7 Reasons Why Alpe d’Huez Should Be Your Next Ski Destination

If you haven’t been to Alpe d’Huez (ADH) before then there is an awful lot to read and digest in order to fully appreciate why ADH is a MUST-GO ski resort. Winner of the ‘Best Ski Resort in Europe 2017’ Award but it could easily win it most years and there are plenty of reasons to back this up.

Ever heard of Tomorrowland? One of the worlds largest music festivals, it started in 2005 and has the very best and famous Electronic Dance musicians such as David Guetta, Avicci and the Swedish House Mafia to name a few.In 2019 though, Tomorrowland has made the decision to be hosted for the first time by a Ski Resort and where did it choose?Yes you guessed it, Alpe d’Huez.For a week next winter the town, the bar, the piste and the off poste will be rocking to the sounds of Electronic Dance.

The Sarenne Glacier:Starting from the Pic Blanc at 3330m, a sea of ice flows down towards the Sarenne Gorge.You want a snowsure resort!Well ADH is exactly that.The Marie hasn’t rested on his laurels though and in 2016 the Marie’s Office commissioned the addition of snow-cannons to the lowest part of the gorge, meaning that the entire 17km Sarenne Glacier run is snow covered once the season gets underway.Graded as Black it’s the longest black run in Europe, but in reality its only the top section that’s black, most of the run down is a mixture of red, blue and green.

The famous 21 Hairpins:Of Tour de France fame, these 21 switchback turns that emanate from Bourg ‘d’Oisans (in the distant valley floor) to the resort itself have written themselves in to cycling folklore.But its not just the summer that benefits from these famous twists in the road.You only have to ask the Team at Mountain Chalet, a super 14 bed catered chalet sitting on the edge of ADH with an outdoor hot tub and balcony sitting literally on top of this incredible road.With a view to die for, Mountain Chalet gets inundated with requests to stay and its all because of these amazing virages – the French for ‘hairpin’.

Variety:For most a ski resort is all about the skiing or boarding, yet the oh-so thorough market research carried out by the ski industry points to an amazing fact.Over 98% of all ski holiday groups have members of their party that either don’t ski / board or will have at least a day off the slopes during their stay.So a resort with a veritable smorgasbord of ‘other activities’ is a ‘must go resort’ AND Alpe d’Huez has this in droves.An outdoor (its heated) and indoor pool, an ice rink, husky dog sleds, skidoos, fat biking, XC Skiing, paragliding, indoor climbing, a state of the art fitness studio / gym, ice rally car track, winter luge and a myriad of bars & restaurants ensure the après is everything to everyone.

The weather:Its no accident that the tourist information strap line for ADH is ‘the island of the sun’ because of its reputation for being the sunniest ski resort in Europe, boasting over 300 days of sunshine per annum.But fear not, this doesn’t distract from the wicked volumes of snow ADH also gets.This really is a case of ‘best of both worlds’.

Apres:So whether you are wanting a lively bar such as the Folie Douce – the iconic après bar only features in a select few ski resorts or a classic British owned & run bar offering a great atmosphere, live music and pub grub (Smithy’s run by Dave Smith or The Underground run by Gareth & Adam), then ADH is truly a ‘must visit’ ski resort.

Getting there is easy too:The self drive option is always simple given the user friendly nature of French peages, but flying is an equally good option too.Flights in to Grenoble Airport are plentiful and leaves only a short 80 minute transfer to resort centre, with a multitude of airport transfer options.

With 30 000 beds the accommodation is plentiful with lots of options for self catering, hotel or chalet style.Have a look for yourself, visit ADH and its beautiful breath taking Grand Domaine system.

If you are looking for a catered holiday in Alpe d'Huez you should check out Chalet Cornillon here.