Where to Go Cross-Country Skiing in Alpe d’Huez

Located at over 5,900 feet above sea level in the heart of the Grandes Rousses range, Alpe d’Huez is the perfect place to ski. From the summit of its highest peak, the Pic Blanc (10,925 feet), you can take in the stunning chain of peaks in Écrins National Park. In addition to letting you ski through enchanting landscapes, Alpe d’Huez offers a relaxing stay in the heart of nature.

Nicknamed the “Island of the Sun,” it enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year, making your runs down the snowy slopes even more enjoyable. Together with five other resorts in the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski area, it offers 156 miles of slopes for all levels and styles, making it an excellent destination for families and sports lovers.

When it comes to cross-country skiing, Alpe d’Huez is surrounded by about 31 miles of trails with varying degrees of difficulty and extraordinary panoramic views.

Alpe d’Huez is home to one of the longest ski runs in the world. Starting from the glacier of the same name, the Sarenne stretches for 10 miles and offers breathtaking views of the Écrins, the Aiguilles d’Arves, and Mont Blanc.

If you’re new to cross-country skiing and need some practice before tackling more challenging trails, you’ll find what you need in three blue-level “loops.” The easiest is the Huez Loop, a pleasant 6-mile circuit at the bottom of the valley where you can sharpen your skills away from the crowds on a very quiet trail.

Shorter but with more remarkable scenery is the Brandes Loop, about 3.7 miles, which takes you from the altiport to the ruins of Brandes Castle, all while offering beautiful views over the Sarenne Gorge.

The Poutran-to-Alpette Loop is the most scenic, totaling 6 miles at around 6,890 feet of elevation. Here, you can lose yourself in a pristine expanse of rolling snow dunes, enjoy stunning views of the peaks, and pass by majestic alpine lakes.

Once you’re comfortable on skis and feel your skills improving, try the La Rochette Loop, which transitions from blue to red difficulty, covering a total of 10 miles right in front of Alpe d’Huez resort!

Not intimidated by long distances and always ready for a new challenge? Then the Boucle des Lacs, at 12.4 miles, is the trail for you!

The longest cross-country skiing route in Alpe d’Huez, this intermediate-level circuit takes you from Lac Besson to Alpette and along the shores of Lac Carrelet and Lac Faucille. For about 1.5 hours, you’ll glide on skis at over 6,560 feet in elevation, with views of the Grandes Rousses and Belledonne mountains. The scenery is so breathtaking that you’ll forget all your effort.

Alpe d’Huez and the other resorts in the Grand Domaine hide many more trails to explore. Add to that nearly 300 days of sunshine per year, slopes of varying difficulty, and magnificent landscapes… you can be sure your snow holiday will be more than perfect!

At Alpe d’Huez, getting lost is not a concern! The cross-country skiing trails are clearly marked, so you’ll always know which direction to take to fully enjoy your “skiing stroll.”