Spacious Ski Chalet in Huez for FamiliesN°001
Alpe d Huez, France
From $6,686 per night
Alpe d'Huez is a sun-blessed ski resort high in the French Alps, prized for its vast linked domain and famous Sarenne run. Renting a luxury chalet here pairs ski-in convenience with private pools, spas and dedicated concierge, ideal for families and groups seeking alpine comfort.
- One of the largest ski domains in France, the Grandes Rousses, with reliable, sunny conditions
- Home to the Sarenne, often cited as one of the longest black runs in the Alps
- South-facing aspect earns it the nickname the Island in the Sun
- Legendary 21-hairpin Tour de France climb in summer
- Curated luxury chalets with private pools, spas and concierge service
Known forSun-drenched south-facing slopes, the 16km Sarenne black run and the Grandes Rousses ski domain
Best time to visitDecember to April for skiing; July and August for high-altitude hiking and cycling
Nearest airportGrenoble Alpes Isere; Lyon Saint-Exupery and Geneva also serve the resort
Ideal forFamilies, ski groups and mixed-ability parties wanting reliable snow and apres-ski
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Bright Ski Apartment With Mountain ViewsN°005
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From $610 per night
20homes available
2–7bedrooms
up to 15guests
Events not to miss in Alpe d'Huez
- Mid-January
Alpe d'Huez International Comedy Film Festival
French cinema's comedy stars descend on the resort each January for premieres and screenings between ski runs. A glamorous mid-winter fixture that fills the village with festival energy.
- Late March
Tomorrowland Winter
The alpine edition of the famous Belgian festival brings world-class electronic acts to stages on the slopes and in the village. Combine spring snow by day with headline sets by night.
- Early July
La Marmotte
One of Europe's most prestigious gran fondos sends thousands of cyclists over the Glandon, Télégraphe and Galibier before finishing up the 21 hairpins to Alpe d'Huez. The resort buzzes with riders all week.
- Early July
Megavalanche
A mass-start mountain bike race plunges from the Pic Blanc glacier at 3,300 metres down to the valley in one of the sport's wildest spectacles. Thrilling to watch even if you never touch a bike.
Alpe d'Huez through the seasons
- Winter (December – April)
Big-mountain skiing and famous sunshine
One of France's largest ski areas, crowned by the 16-kilometre Sarenne run, with a south-facing plateau that earns its sunny reputation. A chalet with a hot tub completes the picture.
- Spring (May – June)
Quiet valleys and early cols
The snow retreats, the Oisans valleys green up and the great cycling cols begin to open. Peaceful weeks for walkers and riders before the summer crowds.
- Summer (July – August)
The 21 hairpins and high-alpine trails
Cyclists from around the world tick off the legendary Tour de France climb while lifts open hiking and downhill bike terrain up to the Pic Blanc. Cool mountain air when the lowlands swelter.
- Autumn (September – November)
Larch gold and off-season calm
Golden larches, crisp light and empty trails across the Grandes Rousses. The quietest time of year, suited to writers, walkers and anyone after true seclusion.
The Area
Perched at around 1,860 metres in the Oisans massif of the Isere, Alpe d'Huez is one of the Alps' great sun resorts. Its south-facing position gives it the nickname the Island in the Sun, with bright skies and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The resort anchors the Grandes Rousses domain, a sprawling network of pistes climbing towards the 3,330-metre Pic Blanc glacier. Beyond the slopes, the village mixes traditional alpine character with modern amenities, a compact centre, and the dramatic backdrop of the Massif des Ecrins. The famous 21-bend road that winds up from Bourg-d'Oisans makes the arrival itself memorable.
Where to Stay: Luxury Chalets in Alpe d'Huez
Smiling House offers a curated collection of luxury chalets in Alpe d'Huez, from ski-in ski-out retreats close to the lifts to secluded properties with sweeping valley views. Many feature private pools, hammams, saunas and wellness suites, alongside cosy fireside living spaces designed for long alpine evenings. Staying centrally in the resort puts pistes, ski schools and the village centre within easy reach, while quieter pockets reward those seeking privacy. Our concierge team can arrange in-chalet chefs, ski instructors, lift passes and equipment delivery, so your stay flows seamlessly from arrival to your first run.
Things to Do
Skiing and snowboarding lead the way across more than 250 kilometres of linked pistes, suiting beginners on the gentle lower slopes and experts on the storied 16-kilometre Sarenne descent from Pic Blanc. Off the snow, try the toboggan run, snowshoeing, ice driving or the resort's swimming and sports complex. In summer the mountain transforms for road cycling on the iconic Tour de France climb, mountain biking, hiking and paragliding. Families appreciate the dedicated learning areas and varied activity programme, while thrill-seekers can ride the high-altitude lifts for glacier panoramas.
Dining and Nightlife
Alpe d'Huez has a lively apres-ski scene, from sun-terrace bars at the foot of the slopes to mountain restaurants serving Savoyard classics such as fondue, raclette and tartiflette. The village centre offers a spread of bistros, brasseries and refined dining, with options ranging from convivial to genuinely elevated. Evenings stretch from relaxed wine bars to later-night venues popular with a younger crowd. For the ultimate in-chalet experience, our concierge can secure a private chef to prepare regional tasting menus or contemporary cuisine, letting your group dine in comfort after a day on the mountain.
When to Visit
The ski season generally runs from early December to late April, with the resort's high altitude and glacier terrain helping to extend reliable snow. Christmas, New Year and the February half-term weeks are the busiest and most festive, while January and late-season often bring quieter slopes and softer light. Summer, from late June through August, opens the mountain for cycling, hiking and alpine air, with the legendary climb drawing riders from around the world. For sunshine on the pistes, Alpe d'Huez's south-facing aspect rewards visitors throughout the winter.
Getting There
Alpe d'Huez sits in the Isere, roughly an hour and a half by road from Grenoble. Grenoble Alpes Isere is the closest airport, while Lyon Saint-Exupery and Geneva offer wider international connections and transfers of around two to three hours. Many guests arrive via the high-speed rail network to Grenoble before completing the scenic ascent up the 21 hairpin bends from Bourg-d'Oisans. A car adds flexibility for exploring the Oisans, though resort transfers and chauffeur services keep arrivals effortless. Our concierge can coordinate airport transfers timed to your flights.