Alpe d’Huez
A Ski Season in Alpe d’Huez: The Ultimate Alpine Experience
Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Alpe d’Huez is one of the most iconic ski resorts in Europe. Known as the “Island of the Sun” due to its exceptional sunshine record, this vibrant resort offers an unforgettable ski season experience, combining world-class skiing, lively après-ski, and breathtaking mountain views.
Unparalleled Skiing and Snowboarding
Alpe d’Huez boasts over 250 kilometers of slopes, catering to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. From gentle beginner runs to the legendary Sarenne, the longest black run in Europe, there’s something for everyone. The resort is part of the larger Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski area, providing access to five additional ski villages and a vast network of interconnected slopes. The snow conditions are consistently excellent, thanks to the resort’s high altitude, with the glacier at Pic Blanc offering year-round skiing.
Vibrant Après-Ski and Nightlife
After a day on the slopes, Alpe d’Huez comes alive with a buzzing après-ski scene. The famous La Folie Douce offers an outdoor party atmosphere with live music and DJ sets, while cozy bars like Smithy’s Tavern provide a more relaxed vibe. The resort’s nightlife is equally diverse, with a range of clubs and late-night venues to keep the fun going well into the evening.
Endless Activities and Stunning Scenery
Beyond skiing, Alpe d’Huez offers a host of activities, from ice skating and snowshoeing to paragliding and helicopter tours. The resort is also known for its stunning panoramic views, with the Pic Blanc summit offering a breathtaking 360-degree vista over the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-timer, a ski season in Alpe d’Huez promises adventure, relaxation, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Interesting fact : Jean Pomagalski built the first ever drag lift here in the 1930’s which ran of a an old American truck from WW1 , he went on to build the POMA lift company.
Jobs in Alpe d’Huez
Plenty of work here , lots of tour operators , chalet companies etc ..plus the bars all have a fair amount of brit staff so getting yourself a season here should not be a problem ( although a lot of staff want to go back year after year ) .
No job listings found.
Slopes
For a great leg burner hit the longest slope in Europe ( quite a few resorts claim this though ) at 16kms : La Sarenne ; for those of you who are just getting going on the slopes then head to the outskirts of the resort and enjoy some of the blue runs .
The whole area is really sunny and over 800 snow cannons so on fair weather days you are going to be cruising around and loving the wide open runs
Top Tips
Getting your kicks on the steep stuff is a doddle here , firstly you should be in the Cheminees du Mascle couloirs at 50 degrees !
There are some great off piste routes from Pic Blanc and Dome de Petit rousses but for a hardcore day out grab a lift over to La Grave and ride some of the most extreme terrain in Europe.
Bars
Night life is a big plus here and you will not be disappointed with a fair bit of Apres ski to be had…
- The Folie Douce can now be found in Alpe d’Huez so expect expensive raucous fun on the slopes.
- Underground bar always has superb live music.
- O Bar is a great spot to get comfy in front of the fire and enjoy some tapas.
- Smithys and Sharkeys will keep you entertained , and you will bump into a lot of other resort workers here.
- Lots of bars tend to come and go in Alpe d’Huez so keep an eye out for first season special offers in the first few weeks where bar owners need to make a good impression !