Alpe Dhuez Ski Resort, Famous For Many Reasons

The elevation of the resort ranges between 1,860 meters and 3,300 meters and the village of Alpe d'Huez is nested in an alpine meadow. The resort is obviously not only famous for being the principal site of the Tour de France. It is, first and foremost, the most imposing ski resort in the world, and it was also the site of the bobsleigh races during the 1968 Winter Olympics.

Thanks to Alpe d'Huez's altitude, the snow conditions are usually great for skiing. And when the snow conditions are not optimal on the ski area that is south-oriented, snow cannons take the relay to assure greatly covered slopes at all times. With 236 kilometers of well maintained ski slopes and 84 ski lifts, the Alpe d'Huez ski resort is considered as the world's largest and most extensive ski. It has something for every skier's taste and aptitude: 36 beginner runs, 70 intermediate runs and 17 advanced runs - enough to keep any family happily busy.

Advanced skiers will be thrilled by their visit to the Alpe d'Huez resort. There, ski enthusiasts can go off-piste to get quite a challenge topped with beautiful sceneries. The most renowned off-piste sectors are the fields of Le Grand Sablat, the natural semi-circular areas of Perrins and Couloir Fleur and the Chemines du Mascle. The world's hardest and longest ski run (a 16km black run): the Sarenne, is to be attacked only by the bravest. You want more? The glacier park of Les 2 Alpes and the famous tree-lined runs of the Serre Chevalier resort are both easily reachable from Alpe d'Huez.

If skiing is not your thing, Alpe d'Huez has also plenty of different options to offer. From spa treatments to snowshoe excursions, from paragliding to dog sledding, visitors can do all kinds of stuff (including a visit of the snow making facility). And the little ones will not be left behind! Nurseries for the kids up to 4 years old and ski schools for the older ones can allow parents to go down a few runs by themselves. Day and night sledding, ice skating, indoor climbing are also possibilities, and there is even a library on site, where they can borrow books and DVDs.

In the '60s, the resort of Alpe d'Huez was competing against other well known resorts to prove itself as France's best ski resort infrastructure-wise. During the 1968 Winter Olympics, the bobsleigh races took place here, at much greater cost than first expected. Because the direct sunlight often caused dangerous melting of the track, some costly cooling system using liquid nitrogen and shade inducing walls were built to insure the competitions could take place. Four years later, the track was shut down to cut on costs and eliminate risks but still stands onsite.

Every serious cyclist dreams of competing in the Tour de France, the most important bicycle race in the world. The race first took place in 1903 and since then, the most notorious climb of the tour is certainly the Alpe d'Huez. One of the hardest stages of the Tour, it has repeatedly been the final one, thus seeing the crowning of several now well know sportsmen.

All types of accommodation can be found in Alpe d'Huez. Since tourists visit the region year-round, numerous hotel rooms, apartments, cabins houses, etc. can be found but during the high season, prices are high and options are scarce. The Quartier des Jeux (the Games quarter) is in the center of Alpe d'Huez, and vacationers will find everything they could wish for in terms of stores, restaurants, hotels and nightlife. The Quartier Bergers is quieter and at only 15 minutes walking from the town center. Many apartments are available in that quarter, for those of you who are looking for a self-catering accommodation.

The distinction and rich history of the ski resort of Alpe d'Huez is great, but it is only an add on for most ski enthusiasts and alpine sport lovers. The incline of the pistes is unmatchable and gives opportunity to go for great downhill descents. The slopes are served by numerous lifts and are almost always in perfect condition, and the multiple sceneries offered to the skiers are breathtaking.