Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, the renowned ski resort of l'Alpe d'Huez also boasts a network of cross country trails spanning approximately 50 kilometers, catering to skiers of all levels. The main cross-country ski area sits between 1900 to 2100 meters, providing a guaranteed snow experience, well as reliable as it gets in these modern times. Accessing the slopes is possible from Allemond via the Eau d'Olle and Alpette lifts, or from l'Alpe d'Huez via the Poutran piste. Additionally, cross-country skiing is available at Auris, and occasionally the trail between Bourg d'Oisans and Allemond is groomed to offer a delightful skiing adventure by the river.
At such an altitude, the skiing experience is nothing short of breathtaking, offering an exhilarating mix of adventure and awe-inspiring views. It is worth noting that the ski area is not part of Nordic France, and as such, only l'Alpe d'Huez ski passes are accepted.
Trip Report
Gathered some intel, decided to hit the cross country trails at l'Alpe d'Huez on a whim. Conditions were primo up high. Rolled in at 10:30, a touch tardy for spring, but the overnight freeze was rock solid and those south-facing slopes don't start to loosen up until well past eleven. Some of the steep runs were a bit dicey, truth be told. Started off at l'Alpette, perched up at 2050 meters. Conditions were lightning quick. Got word from a pisteur that they weren't going to groom the tracks again, but they'd be open for a free-for-all. Snow's due in tomorrow. At lac Besson, I did some crust skiing on the silkiest, softest snow I've ever felt, a welcome reprieve from those jarring, diamond-hard pistes. Then up to the DMC. Wasn't sure of the way to Poutran, so had to poke around a bit. Made a steep, winding, hairy descent to the Huez loipe. The lower loop was a little mushy, so I made for l'Alpe d'Huez. On the way back up, a gang of walkers was stomping around on the ski slopes, oblivious to the available footpath.
But the upper Poutran loop was pure gold, snow was just perfect come 11:30. Solid enough for safe descents, but soft enough for a smooth ride. The climb back up to DMC was tough, but I noticed a shortcut that let me shunt the last bit of the ascent and hit the lake loop directly. Bit of a slog back to l'Alpette without any breakfast, though.