A mountain of emotions
Massif des Grandes Rousses
Département et Région : Isère and Auvergne Rhône-Alpes (AURA)
Principal passes : montée de l'Alpe d'Huez, col de Sarenne
Stage on Route des Grandes Alpes® : variant Saint-Jean-d'Arves / L'Alpe d'Huez and variant L'Alpe d'Huez / Briançon
Summary
- Suggestions for cycling loops
- Our major passes
- Events around the cycling events
- Biking at Alpe d'Huez
- Summer at Alpe d'Huez
- Other seasons
- Other events
- Services
- Témoignages
- FAQ
- Access
- Contacts
- Other villages and resorts near 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.
Cycling events in Oisans
Before mentioning the annual cycling races that punctuate the Uissan summer, here are the major events that very regularly choose the winding routes of the Oisans:
- The Tour de France, of course, with the mythical Alpe d'Huez stage and 30 passages since 1952. This year's passage of stage 18 (Vif-Courchevel): July 24, 2025
- Le critérium du Dauphiné Libéré
Every summer, a series of renowned competitions take place:
- L'Alpe d'Huzes (Dutch charity race for the fight against cancer organized since 2006): 05 June 2025
- La GNFY Vaujany: : 15 June 2025
- La Marmotte Granfondo Alpes: 22 June 2025
- Mountain Of Hell: 20-22 June 2025
- Megavalanche de l'Alpe d'Huez: July 4-6, 2025
- The BRA, brevet de randonneur des Alpes, held every 2 years alternating with the BRO, brevet du randonneur de l'Oisans: July 12-13, 2025
- Urban DH 1800 district: July 26-27, 2025
- Triathlon de l'Alpe d'Huez: July 28-31, 2025
- Climbing for life: August 21 to 23
- DH kids club: August 23 and 24, 2025
- GFNY Alpes Vaujany: August 24, 2025
- Etape de la Vuelta - passage en Oisans: August 26, 2025
- Ultraraid de la Meije September 13 and 14, 2025
Finally, special mention to the Oisans Col Series, a general public event to promote cycling, scheduled every Tuesday morning throughout the summer. The concept is simple: close a road to motor vehicles for the morning. Every Tuesday, the route changes, but what's fixed is that it's free, there's a friendly refreshment bar at the finish, and it's open to all disciplines, from ski wheelers to pedestrians.
Cycling in Alpe d'Huez
For many, the name "Alpe d'Huez" rhymes with "Tour de France". A legendary stage that brings crowds of spectators from all over the world every time it passes. Today, cycling in Alpe d'Huez is more than just a story, it's a way of life. Numerous cycling competitions take in the area's major Alpine passes before tackling the 21 legendary bends. The counter (of cyclists) at the foot of the climb goes into overdrive every summer, and alternative routes to the "island in the sun" are increasingly popular. For Alpe d'Huez hides some more intimate routes, with a wild atmosphere on perched roads.
Summer at Alpe d'Huez
L'Alpe d'Huez, also known as "l'île au soleil", rests on a south-facing high plateau. The site is a little paradise for mountain activities and the resort, among the most famous in the Alps, is very well equipped with leisure facilities: swimming pools, sports palace (squash, climbing wall, sports hall, etc), rail sledging, tubing, ball-trap, escape game, skate-park, etc.
To discover the mountains from Alpe d'Huez, here are a few ideas:
- Orientation trails on the plateau des lacs or around the Brandes archaeological site.
- Horse riding in the mountain pastures.
- Fishing in high-altitude lakes or torrents.
- Aerial sports for a unique head-to-head with the peaks thanks to microlighting, paragliding or flying from the altiport.
- Climbing on the many natural routes on the school site overlooking Lac Besson.
Finally, summer at Alpe d'Huez also means daily entertainment and events, so there's always something going on in the resort!
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.
- Smaller events, like the Sainte-Anne festival in Huez, or concerts at Notre-Dame des Neiges church.
Services
L'Alpe d'Huez, as an international destination, is equipped with all the shops and services needed to welcome tourists. All the needs of cyclists, in particular, are assured thanks to the resort's many shops and infrastructures.
For more information: alpedhuez.com
The map
The map
17 Alternative stage Saint-Jean-d'Arves / L'Alpe d'Huez
18 Variante L'Alpe d'Huez / Briançon
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.
Access
Summer road access
- Grenoble
- Le Bourg d'Oisans and Alpe d'Huez
Winter road access
- From Grenoble, on the A 480 towards Sisteron/Gap, take exit 8 "Vizille - station de l'Oisans".
- N 85 to Vizille
- D 1091 to Bourg d'Oisans
- D 211 to Alpe d'Huez
Contacts
☎ 04 76 11 44 44 www.alpedhuez.com
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