Resort Guide

Travel

Air. The most popular route to the ski resort is by air. Several budget and charter airlines fly to the three closest airports of Grenoble, Chambery and Lyon. The transfer times are as follows although these can vary considerably depending on traffic and more importantly the weather!

Grenoble 2hrs - 2.30hrs, Chambery 2hrs - 2.30hrs, Lyon 2.30hrs - 3hrs.

Rail. Although not on the overnight snowtrain route it is possible to travel via Eurostar from London St. Pancras International to Grenoble changing at Lille. Journey time 8 hours.

Coach. There is a 3 times weekly service from London Victoria to Grenoble operated by Eurolines. Departs 6.30PM. Arrives 10.15AM.

Self Drive. To drive from the channel coast of France to Grenoble takes approximately 9 to 10 hours via the French motorway system. Toll charges are in the region of £40.

On the Piste

The central bowl of Alpe d'Huez naturally divides into zones catering for different abilities. The resort is an excellent place for beginners to learn as the large number of green pistes testify. These currently stand at 39 and the majority occupy the shallow bowl immediately above the resort. There are a number of chairlifts serving this area such as Romans, Fontbelle, and Lac Blanc.
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The Village

Alpe d'Huez is divided into a series of quarters, the main ones being Quartier des Vieil Alpe, Quartier des Bergers and Quartier des Jeux. Quartier des Vieil Alpe is the oldest area of the resort and is quiet and largely residential although it does contain a number of restaurants. The Les Cimes and Le Mariande are the main British tour operated hotels.

Quartier des Jeux is the main town and it contains the biggest concentration by far of hotels, apartments, shops, restaurants and bars but is not as convenient for the slopes as some of the other areas. L'Ours Blanc Apartments and the Royal L'Ours hotel are the main choice for accommodation.

Quartier Bergers is the newest addition to the resort at the eastern end and about 10 minutes walk from the centre. There is a small arcade of shops which contains largely sports outlets in addition to a supermarket. Although there are a smattering of restaurants and bars, most visitors will head to the centre of the resort for entertainment. Accommodation is mainly self catering consisting of Les Bergers Apartments, the newer Quartier des Bergers Apartments and the Christiana Apartments.

Click on the link for information on ski hire in Alpe d'Huez.