Considering a family foray into the skiing world? France’s L’Alpe d’Huez region gained fame and popularity when it hosted the bobsleigh events of the 1968 Winter Olympics, and remains one of Europe’s premier family-friendly ski destinations.
Where
Alpe d’Huez is one of seven resorts that make up the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine (formerly known as Les Grandes Rousses ski area). The Grand Domaine ski area lies nestled between acres of ancient pine forests and the traditional mountain villages of Auris en Oisans, La Garde, Oz en Oisans, Vaujany and Villard-Reculas are about as picture-perfect as they come.
Why
Alpe d’Huez has been nicknamed the ‘island in the sun’ thanks to an average of 300 sunny days a year. Previously voted the European Resort of the Year, it offers access to one of the largest ski areas in France.
With plenty of skiing for all abilities, beginners can learn on easy green runs and progress to the gentle blues close to the resort. On the slopes, you’ll find the longest ski run in the world, the Sarenne. If you’re already at James Bond level you can test yourself on the Tunnel, a seemingly endless (not mention pretty steep) black run.
Get there
Fly to Chambéry from Dublin, Cork, and Shannon with an approximate flight time of around 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Stay
Langley Hotel Le Petit Prince
Positioned just one minute’s walk from the slopes, three minutes’ walk to the nearest ski lift, and two minutes’ walk to the resort centre, the Langley Hotel Petit Prince combines a super location with superb facilities.
This family-friendly Huez hotel is within a 15-minute walk of the Palais des Sports, the museum of Huez, and Lac Noir which is 4.8 km away. The resort’s shops and bars are within easy reach, and the hotel’s position on the mountain provides spectacular views over the valley.
Ski tour operator Crystal offer childcare for children aged 6 months-11 years during selected season dates. The Pepi Penguin nursery (6 months – 4 years) is run by qualified childcare staff and includes some outdoor play (weather and parental consent permitting). The Whizz Kids Club (3-11 years) provides a combination of care and skiing, including 6 morning ski lessons, pick-up and drop-off from ski lessons, lunch and afternoon care. Evening clubs are also vailable for an additional charge.
L’Alpe d’Huez La Sarenne
This great ski-in/ski-out resort gives you complete freedom to tackle amazing pistes whatever your level. Family activities include an indoor swimming pool and a muscle-soothing sauna.
The buffet restaurant at L’Alpe d’Huez La Sarenne is the perfect family venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner, either indoors or taking in the views from the terrace.
Club Med offer a selection of childcare options from four months all the way up to teens. They have gone the extra mile to make life easier for parents travelling with babies, with baby-care materials and equipment available in your room and a baby corner equipped to prepare meals in the restaurant.
Résidence l’Ours Blanc
If you’re in search of a self-catering option, the Ours Blanc Apartments offer well-equipped and comfortable accommodation right in the heart of the action. These compact apartments are an ideal base to explore all that L’Alpe d’Huez has to offer.
The wood-decorated residences are just 300m from the nearest lift and 800m from the ski school meeting place and nursery slopes. The apartments provide picturesque views over L’Oisans and direct access to the Olympic skating rink via a shopping arcade packed with bars and restaurants.
Directski.com offer daycare for children aged 6 months up to 4 years. You can book your child in mornings or afternoon for 3 to 8 hours. Kids club Les Crapouilloux accepts children from 2 years and skiing is available for little ones over 3 years of age.
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