Head out by board
or by bike
Alpe d'Huez boasts one of the largest ski areas in the world, and occasionally the snow stays long enough to indulge in some summer skiing on the glaciers. With lots of varied terrain, the resort is popular with mountain bikers, too. If you don't have your own bike there are plenty of bike hire shops to equip you for a day of cycling. The Grande Domaine downhill track comes well recommended, with nine lifts, 250km of trails and a total of 35 tracks. Of the four black tracks on this route, the highest sits at 3300m and the lowest is 720m, making for a varied and exciting ride with plenty of breath-taking views. If you prefer something even more heart-racing, Alpe d'Huez is also equipped with paragliding courses or helicopter rides for a bird's eye view of the Alps. Summer is also the perfect time to go white water rafting in the Alps, with the mountainous rivers rushing throughout much of the season.
Fabulous facilities
Famed for its range of facilities, there are plenty of indoor activities in Alpe d'Huez to enjoy during a visit. The resort has spa facilities that allow you to relax and rejuvenate. With beauty treatments, hot tubs, swimming pools, massages and steam rooms available, there's plenty to allow you to enjoy your holiday. The town boasts shops for every taste, with everything from souvenirs to authentic local produce available. Delices des Alpes is the best shop for culinary goodies, and as well as the abundance of sports shops, there are plenty of jewellery, fashion, gift and beauty shops - head to Pharmacie des Bergers to sample beauty brands that aren't available in the UK. There are a number of gym and fitness facilities, as well as indoor climbing walls, badminton and football courts for those looking to stay active. And if the kids are bored of sports, there is a cinema and bowling, too.
Children's activities
There is an abundance of summer camps for children available in the resort. Let the energetic staff keep your little ones busy with horse riding, pottery, circus skills, ice skating and much more. Entry into many of the municipal swimming pools will be free with a lift pass, and you can spend the day at one of the Treetop Adventure Courses in the resort for monkeying adventures in the mountains for all ages
Day trips
If you fancy getting off the mountains for a day, Grenoble makes for a great day out. Just a 90-minute drive away, you can enjoy the culture of this centre of research. The Musée de Grenoble houses art from all the 20th century greats, and the building itself is an architectural beauty. Alternatively, head to the Fort de la Bastille for breath-taking views and a chance to immerse yourself in France's military past.