What’s New this summer in Alpe d’Huez grand domaine
This summer Alpe d’Huez grand domaine has introduced even more activities into its jam-packed offering, living up to the Qualité Tourisme™ certificate awarded to them in June 2014. From walking to wheeling, there are endless opportunities to discover something new on the sunny plateau that’s home to this Alpine resort.
What’s new in Alpe d’Huez grand domaine
NEW Guided walking trail
A new guided walk along the panoramic path, takes explorers on an immersive experience high up in the mountains. Each tour will allow walkers to not only take in the wildlife and breathtaking views that surround them, but also give them the chance to learn all about the flora, fauna and rich history of the ancient mountains and enchanting scenery. The guided walks meet at the tourist office at 10am every Wednesday throughout July and August and last approximately two hours. Booking is not required and participation cost just €5 per person. Guided tours are available in both English and French. For more information visit: www.alpedhuez.com.
NEW Biking Summer Camps
Alpe d’Huez grande domaine is THE spot for all aspiring or advanced mountain biking enthusiasts with over 250km of natural trails linking 8 villages.
New this year the MCF (Moniteur Cycliste Français) school of cycling is offering morning summer camps for mountain bikers looking to learn or improve on technique or discover new trails. The morning downhill camps are split into five levels and cost from €25 per session if booked for 5 ½ days, or €30 for a singular session.
New afternoon Enduro Camps
Enduro is the latest biking trend mixing the best of downhill biking and trail riding to explore and discover off-the-beaten track terrain. This season the MCF will run Enduro-focused sessions every afternoon. Lead by expert guides who know the area like the back of their hand the sessions ensure riders will find the best routes and enjoy maximum thrills. The Enduro camps cost €25 per session if booked for 5 ½ days, or €30 for a singular session. Lessons are available in English. For more information visit: www.alpedhuezvtt.com.
New E-mountain bike sessions
If you need a little push E-bikes are undoubtedly the easiest way to take in the views; whether it’s a gentle trail winding through the hills or something a little more adventurous, e-bikes help give that extra boost where it’s needed. Ideal for novices looking to explore everything the experts get to see, e-bikes are available to hire from several shops in Alpe d’Huez grande domaine, starting from just €42 per day. MCF School of Cycling also offers entry-level e-bike sessions for those looking to master the battery-assisted biking fun. For more information visit: www.alpedhuez.com.
NEW reserved Cols for cyclists
Every Tuesday from 14th July a mountain pass (col) in Alpe d’huez grand domain will be reserved purely for cyclists to enjoy at their leisure, without worrying about cars or other vehicles impeding their safety. Open to everyone from tandems to e-bikes and for training professionals and budding athletes alike, this year the ‘Oisans Col Series’ will be a chance for cyclists from all disciplines to take part in an untimed group ascent. It’s entirely free, no registration is required and refreshments are provided at the summit, as well as local products from the Route des Savoir-Faire de l’Oisans. The Oisans Col Series will be taking place at the Col de Sarenne on July 14th and August 18th from 9am to 12pm, and in Alpe d’Huez on August 4th from 9am to 11am. For more information visit: www.oisans-col-series.com.
What’s on in Alpe d’Huez grand domaine
It’s all uphill from here: The Tour de France returns to Alpe d’Huez
The famous 21 hairpin, 14.4km long climb has been a mainstay of the Tour De France since 1952 and a regular stage finish since 1976. This year the Tour, and the thousands of spectators it brings with it, return to tackle the famous climb once again on Saturday 25th July.
Those who don’t quite fancy the climb themselves, can get stuck in with the spectators and witness the incredible feat first hand. However cyclists who want a real taste of the action can take on the 21 bends every Wednesday from July 8th, as Bourg d’Oisans and Alpe d’Huez organise a timed ascent for just €5. A further €1 contribution (that goes directly to the Dutch charity Alpe d’huZes) will buy participants a certificate with their time details. Around 100 participants make the ascent every week. Registration is available in the tourist office in Bourg d’Oisans. For more information visit: www.alpedhuez.com.
During the Tour de France week Alpe d’Huez is offering seven nights in a studio sleeping four for just £255 so those. For more information and reservations please visit www.alpedhuez.com.
Celebrate 20 years of the world’s’ wildest mountain bike race: the Megavalanche
Famed in mountain bike legend the Megavalanche mass-start downhill race begins from Le Pic Blanc at 3300m before hurtling down a glacier and onto the trails of the Alpe d’Huez bike park, finally finishing far below in Allemont at 720m. It is the longest downhill mountain bike race in the world and a bucket list item for mountain bikers. 2015 is the Megavalanche’s 20th anniversary and the festival taking place from the 6th-15th July promises to be bigger and better than ever. Places sell out fast so those planning on participating should register soon at: www.bike-oisans.com.
Those keen to make their own timed descent but aren’t quite ready to tackle the Megavalanche can have a go in Oisans. The resort organises a timed event every Friday at 2pm, meeting at the top of the Piste des Vaches.’ The goal is to get down a blue run, riding over a series of banked bends, jumps and table tops in the best possible time. The best timed run will receive a prize! It’s free to sign up and can be entered on the day. Visit: www.satavtt.com
The Triathlon EDF Alpe d’huez celebrates 10 years
One of the most beautiful triathlons in the world celebrates 10 years this season. The Triathlon EDF Alpe d’Huez is a unique course in an exceptional setting and is open to all amateur and experienced sport lovers. There are four tests over four days from 29th July: a duathlon, a children’s triathlon, a long distance triathlon and a short distance triathlon. The event stands out from the start with the swimming stage in the crystal clear waters of the Verney Lake, followed by the biked ascent of the 21 legendary bends up to Alpe d’Huez and a run between the resort and the mountains. To celebrate 10 years the organisers are also throwing a special evening event on Friday 31st July. Visit: www.alpetriathlon.com for more information and to register.
A laugh a minute
From the 17th to 20th August, have a laugh at the Alpe d’Huez Comedy Club Café and brush up on your French skills. During the winter, the internationally acclaimed comedy film festival is a key date in the diary and now for the second year in a row the pop-up “Comedy Club Cafe” is back for summer 2015, bringing top quality stand-up to the mountains. Alpe d’Huez is currently offering four nights in a hotel on a B&B basis with a festival pass covering 4 evenings from just £145 based on two sharing. For more information and reservations visit www.alpedhuez.com.
Rock it with Alpe d’Huez Via Ferrata
With the option to take two differing itineraries at 2000m, both beginner and experienced climbers can make their way along the iron path and discover the joys of climbing in Alpe d’Huez. Made up of a series of cables, ladders and passages, all the hardware is in place to make your way up the Sarenne Gorges. Best for novices, the Discovery zone is suited for both adults and children and takes around two hours to complete and requires little technical ability. The second itinerary is the Sport zone; more challenging and best for experienced climbers, this ascent takes a little over two hours to complete and includes vertical rock faces. Crossing halfway, the two paths are interchangeable allowing climbers to change their itinerary if they so wish. Climbers can take on the challenge alone or take a guide with them to ensure maximum security. Guiding starts from €45 per person. For more information visit: www.guidesalpedhuez.com.
Recharge your batteries for a fraction of the price
Fresh, invigorating mountain air is absolutely unbeatable when it comes to rest and relaxation. From the gentle, scenic hiking trails to adrenalin-filled mountain biking, there’s no shortage of revitalising and excitement in Alpe d’Huez. For just £103 per person, Alpe d’Huez is offering seven night’s accommodation in a studio for four people with access to the cable cars and a multi-activity premium card. The premium cards (worth £53 per person for 6 days or £42 per person for a family pass, based on a family of four with children up to the age of 20) grant users access to the outdoor pool, multiple activities at the sports centre and tennis courts, shuttles through the resort, and provide savings on guided tours. For more information and reservations visit www.alpedhuez.com
For more information about Alpe d’Huez grand domaine and what’s on this summer season visit: www.alpedhuez.com
