Want to gather the whole gang, from mini-champions to grandparents, on the Island in the Sun? At Alpe d’Huez, we alternate between large-scale skiing on 250 km of slopes and laughter in after-ski sessions. From watching the sunrise on the legendary La Sarenne from the Pic Blanc (3,330 m), to crazy turns in a Mountain Kart, a brain break in Escape Games, and a well-deserved fondue in an igloo, the resort pampers large tribes looking for warm memories to hold onto all winter long.
Head to Alpe d’Huez in tribe mode, with five experiences that sparkle as much in the cheeks as in the eyes: fun slopes for the kids, skiing in Mountain Kart, first tracks at dawn on La Sarenne, thrilling Escape Games, and a hike in snowshoes to a fondue in an igloo. With generous sunshine, an XXL domain, and activities for all ages, there’s plenty to create a stay where everyone finds their moment of glory, from little champions to big kids.
Nicknamed “the Island in the Sun,” Alpe d’Huez delights families: 250 km of slopes, easy sectors just steps from the center, and panoramas that make you say “more!”. Here, you can go from the heart of the resort to the summit of Pic Blanc (3330 m) in the blink of an eye, and even after years of loyalty, you always discover a new secret spot to share with cousins, grandpa, grandma, and the whole gang.
Getting here is child’s play: the road offers a grandiose spectacle, especially in the 21 legendary hairpin turns of the Tour de France — count about 7h30 from Lille, 6h from Paris, 5h30 from Toulouse, 3h40 from Marseille, 2h15 from Lyon, and 1h15 from Grenoble. By train, head to Grenoble (4h40 from Lille, 3h40 from Paris with a change in Lyon) and then take a shuttle (about 2h). And to put together your itinerary without hassle, the road companion goalpedhuez lends a hand to make the perfect trip.
When it comes to souvenirs, think “pictures galore”. The photo points immortalize your exploits, especially on the Chalvet chairlift with a breathtaking view of La Sarenne, on the rail sled of the Bergers, in the Dôme des Rousses cable car, or at the top of Pic Blanc. Practical bonus: your photos can be retrieved with a quick scan of your ski pass on the Alpe d’Huez (free) app.
Access the paradise of fun slopes for kids
First stop at the realm of little riders: the themed courses “Chez Roger” and “Marcel’s Farm”, accessible from the center. To vary the pleasures, head to a more discreet gem: “Jacques the Lumberjack”. You reach this playground via the Alpauris chairlift, heading towards Auris-en-Oisans, a less crowded area perfect for mastering turns… and for the adults to relax in complete serenity.
After a few runs, we climb to Chalvet for an instant souvenir at the photo point, then we rush to the brand new boardercross recommended by the boss of the snowpark: bumps, boxes, and laughter on the agenda. Special mention to the first ride of the youngest on the t-bar, coached with patience by the local lift operator — well done, champion!
For souvenir hunters, don’t forget the other photo spots: the Chalvet facing the black slope of La Sarenne, the rail sled of the Bergers in action shots, the Dôme des Rousses cable car, and the summit of Pic Blanc. These moments are later found quickly on the official app of the resort by scanning your ski pass.
Slide down the snowy slopes in a Mountain Kart
Want to switch things up from skiing and snowboarding? Teens and adventurous aunts will love the Mountain Kart: a sled on wheels, a dedicated track, and if you choose the evening, a sunset that lights up the peaks. We take off in a line… and then everyone tries their own path: joy screams guaranteed and a crazy race awaits.
During the day, the compressed track allows for ultra-smooth riding, and the speed… is tantalizingly tempting. Practical side: activity accessible from 12 years, helmet mandatory, open from 10am to 3pm under the Jeux chairlift (depending on snow conditions) or in night sessions on the Roger track, starting from the Rif Nel Express. And in the summer, we do it again: the same thrill, without the skis.
Make your first tracks at sunrise on the longest slope in Europe
Wake up at dawn for an experience worth every minute of lost sleep: the first tracks on the legendary Sarenne. Meet at 7:50 am at the base of the Pic Blanc cable car, along with the piste patrollers. Time during the ascent, we discuss the profession, safety, and secrets of this legendary black slope of 16 km — the longest in Europe.
At 3330 m, the view is breathtaking: the Aiguilles d’Arves, the Meije, the Pic Bayle, the 2 Alpes, and, on a clear day, Mont Blanc. The piste patrollers clear the way, everyone chooses their pace — speed or contemplation — and off we go for 2000 m of negative elevation. We then meet for a well-deserved breakfast in an inn. Activity reserved for experienced skiers, on reservation with the tourist office.
Curious about alpine technologies? Just two ridges away, at the 2 Alpes, the new Jandri cable car impresses with its numbers and design: discover it here: a technological gem at €148 million.
Have fun in the fun Escape Games at the Palais des Sports
When the legs say pause, the brain takes over. Head to the Palais des Sports for two Escape Games with opposing atmospheres. In the tent decorated for the Olympics, we go in search of the famous Gold Medal: clever calculations, hidden clues, and improvised anthems by the family — we warn you, the Marseillaise remixed by your cousin can trigger uncontrollable laughter.
Second setting, chalet spirit: here you are “mono ESF” trapped in the Ski Room. We cooperate, we search, we tinker, and the youngest often shine with their intuition. Tip: give the walkie-talkie to the little ones, they become excellent mission leaders to communicate with the game master. Each adventure lasts 1 hour, is booked online, and is accessible to everyone.
Hike in snowshoes and enjoy a fondue in an igloo
As night falls, we put on snowshoes for a magical hike to a tasty igloo. The guide — who knows both the stars and mountain stories — leads the group, and the kids love to play the second carrot of the rope. Once we arrive, we turn off our headlamps to admire constellations and planets like Venus, Mars, or Jupiter. Then we settle in warmly on snow benches, around a Savoyard fondue that both young and old stir with care.
Practical side: outing accessible from 6 years, about 30 minutes of approach walk, time slot 6pm–9pm starting from the Guide Office, snowshoes and poles provided on-site. Be sure to wear proper hiking or high-top après-ski boots (avoid moon boots, incompatible with snowshoes), and dress warmly. Price: €80/person, €55 for under 13s. Reservation with the Guide Office: 06 79 97 91 62 or inforando@guidesoisans.com.
Because a family stay doesn’t just consist of five gems, also think about the heated pool with a magnificent view, the ice cave, dog sledding, ski-joring, the ice rink, curling, rail sledding, paragliding, tubing, or snowmobiling. The curious can book an outing with a guide to uncover the history of the resort, the contemplative can try a yoga class in nature, the sporty can try ski touring to a frozen lake or head out to tread on a glacier. And for some fun indoors, the Agoralp features a climbing wall, a covered playground, and a multi-activity area for family tournaments and challenges.
The cultural agenda is also lively: between Tomorrowland, which gathers the best electronic DJs, and the International Comedy Film Festival, the resort vibrates to the rhythm of concerts and competitions. In the beautiful season, we return for hikes, meetings with a shepherd, fun trails, and loops in mountain biking — a perfect idea for a spring escape in the mountains.
For additional reading to fuel your mountain cravings: an overview of alpine resorts in winter, a focus on sustainable skiing in resorts, and, for blue sky lovers, a selection of the 5 French ski resorts where the sun shines the most — you will quickly understand why Alpe d’Huez wears its nickname so well.
