Alpe d'Huez, France

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For Ramblers, Hikers & Bikers

Alpe d'Huez is an exceptional area for walkers and bikers alike, with clearly marked paths showing the level of difficulty. There are hiking trails to suit everyone. Not all paths involve high gradients; the Lakes Path from the DMC gondola is a gentle stroll to Lakes Besson and Carrelet, or you can take the easy path to the spectacular Gorge de Sarenne and catch the lift back from the village of Huez.

For mountain-bikers there are 19 downhill and 16 cross-country itineraries, all well signposted, and offering the choice of forests, high mountain pastures or gentle lower runs. There are several easy routes just above Alpe d'Huez itself, and the most difficult and famous route, the Megavalanche, runs down from the Pic Blanc at 3,300 metres.

The FREE Esprit Welcome Wander

The Welcome walk takes place on Sundays and is a familyfriendly walk suitable for all ages, to introduce you to the local area. It offers a great opportunity to meet fellow guests and to plan the week’s activities. The gentle walk will culminate at a scenic spot to enjoy a complimentary light packed lunch. You may then leave your younger children in our child carers capable hands and enjoy a further hour’s walk if you wish.

Attractions and Activities - Great Days out in Alpe d'Huez

Alpe d'Huez is a major activities centre in the French Alps in the summer and you are really spoilt for choice. Take to the skies and fly over the village or try rock-climbing, via ferrata and the famous Poutran Equestrian Centre, offering beginner tuition as well as longer rides. Attractions include outdoor and indoor swimming-pools, a summer ice-rink, summer toboggan-run, tennis courts and a 9-hole golf course. You can also play beach volleyball, mini-golf and trampolining or try clay pigeon shooting, archery or even climb the indoor climbing wall.

Save £ £ £'s with the VISALP PASS, includes FREE use of:

6 day pass: Adults: £62 per person, Family of 4 pass £200, Family of 5 £250, (free for children under 5).

Fun Family Activities

Alpe d’Huez offers families an extensive range of exciting activities in the summer, many of which are included in the VISALP pass - see facing page for details.

Take your pick of action-packed activities from our selection below- it’s entirely up to you how adventurous you and your family want to be!

Mountain Biking

With over 140 miles (263km) of mountain bike trails here there are routes to suit all levels including a 32km descent from the glacier. Bike rental from £15 (£12 children) including helmet for a half day; £175 whole week.

Via Ferrata

A unique opportunity to climb a rocky course designed for novices or experienced mountaineers in the Gorges du Sarenne. The beginner’s route takes approx. 2 hours, with half day guide from £40 per person including all safety equipment. (Minimum age is 8 years old).

Horse Riding

Rides or lessons are available for all levels including an introductory pony ride for the youngest in the family. From only £10 for 3yr olds upwards for half hour led ride, up to £40 for a 3 hour hack.

Sightseeing flights

Climb aboard for a stunning perspective on the unique Alpine landscape - soar over the dramatic peaks, lakes and glaciers with the whole family. 20 minute flights are available from the Altiport (min 2 passengers) for £50 per person.

Panorama of the Pic Blanc

Take the cable car (free with the Visalp pass) to the highest point in the Grandes Rousses, the Pic Blanc at 10,925 ft.

Summer Toboganning

Start your day with some fun for all on this unique toboggan run which is open every morning until 12:30 and is accessible to the whole family for no extra charge with your Visalp pass.

Fishing

Enjoy a more tranquil time at one of the beautiful local lakes. Walk to Lac Besson where you can fish from 06:30 until sunset every day except Fridays (16:45 closure), for only £10 for a daily pass.

Canyoning

Have some really exhilirating fun plunging into mountain streams via a series of descents, jumps and slides with your qualified guide, following the natural obstacle course that the river bed provides. A day’s initiation starts from £55 per person including all equipment and guide.

White Water Rafting & Hydrospeed

Hydrospeed is a variation on rafting which involves descending the river on an inflatable body-board. This gets you even closer to the whirlpools and water than rafting, so prepare to be soaked as you get closer to the action! Try a 3 hour adrenaline rush or a full day’s excursion. Prices vary according to supplier.

Our Esprit Representative can organise your activity choices in conjunction with our suppliers, when you arrive in Alpe d'Huez.

Great Days Out from Alpe d'Huez

Vizille

Visit the small town of Vizille with its famous 17th century chateau, housing the Museum of the French Revolution. The chateau is by far the grandest in the region and is surrounded by acres of ancient hunting park and lakes - a lovely spot for a family picnic! Entrance is free and an English audio guide is available.

Parc Walibi

Just north of Grenoble is this fun-park with activities for all ages. There are white knuckle adrenaline attractions for the brave and gentler rides like the little train for younger children. All the family will enjoy the water park with its slides, rides and splashes. Adults £21, children £17.

La Mure Scenic Railway

One of the most beautiful train journeys in France, with viaducts and 18 tunnels, including the famous “Mysterious Tunnel”! The train climbs over 550m above the spectacular River Drac and you will have time to get refreshments in La Mure before returning. Family of 4 ticket £42.

All above prices are approximate and are meant as a guide only. Your Esprit representative will be glad to assist in arranging any of these or other activities you may wish to try.

Twin Centre Ideas

The sporty atmosphere of Alpe d'Huez makes a good combination with either the more tranquil setting of Belle Plagne or the dramatic Swiss village of Saas Fee. Don't forget that we offer Flexi-Stays in Belle Plagne so if a 10, 11 or 12-night stay suits you best, that can be arranged. Alpe d’Huez is also ideal if you have a second week arranged in the South of France to enjoy a perfect 'beach and mountain' combination.

Esprit Classic Child Care

Nursery– runs all season, Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.30am-6pm in our own Esprit Nursery in Chalet Hotel Mariandre.

Alpies Club for children aged 3-11 years – runs all season, 9.30am-6pm, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, including lunch and all drinks. See pages 8-9 for details. Our Alpies Club Room is in Chalet Hotel Mariandre.

FREE Cocoa Clubis run six evenings a week from 7.30-10.00pm in Chalet Hotel Mariandre. All children over 3 years of age not yet asleep in bed are welcome to attend.

FREE Baby-Listening/Child-Patrol Service – every night (7.30-11pm) during our adult-only dinners, plus one night on staff day off (normally Tuesday), when parents can dine out in the village and enjoy a local speciality meal.

Teen Rangersin Alpe d’Huez will enjoy the excitement of climbing the Via Ferrata route, mountain biking and 9-hole golf pitch and putt as well as enjoying a couple of evenings out. The Teen Rangers base is in the Mariandre and activity days are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9.30am-6.00pm, from 21st July to 25th August.

NB: We make every endeavour to run to the above programme and days of operation, but these are subject to change due to local conditions, weather etc.