L'Alpe d'Huez

Suggestions for cycling loops around Alpe d'Huez

Our grands cols

The Oisans region is ringed by famous Alpine passes, but also more discreet ones that are just as seductive. From L'Alpe d'Huez, beautiful itineraries join the cols du Lautaret (2057 m) and du Galibier (2646 m), as well as those of the Croix de Fer (2064 m) and the Glandon (1924 m). For a more in-depth exploration of the Oisans region, climb the cols d'Ornon (1371 m), de Sarenne (1999 m) and du Sabot (2100 m) along a winding road, revealing their steep but bucolic character. Small mountain hamlets and vast alpine pastures are on the program.

Bicycle events

Before mentioning the annual cycling races that punctuate the Uissan summer, here are the major events that regularly use the 21 bends of Alpe d'Huez:

• The Tour de France, of course, with 30 appearances since 1952
• The Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré

In addition, every summer sees a succession of different renowned competitions:

• L'Alpe d'Huzes (Dutch charity race for the fight against cancer organized since 2006)
• Lepape
• La Mégavalanche (downhill mountain biking)
• Marmotte Granfondo Alpes
• Alpe d'Huez Triathlon
• La GNFY Vaujany

Finally, special mention to the Oisans Col Séries, a general public event to promote cycling, programmed every Tuesday throughout the summer. The concept is simple: close a road to motor vehicles for the morning. The itinerary changes every Tuesday, but what's fixed is that it's free, the refreshments at the finish are convivial and the event is open to all disciplines, from skiers to pedestrians. The ascent of Alpe d'Huez is, of course, on the program every summer, an opportunity to tackle it in complete safety, encouraged by the birdsong.

Coming back in winter

The cyclo's alter ego at Alpe d'Huez is skiing. When the snow makes it impossible to get out the bike, it's the "planks" that take over! Alpine, Nordic, telemark or snowboard, winter is the season for sliding. And the sunny island is as famous for its curves as it is for its unique ski runs: the Sarenne for its length or the Tunnel for its commitment. From the Pic Blanc at 3330 m, the vast slopes of the Grandes Rousses massif are home to a network of ski runs.

Other events

Among the major events hosted at Alpe d'Huez, here are a few highlights:

• The International Comedy Film Festival in January.
• Tomorrowland Winter (Alpe d'Huez), electro music festival in March.
• The Comics Festival in April.
• The Mégavalanche in July, legendary downhill mountain bike race with start on the Sarenne glacier and 2600 m ascent to Allemond! And the same itinerary in a trail version on a 100% downhill route.
• Smaller events, like the Sainte-Anne festival in Huez, or concerts at Notre-Dame des Neiges church.

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Témoignages

FAQ

• What's the altitude difference to cycle up Alpe d'Huez?
  1266 m.
• At what period is it possible to do the climb by bike?
  It's advisable to do it between April and October.

• Is it possible to descend from Alpe d'Huez by another route?
  Yes, via Villard-Reculas or the Col de Sarenne.

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