so it's really not for the partygoers but the limited choice of apartments, chalets and hotels will suit those after a peaceful getaway. Oz en Oisans is a traffic-free resort and is designed for pedestrians so the village is small enough to navigate on foot. Part of the Oz-Vaujany ski area, it's also linked to the Grande Domaine via the Poutran lift.

About staying in Alpe d'Huez

Auris en Oisans: A small family-friendly ski resort

In the same valley as Alpe d'Huez but on the opposite, south-facing slope stands Auris en Oisans, at 1,600m, a small resort connected to the centre of Alpe d'Huez via the Alpauris chairlift, also known as the 'Scare Chair'.

Who should stay in Auris en Oisans?
If you are holidaying with your family and fancy somewhere smaller and cosier than Alpe d'Huez, then Auris is a great option. All residences are close to the lifts as well as the leisure and service facilities.

About staying in Alpe d'Huez

Villard Reculas: A haven of peaceful chalets

The Grande Domaine includes another resort in its huge ski area, Villard Reculas, a traditional village at an altitude of 1,500m linked to the main ski area by the Le Villarais lift that reaches the summit of the Signal.

Who should stay in Villard Reculas?
Boasting a handful of wood and stone chalets and traditional hotels, this is a place for people in search of peace and quiet in an authentic, tranquil Alpine village. No matter where you stay, you'll never be more than 300m from the nearest ski lift.

A living room with two blue chairs and a table

Luxury hot spots in Alpe d'Huez

If you're searching for luxury accommodation in Alpe d'Huez, you're in luck! The resort offers plenty of high-end options, many of which feature private swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and even cinema rooms.

Where are luxury chalets and apartments located in Alpe d'Huez?
Many luxury chalets and apartments in Alpe d'Huez are based in the town centre. From apartment residences with spas, indoor pools and saunas to large chalets with floor-to-ceiling windows, you'll find them here. If you also want ski-to-door accommodation, there are two main clusters of chalets and apartments at the foot of the slopes: one in Les Bergers area and another one in the old town.

Are there any five-star hotels in Alpe d'Huez?
Yes, there are two five-star hotels in Alpe d'Huez. Located right at the bottom of the slopes, offering true ski-in/ski-out access, Chamois d'Or is a chalet-style hotel with a fully-equipped spa, kid's club, gourmet restaurants and concierge service. The latest addition to the luxury scene is Daria-I Nor, a contemporary hotel in Eclose, near the slopes with a spa, two restaurants and a lounge bar.

Romantic corners in Alpe d'Huez

High snow-capped peaks, deep luscious forests, white snow-filled fields and cosy wooden chalets with roaring fires – a ski break can be the most romantic of holidays. In Alpe d'Huez, you’ll be able to make all your fairy-tale escapade dreams come true.

What’s the best place to stay in Alpe d'Huez for couples?
For the quintessentially picturesque Alpine holiday, there's no need to get away from the centre of Alpe d'Huez – the Vieil Alpe neighbourhood has some wonderful four-star hotels perfect for couples. Otherwise, the charming towns of Huez and Vaujany are a safe bet. Picture cosy ski chalets nestled between the trees where you can relax in the hot tub at the end of a hard day on the pistes and enjoy wonderful panoramic mountain views.

Group-friendly towns in Alpe d'Huez

Groups have very specific needs, namely a big enough space and easy access to the slopes and the resort's amenities.

Where in Alpe d'Huez can you find large apartments and chalets for groups?
Groups come to Alpe d'Huez not only to enjoy its world-renowned skiing and cycling but also to sample its famous après-ski scene. In the heart of resort, you'll find a great selection of large apartments with sizeable communal areas and beds for up to 10 people, as well as big chalets.

Dibona Chalet, Vaujany twin bedroom

Family accommodation in Alpe d'Huez

When travelling with young children, you ideally want to stay somewhere that has lots of facilities and services nearby so that you don't have to travel long distances to get to the slopes or the restaurants.

What’s the best area for families with children to stay in Alpe d'Huez?
Once more, Alpe d'Huez itself may be the best option as most of the ski schools are located here, especially around the Bergers and the Rond Point des Pistes, in Cognet. However, families who prefer to be close to the sports centre, ice rink and outdoor swimming pool to keep the kids entertained may find that the Quartier des Jeux, bang in the centre of Alpe d'Huez, is a better option.

If you're holidaying with young children and fancy somewhere smaller and cosier than Alpe d'Huez, then Auris en Oisans is a great option. Hailed as the resort of choice for families in the Isere region, Auris offers plenty to do for the little ones, including a range of free activities in the summer and winter such as torchlit descents, zip-lining and night sledging. There's also a leisure centre, Les Marmottes, with activities for those aged 12 and under. All of the apartment buildings here are near the lifts as well as the resort's main facilities.

Hope 2 Apartment, Alpe d'Huez

Cheap accommodation in Alpe d'Huez

Alpe d'Huez is well-known for being a relatively affordable resort compared to similar ski areas in the Alps. This makes it very popular for those looking for more 'bang for their buck'.

What’s the cheapest area to stay in Alpe d'Huez?
There are budget-friendly apartments all around Alpe d'Huez, as well as a handful of two-star family-run hotels. If it's a chalet holiday you prefer, the towns of Oz en Oisans, Vaujany and Villard Reculas boast a decent selection of traditional and modern abodes at lower prices than some of the accommodation in the centre. The only hostel in the area, Moontain Hostel, is situated in Oz en Oisans and offers shared and private rooms.

The sun shines brightly over the snow covered buildings

Ski-in ski-out accommodation in Alpe d'Huez

Ski-to-door accommodation is very popular in Alpe d'Huez, which means that it gets booked out quite quickly. Prices are also usually more expensive than the accommodation a bit further away from the slopes. However, there's no greater feeling than arriving at your doorstep with your skis on, so get on booking as soon as you can if you want to experience it yourself.

Where can you find ski-to-door accommodation in Alpe d'Huez?
Many of the chalets, apartments and hotels in Alpe d'Huez offer ski-to-door accommodation. In Alpe d'Huez itself, Les Bergers and the Rond Point des Pistes, in the Cognet quarter, are your best bet for ski-in/ski-out accommodation. Oz en Oisans, Vaujany, Auris en Oisans and Villard Reculas also boast chalets right at the foot of the slopes.

Cycling hot spots in Alpe d'Huez

Home to one of the most famous cycling climbs in the world, Alpe d'Huez is a mecca for roadies. Who hasn't dreamt of triumphing over the 21 legendary bends that have seen so many Tour de France winners crowned? Many other famous Alpine climbs are within cycling distance, including the Col du Galibier.

Where are the best places to stay in Alpe d'Huez for cyclists?
The centre of Alpe d'Huez is, once more, the top choice as this is where the 21 hairpin bends end. The town is bustling in the summer, with most hotels, apartments and chalets operating and many restaurants and bars open. Some people, however, prefer to stay in Bourg d'Oisans, where the climb begins, although accommodation options are somewhat reduced here.

About staying in Alpe d'Huez

Camping & glamping in Alpe d'Huez

There are a couple of campsites and motorhome areas in Alpe d'Huez and its surrounding area, open both in the summer and winter.

Are there any campsites in Alpe d'Huez?
There are no campsites in Alpe d'Huez itself. However, you'll find a handful of them in Bourg d'Oisans, on the road that leads up to resort. Many of them have extensive facilities including swimming pools and snack bars.

Are there any motorhome areas in Alpe d'Huez?
France is famous for its well-equipped motorhome areas or 'aires de camping-car' and Alpe d'Huez is no exception. You can find one in the Brandes car park, in the Bergers quarter and near the Altiport. To get in, you need to pay at the underground car park in Les Bergers. There are toilets, waste disposal areas, as well as electricity and water.

More inspiration...

Now that you know exactly where you want to stay, it's time to choose between a chalet holiday, a self-catered apartment break or a hotel room. Our dedicated Chalets Guide, Apartments Guide and Hotels Guide will steer you in the right direction.