Alpe d'Huez Holiday

Traditions and culture in Alpe d'Huez

The Alpe d'Huez is perhaps best known for its role as the most famous mountain climb in the Tour de France, having hosted a stage finish nearly every year since 1976.

The gruelling ascent spans for 13.8km at an average gradient of 7.9 per cent as riders negotiate its 21 notoriously tricky 'virages' (hairpin bends).

However, the mountain truly shot to fame in 1968 when it hosted the bobsleigh events as part of the Olympic Games being held in neighbouring Grenoble.

The track was the subject of much debate as thawing ice created a number of problems, forcing events to be scheduled before sunrise.

It was closed in 1972 due to high operating costs, but anyone taking a holiday in the region can still see its structure as complete removal would have been uneconomic.

Things to do in Alpe d'Huez

Fast-forward to today, and any holiday guide of Alpe d'Huez will list it as one of Europe's most popular free-skiing venues.

Despite falling behind the likes of Les Trois Vallees, Val d'Isere, Tigne, La Plagne and Les Arcs in the purpose-built resort stakes during the 70s and 80s, the Alpe d'Huez resort is now one of the largest in the world.

Skiing enthusiasts will be excited to know that it boasts 236km of piste, 84 ski lifts and 121 runs, while extensive snowmaking facilities help to combat its south-facing orientation.

Beginner skiers are catered for with a number of easy slopes, while the resort's high altitude means that more advanced skiers will also find plenty of challenging tracks, such as the 16km Sarenne - the world's longest.

The exclusively off-piste resort of La Grave is close by, while Serre Chavalier offers tree skiing and the glacier and terrain parks of Les Deux Alpes are a major attraction for anyone looking to explore the Oisans region.

Weather in Alpe d'Huez

The holiday information for such a popular skiing resort would not be complete without an assessment of its climate.

The resort is high enough at 1,850m to have a good snow record and a long season, while the sun is usually out to give skiers the classic goggle tan on their faces.

Destination checklist for Alpe d'Huez

Alpe d'Huez is one hour ahead of BST time.

The official currency is the euro.

French is the official language spoken.

Alpe d'Huez's international dialling code is +33.