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Alpe d'Huez - The Island in the Sun

Alpe d’Huez or the Island in the Sun as it’s more commonly known is a ski resort located in the Southern Alps in the Grandes Rousses ski area. Although mainly known for its role in the summer months as a stage in the Tour de France it is also a fantastic winter resort with a huge ski area, loads to do off the piste, and an ideal place for families to stay.

Choose from a host of apartments in Alpe d’Huez and Hotels to please everyone from young families to first timers and to large groups. With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, it is the perfect ski holiday spot for fair-weather skiers and with a huge range of non-ski activities there are lots of things for everyone to do.

A video of just some of the activities in Alpe d'Huez.

One of the biggest claims to fame of Alpe d’Huez is the huge ski area which covers a whopping 10000 hectares! There really is something for everyone, beginners are well catered for and probably won’t even have to buy a lift pass for the first few days (a bonus in the ever expensive sport). Intermediates can really make the most of endless pistes, four of which are particularly long and gentle, leading to the traditional villages of Oz-en Oisans and Vaujany (great little spots to grab some lunch). Alpe d’Huez is also home to the longest black run in the world. Sarenne is 16km and as a special treat try and take part in the monthly night time descents by either candlelight or the full moon. Anyone skiing must travel to the top of Le Pic Blanc, a spot from which you can supposedly see 1/5th of France, including the Ecrins National Park, La Grave, La Meije, Les Deux Alpes, and the incredible Mont Blanc.

A cool 3D video of the Sarenne ski piste.

Although not the first resort you might think of for après-ski, Alpe d’Huez does boast an impressive 30 bars and several nightclubs. You can grab some tasty Tex Mex food at Smithy’s bar and then watch the football matches at the Sports Bar or enjoy some live music at O-Sharkey’s Irish bar.

When you are finished partying, it’s time to crawl into your bed in your Alpe d’Huez hotel or self-catered apartment. The resort is also a great option for anyone looking to do something other than party and ski, particularly families who might be looking for a calm and leisurely self-catered deal in France.

Alpe d’Huez is quite simply put, a ray of sunshine in the world of skiing. It is a refreshing and lively town with a massive ski area with something for everyone to explore. There is a great après scene as well as loads of activities for non-skiiers and children to take part in. What’s more it has a huge variety of options of accommodation to stay in. From posh Alpe d’Huez hotels such as Royal Ours Blanc to cheap apartments such as Residence Les Bergers, there is definitely a selection to suit all.

So what are you waiting for? Grab yourself an Alpe d’Huez ski deal and get out there now.

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