Overview of Ski Area
Found in the French Alps, Les Grandes Rousses features 250km of linked pistes which extend over an altitude range of 2,200m. This allows for sublime views of the surrounding area and especially from the Alpe d’Huez (Island of the Sun) region, where you can see a fifth of France on a clear day. With a host of resorts and plenty of great skiing; Les Grandes Rousses has something for everyone.
Resorts in Les Grandes Rousses
- L’Alpe d’Huez
- Vaujany
- Auris-en-Oisans
- Oz-en-Oisans
MAIN SKI RESORTS IN LES GRANDES ROUSSES
Alpe D’Huez
Overview of Ski Resort
The skiing at Alpe D’Huez is truly brilliant in both extent and variety, making it a great place to visit for ski enthusiasts of all experience levels. It is also well-linked to the surrounding Les Grandes Rousses region for an enormous ski area. This, and the gorgeous views of The Alps and France, make up for the resort’s shortcomings according to those who come for the skiing – Alpe D’Huez itself is not particularly attractive or well laid out.
Best for:
- Beginners
- Intermediate
- Experts
- Off Piste
- Après Ski
Piste Guide
With so much terrain and such variety, this resort is ideal for beginners, intermediates and experts. This is largely due to the fact that it sits in a sunny bowl, which creates great skiing for all different abilities.
Alpe D’Huez boasts gigantic beginner parks in wide, sunny areas that create ideal terrain for learning the ropes. With the space, ideal terrain and excellent tuition; novices often quickly progress here.
For the intermediates, this is one of the best places to come. You can enjoy some of the longest runs in the world thanks to the continuous vertical from the top of the lifts, which includes 3 trails with a descent of over 2,000 vertical metres.
Advanced skiers, meanwhile, will have their ears pricked when they hear that Alpe D’Huez is home to the longest black run in The Alps – Sarenne, at 16km. There is a good amount more of exhilarating and varied black runs, as well as the tremendous off-piste options.
Facilities
The fun is not limited to the slopes, as this resort also has a great range of facilities and activities. Snow-related options include a huge ice skating rink, dog sledding, paragliding and snowmobiling. Away from the snow, there is indoor climbing, swimming, a gym and a cinema.
Après
Alpe D’Huez has a strong British influence, ensuring that it has one of the liveliest après scenes in all of France. You are spoilt for choice in terms of bars, which also means that all tastes are accommodated for whether you are looking for a quiet drink or full on party.
Smithy’s Tavern is a hot spot which stays open late and also serves great Tex-Mex food, whilst Freeride Café has fluctuating drink prices which change in relation to a stock market model – this creates a fun yet slightly manic atmosphere inside. There are also a couple of bars/clubs that stay open until 4am for the hardcore. For those seeking a quieter evening, Quartier des Bergers has a more laid back atmosphere and is home to welcoming places like the Tiger Café.
Foodies will also be more than content with a wide selection of high-quality restaurants in the area.
Vaujany
Overview of Ski Resort
Where Alpe D’Huez is vast, loud and vibrant, Vaujany is smaller, charming and low-key which makes it more suited to families. Although smaller, that is not to say that the skiing is lacklustre at Vaujany and here you will find some terrain which rivals its larger neighbour.
The tranquil village features a few restaurants, shops and bars plus a few off-slope activities, but evenings are typically very quiet. Consequently, Vaujany is targeted towards those who want to hit the slopes hard and avoid the noise of the large resorts. Due to its affordability, it is also a great way to access the Grand Rousses ski area.
Best for:
- Intermediate
- Experts
- Snowboarding
- Families
Piste Guide
Vaujany is not as accommodating to beginners as its neighbouring Alpe D’Huez, but there are still several long blue and green runs, as well as a highly rated ski school.
With access to the entire Les Rousses region, Vaujany is an intermediates’ paradise with many long runs which can easily be reached thanks to the gondola and large cable cars. There is plenty of variety, including tree skiing, long motorways, powder bowls and chutes.
For the more experienced skiers, there are many options in the region with 66km of black-graded piste. This includes the spectacular and breathtaking Sarenne run (previously mentioned) and the famous Champagne run. There are also several off-piste descents, with some right about Vaujany. The mountain guides will happily show these to you.
With so much off-piste terrain and powder stashes, snowboarders are also well accommodated here and the region features two terrain parks.
Facilities
Although quiet in the evenings, Vaujany has a number of great facilities which are perfect for families. The traditional village has plenty of cultural draws and an enchanting atmosphere. Bowling, the cinema, swimming, tobogganing, museums, winter walks, and table tennis are a few choices, and there is a multi-purpose hall which regularly hosts fun events. There are also a few shops to explore, plus the option of accessing the facilities elsewhere in the region.
Après
Party seekers should head to Alpe D’Huez for their fix as there is no bar culture here, but there are a few options for a low-key yet fun night. The Cote Bistrot, Arsen’s Café and Swallow Bar are all worthwhile visits, but it is mainly the restaurants in and around Vaujany that you will want to try.
Les Airelles has a great terrace and a number of mountain dishes, whilst Hotel Cimes and Table de La Fare are also popular choices and well situated. You can get a great variety of food, which ensures that there is something for all tastes and you should be able to keep the kids happy.
How to Get to Resorts in Les Grandes Rousses
Les Grandes Rousses and the resorts are best reached by air and a transfer to the resort of your choosing. There are three nearby airports, each with a number of budget and charter airlines making regular flights.
Grenoble (GNB) and Chambéry (CMF) are between two and two and a half hours away, whilst Lyon (LYS) is between 2 and a half and 3 hours from the resorts. The timings can vary depending on traffic and weather.
For a stress-free, fast and affordable journey from any of these airports to Les Grandes Rousses, it is best to book a Shuttle Direct transfer. In addition to the reliable service, they can also transport your ski equipment for free. You pay a fixed fee in advance, as to avoid any unexpected charges due to congestion or weather conditions.
About Shuttle Direct
For professional, efficient and affordable transfers across Europe from airports, cruise ports, hotels and train stations, book today with Shuttle Direct.
They have extensive experience in winter ski transfers in The Alps, including transfers from Grenoble, Chambéry and Lyon for all group sizes and budget.
Their team of experts can arrange for a stress-free journey from A to B.
