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step one - where and when
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step two - what do you need?
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step three - checkout
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| Resort Name: |
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Alpe d Huez |
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Altitude |
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1860m |
| Country |
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France |
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Runs |
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249km of pistes (19% green, 21% blue, 32% red, 28% black) |
| No. of lifts |
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86 |
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Tourist Office |
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Alpe D'Huez InformationTel.: 0476 114 444 |
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| Good For... |
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Friendly locals
1 hour from Grenoble Lively
Sunny S/SW slopes with good snow
Superb skiing and good snowmaking equipment
Efficient lift system with lots of runs.
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| Not So Good For... |
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Slushy later in season and during very sunny times Above tree line
Lacks the charm of other French resorts
Some of the runs can get a little overcrowded
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| Getting There |
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Alpe D'Huez Travel | By Air
Grenoble 99km Lyon 150km Chambery 140km Geneva 220km | | By Train
Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris, then TGV arriving Grenoble then bus. |
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|  | By Car
To get driving directions to the resort go to either the AA Website or the Michelin Route Planner website
www.viamichelin.com or www.theaa.com
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|  Looking for an airport transfer at a good rate? www.skitransfers.com offer an excellent service. English-speaking drivers greet you at the airport and then drive you to the resort. Their vehicles range in size up to a 19 seater minibus. Child seats also available. |
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| About The Resort.. |
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Alpe D'Huez Alpe D'Huez is a sprawling resort just East of Grenoble whilst many of the buildings are due to have a little work done. You might not get the 'look' but what you do get a a really warm welcome from the locals. There is a free bus service around the resort. Serre Chevalier and Les Deux-Alpes are near by and are covered by the lift pass. You can even catch a helicopter for 63 Euros to Les Deux Alpes.
There are a lot of misspellings of the name Alpe d'Huez. It could be that you find information on the ski resort under one of the following names. Alp Duez, Alpd'Huez, Alpdhuez, Alpduhuez, Alpe D Heuz, Alpe Dhuez, Alpe-D'Huez, Alpe-Dhuez, Alped'Huez, Alpedhues, Alpedhuez, Alpeduez, Alpeduhuez, Alpes D. |
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| Resort Restaurants |
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Alpe D'Huez Restaurants
 Where to eat in Alpe D'Huez?
Le Genepi - Traditional Savoyard (04 76 80 36 22)
Smithys - Tex Mex (04 76 11 32 29)
Chilli Powder - Indian and thai food.
L’Origan - Good Value Pizza and Pasta (04 76 80 32 57)
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| Nightlife.. |
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Alpe D'Huez Bars
 For Bars and a bit of nightlife head to
Smithys
Pacific
Underground – in Nielsens Hotel
Roadhouse – a somewhere a bit quieter
Nightclub - Igloo
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| Other Activities |
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Alpe D'Huez Activities Under ice diving-why not try your first dive at 2000m altitude in Lake Besson. Contact Cameleon Organisation on Tel: +33 (0)4 50 74 00 59 or email cameleon@cameleon-organisation.com
Ice Driving School - why not book a 3 hour group lesson or half hour private lesson with an instructor and have a go on the Eclose circuit where the Andros Trophy takes place. Contact Pro Driver Avenue de Brandes T: +33 (0)4 76 80 69 97 or email contact@pro-driver.fr  Eclose Ice Track – training ground for pro-racing drivers Lesson aprox €35 / hour Ice Skating – 06 88 16 60 75 – Avenue Des Jeux
Indoor Heated Pool open daily from 10:00am to 8:00pm Night Skiing – free for those with VISALP pass 2 days or more
Paragliding – 06 73 37 03 39
Sports Centre 04 76 79 12 33 Tobogganing / Night SledingEvery Tuesday and Thursday night you can head out for some night sledding held at the Butte de L'Eclose slope. The chairlift is free with your Visalp Pass - you will however have to provide your own sled with brakes
Yoga 04 76 79 12 33
Winter Walks -You can get a winter walking pass which gives you access to 30km of marked and groomed tracks. If you use the cable car to explore higlights of the Grandes Rousses massif: Pic Blanc, gorges de Sarenne, Iac Besson, Oz en Osisans, Vaugany, etc. Its a great way to meet your skiing friends on the mountain for a restaurant lunch.
A detailed plan of winter walking trails, ski lifts open to pedestrians are available form the Alpe d'huez Tourist office and all ski pass offices.
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| Accommodation |
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Alpe D'Huez Accomodation
 Alpe D'Huez Hotels
4* Hotel Au Chamois D’Or
Good location
Easy access to pistes / shops / bars
Swimming pool / Jacuzzi and fitness room
4* Royal Ours Blanc + 33 (0)4 76 80 35 50 Alpe d'Huez Chalets
Chalet La Ferme de Marie If you are looking for a quiet location in the centre of the village look no further. La Ferme de Marie sleeps 6-9 persons and is about 5 minutes walk to the lifts. For more details and prices click here
If you are looking for a quiet location away from the nightlife but near the ski school we recommend Chalet-Apartment Alpette, in a pretty wooded spot located at the top of Oz en Oisans. Excellent access to the entire Alpe d'Huez ski area. Curl up around the open fire or enjoy the beautiful views across the valley. For details and availability click here
 La Source Ski Chaletis also close to Alpe d'Huez. The chalet is owned and managed by Michael Baldwin - ski enthusiast, mountaineer and hotelier. The chalet is filled with charm and was converted from an old stone barn. Enjoy the beautiful views, south facing balconies and wood burning stoves. The chalet caters for 16 guests and includes 4 twin rooms with private facilities, a family room that sleeps 4. Delicious food all made from local produce and complimentary French wines.
The following UK ski holiday companies offer accommodation in Alpe D'Huez, Thomson Ski, Ski Miquel, Neilsons, Inghams, Ski France and Erna Low.
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| About The Mountain |
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 Ski Alpe D'Huez
Altogether you have 87 ski lifts: 6 cable cars, 10 gondolas, 25 chairs, 41 ski tows and 2 lifts, 3 travelators. The Grandes Rousses covers 249km of pistes with 123 marked runs. The season usually runs from 1 December through to about the 27th April. All levels of skiing are catered for including some good off piste that rivals neighboring La Grace and Les Deux Alpes. Beginners 38 green runs and 32 blue runs
Intermediates 36 red runs
Experts 17 black runs
 Snowboard Alpe D'Huez
Snowboarders- Snowparks – one near Auris and a beginners park above Vaujany
-rails, jumps and half pipe
2nd park for more advance riders – higher up by the Barbars Drag
Cross Country Skiing There are six circuits (blue and red) 50km of trails tracked for both the skating and diagonal stride styles for all abilities.
Check out the Ski Freeride in Alpe d'Huez 2008.
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| Mountain Restuarants |
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 Restaurant Alpe D'Huez
Where to eat on the Mountain?
Le Cabana du Poulat 04 76 80 42 88 – top of Marmottes gondola
Chalet du lac Besson 04 76 80 65 37 – rustic French, open fire, sun deck
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| Ski Schools |
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Ski Lesson Alpe D'HuezV.O Coachingwww.vo-coaching.comLooking for a private ski lesson in Alpe D'Huez? We recommend V.O. Coaching run by the lovely Monica and Barbara. They'll make sure the each lesson is tailored to your specific needs. They use modern techniques and you'll benefit enormously from their one-on-one coaching. If you are a family or group of friends who want to ski / snowboard and learn together they will happily take out groups of up to five people. They are loads of fun and they really love skiing. Check out their website as they do run special offers at certain times during the season.  Monica Bernardi
monica@vo-coaching.com
Monica was born in Italy, started skiing when she was 2 years old, has lived in France and Switzerland and speaks English, having spend time in the USA & UK |  Barbara Maublanc
barbara@vo-coaching.com
Barbara was born in France, is passionate about snowboarding, and speaks English having worked in New Zealand teaching both skiing and snowboarding |
Ski Schools in Alpe D'Huez
ESF +33(0) 476 803169 International +33 (0) 476 804277 Stance +33(0) 680 755572
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| Weather |
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| Nearby Resorts |
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| Nearby resorts include La Grave, Les Deux Alpes, Serre ChevalierThere are a number of ski resorts in the Northern Alps of France Isere region including:
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| Shopping |
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| Top 5 Family Activities |
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Alpe d Huez For The Family
 Ice Skating - the Municipal outdoor rink is open form 10:00am to 23:00 daily. Why not try some dancing on ice lessons for 3 years and upwards. Private and group lessons are available. Call Alexandra Lemaitre T: 0033 (0)6 88 16 60 75
Moonlight Skiing - You need to be an experienced skier ( so more suitable for the older teens in your family) and this is really not something to miss. Take a lift up to 3,330m with the last lift of the day and then enjoy a gastonomic meal at a refuge then ski back down in the moonlight. Ski instructors and ski patrol act as guides. This is by reservation only so call T: 0033 (0)4 76 80 34 73
Elastic Trampoline - Suitable for kids over 3 years and adults up to 80kg (12stone 8lb) the elastic trampoline is located in front of the Sprots and Convention Centre from 3:30pm - 7pm daily. For more details call The Elastic Trampo on T: 0033 (0)6 89 09 49 39
Open air heated swimming pool - open daily 10:00am - 8pm. |
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| Top 5 Runs |
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Alpe D'Huez Ski Runs
First 8000
Alpe D'Huez is known for it's legendary vertical drop - known as the First 8000, unique in France there are 4 descents of 2000 metres,
Sarenne, The World's Longest Run
Sarenne is the world's longest ski run at 16km and joins Pic Blanc with the Sarenne Gorges, it's also the departure point of many off piste itineraries - Combe du Loup, Cotes de Rivet, Pied Froid, Cerisier comb and corridor. Beware of moguls that build up in the afternoon. Not to difficult otherwise, and some wonderful views.
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| Ski & Snowboard Hire Shop |
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Ski Hire Alpe D'HuezWe recommend ski hire and snowboard hire at one of the following shops in Alpe d'Huez.
Ski Hire Shop Locations 1) Henri Sports 1 - centre Commercial des Bergers
2) Henri Sports 2 - centre Commercial des Bergers
3) Henri Sports 3 - L' Eclose lift
4) Henri Sports 4 - Rond Point des Pistes
5) Henri Sports 5 (AB Sports) - Centre Station Avenue des Jeux
6) Man Sports 1 - Centre Commercial des Bergers, inside the Hotel MMV les Bergers
7) Man Sports 2 (AB Sports) - L'Office du Tourisme
If you book online here at Snowbrainer you can make big savings of up to 45% on the recommended retail price for all your winter sports equipment. Your rental will be waiting for you in the shop on your arrival.
Save time and money - Book Here Now!
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Ski Hire Shops opening times
1) Henri Sports 1 - centre Commercial des Bergers - 09:00 - 19:00
2) Henri Sports 2 - centre Commercial des Bergers - 09:00 - 19:00
3) Henri Sports 3 - L' Eclose lift - 08:45 - 19:00
4) Henri Sports 4 - Rond Point des Pistes - 09:00 - 19:00
5) Henri Sports 5 (AB sports) - Centre Station - 08:30 - 12:30 and 16:00 - 19:30
6) Man Sports 1 - Centre Commercial des Bergers inside the Hotel MMV les Bergers
7) Man Sports 2 (AB Sports) - L'Office du Tourisme - 09:00-13:00 and 16:00-19:00
Languages spoken by the staff in all the ski hire shop in Alpe d'Huez are French and English
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| How to Hire Ski Gear?
It's simple. Snowbrainer has a three step booking system.
Step 1) choose your country, resort and shop.
Step 2) choose your equipment
Step 3) register and check out
You'll receive an instant Equipment Voucher via e-mail. (best viewed in HTML on your e-mail setting) Print out the Voucher and take it to the shop. |
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Ski Hire Gear - what can I expect?What to expect from your ski hire gear. Snowbrainer works with over 700 ski rental shops in 11 countries. The range of equipment stocked from shop to shop changes. Large shops in the most popular resorts tend to stock the largest range of ski rental equipment. They may have 5 or 6 ski models in each category whereas smaller shops may be limited to only a couple. Snowbrainer gives you an indication of the type of equipment to expect within a category. |
Skis - a breakdown per category of ski equipment rental
Platinum Plus *
| High Precision skis with a high retail price, exclusively designed for experts | | Platinum * | Top of the range skis current and last seasons top models. Offering a variety of Slope, All Mountain, freestyle & Women's ski models | | Gold * | Easy to manage skis designed for beginners and intermediates. Offering skis suitable for on slopes and Women's models | | Silver | Easy to manage skis designed for beginners and intermediates. Offering skis suitable for on slopes and Women's models | | Bronze | budget skis in their 3rd year of use | | Snowblades /Miniskis | Snowblade for fun! (and those feeling lazy... until you realise they don't glide so well and hitting a flat straight means physical exertion by walking.) |
* Offer in this category : This category allows customers to change the equipment 3 times during the course of the week (from Monday to Thursday) subject to availability at the shop (this offer is limited to 1 per day)
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Snowboards - a breakdown per category of snowboard equipment rental
| Platinum * | top of the range boards | | Gold * | a range of on and offpiste models | | Silver | entry level snowboard for beginners |
* Offer in this category : This category allows customers to change the equipment 3 times during the course of the week (from Monday to Thursday) subject to availability at the shop (this offer is limited to 1 per day)
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Child Ski Hire
| Champion | young skiers 6 to 11 years inclusive (up to 145 cm in height) For all levels including high quality skis, twin-tips. equipment up to 3 years old | | Aspire | skis for children 6 to 11 years under 145 cm in height. equipment up to 3 years old | | Minikids | skis suitable for very young children up to and including 5 years. |
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Child Snowboard Hire
| Champion | Snowboards suitable for beginner and intermediate level kids |
Ski Helmet Hire
It is recommended that all adults and children wear helmets
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The Cost of Ski HireThere are quite a few factors that change the cost of ski hire. Certain times of the season are more expensive than others. If you are looking for the cheapest ski hire then booking outside school holiday periods usually makes the price cheaper. By booking online at Snowbrainer we'll give you a discount bringing the price of your ski hire down. We publish the Recommended Retail Price on our site so you know not only how much discount you get off your ski hire but also how much you would pay if you walked into the shop and paid full price. Ski Hire ClothingUnfortunately we do not hire ski wear. We recommend hiring your skis and snowboards at Skiset Aillon Sport in Aillon Le Jeune in the building Le Saint Anne. If you book online here at Snowbrainer you can make big savings up to 45% on the recommended retail price for all your winter equipment. Your equipment will be waiting for you in the shop on your arrival. Save time and money - Book Ski Hire Here Now! It's what we call a No Brainer!
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| Resort News |
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| Top 5 Things To Take |
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 Easy to use Piste Maps & Ski Trails
Looking for high detailed piste maps for your GPS? Snowranger sells affordable quality digital maps that are great for any ski or snowboard trip. For those of you who’ve ever wondered which run gets you back to France from the Swiss side of Portes du Soleil or you’re racing the clock to get back from a Courchevel lunch to Val Thorens before the lifts shut this is invaluable kit. No more wrestling wet paper maps with frozen fingers! There are over 500 ski resorts piste maps in Europe and North America available.
Go to Snow-Forecast Snowranger
 Film your Mates Jumps, Tricks & Shameful Ski / Snowboard Moments.
We love the JAMCAM – it’s a head camera that allows you to capture your days skiing or snowboarding on the mountain. You can rent or buy the kit so for more details head to www.jam-cam.tv If you take the JAMCAM rental service in resort they include a host to record your day. The alternative is to rent before you leave, taking the equipment to the ski resort of your choice and posting back on your return. Gift vouchers are available via the website offering an unusual Christmas or Birthday present for your ski & snowboard mad friends.
 What's an easy way to carry skis?
Well we found the ‘THE HANDLE’ . This nifty little device allows you to carry your skis around without causing major injury to yourself and other members of the public. It’s incredibly easy to use – no Velcro just a click buckle. It’s also light and small enough to put in your pocket. www.ski-walker.com
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| Reviews |
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As a family we loved Alpe d’Huez. The kids are quite young and it was great to have the Olympic ice rink - covered by the lift pass – great value really! And there’s an outdoor and indoor swimming pool for more amusement for us and the kids. ESF were great with the kids at the ski school too! We also had great pizzas at Origan – kept the kids happy and we went back twice throughout the week! Very tasty and great with the kids – just what we wanted!!!
By Charlotte Beckett on 03/12/2009 08:56:03
stayed in Les Cimes which we booked through Crystal. Certainly not the best place we've stayed in on a ski holiday and fortunately we got it cheap. small rooms, very little hanging space, but good view. Ski hire at Henri sports was good - easy to find and they were very helpful finding me boots to fit feet.
By m jackson on 28/12/2009 09:38:10
Add your review to this resort by clicking here!
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my shopping basket |
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| Resort: |
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Alpe d Huez |
| Dates: |
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08/09/2010 |
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6 |
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